Core Knowledge Areas Computer Architecture CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM Instruction sets (RISC, CISC) Cache memory, buses, and pipelines Motherboard and chipsets Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Intel, AMD, ARM architectures Interfacing techniques (I/O, serial, USB, etc.) Embedded systems and firmware development Computer Peripherals Hard drives, SSDs, optical drives Monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. Interface protocols (SATA, NVMe, USB, HDMI, etc.) Practical Skills Hardware Assembly & Troubleshooting Building desktops and configuring BIOS/UEFI Diagnosing faulty components Replacing or upgrading hardware Firmware & BIOS/UEFI Programming Basic C/assembly for embedded systems Updating and configuring BIOS firmware