IT Essentials

Chapter 0 - Course Introduction

Section 0 - Welcome to IT Essentials

Welcome

Welcome to the Information Technology (IT) Essentials course. The goal of this course is to introduce you to

computer hardware and software, as well as operating systems, networking concepts, mobile devices, IT security,

and troubleshooting. These online course materials will assist you in developing the skills necessary to work as a

technician in the field of IT. The specific skills covered in each chapter are described at the start of each chapter.

You can use your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop to access the course, participate in discussions with

your instructor, view your grades, read or review text, and test your understanding using interactive media. You

can also take quizzes and exams on your mobile device. Download Cisco Packet Tracer Mobile to complete

Packet Tracer Activities found throughout the course.

Note: Quiz and exam items that use Packet Tracer will not work properly on your mobile device even if you have

downloaded Cisco Packet Tracer Mobile.

Click here to access the Cisco NetSpace Quick Start Guide. This document shows you how to get around in

NetSpace and navigate within a course. It also explains how to access your assignments and exams.

More than Just Information

The NetSpace learning environment is an important part of the overall course experience for students and

instructors in the Networking Academy. These online course materials include course text and related interactive

media, video demonstrations, Packet Tracer simulation activities, real equipment labs, and many different types of

quizzes. All of these materials provide important feedback to help you assess your progress throughout the

course.

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The material in this course encompasses a broad range of technologies that facilitate the way that people work,

live, play, and learn. Although we have worked with instructors from around the world to create these materials, it

is important that you work with your instructor and fellow students to make the material in this course applicable to

your local situation.

How We Teach

E-doing is a design philosophy that applies the principle that people learn best by doing. The curriculum includes

embedded, highly interactive e-doing activities to help stimulate learning, increase knowledge retention, and make

the whole learning experience much richer – and that makes understanding the content much easier.

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Interactive Activities

Interactive activities are embedded within the chapters as checks for understanding. Some of these use “drag and

drop” to complete the activity (Figure 1). Others use a “checkbox” method to complete them (Figure 2). You can

check your score immediately. You can also reset and do the activity as many times as you like.

Labs

Labs are activities that are designed to be performed on physical equipment (Figure 3). Some labs are written as

class or small group activities that may or may not involve equipment. It is very important to learn and practice

physical skills by using the labs in this course in preparation for a career in IT. Working on physical equipment not

only develops skills, but also reinforces knowledge and builds confidence. This is very important as you move into

the IT field.

Packet Tracer

In the Networking chapters, you will configure a simple network using Packet Tracer, the Networking Academy

network simulation tool (Figure 4). Click here to download the latest version of Packet Tracer. Packet Tracer

may look complicated at first glance, but is easy to work with, and there are many tutorials to help you learn how

to use it. Packet Tracer is a very robust tool that you will use regularly as you participate in more advanced

networking courses.

Cisco Aspire

Cisco Aspire is a single-player, standalone strategic simulation game (Figure 5). The Networking Academy

Edition incorporates business and communication skills IT employers seek in job candidates. Click here to learn

more about Cisco Aspire Networking Academy Edition.

Assessments

Each chapter in the course has an online quiz and online chapter exam (Figure 6). These are scored

automatically, showing you the areas where you excel, as well as any areas where you may want to do some

additional study or practice. There is an online, end-of-course final exam, and a performance-based skills

assessment which you will do in class.

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Mind Wide Open

Our goal at the Cisco Networking Academy is to enrich you, the student, by expanding what you know and can

do. It is important to realize, however, that the instructional materials and the instructor can only facilitate the

process. You must make the commitment yourself to learn new skills.

Education and Certifications

In this course, you will gain the specialized technical skills needed to install, maintain, secure, and repair

computers. Earning an industry-standard certification provides confidence and increases your opportunities in IT.

This course will prepare you to take the CompTIA A+ Certification exams.

