Course Description IT Essentials:
PC Hardware and Software is a hands-on career-oriented e-learning solution with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop fundamental computer skills along with essential career skills. The Cisco IT Essentials curriculum helps students prepare for entry-level ICT career opportunities and the CompTIAA+ certification which helps students differentiate themselves in the marketplace to advance their careers. In addition the course provides a learning pathway to the Cisco CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula.
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software can be delivered as an independent curriculum or integrated into a broader course of study such as technology or continuing education programs. The curriculum can be offered in an in person or a blended distance learning BDL environment.
Course Outline
Part 1—Fundamentals Chapter Outline Goals
1. Introduction to the Personal Computer
• Identify and describe the various components that make up a personal computer and define information technology
2. Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use
• Identify and describe tools used for computer service and explain how to use those tools safely
3. Computer Assembly Step-by-Step
• Describe the assembly of a personal computer
4. Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Describe the purpose of preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting steps
5. Fundamental Operating Systems
• Describe operating system capabilities, the installation process, navigation, basic preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
6. Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices
• Identify and describe the main components of laptops and portable devices, basic preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
7. Fundamental Printers and Scanners
• Identify and describe the differences between printers and scanners, installation and configuration, basic preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
8. Fundamental Networks
• Identify and describe basic network components, technologies, basic preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
9. Fundamental Security
10. Communication Skills
• Describe professional skills and communication techniques
Part 2—Advanced Chapter Outline Goals
11. Advanced Personal Computers
• Describe the process for replacing or upgrading personal computer components and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
12. Advanced Operating Systems
• Describe the processes used to install, upgrade, configure, and optimize a computer operating system, and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
13. Advanced Laptops and Portable Devices
• Describe the process for replacing or upgrading laptop or portable device components, describe common wireless communication technologies, and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
14. Advanced Printers and Scanners
• Install and configure local and shared network printers and scanners, and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
15. Advanced Networks
• Design and implement a basic network based on customer requirements and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
16. Advanced Security
• Implement security measures based on customer requirements and apply preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software encourages students to explore networking concepts using tools such as Packet Tracer. Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation tool developed by Cisco that allows students to experiment with network behavior and develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills, while gaining practical knowledge.
