15 Best Free Online Computer Courses for Beginners

Online Certificate Programs and Courses, Free Online Certificate Programs and Courses

Free online computer courses for beginners offer no-cost training in essential computer programs and skills. Computers have improved our lives when it comes to working from home. Some of the highest-paying jobs are in the information technology field. If you enjoy working from home, then you must learn about how to use a computer as well as learn new information technology skills.

Everyone therefore needs basic computer skills, irrespective of their profession. Working from home and interactions have been made possible through global data networks. So in this article, we will look at some of the most popular free online computer courses for beginners you can take today. Continue reading to find out more.

15 Best Free Online Computer Courses for Beginners

  • Java Programming For Complete Beginners
  • Basics of Computer Networking
  • Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners
  • Linux Crash Course for Beginners
  • Python for Beginners
  • Java for Beginners
  • Introduction to C++ Programming for Beginners
  • Principles of UX/UI Design
  • Cloud Computing Foundations
  • HTML and CSS in depth
  • Google IT Automation with Python
  • Introduction to Front-End Development
  • Coding for Everyone: C and C++
  • Computer Vision in Microsoft Azure
  • Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services

Java Programming For Complete Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take three to four hours to complete.

More than 51,800 students have enrolled fit this training on Alison and it is one of the top free online computer courses for beginners you can take today. This training in Java programming course is a computer software programming language mainly developed for use in the distributed environment of the internet. Java is identical to the C++ programming language, but it is more easier to use.

This program comes with a certificate of completion and in this training, you will learn about key Java concepts and basic programming techniques for beginners. Students are advised to study the concepts and practice the Java code that is provided in the video tutorials.

At the end of this training, and following enough practice, learners will become familiar with fundamental Java programming techniques and will be able to produce several simple Java programs. For more information about this course, see Java Programming For Complete Beginners.

Basics of Computer Networking

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take two to three hours to complete.

In this training, students will be provided with comprehensive instruction on the basics of computer networking. The program will cover topics on the parts and advantages of a computer network and the concepts of local area networks. This training first discusses a computer network, defined as the ‘interconnection of two or more computers’.

The network makeup is the arrangement of nodes within a local area network (LAN). The course will educate you on the several types of network topology and their characteristics. Students will then learn about the various types of IP addresses and you will also learn about the OSI model and IEE 802. x standards for the OSI model.

Finally, you will learn about remote desktop services, the internet, and the World Wide Web, the role of VPNs and routers in networking, and advanced TCP IP commands. More than 23,167 students have enrolled for this course and it is one of the top free online computer courses for beginners. For more information about this program, see Basics of Computer Networking.

Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take two to three hours to complete.

The use of artificial intelligence keeps soaring and it has experienced a bloom in several companies around the world.. Websites use AI to better endorse products and services to site visitors and image-processing applications use AI to recognize items in pictures and video streams. This training is one of the popular free online computer courses for beginners you should consider taking.

The concept of artificial intelligence can be intimidating for new learners, particularly for individuals without any previous experience in the complex fields of mathematics and programming.

This training will serve as a starting point to guide you through the basic theoretical concepts of artificial intelligence and motion learning. For more information about this training, see Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners.

Linux Crash Course for Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take two to three hours to complete.

This training is a free online certification course that will enable students to gain experience in the command line and Linux administration. Students will learn about how to use options to amend the way a command works and use the three categories of help commands utilized in most Linux distributions.

In this training, you will be introduced to building your first virtual machine and the command syntax for Linux. The course will explore how to become a system administrator with this Linux essentials course. Participants will gain knowledge that every time you issue a command, you have an option as well as an argument.

An option alters the command, transforming how it performs whilst an argument suggests where the command accomplishes its action, usually on a series of files. This training is one of the top free online computer courses for beginners you can register today and start your journey to becoming a professional in your career.

The course will also teach you about which commands modify user attributes such as the home directory, user group, and user identification number as well as how to cover the root password. For more information about this training, see Linux Crash Course for Beginners.

Python for Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take four to five hours to complete.

More than 59,810 students have registered for this program and it is one of the popular free online computer courses for beginners you can take. This training is designed to assist aspiring developers in understanding the basics of Python and begin their journey to becoming skilled programmers.

This training course for beginners starts by teaching you programming and Python and the reasons why it is so common and popular. Python is the most universal and popular programming language that can be used to create programs that will be used to accomplish almost any sort of task.