This course is only an introduction into the world of IT. A technician can continue to study and earn the following

certifications:

 CCNA - Cisco Certified Networking Associate

 CCNP - Cisco Certified Networking Professional

 CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert

 CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

 MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

 MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

 MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

 Network+ - CompTIA Network Certification

 Linux+ - CompTIA Linux Certification

You can use IT certifications as credits for some university and college degrees in areas such as computer

science and telecommunications.

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CompTIA A+ Certification

The Computing Technology Industry Association(CompTIA) developed the A+ certification program. A CompTIA

A+ certification signifies that a candidate is a qualified PC hardware and software technician. CompTIA

certifications are known throughout the IT community as one of the best ways to enter the IT field and build a solid

career. Figure 1 shows the reasons to get CompTIA certified. Figure 2 shows how you can learn, certify, and work

toward your IT goals.

The latest version of CompTIA A+ is the CompTIA A+ 2015 Edition. Two exams must be passed to achieve

certification: CompTIA A+ 220-901 and CompTIA A+ 220-902.

The CompTIA A+ exams measure the necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the

equivalent knowledge of at least 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. Successful candidates

have the knowledge required to assemble components based on customer requirements. They are also able to

install, configure, and maintain devices, PCs, and software. To qualify, they must understand the basics of

networking and security. Candidates must be able to properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document

common hardware and software problems, provide appropriate customer support, and understand the basics of

virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment.

Technicians must renew the A+ certification within three years of becoming certified. Maintaining certification

requires either passing the most current A+ exams or enrolling in the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE)

program. The CE program allows participants to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by becoming involved in

approved activities that display an understanding of relevant industry knowledge. Twenty CEUs are required for

A+ certification renewal, along with an annual CE fee of US $25.

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Many higher-level certifications, such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft MCSE, grant full CEU

credits if they are earned or renewed after earning the A+ certification. Additional details about the CE program

are located on the CompTIA website.

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Field, Remote, and Bench Technicians

Your experience working with computers and earning a technical certification can help you become qualified for

employment as a field technician, a remote technician, or a bench technician.

Technicians in different computer careers work in different environments. The degree to which different skills are

needed vary from one job to the next. When you train to become a computer technician, you will need to develop

the following skills:

 Building and upgrading computers

 Performing hardware and operating system installations

 Installing, configuring, and optimizing software

 Performing preventive maintenance

 Troubleshooting and repairing computers

 Communicating clearly with customers

 Documenting customer feedback and the steps involved in finding the solution to a problem

A field technician, as shown in Figure 1, works in a variety of locations, including private homes, businesses, and

schools. You might work for one company and support only the computer and network systems it owns.

Alternatively, you might work for a company that provides onsite computer equipment repair for a variety of

companies and customers. In either of these situations, you need both excellent troubleshooting skills and

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customer service skills, because you are in regular contact with customers and work on a wide variety of

hardware and software.

If you are a remote technician, you might work at a help desk answering calls or emails from customers who have

computer problems, as shown in Figure 2. You create work orders and communicate with customers to try to

diagnose and repair problems. Good communication skills are valuable, because customers must clearly

understand your questions and instructions. Some help desks use software to connect directly to a customer’s

computer to fix problems. As a remote technician, you might work on a team of technicians from a business, or in

your own home.

As a bench technician, you typically do not work directly with customers. Bench technicians are often hired to

perform computer warranty service in a central depot or work facility, as shown in Figure 3.

Cisco Networking Academy and NetAcad Advantage

When you participate in the Networking Academy, you are joining a global community linked by common goals

and technologies. Schools, colleges, universities, and other entities in over 160 countries participate in the

program. Click here to view a video about how Cisco Networking Academy is changing the world. Look for the

Cisco Networking Academy official page on Facebook©.

NetAcad Advantage is designed especially for Cisco Networking Academy students and alumni. It can help you

prepare to enter the IT industry or advance your career. The NetAcad Advantage site includes tips on how to

create a resume, apply for a job, and make a great first impression at job interviews. As a Cisco Networking

Academy student or alumnus, you have exclusive access to an online job search that has thousands of IT job

opportunities around the world with Cisco and Cisco partners. Check out NetAcad Advantage for all this and

more!

