Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: IBM Skills Network Team

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.8

(398 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.8

(398 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Classify, install, and administer software applications and tools, including those used on mobile operating systems
Learn foundational concepts in cloud services, browser technologies, and software development models, techniques, and best practices
Utilize core database concepts using the principles of database management and perform basic operations to interface with and maintain databases
Understand how AI enables intelligent tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative applications to solve real-world problems

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

10 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 5 modules in this course

Ready to get hands-on exploring software, programming, and databases in this comprehensive introduction to the digital technologies transforming today’s workplaces?

During this course, you’ll build a strong foundation in computing platforms, software lifecycles, application compatibility, and cloud-based deployment. You’ll learn to install, manage, and secure modern web browsers using extensions and plug-ins. You’ll explore programming with coding logic and get hands-on using languages like Python. Plus, you’ll discover data and database fundamentals, including interfaces, backups, and real-world applications. You’ll also dive into cutting-edge concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics applications. Additionally, you’ll explore data monetization strategies and gain insight into how organizations are leveraging data as an asset for growth and innovation. Throughout, you’ll get hands-on experience in labs. Then, in a final project, you’ll apply your new skills in software, programming, databases, and emerging technologies. Enroll today to build core skills you need to kickstart your career in IT!

Do you know which computing platform is on your device? Are you using the right software for the task you're tackling? Are your software versions updated? This course will help you answer these questions by giving you a better understanding of the essentials of software and by showing you how to effectively manage programs and applications. In this module, you will learn about computing platforms, single- and cross-platform software, compatibility across platforms, and software versioning. You will learn about the differences between commercial and open source software, while also learning about different types of software and file formats.

What's included

11 videos3 readings2 assignments1 app item2 plugins

11 videosTotal 64 minutes

Course Introduction video3 minutes
Computing Platforms and Compatibility7 minutes
Commercial and Open Source Software 6 minutes
Software Licenses8 minutes
Software Installation Management6 minutes
Software Versions4 minutes
Using Your Windows Lab Workspace3 minutes
Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment2 minutes
Mobile Applications & Stores5 minutes
Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software7 minutes
Types of File Formats7 minutes

3 readingsTotal 17 minutes

Course Overview5 minutes
Understanding Software Licenses, DRM, and EULAs10 minutes
Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications 10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications30 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Install, Update & Remove Applications60 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 18 minutes

Helpful Tips for Course Completion3 minutes
Activity: Recognizing File Formats15 minutes

Do you know which web browser to use and how to configure it to work best for you? Is your web browser as secure as it might be, and do you need to use browser extensions or plug-ins? Do you want to know what the cloud is really all about, and do you understand how applications that you develop might be used and deployed by your users? This week, you will learn about common web browsers and browser settings, browser security, and browser extensions and plug-ins. You will learn about cloud computing, and you will also learn about application architecture models, application delivery methods, and the software development lifecycle (or SDLC). You will also learn about core AI concepts, including machine learning and generative AI. You will explore how chatbots and smart assistants work.

What's included

13 videos2 readings3 assignments1 app item3 plugins

13 videosTotal 94 minutes

Common Web Browsers6 minutes
Browser Installs and Updates6 minutes
Browser Plug-ins and Extensions7 minutes
Basic Browser Security Settings9 minutes
Browser Security Certificates and Pop-ups Settings8 minutes
Private Browsing and Client-side Scripting Settings8 minutes
Introduction to cloud computing and cloud deployment and service models6 minutes
Application Architecture and Delivery Methods4 minutes
Software Development Life Cycle8 minutes
What Is a Chatbot? 9 minutes
AI Chatbots and Smart Assistants6 minutes
Introduction to Generative AI7 minutes
Machine Learning5 minutes

2 readingsTotal 12 minutes

Understanding the Differences Between Community Cloud, DaaS, and VDI10 minutes
Summary & Highlights2 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 50 minutes

Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Applications, and Cloud Computing 10 minutes
Practice Quiz: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI30 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Browser Pop-ups, Redirects, and Extensions60 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 46 minutes

Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions15 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Managing cookies and cache in a browser30 minutes
Reading: AI Predictions and Suggestions1 minute

Understanding programming basics and the software development cycle is a crucial part of working with the software. Software developers must know how to code and understand how to identify and fix software problems. When writing code, software creators need to select the right data types, choose the best programming language for the software, and organize code most effectively. This week, you will learn about basic programming concepts and programming language categories. You will learn about programming logic components and organizational techniques. 

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments3 app items1 plugin

8 videosTotal 50 minutes

Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages5 minutes
Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages6 minutes
Query and Assembly Programming Languages7 minutes
Scripting Languages & Use Cases - Windows and Linux7 minutes
Understanding Code Organization Methods7 minutes
Branching and Looping Programming Logic5 minutes
Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 16 minutes
Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 24 minutes

1 readingTotal 2 minutes

Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Basics of Programming10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming30 minutes

3 app itemsTotal 145 minutes

Hands-on Lab - Hello World in 11 Programming Languages60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Basic Script within Windows60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python25 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods15 minutes

This week you will learn about database fundamentals. During this module, you will learn about the different types of databases as well as the basic concepts of what makes a database a database. Next, you will be taught how to use and manage a database. Finally, you will learn how to interface with a database and know how and why backing up a database is important. Additionally, you will learn how big data, analytics platforms, and data strategies help create intelligent, responsive software experiences.

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments2 app items1 plugin

8 videosTotal 55 minutes

Types of Data, Sources, and Uses6 minutes
Database Fundamentals and Constructs9 minutes
Database Roles and Permissions5 minutes
Database Types6 minutes
Interfacing with Databases6 minutes
Database Management6 minutes
Backing Up Databases5 minutes
Big Data and Applications8 minutes

1 readingTotal 2 minutes

Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Database Fundamentals 10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Database Fundamentals 30 minutes

2 app itemsTotal 75 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Basic Database Operations45 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Back-up and Restore a Database30 minutes

1 pluginTotal 7 minutes

Reading: Modern Analytics Applications and Data Monetization Strategies7 minutes

In this module, you’ll assess your course knowledge through a final quiz based on the previous four modules.

What's included

3 readings1 assignment2 app items

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Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

4.6 (88 ratings)

IBM Skills Network Team

IBM

82 Courses1,433,896 learners

Offered by

IBM

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4.8

398 reviews

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Reviewed on Jun 16, 2022

Very intense course! I've learned quite a bit. A lot of things became clearer for me when it comes to data and programming. I've found that I like it more than before.

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2023

This course is a good for database and software learning, and I get the best knowledge.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023

Very helpful course providing fundamental knowledge of Software and Programming

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