IT Essentials 1: PC Hardware and Software
  Course Number
      ITESS1HS
  Course Description
IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software, introduces students to information technology and data communications. This 70-hour, hands-on, lab-oriented course stresses laboratory safety and working effectively in a group environment. Students will learn how to build a computer and install different versions of the Windows operating system. This course will help prepare students for exciting career opportunities in computer technology.
  Performance-Based Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion for IT Essentials I: PC Hardware andSoftware. Acquired competencies include:

  • Building a computer and installation of the motherboard, floppy and hard drives, CD-ROM, and video cards
  • Installing and managing Windows operating systems
  • Adding peripherals and multimedia capabilities
  • Knowledge of local-area network architecture, networking protocols and the OSI Model, and TCP/IP utilities
  • Connecting the computer to a local area network and to the Internet

In addition to basic networking concepts, the functions and configurations of a network are also covered.
  Target Student
This is an entry-level course, designed for persons with basic end-user skills with Windows-based personal computers, who wish to begin a career in information technology by becoming personal computer service technicians, or who wish to prepare to take the CompTIA A+ Core Hardware and A+ Operating Systems examinations.
  Prerequisites

End-user skills with Windows-based personal computers, including the ability to:

  • Start up and shut down the computer
  • Log o­n to a computer or computer network
  • Run programs
  • Move, copy, delete, and rename files in Windows Explorer Secure network communications
  • Browse and search for information on the Internet

Basic knowledge of computing concepts including:

  • The difference between hardware and software
  • The functions of software components such as the operating system, applications, and file system
  • The function of a computer network
  Certification
  Exam
IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software Skill Exam
 
  Certificate
Certificate of Course Completition
   
  Exam
220-301 CompTIA A+ Core Hardware Exam &
220-302 & CompTIA A+ Operating System Technologies 
 
  Certificate
A+ Certified Professional
  Course Content

Lesson 1: Information Technology Basic
Getting Started in IT
Desktop Environment
Basic Features of Windows
Overview of Software Applications
Math for a Digital Age
Laboratory Safety and Tools

Lesson 2: How Computers Work
System Overview
Boot Process
Hardware Components
Memory Components
Display Components
Connector Components
Storage Components
Network Components
System Resources
Portable Devices

Lesson 3: Assembling A Computer
The Assembly Process and Safety Issues
Creating a Computer Inventory
The Computer Case and Power Supply
Preparing The Motherboard for Installation
Installing The Motherboard
Installing The Floppy, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, DVD
Video Card Installation
Final Steps
Booting The System for The First Time

Lesson 4: Operating System Fundamentals
The Operating System
Disk Operating System (DOS)
Memory Management

Lesson 5: Windows 9x Operating Systems
Windows 9x File Structure and File Management System
Windows Management with Control Panel
System Tools
Preparing a Hard Drive for OS Installation
Installing the Windows 9x
Troubleshooting the Installation Process

Lesson 6: Windows NT/2000 Operating Systems
Windows 9x Contrasts
System Tools
Overview of The Installation Process
Installing The Windows 2000 OS
Special Installations

Lesson 7: Windows XP Operating Systems
Windows XP and NT/2000/ME/9x Contrasts
Windows XP Versions
Installing The Windows XP OS
Troubleshooting Windows XP

Lesson 8: Multimedia Capabilities
Introduction to Multimedia
Upgrading Video with a Video Acceleration Board
Adding Audio Capabilities with a Sound Card
Overview of CD-RW and DVD
Digitizing Video

Lesson 9: Advanced Hardware Fundamentals and Servers
Network Server Overview
Hardware-based RAID Configuration
Configuring External Peripherals
Adding Hardware to a Sever
Upgrading Server Components

Lesson 10: Networking Fundamentals
Introduction to PC Networking
Types of Networks
Adding a Network Interface Card (NIC)
Physical Components of a Network
LAN Architectures
Networking protocols and The OSI Model
TCP/IP Utilities
Connecting to The Internet

Lesson 11: Printers and Printing
Introduction to Printing
Buying a Printer
Connecting a Printer
Sharing a Printer
Managing a Printer
Dealing with Paper Problems

Lesson 12: Preventive Maintenance and Upgrading
Preventive Maintenance and the Technician
Preventive Maint. & Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Preventive Maintenance and Upg. Peripherals
Computer Software PM

Lesson 13: Troubleshooting PC Hardware
Troubleshooting Basics
Troubleshooting The Hardware Box
Troubleshooting Peripheral Devices

Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Software
Role of the End User
DOS Troubleshooting Issues
Common Windows Operating System Problems
Window 9x Troubleshooting Problems
Using System Tools and System Editors to Troubleshoot Windows9x/2000/XP
Windows 9x/2000/XP Registry Problems
Windows NT4/2000 Troubleshooting Problems
Windows XP Troubleshooting Problems
Troubleshooting Applications
Windows Data Back Up and Recovery
Specific Printer Software Problem Troubleshooting
Specific Network sw ConnectionTroubleshooting
Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP Help