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer System

Section 1.0 - Introduction

A computer is an electronic machine that performs calculations based on a set of instructions. The first computers

were huge, room-sized machines that took teams of people to build, manage, and maintain. The computer

systems of today are exponentially faster and only a fraction of the size of those original computers.

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A computer system consists of hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical equipment. It

includes the case, keyboard, monitor, cables, storage drives, speakers, and printers. Software includes the

operating system and programs. The operating system manages computer operations such as identifying,

accessing, and processing information. Programs or applications perform different functions. Programs vary

widely depending on the type of information that is accessed or generated. For example, instructions for

balancing a check book are different from instructions for simulating a virtual reality world on the Internet.

Section 1.1 – Personal Computer Systems

Cases

The case of a desktop computer houses the internal components such as the power supply, motherboard, central

processing unit (CPU), memory, disk drives, and assorted adapter cards.

Cases are typically made of plastic, steel, or aluminum and provide the framework to support, protect, and cool

the internal components.

A device form factor refers to its physical design and look. Desktop computers are available in a variety of form

factors including:

 Horizontal case – These were popular with early computer systems. The computer case was horizontally

oriented on the user desk with the monitor positioned on top. This form factor is no longer popular.

 Full-Size Tower – (Figure 1) This is a computer case which is oriented vertically. It is typically located on

the floor under, or beside, a desk or table. It provides room for expansion to accommodate additional

components such as disk drives, adapter cards, and more. It requires an external keyboard, mouse, and

monitor.

 Compact Tower – (Figure 2) This is a smaller version of the full-size tower and is commonly found in the

corporate environment. It may also be called a mini-tower or small form factor (SFF) model. It can be

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 located on the user desk or on the floor. It provides limited room for expansion. It requires an external

keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

 All-in-one - (Figure 3) All of the computer system components are integrated into the display. They often

include touch-screen input and built-in microphone and speakers. Depending on the model, all-in-one

computers offer little to no expansion capabilities. It requires an external keyboard, mouse, and power

supply.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, as many case manufacturers have their own naming conventions. These may

include super tower, full tower, mid tower, mini tower, cube case, and more.

Computer components tend to generate a lot of heat; therefore, computer cases contain fans that move air

through the case. As the air passes warm components, it absorbs heat and then exits the case. This process

keeps the computer components from overheating. Cases are also designed to protect against static electricity

damage. The computer’s internal components are grounded via attachment to the case.

Note: Computer cases are also referred to as the computer chassis, cabinet, tower, housing, or simply box.

Power Supplies

Electricity from wall outlets is provided in alternating current (AC). However, all components inside a computer

require direct current (DC) power. To obtain DC power, computers use a power supply, as shown in Figure 1, to

convert AC power into a lower voltage DC power.

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The following describes the various computer desktop power supply form factors that have evolved over time:

 Advanced Technology (AT) – This is the original power supply for legacy computer systems now

considered obsolete.

 AT Extended (ATX) – This is the updated version of the AT but still considered to be obsolete.

 ATX12V – This is the most common power supply on the market today. It includes a second motherboard

connector to provide dedicated power to the CPU. There are several versions of ATX12V available.

 EPS12V – This was originally designed for network servers but is now commonly used in high-end desktop

models.

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A power supply includes several different connectors, as shown in Figure 2. These connectors are used to power

various internal components such as the motherboard and disk drives. The connectors are “keyed” which means

that they are designed to be inserted in only one orientation. The table in Figure 3 describes common power

supply connectors.

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The different connectors also provide different voltages. The most common voltages supplied are 3.3 volts, 5

volts, and 12 volts. The 3.3 volt and 5 volt supplies are typically used by digital circuits, while the 12 volt supply is

used to run motors in disk drives and fans. The table in Figure 4 highlights the different voltages provided by a

power supply.

