Gain an understanding of the core components that make up the information technology (IT) landscape while preparing for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam.In this introductory course, you will learn the basics of computer hardware, software, mobile computing, networking, troubleshooting, and emerging technologies. You will learn about configuring operating systems, file and folder management, networks and network configuration, and the role of the OSI model in networking and troubleshooting. This course will also prepare you for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certificate exam.Through presentations, demonstrations, and knowledge-based exercises, you will gain a fundamental understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, computer application software, networking technologies and protocols, web browsers, identifying security risks, troubleshooting errors, and system maintenance. You will also learn about cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization.
Prepare a study plan for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam
Basic concepts in computer communication
Basic functions and components of computers
Common internal hardware components, including processors, storage devices, and RAM
Peripheral components such as displays, printers, keyboard and other input/output devices, along with the connectors they use
Basic types of software and considerations for installing, updating, and upgrading software
Standard operating system configuration options, file systems, and file and folder management tasks
Software applications and common file types
Mobile devices features, mobile operating systems, and working with mobile interfaces
Common network types, architectures, and topologies
Basic concepts in network communication, including the OSI reference model, IP addresses, and protocols
Common LAN and WAN technologies, transmission media, and protocols
Basic concepts and areas of information security, including authentication, encryption, and firewalls
Basic concepts and activities for maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting computer systems and networks
Future and developing technologies, such as virtualization, telepresence, and cloud computing
Outline
1. Introduction to Computers and Communications
Types of Computers
Computer Communications
Bits and Bytes
Transmission Media
Signals and Modulation
Section Review
2. Computer Hardware: Inside the Case
Why Is This Information Important?
Motherboard
Exercise: The Human Computer
Central Processing Unit
Random Access Memory
Internal Storage Devices
Motherboard Drive Connectors
Bus Expansion Cards
Computer Cooling Systems
Computer Power Supply
Section Review
3. Computer Hardware: Peripheral Devices
Why Is This Information Important?
Input Devices
Output Devices
Ports and Connectors
Removable Media
Network Storage
RAID
Section Review
4. Operating System Software
Why Is This Information Important?
What Is an Operating System?
Early Operating Systems
Modern Operating Systems
Mobile Operating Systems
Operating System Navigation
Using an OS: Controlling Programs
Using an OS: Screen Captures
Using an OS: Configure Accessibility
Basic OS Configuration
User Accounts
Computer File Systems
Working with File Managers
Installing and Upgrading an OS
Licensing and Registration
Updating an OS
Exercise: New Life for Old Laptops. Researching Linux Hardware Requirements
Section Review
5. Application Software
Why Is This Information Important?
Types of Application Software
File Name Extensions
Installing Application Software
Types of Software Licenses
Updating Software Applications
Upgrading Application Software
Uninstalling Software Applications
Exercise: Open Sesame. An Exercise in Matching File Types with Application Programs
Section Review
6. Mobile Computing
Why Is This Information Important?
Mobile Device Characteristics
Mobile OS: Android and Apple iOS
Mobile OS: Blackberry and Windows Phone
Interacting With Mobile Devices
Controlling with Gestures
Display Screen Settings
Lock Screens
Wireless Connectivity
Making Wi-Fi Connections
Making a Bluetooth Connection
Making an NFC Connection
Mobile Device Software
Data Synchronization
App Stores
Exercise: Examining Your Mobile Device
Section Review
7. Networks
Why Is This Information Important?
Network Resources
Types of Networks
Network Architectures
Network Topologies
Point-to-Point Topology
Physical Bus Topology
Ring Topology
Mesh Topology
Star Topology
Mixed Topology
Section Review
8. Network Communications
Why is This Information Important?
The Layered Approach to Networking
The OSI Networking Model
The Usefulness of Addressing
MAC Addresses
IP Addresses
Port Numbers
Domain Names
Name Resolution
Communications Protocols
Protocol Types
Exercise: What is My Address? An Exercise in Using the Command Window
Section Review
9. Local Area Networks
Why is this Information Important?
Ethernet LANs
Ethernet Hardware: NIC Card
Ethernet Hardware: Switches and Hubs
Ethernet Cabling
Other Network Hardware
Wireless LANs
Reducing LAN Collisions: CSMA/CA
Wi-Fi Hardware: Access Points
Wi-Fi Standards
WI-FI Security
Bluetooth Networking
Setting Up a SOHO Network
Section Review
10. Wide Area Networks
Why Is This Information Important?
Circuit-Switched WAN Solutions
Packet-Switched WAN Solutions
The Internet
Internet Access Options
Internet Access: WiMax
Internet Access: Cellular Providers
Internet Access: Satellite
Summary of Data Connections
Section Review
11. Common Networking Protocols
Why Is This Information Important?
File Transfer Protocol
Email Protocols
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Secure Sockets Layer
Domain Name System
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Telnet
Simple Network Management Protocol
Network Time Protocol
Exercise: Crossword Puzzle
Section Review
12. Information Security
CompTIA Objectives Covered in This Section
Why is This Information Important?
Information Security Overview
Threats and Vulnerabilities
Information Security Solutions
Exercise: Recognizing Secure Websites
Section Review
13. Maintaining Computers
Why is This Information Important?
Preventative Computer Maintenance
Surge Protection
Ergonomic Computing
Cleaning Computer Hardware
Maintaining Software
Backing-Up Data
Environmentally Friendly Computing
Reducing Energy Consumption
Disposal of Computer Equipment
Section Review
14. Troubleshooting Computers
Why is This Information Important?
Setting-Up a New Computer
Troubleshooting Computers
Common Errors and Problems
Computer Monitoring Tools
Researching Problems
Monitoring and Troubleshooting Networks
Exercise: Monitor This! An exercise in using Windows Task Manage and Ping
Section Review
15. New and Emerging Technologies
Why is This Information Important?
Virtualization
Cloud Computing
Cloud Based Services
Telepresence
Keeping Up With New Technology
Exercise: Researching a New Technology.
Section Review
16. Preparing for the IT Fundamentals Exam
CompTIA Certification Programs
Exam Information
Preparing For The Exam
Taking the Exam
Appendix A: CompTIA Objectives Mapped To Modules
Appendix B: IT Fundamentals Practice Exam / Answer Key
Appendix C: Pre and Post Test Answer Key
Appendix D: Module Review Answer Key
Appendix E: List of Acronyms
Audience
IT novices who need a broad, fundamental understanding of IT and who want to learn the basics of computers, computer software, mobile devices, networking, LANs and WANs, data storage, and how IT infrastructures are monitored and managed. Ideal candidates include:
Entry-level and newly hired technical professionals, including PC support, help desk, and networking professionals
Sales and marketing professionals looking to increase their ability to communicate with technical professionals and increase sales
Executives who seek better-informed decision making
Professionals seeking to prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Exam
