Basic IT Skills Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of a Modern Computer

Covers CPU, RAM, storage, and motherboard roles. Establishes the physical foundation for understanding all subsequent software and network topics.

Lesson 2 • How Data Is Represented

Introduces binary, bits, bytes, and encoding standards. Provides the conceptual basis for understanding file sizes, data transfer, and storage capacity.

Lesson 3 • Types of Computing Devices

Compares desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and servers. Helps learners match device types to appropriate professional and personal use cases.

Lesson 1 • File Systems and Directory Structure

Explains hierarchical folder structures and file system types. Grounds learners in how operating systems organise and locate data.

Lesson 2 • Local Storage Technologies

Compares HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and optical media. Connects storage type selection to performance, cost, and durability needs.

Lesson 3 • Cloud Storage and Synchronization

Introduces cloud storage services, sync clients, and access control. Prepares learners to store and share files securely across multiple devices.

Lesson 4 • File Types and Formats

Covers document, image, audio, video, and archive formats. Enables learners to choose correct formats for sharing, editing, and storage.

Lesson 1 • Network Types and Topologies

Defines LAN, WAN, MAN, and common topologies. Provides the structural vocabulary needed for all subsequent networking and security topics.

Lesson 2 • Basic Network Troubleshooting

Teaches ping, traceroute, and ipconfig diagnostic commands. Equips learners to isolate and resolve common connectivity issues independently.

Lesson 3 • Core Network Protocols

Introduces TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP. Connects protocol knowledge to everyday activities like browsing, email, and file transfer.

Lesson 4 • IP Addressing and DNS

Covers IPv4, IPv6, subnets, and domain name resolution. Enables learners to understand how devices are identified and located on a network.

Lesson 1 • Incident Response and Reporting

Outlines steps to take after a suspected breach or malware infection. Prepares learners to act quickly and escalate appropriately within an organisation.

Lesson 2 • Safe Browsing and Email Habits

Covers HTTPS verification, suspicious link detection, and email attachment risks. Translates threat knowledge into daily protective behaviours.

Lesson 3 • Common Cyber Threats and Attack Types

Covers malware, phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. Builds threat recognition skills that underpin all defensive security practices.

Lesson 4 • Password Security and Authentication

Teaches strong password creation, managers, and multi-factor authentication. Directly reduces the most common account compromise vectors.

Lesson 1 • Real-Time Collaboration Tools

Introduces co-authoring, version history, and team chat platforms. Prepares learners to work effectively in distributed and hybrid teams.

Lesson 2 • Spreadsheet Fundamentals

Teaches cell references, formulas, functions, and basic charts. Equips learners to organise data and perform calculations for business tasks.

Lesson 3 • Email and Calendar Management

Teaches inbox organisation, scheduling, and meeting coordination tools. Directly improves professional communication and time management.

Lesson 4 • Word Processing Essentials

Covers formatting, styles, templates, and document review features. Enables learners to create professional documents that meet workplace standards.

Lesson 1 • Digital Communication Channels

Compares email, instant messaging, VoIP, and video conferencing. Helps learners choose the right channel for each professional communication need.

Lesson 2 • Social Media in Professional Contexts

Addresses professional networking platforms, content sharing, and digital reputation. Prepares learners to use social media strategically and responsibly.

Lesson 3 • Online Services and Subscriptions

Covers SaaS applications, streaming, e-commerce, and subscription management. Equips learners to evaluate, adopt, and manage online service accounts.

Lesson 4 • Search Engines and Information Literacy

Covers search operators, result evaluation, and source credibility. Enables learners to find accurate, relevant information efficiently online.

Lesson 1 • Ethical Use of Technology

Addresses algorithmic bias, surveillance concerns, and responsible AI use. Develops critical thinking about the societal impact of technology decisions.

Lesson 2 • Privacy Regulations and Organisational Obligations

Covers global privacy regulation concepts, breach notification duties, and data retention rules. Connects principles to real organisational compliance requirements.

Lesson 3 • Handling Personal Data Safely

Teaches secure data transfer, anonymisation, and access control practices. Translates privacy principles into concrete daily data handling behaviours.

Lesson 4 • Core Privacy Principles

Introduces data minimisation, purpose limitation, and consent. Establishes the ethical framework that governs all subsequent compliance and data handling topics.

Lesson 1 • Software and OS Troubleshooting

Addresses application crashes, slow performance, driver conflicts, and update failures. Equips learners to restore software functionality without data loss.

Lesson 2 • Common Hardware Issues and Fixes

Covers overheating, peripheral failures, display problems, and boot errors. Builds hands-on confidence for resolving the most frequent physical device issues.

Lesson 3 • Preventive Maintenance and System Health

Covers disk cleanup, driver updates, hardware cleaning, and health monitoring. Shifts learners from reactive to proactive IT maintenance habits.

Lesson 4 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

Introduces the identify-hypothesise-test-resolve cycle. Provides a repeatable framework that applies to every hardware and software problem in this chapter.