Power supplies can also be single rail, dual rail, or multi rail. A rail is the printed circuit board (PCB) inside the

power supply to which the external cables are connected. A single rail has all of the connectors connected to the

same PCB while a multi rail PCB has separate PCBs for each connector.

A computer can tolerate slight fluctuations in power, but a significant deviation can cause the power supply to fail.

Power Supply Wattage

Power supply specifications are typically expressed in watts (W). To understand what a watt is, refer to the table

in Figure 1 which describes the four basic units of electricity that a computer technician must know.

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A basic equation, known as Ohm's Law, expresses how voltage is equal to the current multiplied by the

resistance: V = IR. In an electrical system, power is equal to the voltage multiplied by the current: P = VI.

Computers normally use power supplies ranging from 250W to 800W output capacity. However, some computers

need 1200W and higher capacity power supplies. When building a computer, select a power supply with sufficient

wattage to power all components. Each component inside the computer uses a certain amount of power. Obtain

the wattage information from the manufacturer’s documentation. When deciding on a power supply, make sure to

choose one that has more than enough power for the current components. A power supply with a higher wattage

rating has more capacity; therefore, it can handle more devices.

On the back of some power supplies is a small switch called the voltage selector switch, as shown in Figure 2.

This switch sets the input voltage to the power supply to either 110V / 115V or 220V / 230V. A power supply with

this switch is called a dual voltage power supply. The correct voltage setting is determined by the country where

the power supply is used. Setting the voltage switch to the incorrect input voltage could damage the power supply

and other parts of your computer. If a power supply does not have this switch, it automatically detects and sets

the correct voltage.

CAUTION: Do not open a power supply. Electronic capacitors located inside of a power supply, shown in Figure

3, can hold a charge for extended periods of time.

For more information about power supplies, click here.

Lab - Ohm’s Law

In this lab, you will answer questions based on electricity and Ohm’s Law.

Lab - Ohm’s Law

Motherboards

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Many people enjoy playing computer games. Each year, games become more advanced and require more

powerful hardware, new hardware types, and additional resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming

experience.

You may have a customer who wants you to design and build a computer used for playing video games. This is

some of the hardware required when building a gaming computer:

 Powerful processor - Games require all the components in the computer to work together seamlessly. A

powerful processor helps ensure that all the software and hardware data can be addressed in a timely

fashion. A powerful processor can support high frame rates, 3D rendering, and high audio performance.

Multicore processors help increase the responsiveness of hardware and software.

 High-end video card - Modern games use high resolutions and intricate detail. A video card that has a fast,

specialized GPU and high amounts of fast video memory is necessary to ensure that the images displayed

on the monitor are high quality, clear, and smooth. Some gaming machines use multiple video cards to

produce high frame rates, or to be able to use multiple monitors.

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 High-end sound card - Video games use multiple channels of high-quality sound to immerse the player in

the games. A high-quality sound card increases the quality of sound above that of built-in sound on a

computer. A dedicated sound card also helps improve overall performance by taking some of the demand

off of the processor. Gamers often use specialized headphones and microphones to interact with other

online gamers.

 High-end cooling - High-end components often produce more heat than standard components. More

robust cooling hardware is often needed to make sure that the computer stays cool under heavy loads while

playing advanced games. Oversized fans, heat sinks, and liquid cooling devices are often used to keep

CPUs, GPUs, and RAM cool.

 Large amounts of fast RAM - Computer games require large amounts of memory to function. Video data,

sound data, and all the information needed to play the game are constantly being accessed. The more RAM

that the computer has, the less often the computer needs to read from storage drives. Faster RAM helps

the processor keep all the data in sync, because the data that it needs to calculate can be retrieved when it

is needed.

 Fast storage - 7200 RPM and 10000 RPM drives can retrieve data at a much faster rate than 5400 RPM

hard drives. SSD and SSHD drives are more expensive, but they improve the performance of games

dramatically.

