Course Details For IT Essentials I

Module 1: Information Technology Basics

1.1 Getting Started in IT

1.1.1 Computer systems and programs
1.1.2 Computer types
1.1.3 Connecting computer systems
1.1.4 Birth of the Internet
1.1.5 The cost of technology

1.2 Windows Desktop Environment

1.2.1 Starting, shutting down, and restarting Microsoft Windows
1.2.2 Windows Explorer
1.2.3 The desktop
1.2.4 Working with icons
1.2.5 Recognizing an application window
1.2.6 Resizing a desktop window
1.2.7 Switching between windows

1.3 Basic Features of Windows

1.3.1 Viewing the basic system information of a computer
1.3.2 Setting the clock and date
1.3.3 Minimizing, maximizing, and exiting
1.3.4 Adjusting the screen display
1.3.5 Desktop settings
1.3.6 Adjusting audio volume
1.3.7 Start menu options
1.3.8 Recycle Bin

1.4 Overview of Software Applications

1.4.1 Word processors
1.4.2 Spreadsheets
1.4.3 Databases
1.4.4 Graphics applications
1.4.5 Presentation applications
1.4.6 Web browser and e-mail

1.5 Math for a Digital Age

1.5.1 Measurement-related terminology
1.5.2 Analog and digital systems
1.5.3 Boolean logic gates
1.5.4 Decimal and binary number systems
1.5.5 Decimal to binary conversion
1.5.6 The hexadecimal number system
1.5.7 Binary to hexadecimal conversion
1.5.8 Hexadecimal to binary conversion
1.5.9 Converting to any base
1.5.10 Introduction to algorithms

1.6 Laboratory Safety and Tools

1.6.1 Basic lab safety principles
1.6.2 Workspace practices that help reduce ESD potential
1.6.3 Tools of the trade
1.6.4 Workspace cleaning supplies
1.6.5 Workplace testing equipment
1.6.6 Lab safety agreement

Module 2: How Computers Work

2.1 System Overview

2.1.1 Input, process, output, and storage

2.2 The Boot Process

2.2.1 Initializing the system hardware
2.2.2 Loading the operating system
2.2.3 The boot sequence

2.3 Hardware Components

2.3.1 Computer case
2.3.2 Power supply
2.3.3 Cooling systems
2.3.4 The motherboard
2.3.5 Motherboard form factors
2.3.6 Motherboard components
2.3.7 CPUs
2.3.8 BIOS
2.3.9 Expansion slots
2.3.10 Riser cards
2.3.11 Bus types

2.4 Memory Components

2.4.1 RAM
2.4.2 Identifying SIMMs and DIMMs
2.4.3 Cache/COASt memory

2.5 Display Components

2.5.1 Monitors/display devices
2.5.2 Video Cards

2.6 Connector Components

2.6.1 Serial and parallel ports
2.6.2 PS/2 ports/6-pin mini DIN, 5-Pin DIN
2.6.3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) and FireWire
2.6.4 IDE, EIDE, Ultra, and SCSI controllers
2.6.5 SCSI disk types

2.7 Storage Components

2.7.1 Floppy drives
2.7.2 Hard drives
2.7.3 CD-ROMs
2.7.4 DVD formats and drives
2.7.5 Backup hardware

2.8 Network Components

2.8.1 Modems
2.8.2 Network interface card (NIC)

2.9 System Resources

2.9.1 What are system resources?
2.9.2 Interrupt requests (IRQs)
2.9.3 Direct memory access (DMA)
2.9.4 Input/Output (I/O) addresses

2.10 Portable Devices

2.10.1 Notebook computers
2.10.2 Portable hardware
2.10.3 PCMCIA cards
2.10.4 Portable computer displays
2.10.5 Docking station/port replicator
2.10.6 Upgrading and troubleshooting notebooks
2.10.7 Infrared devices
2.10.8 Wireless access points
Module 3: Assembling a Computer

3.1 Overview of the Assembly Process and Safety Issues

3.1.1 Overview of general safety issues
3.1.2 ESD precautions
3.1.3 Process demonstration

3.2 Creating a Computer Inventory

3.2.1 Importance of an inventory
3.2.2 Inventory checklist

3.3 The Computer Case and Power Supply

3.3.1 Computer cases and system units
3.3.2 Desktops
3.3.3 Towers
3.3.4 Power supplies

3.4 Preparing the Motherboard for Installation

3.4.1 Motherboard location map
3.4.2 Motherboard configuration
3.4.3 Motherboard jumpers
3.4.4 Installing the CPU
3.4.5 Installing the heat sink and fan
3.4.6 Installing RAM

