IT Essentials 6.

0:
PC Hardware and Software (CompTIA A+)
This course offers an in-depth understanding of computer hardware and operating systems
with an emphasis on practical experience to help participants develop fundamental
computer skills, along with essential career skills. Participants learn the functionality of
hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance,
diagnosis, troubleshooting and safety issues. Through hands on activities and labs, students
learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software,
and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, an introduction to
networking is included. This e-course helps participants prepare to earn CompTIA's A+
certification.
A comprehensive overview of computer hardware and software with an introduction
to advanced concepts
Designed for students pursuing careers in IT who want practical knowledge of how
different types of computing devices work
Interactive learning experience with hands-on labs, assessments that provide
immediate diagnostic feedback.
Cisco Packet Tracer activities are designed for use with Packet Tracer 6.2 and
support alignment with the new CompTIA A+ certification objectives
Introduce the student to computer and mobile devices hardware and software, as
well as operating systems, networking concepts, IT security, and troubleshooting
Available in netacad.com with improved user interface and navigation features
Content Changes from IT Essentials 5.0

Aligns with updated CompTIA A+ 200-901 and 200-902 certification exams

Focus on the skills needed to perform the job, not on the specific features and
functions of different operating systems
Updated and expanded content in: cybersecurity, mobile devices, troubleshooting
and a variety of operating systems
New topics added to align with certification changes:
Mac OS (OS X) and Windows Phone
Data Centers and Cloud Computing
Networked Host Services
Basic Linux CLI commands
Motion Sensors, Touchpads, Smartcard readers
Windows 8 & 8.1
The exams are administered through Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) and are not part of the course.
See http://pearsonvue.com/comptia

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Benefits to a Student:
Offers a comprehensive introduction to the IT industry
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the IT industry and in-depth exposure to
personal computers, hardware, and operating systems
Learn by doing: hands-on activities and labs help students become familiar with how
to safely and securely install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot
computer systems
Anytime learning: course text, assignments, quizzes, and discussions are supported
on mobile devices
Immediate feedback on assessment questions helps students monitor progress and
reinforces learning
Helps students prepare for CompTIA A+ certification exams
Supports development of career skills needed to succeed in entry-level IT jobs

Prerequisites:
Although there are no prerequisites for this course, keyboarding and a strong interest in
computers are recommended.

Target Audience:
Entry level cable personnel
Customer Service Representatives
Broadband Premises Installers
Headend Technicians
IT personnel

Training includes:

Easy-to-navigate graphical user interface

14 chapters, modifiable chapter quizzes and chapter exams
29 Interactive Activities
6 Packet Tracer activities. PT 6.2 or higher is required
99 hands-on and paper-based labs
1 skills assessment using equipment to verify the development of course skills
1 pre-test, 1 practice final exam, 2 final exam forms with field test pool items.
2 Certification Practice Exams, one for A+ 901 and one for A+ 902
14 chapters containing accessible text and media transcripts.
14 videos with closed captioning (CC) answer your questions throughout the
program

Requirements for Successful Course Completion:

Chapter Assessments 70% or higher

Checkpoint Assessment 70% or higher
Final exam 70% or higher
Complete Feed Back
Complete Hands-on Skill Labs Assigned by Instructor

You may take an assessment, practice final or final exam in each course up to 2 times

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Format and Schedule:

The course is delivered online via the SCTE virtual classroom over 12 weeks, during which
participants view web based course materials, perform exercises and complete labs and
assessments at a time that is convenient for them.
NOTE: This isa self-paced course, and as a result, participants can contact the instructor
when they have questions.
Participants spend approximately 70 hrs over the 12 weeks, with 4-5 hours per week, on
average, completing the various course activities in order to maximize the learning benefits.
100% of the schedule is determined by the participant (viewing online materials, completing
labs and exams) A live, online orientation is scheduled on the first day of the class.

System Requirements: A high speed Internet connection, Internet browser with flash. For
tablet access, the iSwifter application or equivalent can be used to view the flash modules.