 Gaming-specific hardware - Some games involve communicating with other players. A microphone is

required to talk to them, and speakers or headphones are required to hear them. Find out what type of

games your customer plays to determine if a microphone or headset is needed. Some games can be

played in 3D. Special glasses and specific video cards may be required to use this feature. Some games

benefit from the use of more than one monitor. Flight simulators, for example, can be configured to display

cockpit images across two, three, or even more monitors at the same time.

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Home Theater PCs

Building a Home Theater Personal Computer (HTPC) requires specialized hardware to deliver a high-quality

viewing experience for the customer. Each piece of equipment must connect and properly provide the necessary

services and resources to support the different demands required from an HTPC system.

A useful feature of an HTPC is the ability to record a video program to watch at a later time, known as time

shifting. HTPC systems can be designed to display live television, stream movies and Internet content, display

family photos and videos, and even surf the Internet on a television. Consider the following hardware when

building an HTPC:

 Specialized cases and power supplies - Smaller motherboards can be used when building an HTPC so

that the components can fit into a more compact form factor case. This small form factor looks like a

component usually found in a home theater. Usually an HTPC case contains large fans that move more

slowly and create less noise than those found in an average workstation. Power supplies that do not have

fans can be used (depending on power requirements) to further reduce the amount of noise created by the

HTPC. Some HTPC designs contain highly-efficient components and require no fans for cooling.

 Surround sound audio - Surround sound helps to bring the viewer into the video program. An HTPC can

use surround sound from the motherboard when the chipset supports it, or a dedicated sound card can be

installed to output high-quality surround sound to speakers, or to an additional amplifier for even better

sound.

 HDMI output - The HDMI standard allows for transmission of high-definition video, surround sound, and

data to televisions, media receivers, and projectors. HDMI can also control the functions of many devices

that support control.

 TV tuners and cable cards - A tuner must be used for the HTPC to display television signals. A TV tuner

converts analog and digital television signals into audio and video signals that the computer can use and

store. Cable cards can be used to receive television signals from a cable company. A cable card is required

for access to premium cable channels. Some cable cards can receive as many as six channels

simultaneously.

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  Specialized hard drive - Hard drives, that have low noise levels and have reduced power consumption are

commonly known as audio/video drives (A/V). These drives are specially designed for long, steady

recording and long life.

Instead of building an HTPC, some customers may opt to build a Home Server PC instead. The home server PC

can be placed anywhere in the home and be accessed by multiple devices at the same time. The home server

shares files, provides printer sharing, and streams audio, video, and photos to computers, laptops, tablets,

televisions, and other media devices over the network. A home server may have a RAID array to protect valuable

data from a hard drive failure. To stream data to multiple devices without delays, install a gigabit NIC.

Lab – Build a Specialized Computer System

In this lab, you will gather information about building a specialized computer system which supports hardware and

software that allows a user to perform tasks that an off-the-shelf system cannot perform.

Lab – Build a Specialized Computer System

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Section 1.4 – Chapter Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer System

This chapter introduced the components that comprise a personal computer system and how to consider upgrade

components. Much of the content in this chapter will help you throughout this course.

 Information technology encompasses the use of computers, network hardware, and software to process,

store, transmit, and retrieve information.

 A personal computer system consists of hardware components and software applications.

 The computer case and power supply must be chosen carefully to support the hardware inside the case

and allow for the addition of components.

 The internal components of a computer are selected for specific features and functions. All internal

components must be compatible with the motherboard.

 Use the correct type of ports and cables when connecting devices.

 Typical input devices include the keyboard, mouse, touch screen, and digital cameras.

 Typical output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers.

 Cases, power supplies, the CPU and cooling system, RAM, hard drives, and adapter cards, must be

upgraded when devices fail or no longer meet customer needs.

Specialized computers require hardware specific to their function. The type of hardware used in specialized

computers is determined by how a customer works and what a customer wants to accomplish.

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