Curious about IT but not sure where to start? Explore IT fundamentals and gain job-ready skills in this introductory course. These beginner-friendly materials provide you with the basics you need to jump-start your career in IT or help you converse knowledgeably with your IT peers regarding computer hardware and operating systems.

Topics you investigate include operating system basics; hardware like peripherals, connectors, and internal components; and practical activities such as workstation setup and troubleshooting.

Take this course if you are new to IT and computer hardware or want to get started in an IT support-related profession as a Help Desk Support Specialist, IT Support Specialist, Virtual Customer Service Agent, or Technical Support Representative. It’s also appropriate for managers, executives, or peers adjacent to IT personnel or who want to expand their fundamental IT vocabulary relating to hardware or operating systems.

After taking the course, you will have assets to build your portfolio that showcase your analytical skills through practice labs and activities. This course provides hands-on experience with a real-world project to add to your portfolio, demonstrating your hardware and operating systems knowledge with troubleshooting malfunctioning computer systems.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals and Operating Systems

Introduction to Computer Fundamentals
Common Computing Devices and Platforms
Understanding How Computers Talk
An Introduction to Operating systems
Getting Started with Microsoft Windows
Lab: Microsoft Windows Navigation Basics

Module 2: Computing Devices and Peripherals

Identifying Hardware Components and Peripherals
Lab: Exploring Installed Hardware and System Information
Input and Pointing Devices
Lab: Using Device Manager for the Keyboard and Pointing Devices
Hard Drives
Optical Drives and External Storage
Lab: Using Disk Management for Managing Disk Drives
Display Devices
Printers and Scanners
Audio and Visual Devices
Activity: Identifying Hardware Devices

Module 3: Interfaces and Connectors

Identify Ports and Connectors
Lab: Identifying Graphic Devices
Identifying Audio Connectors
Wired and Wireless Connections
Peripheral and Printer Connections
Lab: Lab: Installing a Local Printer
Installation Types
Activity: Identifying Devices and Connectors

Module 4: Internal Computer Components

Internal Computer Components
Data Processing and Storage
Internal Storage
Display Cards and Sound Cards
Lab: Using Device Manager for Monitor and Display Adapters
Network Interface Cards
Lab: Using Device Manager for Network Adapters and Disk Drives
Cooling Fans
Activity: Identifying Internal Computer Components

Module 5: Workstation Evaluation, Setup, and Troubleshooting

Installing Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System Configuration
Microsoft Windows 10 Management and Performance
Managing File and Folders
Activity: Navigating Files and Folders
Lab: Using File Explorer to Manage Files and Folders
Evaluating Computing Performance and Storage
Workstation Evaluation and Setup
Instructional Lab: Evaluating Computer Systems
Activity: Setting Up Workstations and Changing Settings
Screen Capture and Tools
Introduction to Troubleshooting
Advanced Microsoft Windows 10 Management and Utilities
Lab: Using System Settings to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Issues
Introduction to Business Continuity Principles

What You'll Learn

Explain fundamental operating system concepts.
Recognize desktop and laptop hardware components and devices.
Identify commonly used interfaces and peripherals and describe their uses.
Explain basic workstation setup, locate operating system settings, and identify good troubleshooting practices.

Recommended Skills Before Taking this Course

Basic computer literacy. Also note that this platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.

Hardware and Operating Systems Fundamentals

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