3.5 Installing the Motherboard

3.5.1 Installing the motherboard into the case
3.5.2 Attaching the LEDs, keylock, and speaker
3.5.3 Connecting power supply cables to the motherboard

3.6 Installing the Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, and DVD
3.6.1 Attaching the floppy drive to the case
3.6.2 Attaching the hard drive and CD-ROM to the case
3.6.3 Connecting the floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, and DVD to the system
3.6.4 Connecting power cables to the floppy drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM

3.7 Video Card Installation

3.7.1 Step-by-step installation of the video card

3.8 Final Steps

3.8.1 Fitting the case together
3.8.2 Connecting the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cord
3.9 Booting the System for the First Time
3.9.1 What is BIOS?
3.9.2 Entering the BIOS configuration
3.9.3 Standard CMOS setup screen
3.9.4 BIOS features and chipset features setup screens
3.9.5 Power management and Plug and Play screens
3.9.6 Integrated peripherals and fixed disk detection screens
3.9.7 Password screens and the load setup defaults screen
3.9.8 BIOS exit options
3.9.9 Startup sequence

Module 4: Operating System Fundamentals

4.1 The Operating System

4.1.1 Components of an operating system
4.1.2 Operating system functions
4.1.3 Operating system types and basic terminology

4.2 Disk Operating System (DOS)

4.2.1 What is DOS, and why learn about it?
4.2.2 DOS file structure
4.2.3 Overview of basic DOS commands
4.2.4 Creating a DOS boot disk
4.2.5 Booting the system with a DOS disk
4.2.6 DOS configuration files
4.2.7 Editing system configuration files

4.3 Memory Management

4.3.1 Memory types
4.3.2 Memory management tools
4.3.3 Other types of memory
4.3.4 Memory conflicts
4.3.5 Real versus protected mode memory addressing

Module 5: Windows 9x Operating Systems

5.1 The Windows 9x File Structure and File Management System

5.1.1 Naming files in Windows
5.1.2 Directories and folders
5.1.3 Using a text editing application to create a file (document)
5.1.4 Copy, cut, or create shortcuts
5.1.5 Viewing document details
5.1.6 Recognizing file types in Windows
5.1.7 Selecting, copying, and moving files
5.1.8 Searching for a file, folder, or directory
5.1.9 Make backup copies of files onto a diskette
5.1.10 Using the Recycle Bin

5.2 Windows Management with Control Panel

5.2.1 System applet
5.2.2 Printer
5.2.3 Add/Remove Programs
5.2.4 Add/Remove Hardware
5.2.5 Display and Sounds

5.3 System Tools

5.3.1 The Registry
5.3.2 REGEDIT and SCANREG
5.3.3 MSCONFIG, Startup Menu, and Safe Mode
5.3.4 WSCRIPT.EXE, HWINFO.EXE, and ASD.EXE

5.4 Preparing a Hard Drive for Operating System Installation

5.4.1 Partitioning a hard drive
5.4.2 Formatting a hard drive

5.5 Installing Windows 9x

5.5.1 Windows 9x versions overview
5.5.2 Requirements for installing Windows 98
5.5.3 Understanding the steps in Windows 98 installation
5.5.4 Windows 98 setup options
5.5.5 Upgrade installation

5.6 Troubleshooting the Installation Process

5.6.1 Systematic troubleshooting techniques and finding help
5.6.2 Windows 98 setup errors
5.6.3 System properties and identifying icon symbols
5.6.4 Adding software drivers
5.6.5 Making a backup Windows startup disk
5.6.6 Uninstalling Windows 98
Module 6: Windows NT/2000 Operating Systems

6.1 Windows 9x Contrasts

6.1.1 NTFS versus FAT
6.1.2 Security and permissions
6.1.3 Windows 2000 boot process
6.1.4 Plug-and-Play and drivers

6.2 System Tools

6.2.1 Administrative tools
6.2.2 Windows 2000 registry
6.2.3 Startup Menu and Safe Mode
6.2.4 The ERD and Recovery Console for Windows 2000

6.3 Overview of the Installation Process

6.3.1 Differences between Windows 2000 and 9x installation
6.3.2 Hardware requirements
6.3.3 Windows 2000 features

6.4 Installing the Windows 2000 OS

6.4.1 Requirements for installing Windows 2000
6.4.2 Understanding the steps in Windows 2000 installation
6.4.3 Windows 2000 setup options

