IT Essentials 1 - PC Hardware & Software - Fundamentals
Designed to prepare you for the Industry recognised CompTIA A+ Essentials Core Exam (220-701), and utilising the latest Cisco Systems Academy Program, this course presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware, peripherals and operating systems. Assemble and configure a computer, associated peripheral devices and install and configure basic networks.
Prerequisites:
Some PC industry experience.
Course Content:
Course Outline
This course provides an excellent introduction to the IT industry and in-depth exposure to personal computers, hardware, and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of various hardware and software components and best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Through hands-on lab activities, students learn how to assemble and configure computers, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems.
IT Essentials Fundamentals Chapter Outline
Chapter 1. Introduction to the Personal Computer
1.1 Explain IT industry certifications
• Identify education and certifications
• 1.1.2 Describe the A+ certification
• 1.1.3 Describe the EU CIP certification
1.2 Describe a computer system
1.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and power supplies
• 1.3.1 Describe cases
• 1.3.2 Describe power supplies
1.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal components
• 1.4.1 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of motherboards
• 1.4.2 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of CPUs
• 1.4.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cooling systems
• 1.4.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ROM and RAM
• 1.4.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of adapter cards
• 1.4.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of storage drives
• 1.4.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal cables
1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ports and cables
1.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of input devices
1.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of output devices
1.8 Explain system resources and their purpose
1.9 Chapter summary
Chapter 2. Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use
2.1 Explain the purpose of safe working conditions and procedures
• 2.1.1 Identify safety procedures and potential hazards for users and technicians
• 2.1.2 Identify safety procedures to protect equipment from damage and data from loss
• 2.1.3 Identify safety procedures to protect the environment from contamination
2.2 Identify tools and software used with personal computer components and their purposes
• 2.2.1 Identify hardware tools and their purpose
• 2.2.2 Identify software tools and their purpose
• 2.2.3 Identify organizational tools and their purpose
2.3 Implement proper tool use
• 2.3.1 Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic wrist strap
• 2.3.2 Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic mat
• 2.3.3 Demonstrate proper use of various hand tools
• 2.3.4 Demonstrate proper use of cleaning materials
2.4 Chapter summary
Chapter 3. Computer Assembly – Step by Step
3.1 Open the case
3.2 Install the power supply
3.3 Attach the components to the motherboard and install the motherboard
• 3.3.1 Install a CPU and a heat sink / fan assembly
• 3.3.2 Install the RAM
• 3.3.3 Install the motherboard
3.4 Install internal drives
3.5 Install drives in external bays
• 3.5.1 Install the optical drive
• 3.5.2 Install the floppy drive
3.6 Install adapter cards
• 3.6.1 Install the NIC
• 3.6.2 Install the wireless NIC
• 3.6.3 Install the video adapter card
3.7 Connect all internal cables
• 3.7.1 Connect the power cables
• 3.7.2 Connect the data cables
3.8 Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer
• 3.8.1 Re-attach the side panels to the case
• 3.8.2 Connect external cables to the computer
3.9 Boot computer for the first time
• 3.9.1 Identify beep codes
• 3.9.2 Describe BIOS setup
3.10 Chapter summary
Chapter 4. Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
4.1 Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance
4.2 Identify the steps of the troubleshooting process
• 4.2.1 Explain the purpose of data protection
• 4.2.2 Identify the problem
• 4.2.3 Establish a theory of probable causes
• 4.2.4 Determine an exact cause
• 4.2.5 Implement the solution
• 4.2.6 Verify solution and full system functionality
• 4.2.7 Document findings
4.3 Chapter summary
Chapter 5. Fundamental Operating Systems
5.1 Explain the purpose of an operating system
• 5.1.1 Describe the characteristics of modern operating systems
• 5.1.2 Explain operating system concepts
5.2 Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities
• 5.2.1 Describe desktop operating systems
• 5.2.2 Describe network operating systems
5.3 Determine operating system based on customer needs
• 5.3.1 Identify applications and environments that are compatible with an operating system
• 5.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with the OS platform
5.4 Install an operating system
• 5.4.1 Identify hard drive setup procedures
• 5.4.2 Prepare hard drive
• 5.4.3 Install the operating system using default settings
• 5.4.4 Create accounts
• 5.4.5 Complete the installation
• 5.4.6 Describe custom installation option
• 5.4.7 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files
• 5.4.8 Describe how to manipulate operating system files
• 5.4.9 Describe directory structures
5 .5 Navigate a GUI (Windows)
• 5.5.1 Manipulate items on the desktop
• 5.5.2 Explore Control Panel applets
• 5.5.3 Explore administrative tools
• 5.5.4 Install, navigate, and uninstall an application
• 5.5.5 Describe upgrading an operating system
5 .6 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems
• 5.6.1 Create a preventive maintenance plan
• 5.6.2 Schedule a task
• 5.6.3 Back up the hard drive
5 .7 Troubleshoot operating systems
• 5.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• 5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions
5 .8 Chapter summary
Chapter 6. Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices
6.1 Describe laptops and other portable devices
• 6.1.1 Identify some common uses of laptops
• 6.1.2 Identify some common uses of PDAs and smartphones
6.2 Identify and describe the components of a laptop
• 6.2.1 Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop
• 6.2.2 Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop
• 6.2.3 Describe the components found on the laptop docking station
6.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components
• 6.3.1 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards
