There is something extremely satisfying about working, or gaming, on a PC that you built from the ground up, and that is exactly what this course teaches kids to do. For the budding engineer, this “hands on” course is a must, as they will learn how the parts of a computer work, in a theoretical sense, but will also get to touch and install each component, one at a time. Building a computer is step one, and even a “rite of passage,” for most computer engineers, and this course helps to facilitate that first step.

(Note: You must find/buy your own computer parts for this course, but we guide you on that as well.)

Recommended Ages: 12 and Up

Recommended Number of Credits: 5- (equivalent to one semester)

1. The Basics

1.1 Why Build a Computer?

1.2 Which Types of Computers Can Be Improved/Built?

1.3 Hardware Companies

1.4 Tools and Tips of the Trade

2. The Components and Building Your Rig

2.1 Motherboard

2.2 CPU

2.3 RAM

2.4 Power Supply

2.5 Case

2.6 Storage

2.7 Graphics Card

2.8 Cooling

3. Putting it all Together

3.1 Unboxing the Parts

3.2 Installing the CPU

3.3 Installing the Cooler

3.4 Install the RAM

3.5 The Anatomy of the Case & Installing the PSU

3.6 Installing the IO Shield & the Motherboard

3.7 Installing the Hard Drive & the Graphics Card

3.8 Powering the Parts & Connecting the Headers

3.9 Done - a New Computer!

4. The Peripherals

4.1 The Monitor

4.2 Keyboards

4.3 The Mouse

4.4 Speakers

4.5 Headset/Microphone

4.6 Networking: Wire(less)

5. Your Perfect Computer

5.1 Choosing an Operating System

5.2 Students & Casual Users

5.3 Gamers

5.4 Youtubers & Videographers