Upon Successful Course Completion Participants will Receive

Course Completion Certificate

3 college credit hours when registered with an SCTE college partnership
6 Recertification Units (RUs) towards SCTE certification renewal

Course Chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer

Chapter 2: Introduction to Lab Procedures and Tool Use
Chapter 3: Computer Assembly
Chapter 4: Overview of Preventive Maintenance
Chapter 5: Windows Installation
Chapter 6: Windows Configuration and Management
Chapter 7: Networking Concepts
Chapter 8: Applied Networking
Chapter 9: Laptops and Mobile Devices
Chapter 10: Mobile, Linux and OS X Operating Systems
Chapter 11: Printers
Chapter 12: Security
Chapter 13: The IT Professional
Chapter 14: Advanced Troubleshooting

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of the IT Essentials course, students will be able to perform the following
tasks:
Select the appropriate computer components to build, repair, or upgrade personal
computers.
Explain how to correctly use tools and safely work in a lab.
Install components to build, repair, or upgrade personal computers.
Explain how to perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on personal
computers.
Install Windows operation systems.
Perform management and maintenance of Windows operating systems.

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 Configure computers to communicate on a network.
Configure devices to connect to the Internet and Cloud services.
Explain how to use, configure, and manage laptops and mobile devices.
Explain how to configure, secure and troubleshoot mobile, OS X, and Linux operating
systems.
Install and share a printer to meet requirements
Implement basic host, data, and network security.
Explain the roles and responsibilities of the IT professional.
Troubleshoot advanced hardware and software problems

Chapter Content:

Chapter-1: Introduction to the Personal Computer

Learn how power supplies operate
Explore a longtime principle known as Ohms Law
CPU architecture defined
Cooling systems explained
Investigate various forms of memory in a PC
Explore PC components and how they interact with each other
Learn about specialized computer systems
Chapter 2: Introduction to Lab Procedures and Tool Use
Learn about personal and equipment safety
Define Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) and Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)
Explore hardware tools and software tools
Investigate electronic test equipment such as a multi-meter
Chapter 3: Computer Assembly
Learn how to install a power supply
Learn what a mother-board is and how to install it and associated memory
Learn about hard drives and optical drives and then install them!
Learn about adapter cards and Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Explore all the cables used in PC systems
Define Power On Self Test (POST), Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) and
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
Learn how to configure BIOS and UEFI
Explore upgrade methods, such as: BIOS, Central Processor Unit (CPU), Random
Access Memory (RAM) and hard drives
Chapter 4: Overview of Preventive Maintenance
Explore various tasks performed to maintain a computer and the components the
tasks focus on
Learn various trouble shooting methods when things are not working as they should
Outline troubleshooting steps by isolating problem areas
Explore common problems that arise in computers and learn the most probable
solutions
Chapter 5: Windows Installation
Define operating system (OS) terms
Explore different OS types
Investigate various OS requirements
Learn how to upgrade OS
Learn how to install OS by partioning drives and working with file systems
Explore PC boot-up processes, by working with the BIOS, startup modes and
registries
Define multi-boot OS and learn the various forms found in PCs
Learn what directories are and how to use them

