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Basic Computer Skills

Start from zero — no prerequisites, no jargon, no shame

The on-ramp before any of the technical paths. Built for total beginners who have used a computer to send email and browse the web but never been taught what is happening inside the box. Fifteen short lessons cover how a computer works, files and folders, the command line, the internet, security, and the mental models real engineers use. By the end you will have everything you need to confidently start any of the career tracks.

No tools yet — just your computer

Salary range

$40k – $60k

entry → mid US

Time to complete

2 wk

4 wk part-time

Lessons

15

1 phases

Capstone

Yes

real cloud account

Salary range is sourced from BLS Computer Support Specialists — directional only; this is a stepping-stone track, the real salary depends on the specialization you pair it with. Your specific outcome depends on location, experience, interview performance, and market conditions.

Roles this path prepares you for

  • Anyone before any other path

Curriculum

1

Computer Basics

Free preview

How computers work, files and folders, keyboard shortcuts, the internet, browsers, email, security, the command line, software installs, cloud storage, productivity tools, reading docs, asking for help, and the mental models real engineers use.

15 lessons

Capstone project + completion certificate

Set up your developer machine end-to-end

Take everything you learned and turn your laptop into a workshop you can actually build in. Configure a password manager and 2FA, install a package manager, organize your folder structure, set up cloud sync, pick your tools, and write a one-page plan for the path you are about to start.

Deliverables

  • ·Password manager set up with 2FA on your top 5 accounts
  • ·Package manager (winget on Windows or Homebrew on Mac) installed and used to install at least three tools
  • ·A working developer folder structure under your home directory with cloud sync turned on for the important parts
  • ·A one-page written plan: which CloudPath track you are starting next, the schedule you will hold, and the accountability mechanism you picked
  • ·Screenshot pack proving each step is in place
Completion certificate. Finish every lesson in this path and we auto-issue a CloudPath Basic Computer Skills certificate to your account, with a shareable verification URL. Show it on LinkedIn, your portfolio, or in a recruiter conversation.

Before you start

    What you walk out with

    • A real mental model of how computers, files, and the internet work — no more hand-waving
    • Comfort with the basic command line on Mac, Linux, or Windows PowerShell
    • Solid account security with a password manager and 2FA you actually use
    • Habits that protect your time: keyboard shortcuts, inbox hygiene, calendar planning
    • A clear, written plan for which technical track you start next and how you will hold the schedule

    Ready to start?

    Sign up, complete the 7-question fit-assessment wizard, and Atlas (your AI mentor) will tailor the path to your goals.

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