• 6.3.2 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop processors
• 6.3.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management
• 6.3.4 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities
6.4 Explain how to configure laptops
• 6.4.1 Describe how to configure power settings
• 6.4.2 Describe the safe installation and removal of laptop components
• 6.4.3 Laptop communication hardware installation and configuration
6.5 Compare the different mobile phone standards
6.6 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices
• 6.6.1 Identify appropriate cleaning procedures
• 6.6.2 Identify optimal operating environments
6.7 Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices
• 6.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• 6.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions
6.8 Chapter summary
Chapter 7. Fundamental Printers and Scanners
7 .1 Describe the types of printers currently available
• 7.1.1 Describe characteristics and capabilities of printers
• 7.1.2 Describe printer to computer interfaces
• 7.1.3 Describe laser printers
• 7.1.4 Describe impact printers
• 7.1.5 Describe ink jet printers
• 7.1.6 Describe solid-ink printers
• 7.1.7 Describe other printer types
7 .2 Describe the installation and configuration process for printers
• 7.2.1 Describe how to set up a printer
• 7.2.2 Explain how to power and connect a device using local or network port
• 7.2.3 Describe how to install and update a device driver, firmware, and RAM
• 7.2.4 Identify configuration options and default settings
• 7.2.5 Explain how to optimize printer performance
• 7.2.6 Describe how to print a test page
• 7.2.7 Describe how to share a printer
7.3 Describe the types of scanners currently available
• 7.3.1 Describe scanner types, resolution, and interfaces
• 7.3.2 Describe all-in-one devices
• 7.3.3 Describe flatbed scanners
• 7.3.4 Describe handheld scanners
• 7.3.5 Describe drum scanners
7.4 Describe the installation and configuration process for scanners
• 7.4.1 Explain how to power and connect a scanner
• 7.4.2 Describe how to install and update the device driver
• 7.4.3 Identify configuration options and default settings
7.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for printers and scanners
• 7.5.1 Describe printer maintenance
• 7.5.2 Describe scanner maintenance
7.6 Troubleshoot printers and scanners
• 7.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• 7.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions
7.7 Chapter summary
Chapter 8. Fundamental Networks
8.1 Explain the principles of networking
• 8.1.1 Define computer networks
• 8.1.2 Explain the benefits of networks
8.2 Describe types of networks
• 8.2.1 Describe a LAN
• 8.2.2 Describe a WAN
• 8.2.3 Describe a WLAN
• 8.2.4 Explain peer-to-peer networks
• 8.2.5 Explain client/server networks
8.3 Describe basic networking concepts and technologies
• 8.3.1 Explain bandwidth and data transmission
• 8.3.2 Describe IP addressing
• 8.3.3 Define DHCP
• 8.3.4 Describe Internet protocols and applications
• 8.3.5 Define ICMP
8.4 Describe the physical components of a network
• 8.4.1 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of network devices
• 8.4.2 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of common network cables
8.5 Describe LAN topologies and architectures
• 8.5.1 Describe topologies
• 8.5.2 Describe LAN architectures
8.6 Identify standards organizations
8.7 Identify Ethernet standards
• 8.7.1 Explain cabled Ethernet standards
• 8.7.2 Explain wireless Ethernet standards
8.8 Explain OSI and TCP/IP Data Models
• 8.8.1 Define the TCP/IP model
• 8.8.2 Define the OSI model
• 8.8.3 Compare OSI and TCP/IP
8.9 Describe how to configure a NIC and a modem
• 8.9.1 Install or update a NIC driver
• 8.9.2 Attach a computer to existing network
• 8.9.3 Describe the installation of a modem
8.10 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of other technologies used to establish connectivity
• 8.10.1 Describe telephone technologies
• 8.10.2 Define power line communication
• 8.10.3 Define broadband
• 8.10.4 Define VoIP
• 8.10.5 Define VPN
8.11 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques used for networks
8.12 Troubleshoot a network
• 8.12.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• 8.12.2 Identify common network problems and solutions
8.13 Chapter summary
Chapter 9. Fundamental Security
9.1 Explain why security is important
9.2 Describe security threats
• 9.2.1 Define viruses, worms, and Trojans
• 9.2.2 Explain web security
• 9.2.3 Define adware, spyware, and grayware
• 9.2.4 Explain Denial of Service
• 9.2.5 Describe spam and popup windows
• 9.2.6 Explain social engineering
• 9.2.7 Explain TCP/IP attacks
• 9.2.8 Explain data wiping, hard drive destruction and recycling
9.3 Identify security procedures
• 9.3.1 Explain what is required in a basic local security policy
• 9.3.2 Explain the tasks required to protect physical equipment
• 9.3.3 Describe ways to protect data
• 9.3.4 Describe wireless security techniques
9.4 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for security
• 9.4.1 Explain how to update signature files for anti-virus and anti-spyware software
• 9.4.2 Explain how to install operating systems service packs and security patches
9.5 Troubleshoot security
• 9.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• 9.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions
9.6 Chapter summary
Chapter 10. Communication Skills
10.1 Explain the relationship between communication and troubleshooting
10.2 Describe good communication skills and professional behaviour
• 10.2.1 Determine the computer problem of the customer
• 10.2.2 Display professional behaviour with the customer
• 10.2.3 Focus the customer on the problem during the call
• 10.2.4 Use proper netiquette
• 10.2.5 Implement time and stress management techniques
• 10.2.6 Observe Service Level Agreements
• 10.2.7 Follow business policies
10.3 Explain ethics and legal aspects of working with computer technology
10.4 Describe call centre environment and technician responsibilities
• 10.4.1 Describe the call centre environment
• 10.4.2 Describe level-one technician responsibilities
• 10.4.3 Describe level-two technician responsibilities
10.5 Chapter summary
Skills Based Assessment.
Materials:
Online course materials via the Cisco Networking Academy and Student Lab Manuals are provided to all participants. The Packet Tracer network simulator is also available exclusivley to students of the Cisco Networking Academy.
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How to enrol:
Enrolment Information @ Box Hill Institute