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Chapter 6: Windows Configuration and Management
Learn how the Graphical User Interface (CUI) works and explore the desktop, startup
menu task manger and explorer
Describe the control panel, folder options, Action Center and power options
Work with disk defragmentation and general hard drive maintenance
Investigate Windows command line
Define virtual PC by way of Hypervisor
Learn how update PCs and using scheduling to accomplish this, and also how create
restoration points
Chapter 7: Networking Concepts
Explore the devices found in computer networks
Define various network topologies from Local Area Networks (LANs) to Metropolitan
Area Networks (MANs)
Define the OSI and TCP/IP models
Learn how encapsulation operates and what occurs at each layer of the OSI model
Investigate Ethernet standards for both wired and wireless networks
Learn how IPv4 and IPv6 addressing is used in networks
Define Transport Layer protocols such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and when each one is used over another
Learn how port numbers are used in PCs
Chapter 8: Applied Networking
Configure NICs, both wired and wireless
Explore network sharing concepts such as: Homegroup and Vista
Learn how to map network drives
Explore Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Explore various broadband technologies from DSL to satellite
Explore cloud services
Learn network services such as DHCP, DNS, E-Mail, Authentication and IPS firewalls
Lear various troubleshooting methods
Chapter 9: Laptops and Mobile Devices
Explore more about laptops such as special function keys, various displays types and
accessories external or internal
Configure power settings and wireless settings on a laptop
Learn how to replace various hardware pieces
Explore what is inside a mobile device
Learn various maintenance techniques for both laptops and mobile devices
Chapter 10: Mobile, Linux and OS X Operating Systems
Learn various mobile device OS platforms such as iOS and Android
Investigate mobile device security software
Define Bluetooth and Mobile synchronization
Configure e-mail on a mobile device
Explore Linux and OS X operating systems
Explore Command Line Interface (CLI) commands
Learn troubleshoot techniques for mobile devices
Chapter 11: Printers
Explore common features and various types of printers
Install printer drivers and optimize them
Learn how to share printers in a network via wired and wireless methods
Learn how preventive maintenance intensive printers can be
Chapter 12: Security
Learn what forms of security threats there are, such as: Malware, SPAM, TCP/IP
attacks, Zero-Day attacks and Social Engineering

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 Explore security policies
Define web security measures such as: ActiveX, Pop-Up blockers and SmartScreen
Filters
Explore securing access to data such as: firewalls, biometrics, data encryption and
file permissions
Learn how to protect devices from malicious attacks
Learn how to secure both wired and wireless networks
Explore physical security measures
Chapter 13: The IT Professional
Explore various IT communication skills and some best practices for companies to
follow
Explore what it means to work with a customer
Define computer forensics and chain of custody
Learn about ethical and legal best practices that an IT department can utilize
Define call center positions such as Level One and Level Two technical support
Chapter 14: Advanced Troubleshooting
Learn techniques related to troubleshoot PC components and peripherals
Learn various OS methods of troubleshooting
Explore network issues
Learn what to do when security fails

Optional Equipment (Not Required to Complete the Course):

Lab PC Hardware Requirements:

PC Tower Case with 450W power supply
PCI, PCIe, or AGP-compatible motherboard
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
Cooling fan and heat sink
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (Windows 7 32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (Windows 7 64-bit) (2 X 512
MB or 2 X 1GB suggested)
o Some labs will require one module of RAM to be uninstalled or the simulation
of a faulty module for troubleshooting purposes.
o 1 GB is the minimum requirement to run the full functions of Windows 7
Professional
Floppy drive
60 GB hard drive (minimum); 80 GB or more (recommended)
o The system must support a full install of Windows 7 and two partitions of the
same size.
1 DVD-ROM (minimum) or CD/DVD Burner (recommended)
Ethernet card
PCI, PCIe (recommended), or AGP video card
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Ribbon cables to connect HDD/CD/Floppy
Mouse
Keyboard
Super VGA (1024 X 768) or higher-resolution video monitor

Tool Kit:
Safety glasses or goggles
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap or antistatic mat
Flat, torx, hex and phillips head drivers
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers

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 Cable strippers
Part retriever (or tweezers or needle nose pliers)
Thermal compound
Electronics cleaning solution
Compressed air can
Cable ties
Parts organizer or plastic tub for storing computer parts
Older PC with hard drive installed
o Windows XP or Vista Installation CD
o With 2 or more RAM modules
o Additional PCI NIC with driver
o Additional HD
o Antistatic bags for electronic parts
Multi-meter
LAN Cable Tester
LAN Coupler
Category #5 straight jumpers (2)
Category #5 crossover jumpers (2)
Network Loop back plugs

Network Equipment:
Wireless router/switch
Old Hub or switch
Wireless adapter

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