6.5 Special Installations

6.5.1 Upgrading from Windows NT Workstation 4 to Windows 2000
6.5.2 Upgrading Windows 9x with Windows 2000
6.5.3 Dual boot Windows 9x with Windows 2000

Module 7: Windows XP Operating System

7.1 Windows XP Versions

7.1.1 Windows XP Home Edition
7.1.2 Windows XP Professional
7.1.3 Windows XP Professional 64-bit
7.1.4 Windows XP Media Center Edition

7.2 Overview of the Installation Process

7.2.1 Differences between Windows 2000/9x installation and XP
7.2.2 Hardware requirements
7.2.3 Windows XP features

7.3 Installing the Windows XP OS

7.3.1 Requirements for installing Windows XP
7.3.2 Understanding the steps in Windows XP installation
7.3.3 Windows XP setup options

7.4 Special Installations

7.4.1 Upgrading Windows NT Workstation 4/2000 to XP
7.4.2 Upgrading Windows 98 to Windows XP Professional
7.4.3 Dual boot Windows 9x, Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, and Windows XP

7.5 Windows XP and Windows NT/2000/ME/9x Contrasts

7.5.1 Keeping user files private
7.5.2 Simple file sharing versus Windows 2000 sharing
7.5.3 Internet enhancements
7.5.4 System properties
7.5.5 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Module 8: Multimedia Capabilities

8.1 Introduction to Multimedia

8.1.1 Basic hardware required for multimedia upgrades
8.1.2 The video adapter
8.1.3 Characterizing computer displays
8.1.4 Sound cards and speaker systems
8.1.5 Common media file formats used in multimedia applications
8.1.6 MPEG hardware versus software

8.2 Upgrading Video with a Video Acceleration Board

8.2.1 PCI and AGP types
8.2.2 All in one
8.2.3 Installing and configuring the video card driver and software
8.2.4 Understanding RAMDAC and video memory
8.2.5 Flashing the video board with BIOS updates

8.3 Adding Audio Capabilities with a Sound Card

8.3.1 Sound card operation
8.3.2 USB, PCI, and built-in sound
8.3.3 Removing or disabling outdated sound cards
8.3.4 Physical installation of sound cards
8.3.5 Connecting the CD-ROM or DVD player to the sound card
8.3.6 Sound card driver and software installation
8.3.7 MIDI and external-audio source connection

8.4 Overview of CD-RW and DVD

8.4.1 Drive
8.4.2 Recording CDs with CD-R and CD-RW
8.4.3 Digital audio extraction explained
8.4.4 DVD drives
8.4.5 Recordable DVD
8.4.6 CD recording formats
8.4.7 DVD layering and formats

8.5 Digitizing Video

8.5.1 Digital cameras and video cameras
8.5.2 Hardware and software video capture
8.5.3 Installing and configuring a video capture board
Module 9: Advanced Hardware Fundamentals for Servers

9.1 Network Server Overview

9.1.1 Network server
9.1.2 RAID
9.1.3 RAID controller
9.1.4 Hardware RAID versus software RAID

9.2 Hardware-Based RAID Configuration

9.2.1 Hardware-based RAID configuration overview
9.2.2 RAID 0 configuration
9.2.3 RAID 1 configuration
9.2.4 RAID 5 configuration
9.2.5 RAID 0/1 configuration

9.3 Configuring External Peripherals

9.3.1 Overview of external disk subsystems
9.3.2 Configuring an external disk subsystem
9.3.3 Configuring an external CD-ROM system

9.4 Adding Hardware to a Server

9.4.1 Replacing a single processor with a faster processor
9.4.2 Installing additional processors
9.4.3 Upgrading the operating system for multiple processors
9.4.4 Adding hard drives
9.4.5 Adding memory
9.5 Upgrading Server Components
9.5.1 Upgrading adapter memory
9.5.2 Upgrading adapter BIOS of firmware
9.5.3 Replacing an adapter
9.5.4 Upgrading peripheral devices
9.5.5 Upgrading system monitoring agents
9.5.6 Upgrading service tools
9.5.7 Document the configuration

Module 10: Networking Fundamentals

10.1 Introduction to PC Networking

10.1.1 Defining a computer network
10.1.2 File, print, and application services
10.1.3 Mail services
10.1.4 Directory and name services
10.1.5 The Internet
10.1.6 Network administration
10.1.7 Simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex transmission