Python can be used for mobile applications, desktop applications, web development, and lots more. Furthermore, Python permits more productivity and has a framework for program development.

If you would love to learn about coding and wish to learn how coding works, then Python and this beginners course is a great place to start. For more information about this program, see Python for Beginners.

Java for Beginners

Learning platform: Alison.

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take three to four hours to complete.

This free online training will educate you on the fundamental Java coding techniques and provide the materials needed to start programming. You will learn about Java’s basic syntax, and data types, and indicate how to use them.

This training covers the basics of Java as you learn its design principles and rules. The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a software layer that functions on a computer’s operating system software and provides the class libraries and other tools that a specific Java program requires.

Students will discover how to install the JRE and how to create the Java Development Kit (JDK), which is a software development environment utilized for creating Java applications and applets. Participants will learn about the requirements for the JDK as they become familiar with the editor used for the formulation of codes.

For more information about this training, see Java for Beginners.

Introduction to C++ Programming for Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Alison.
  • Duration: It will take three to four hours to complete.

This free online training will educate students on the fundamentals of the C++ programming language and how to use it to code different programs and applications. This training will educate you on the several principles of C++, how to build and install C++, what variables, and lots more.

In this training, you will learn about how to introduce and set up the process of C++ before learning about the technicalities of using the language.

This course is best for beginners and intermediate students who wish to learn exactly how C++ works, the various concepts of the language, and the types of applications that can be developed using this versatile language. For more information about this training, see Introduction to C++ Programming for Beginners.

Principles of UX/UI Design

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to three months to complete.

This is a free beginner course for those students who wish to prepare themselves for a profession in UX UI development. Students who wish to enroll in this training do not need any background development experience, only basic internet navigation skills and a determination to learn.

Students must identify issues and iterate and test designs to find appropriate solutions. Students will be educated on how to empathize with users through best-practice research approaches and develop popular UX artifacts such as user personas. Furthermore, students will use UX knowledge to create appropriate design decisions.

By using the User Interface design process, learners will be able to build wireframes for features in Figma and change them into Minimum Viable Product (MVP) style prototypes from your mockups. This program is one of the most popular free online computer courses for beginners that is easy to understand.

Lastly, students will also be educated on the core principles of design like hierarchy and the use of grids. For more information about this program, see Principles of UX/UI Design.

Cloud Computing Foundations

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to three months to complete.

This free training is perfect for beginners as well as intermediate students who wish to learn about Cloud computing, data science, machine learning, and data engineering. You must have beginner-level Linux and intermediate-level Python skills to enable you to flow with this course.

In this training, students will create a statically hosted website using the Hugo framework, AWS Code Pipelines, AWS S3, and GitHub. Students will also learn about how to create foundational Cloud computing infrastructure, including websites involving serverless technology and virtual application.

The course also covers the steps on how to apply agile software development techniques to experiments which will be useful in creating portfolio projects and global-scale Cloud infrastructures. For more information about this training, see Cloud Computing Foundations.

HTML and CSS in depth

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to four weeks to complete.

This is one of the top free online computer courses for beginners who would love to equip themselves for a profession in front-end development. To take this training, students do not require prior development experience, only basic internet navigation knowledge is required and you must have the willingness to get started with coding.

In this training, students will use software development learning materials like HTML to build impressive websites that function properly. Furthermore, students will use structured semantic data to control how websites appear to visitors.

Students will learn how to use Bootstrap’s grid system to build layouts and work with components and themes. Lastly, participants will examine debugging and learn how it can be employed to eliminate common front-end problems. For more information about this program, see HTML and CSS in depth.

Google IT Automation with Python

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take three to six months to complete.

This training is best for beginners, and it was created by Google. This program is designed to provide IT experts with highly sought-after skills such as Python, Git, and IT automation. These skills can help students advance their careers. This certification program is one of the top free online computer courses for beginners available on Coursera.

When you know how to create codes for problem-solving, you provide solutions and this is an essential skill for anybody in IT. This training can be completed in about 6 months and is created to prepare you for different functions of roles in IT, some of which include more advanced IT Support Specialist or Junior Systems Administrator positions.

After completing this program, you can contact potential employers, like Deloitte, Target, Verizon, and of course, Google. For more information about this training, see Google IT Automation with Python.

