Introduction to Hardware and IT

Jun 21, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the instructor’s IT background, emphasizes the importance of understanding hardware, and outlines goals for learning about computer components and their functions.

Instructor Introduction

  • The instructor, Devan Sridharan, has 10 years of IT experience and works as a Corporate Operations Engineer at Google.
  • Early experiences with computers and retail jobs influenced his passion for IT and customer communication.
  • Career progression included roles in IT support, consulting, and operations, leading to a focus on IT infrastructure.

Importance of Hardware in IT

  • Understanding hardware is presented as essential for progressing in IT.
  • IT professionals may need to replace, upgrade, or manage computer components and infrastructure.
  • Hardware knowledge forms the foundation for grasping more advanced IT topics.

Learning Objectives

  • By the end of the lesson, students should be able to describe all physical parts of a computer and their functions.
  • Students will learn how computer components work together.
  • The course will enable students to build their own computer.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Hardware — the physical parts of a computer such as the processor, memory, storage, and peripherals.
  • IT Infrastructure — the combined set of hardware, software, networks, facilities, etc., required for IT operations.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Prepare to learn about the physical components of computers and their roles.
  • Be ready to participate in lessons on building and understanding computer systems.