10.2 Types of Networks

10.2.1 Overview
10.2.2 Peer-to-peer networks
10.2.3 Client/server networks
10.2.4 Local-area networks (LANs)
10.2.5 Wide-area networks (WANs)

10.3 Adding a Network Interface Card (NIC)

10.3.1 What is a NIC?
10.3.2 Setting the IP address
10.3.3 DHCP servers
10.3.4 Default gateway
10.3.5 Domain Name System

10.4 Physical Components of a Network

10.4.1 Network topologies
10.4.2 Physical versus logical topology
10.4.3 Networking media
10.4.4 Common networking devices
10.4.5 Server components
10.5 LAN Architectures
10.5.1 Ethernet
10.5.2 Token Ring
10.5.3 Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

10.6 Networking Protocols and the OSI Model

10.6.1 OSI model overview
10.6.2 What is a protocol?
10.6.3 Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
10.6.4 Interenetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange
10.6.5 NetBEUI
10.6.6 AppleTalk

10.7 TCP/IP Utilities

10.7.1 Overview
10.7.2 Ping
10.7.3 ARP, RARP, and NSLOOKUP
10.7.4 Netstat and tpcon
10.7.5 Nbtstat
10.7.6 Ipconfig, winipcfg, config, and ifconfig
10.7.7 Tracert, iptrace, and traceroute

10.8 Connecting to the Internet

10.8.1 Synchronous and asynchronous serial lines
10.8.2 Modems
10.8.3 Dial-up networking, modem standards, and AT commands
10.8.4 ISPs and Internet backbone providers
10.8.5 Digital subscriber line (DSL)
10.8.6 Cable modems
10.8.7 Cable modem versus DSL Internet technologies
10.8.8 ISDN
10.8.9 Satellite Internet

Module 11: Printers and Printing

11.1 Understanding Printers and Printing

11.1.1 Printer overview
11.1.2 Understanding dot matrix printer operation
11.1.3 Understanding inkjet printer operation
11.1.4 Understanding laser printer operation
11.2 Buying a Printer
11.2.1 Print capacity and speed
11.2.2 Printer quality and resolution
11.2.3 Reliability
11.2.4 Cost of ownership
11.2.5 Laser versus Inkjet printers

11.3 Connecting a Printer

11.3.1 Serial, parallel, USB, SCSI, and network communication types
11.3.2 Page description languages
11.3.3 Installing and updating printer drivers
11.3.4 Ink and toner installation and replacement
11.3.5 Print media installation and adjustment
11.3.6 Installing additional printer memory
11.3.7 Adding a local printer in Windows 2000
11.3.8 Printing a test page

11.4 Sharing a Printer

11.4.1 Host-based printing technology
11.4.2 Printer switches
11.4.3 Printer built-in fonts and font cards
11.4.4 Configuring printer sharing
11.4.5 Adding a network printer
11.4.6 Installing print services
11.4.7 The network print server
11.4.8 Printer network interface cards (NICs)

11.5 Managing a Printer

11.5.1 Using the printer queue to manage print jobs
11.5.2 Setting print times for large or less important documents
11.5.3 Selecting a default printer
11.5.4 Configuring individual printer options
11.5.5 Printer accessories

11.6 Dealing with Paper Problems

11.6.1 Obstructions in the paper path
11.6.2 Stripped and broken drive gears
11.6.3 Stepper motor problems
11.6.4 Defective registration roller and other feed rollers
11.6.5 Wrong type of paper
11.6.6 High humidity
11.6.7 Paper dusting

Module 12: Preventive Maintenance and Upgrading

12.1 Preventive Maintenance and the Technician

12.1.1 Elements of a preventive maintenance program
12.1.2 Tools and equipment
12.1.3 Environmental guidelines
12.1.4 Environmental guidelines for a server room
12.1.5 Proper disposal of hazardous materials
12.1.6 Using Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS)

12.2 Preventive Maintenance and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

12.2.1 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) overview
12.2.2 Antistatic bags
12.2.3 Grounding wrist straps
12.2.4 Compressed air
12.2.5 Grounded workbench

12.3 Preventive Maintenance for Computer Peripherals

12.3.1 Monitor
12.3.2 Mice
12.3.3 Keyboard
12.3.4 Cleaning printers
12.3.5 Scanners

12.4 Preventive Maintenance for Computer Software

12.4.1 Software utilities
12.4.2 User responsibilities
12.4.3 Anti-virus
12.4.4 Firewall
12.4.5 Power issues
12.4.6 Surge suppressor and power supplies
12.4.7 UPS in a server environment