Introduction to Front-End Development

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to four weeks to complete.

This training is best for those who wish to learn the basics of web development. Students do not require any previous experience in web development, they only need to know how to navigate the internet effortlessly and a willingness to get started with coding. Over 233,172 students have registered for this training on Coursera.

In this training, students will be educated on the daily responsibilities of a web developer and get a comprehensive understanding of the core and underlying technologies that enable the internet to function. This course is one of the most popular free online computer courses for beginners you can enroll in.

Students will discover the core web development technologies like HTML and CSS and you will be given projects to enable you to perfect these skills auto you. Lastly, students will also be taught modern UI frameworks such as Bootstrap and React that make it easy to build interactive user experiences.

For more information about this training, see Introduction to Front-End Development.

Coding for Everyone: C and C++

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take three to six months to complete.

In this free specialization training, you will begin writing codes right from the start. Each topic presents a lot of opportunities for writing programs and finding errors in the learner’s code and others’ code. By grooming their experience, learners will demonstrate their understanding of coding in a practice-intensive final test.

Students will learn about the fundamentals of programming in C and they will go on to learn about more advanced C++ semantics and syntax, which will enable them to use these techniques to various higher-level problems using AI algorithms and Monte Carlo experiment in complex games.

For more information about this program, see Coding for Everyone: C and C++.

Computer Vision in Microsoft Azure

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to four weeks to complete.

This training is best for individuals who are just beginning to work with Microsoft Azure and who wish to learn about Microsoft Azure offerings and get practical experience with the product. This course is designed for students with both technical and non-technical experiences.

To excel in this training, you should have general programming knowledge or experience that would be useful. Students also need to have basic computer knowledge and command of the English language.

You should be familiar with computer concepts like machine learning and artificial intelligence. In this program, students will study these capabilities as they learn how to use the Computer Vision service to examine images.

For more information about this course, see Computer Vision in Microsoft Azure.

Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services

Here is an overview of the course:

  • Learning platform: It is available on Coursera.
  • Duration: It will take one to four weeks to complete.

In this program, students will discover how to take advantage of several virtualization services in Microsoft Azure compute, and this will enable your applications to scale out quickly and smoothly to meet increasing demands. All you need to do in this course is to have basic computer knowledge and a good understanding of the English language.

You must be familiar with fundamental computing theories and terminology, and general technology concepts, such as concepts of networking, storage, computing, application support, and application development. You must also have an understanding of application programming interfaces or APIs

Lastly, students will be taught the several storage and virtual network options available in Microsoft Azure. This program is one of the most popular free online computer courses for beginners you can enroll in today to get started on your journey to becoming a professional programmer. For more information about this course, see Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services.

Frequently Asked Questions On Free Online Computer Courses for Beginners

How can I learn computer for free?

One of the most best and convenient methods for learning new computers for free is to register for online courses. There are a lot of platforms and websites offering free courses on various topics and levels, some of which include Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, Udemy, and Futurelearn.

Can I learn basic computer skills online?

Yes, you can. You must enroll for a computer course on any learning platform like Coursera where you will be provided with a step-by-step guide on how you can become a professional in any computer skill.

Can you learn computer by yourself?

Yes, but it will be very difficult to go on your own. At some point, you will have to seek help and guidance from a mentor or take online courses to help you in succeeding.

What is the best skill to learn in computer?

One of the best skills to learn in computer is basic programming. This skill is highly sought after by employers, so you should consider enrolling in a course in basic programming.

How long does it take to learn computer skills?

Learning a computer skill can take a few months to a couple of years to master your computer skill, most beginners can pick up essential basics in six months or even less.

How can I make money with basic computer skills?

To monetize your computer skills, you must offer your services to employers, reach out to investors or you can even build start-ups.

What are beginner computer skills?

Beginner computer skills include coding, typing, problem-solving, knowing how to navigate the internet, using basic keyboard functions like the backspace, enter/return, space bar, delete, tab, shift, and caps lock

Which computer language is the most widely used?

JavaScript is the most widely used coding language today around the world.

Conclusion

In today’s world, free online computer courses for beginners go beyond convenience. They are a valuable stepping stone to greater opportunity. As you have seen in this article, whether you’re working from home, switching careers, or aiming for that higher-paying job in tech, gaining basic computer and IT skills is essential. Take advantage of these free learning options, commit the time, and start building your digital confidence today.

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