What are the best hardware courses online?

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in hardware. For instance, Computer Hardware and Software provides foundational knowledge, while Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting focuses on practical troubleshooting skills. For those interested in specific applications, Designing Hardware for Raspberry Pi Projects offers hands-on experience.

Can I study hardware for free on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning hardware on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many hardware courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in hardware, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

How do I learn hardware?

To learn hardware effectively, start by identifying your specific interests within the field, such as computer architecture or embedded systems. Enroll in relevant online courses, participate in hands-on projects, and seek out community forums for support. Practical experience, such as building or repairing hardware, can significantly enhance your understanding and skills.

What topics are typically covered in hardware courses?

Typical topics covered in hardware courses include computer architecture , circuit design, hardware troubleshooting, and the interaction between hardware and software . Courses often explore specific hardware components, such as CPUs, memory, and storage devices, as well as practical applications like network configurations and embedded systems .

What hardware courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

For training and upskilling employees in hardware, courses like Dell Technologies Technical Support for Hardware and Hardware and Operating System Foundations I are particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in the workplace, enhancing overall team performance.

Best Hardware Courses & Certificates [2026]

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Hardware

Hardware Courses

Hardware courses can help you learn circuit design, microcontroller programming, computer architecture, and embedded systems. You can build skills in troubleshooting hardware issues, optimizing performance, and integrating various components. Many courses introduce tools like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and CAD software, that support creating prototypes and testing designs.

Popular Hardware Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
IBM
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Virtualization, Computer Hardware, System Configuration, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Operating System Administration, Computer Systems, Virtual Machines, Operating Systems, Hardware Troubleshooting, Linux, Software Installation, Technical Support, Mac OS, Computer Architecture, File Systems, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, User Accounts, Disaster Recovery
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Computer Hardware and Software
Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Computer Hardware, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, TCP/IP, Information Technology, Networking Hardware, System Software, General Networking, OSI Models, Computer Literacy, Network Protocols, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Software Installation, Security Software, Computer Networking, Software Systems, Intranet, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
284 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Memory Management, Hardware Architecture, Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, Distributed Computing, Performance Tuning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Raspberry Pi Projects
Skills you'll gain: Hardware Design, Electronic Hardware, Schematic Diagrams, Electronics, Computer-Aided Design, Electronic Systems, Mechanical Design, Drafting and Engineering Design, Communication Systems, Electronics Engineering, Remote Access Systems, Linux, Digital Communications, Restful API, Electrical Engineering, Web Applications, Telecommunications, Systems Of Measurement, Digital Signal Processing, Data Processing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, C and C++, Memory Management, Performance Tuning, C++ (Programming Language), Dataflow, Digital Signal Processing, Linear Algebra, Distributed Computing, System Programming, Hardware Architecture, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture, Program Development, Machine Learning
Build toward a degree
3
Rating, 3 out of 5 stars
206 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, Data Structures, System Programming, Microarchitecture, C (Programming Language), Memory Management, Hardware Architecture, Computer Architecture, Software Design, Maintainability, Computer Programming Tools, System Configuration, Code Reusability, Peripheral Devices
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
532 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM IT Support
Skills you'll gain: Email Security, Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cloud Deployment, Generative AI, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Technologies, Generative AI Agents, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Professional Networking, Data Storage, Peripheral Devices, Database Administration, Information Technology, Customer Service
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
TOTAL CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) v15
Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Computer Displays, USB, Wireless Networks, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Network Administration, Display Devices, Virtual Machines, General Networking, TCP/IP, Virtualization, Computing Platforms, Cloud Hosting, Network Support, Hardware Architecture, Data Storage, Computer Systems, Memory Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT)
Skills you'll gain: Test Planning, Linux, Embedded Systems, Electronics, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Network Protocols, User Requirements Documents, Functional Specification, Electronic Components, Functional Requirement, OSI Models, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Hardware, Linux Commands, Operating Systems, Debugging, Application Programming Interface (API), TCP/IP, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Arm
Embedded Systems on Arm: Get Practical with Hardware
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Software, Internet Of Things, Embedded Systems, Serial Peripheral Interface, System Programming, Emerging Technologies, Communication Systems, Application Programming Interface (API), Operating Systems, Peripheral Devices, Digital Communications, Artificial Intelligence
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Computers
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Generative AI, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Generative Model Architectures, Enterprise Application Management, Cloud Computing, Operating Systems, Cloud Management, Patch Management, Computer Systems, Servers, System Software, Business Software, OS Process Management, Computer Architecture, Data Warehousing, AI literacy, Data Storage, Technical Support, Cybersecurity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Preview
Arm
Embedded Systems on Arm: Get Started with the micro:bit
Skills you'll gain: Event-Driven Programming, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Interactive Design, Prototyping, Internet Of Things, System Design and Implementation, Digital Signal Processing, Development Environment, Peripheral Devices, Programming Principles, Simulations, Python Programming, Computational Logic, Computer Programming
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular hardware courses

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems: IBM
Computer Hardware and Software: University of California, Irvine
Computer Architecture: Princeton University
Raspberry Pi Projects: Johns Hopkins University
GPU Programming: Johns Hopkins University
Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture: University of Colorado Boulder
IBM IT Support: IBM
TOTAL CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) v15: Packt
An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT): University of California, Irvine
Embedded Systems on Arm: Get Practical with Hardware: Arm

Frequently Asked Questions about Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic system, including devices such as processors, memory, storage, and peripherals. Understanding hardware is crucial because it forms the backbone of all technology we use today, from personal computers to complex data centers. As technology continues to evolve, knowledge of hardware becomes increasingly important for troubleshooting, building, and optimizing systems.‎

A variety of job opportunities exist in the hardware field. Positions range from hardware engineers and technicians to roles in technical support and quality assurance. Specific jobs include computer hardware engineer, network technician, and embedded systems developer. These roles often require a blend of technical skills and problem-solving abilities, making them essential in industries such as IT, telecommunications, and manufacturing.‎

Yes. You can start learning hardware on Coursera for free in two ways:

Preview the first module of many hardware courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in hardware, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.