Module 13: Troubleshooting PC Hardware

13.1 Troubleshooting Basics

13.1.1 What is troubleshooting?
13.1.2 Identify the problem
13.1.3 Gathering information
13.1.4 Developing a solution
13.1.5 Implementing the solution
13.1.6 Is the problem solved?
13.1.7 Documenting the solution
13.1.8 Troubleshooting tools
13.1.9 Diagnostic software
13.1.10 Disposal actions

13.2 Troubleshooting the Hardware Box

13.2.1 Overview of field replaceable units (FRUs)
13.2.2 POST errors
13.2.3 CMOS/BIOS errors
13.2.4 Motherboard-related errors
13.2.5 CPUs
13.2.6 RAM
13.2.7 Cable issues
13.2.8 Ports
13.2.9 The video system
13.2.10 Secondary storage devices
13.2.11 Sound cards
13.2.12 Power supply issues
13.2.13 Box cooling issues

13.3 Troubleshooting Peripheral Devices

13.3.1 Input devices
13.3.2 Output devices
13.3.3 SCSI interface issues
13.3.4 Internet/network access devices

Module 14: Troubleshooting Software

14.1 Role of the End User

14.1.1 Overview of the troubleshooting process
14.1.2 Eliciting information from the end user regarding the problem
14.1.3 Reproducing the error symptoms
14.1.4 Identify recent user changes to the software environment
14.1.5 Determining whether the problem is hardware or software related
14.1.6 Fixing the software

14.2 DOS Troubleshooting Issues

14.2.1 System boot problems
14.2.2 DOS error messages
14.2.3 Invalid directory errors

14.3 Common Windows Operating System Problems

14.3.1 Troubleshooting setup (installation) problems
14.3.2 Troubleshooting startup (booting) problems
14.3.3 Windows memory usage problems
14.3.4 Windows OS missing/corrupt .DLL or .VxD files
14.3.5 System lockup errors
14.3.6 Troubleshooting shutdown problems

14.4 Window 9x Troubleshooting Problems

14.4.1 Upgrade issues
14.4.2 Error codes and startup messages
14.4.3 Windows 9x Startup Modes
14.4.4 Windows 9x error log files
14.4.5 Windows virtual memory errors

14.5 Using System Tools and System Editors to Troubleshoot Windows 9x/2000/XP
14.5.1 Using System Tools
14.5.2 Using Windows Device Manager to troubleshoot
14.5.3 Using Windows system editors

14.6 Windows 9x/2000/XP Registry Problems

14.6.1 The Registry files
14.6.2 The Registry structure
14.6.3 Editing the Registry
14.6.4 Cleaning the Registry

14.7 Windows NT4/2000 Troubleshooting Problems

14.7.1 Windows NT/2000 installation problems (Review)
14.7.2 Windows NT/2000 upgrade issues
14.7.3 Windows NT Startup Modes
14.7.4 Windows 2000 Startup Modes
14.7.5 Windows 2000 Recovery Console

14.8 Troubleshooting Windows XP

14.8.1 Windows XP installation problems
14.8.2 Windows XP upgrade issues
14.8.3 Windows XP startup modes
14.8.4 Windows XP recovery console
14.9 Troubleshooting Applications
14.9.1 Troubleshooting DOS applications
14.9.2 Troubleshooting NT/2000 applications

14.10 Windows Data Backup and Recovery

14.10.1 Windows Registry backup and recovery tools
14.10.2 Windows data and application backup and recovery tools
14.10.3 Types of data backup procedures

14.11 Windows-Specific Printer Software Problem Troubleshooting

14.11.1 Print spoolers
14.11.2 Print queues
14.11.3 Incorrect/incompatible printer drivers

14.12 Windows-Specific Networking Software Connection Troubleshooting

14.12.1 Error messages
14.12.2 Incorrect parameter setting/switches
14.12.3 Incorrect protocols or protocol properties
14.12.4 Incorrect client or client properties
14.12.5 Missing or incorrect bindings
14.12.6 Incorrect service selection
14.12.7 Incorrect primary network logon settings
14.12.8 Incorrect computer name or workgroup name
14.12.9 Network troubleshooting software utilities

14.13 Windows 9x, NT, 2000, and XP Help

14.13.1 Help and troubleshooting files
14.13.2 Troubleshooting and information resources