Best Free Computer Science Resources & Tutorials

Many professionals are eager to learn computer science but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. Computer science training can include anything from subscription-based training to in-depth certificate programs. However, a surprising number of free resources can help you learn about the fundamentals of this exciting field. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of free resources and tutorials available to help you learn computer science. 

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is an immense field that encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation. Hardware and software design, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization fall under the computer science purview.

On the theoretical side, computer science includes information theory, algorithms, and computational theory. The practical side of computer science covers hardware and software design and implementation. While data science has emerged as a discrete discipline in recent years, many computer science pros still consider it a subcategory of the larger computer science field. 

Read more about what computer science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Computer Science?

Computer science classes cover a wide range of subjects, encompassing anything from web development and software engineering to data science. Tools like Python and Java are popular among numerous career paths in this growing field, and as far as computer science applications go, the sky’s the limit.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Computer and Information Research Scientist job outlook is especially bright: they estimate a 21% growth rate between 2021-2031, well above the average growth rate of five percent. Top positions for computer science professionals include Software Developers, IT Security Analysts, Data Scientists, and Product Managers.

Areas of specialization for computer science professionals include programming languages like Java, the development and application of robotics, and the development of new systems, tools, and programming languages. In our ever-more connected digital world, computer science generalists and specialists can thrive both now and in the future.

Free Introductory Courses & Materials

Computer science roles vary, from Full Stack Web Developer positions to Data Scientists, Python Developers, and Machine Learning Engineers. Salaries vary from sector to sector, too, but an extensive overview of industries can help determine where to start in this multidisciplinary field. Some of today’s most popular computer science professions include Software Developer, Data Scientist, and IT Security Analyst. These roles are applicable in a range of industries like healthcare, agriculture, and financial services.

Many students and busy professionals beginning or transitioning into computer science careers start by looking for free information online. Course providers like Noble Desktop may offer a host of resources, from archived webinars or tutorials to free blog posts and articles.

Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub is an excellent place to look for free computer science information and education. Here you can find learning resources on a host of essential topics, including:

• Front end web development
• HTML & CSS
• Python programming
• React
• Data science
• Machine learning (ML)
• Project management

On the Noble Desktop Blog, you’ll also find multiple free resources about computer science, as well as related topics like:

• Web development
• Web design
• Python
• JavaScript
• WordPress

When you sort through these free resources, they may lead you to information about paid programs. There’s no harm in exploring them, either. Course providers like Noble Desktop often provide a “Compare Selected Courses” feature, which you can use to compare and contrast pricing on programs in full stack web development, software engineering, or cybersecurity. As you get closer to choosing a training program, these compare/contrast tools can be invaluable.

Additional Free Resources

Along with the many free video seminars, tutorials, and articles you can find on Noble Desktop’s site or through Google searches, you can also get a good deal of help by seeking out the latest news on computer science. Check out the following resources:

• Industry News - Follow Google News, or check out Science Daily or the government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website.
• Computer science publications - Search for books online, often downloadable for free in PDF format. Some resources may only be available for subscribers, while others are 100% free.
• Tech giants’ websites - Some of the biggest news in computer science comes from the biggest tech companies’ newsfeeds, like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

Learn Computer Science with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want comprehensive computer science training in an interactive environment, check out the Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop. This in-depth program gives participants all the tools they need to build webpages and apps, plus training in hosting, server, and network environments. Featured topics include HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and MongoDB, to name a few.

Is software engineering your main goal? Consider enrolling in Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate program. Here you’ll learn front end development with JavaScript and React along with back end development using Django (Python), all taught by instructors with expertise in the field. Small class sizes and 1-on-1 mentoring mean you always get individual attention and gain essential skills in Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap.

If you focus your computer science training on the subcategory of data science, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate gives you the skills you need for an entry-level position. This immersive program provides training in essential tools from Python programming to machine learning fundamentals. It’s a great way to prepare to work as a Data Scientist, Data Analyst, or Machine Learning Engineer.

High school students preparing for the AP Computer Science exam can benefit from Noble’s live online computer science NextGen Bootcamps. These summer classes offer an ideal way to learn disciplines like web development, Python programming, or data science in a beginner-friendly environment.

Key Insights

• Computer science encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation.
• Computer science training can include anything from subscription-based training to in-depth certificate programs. Training can cover numerous subjects, including web development, software engineering, and data science.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 21% growth rate for computer science over the next decade.
• Many computer science beginners learn fundamentals through free resources like live web seminars, online tutorials, and blogs/articles from reputable agencies.
• Free resources to learn more about computer science include:
• Noble Desktop’s computer science blog
• The Noble Desktop Learn Hub
• Free online tutorials like Intro to SQL