IT Crash Course

Lesson 1 • Operating Systems Overview

Explains what an OS does, how it manages resources, and major OS families. Provides context for software installation and troubleshooting chapters.

Lesson 2 • Data Representation and Storage

Teaches binary, hexadecimal, and file formats so students can interpret technical documentation. Directly supports networking and security chapters.

Lesson 3 • Software Types and Licensing

Distinguishes system software, applications, and middleware, and explains licensing models. Prepares students to make compliant software decisions at work.

Lesson 1 • Network Models and Protocols

Introduces the OSI and TCP/IP models as frameworks for understanding communication. Anchors all protocol discussions throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • DNS, DHCP, and Core Services

Details how DNS resolves names and DHCP assigns addresses automatically. Students can diagnose common name-resolution and address-assignment failures.

Lesson 3 • Network Hardware and Topology

Explains routers, switches, access points, and cabling types and their roles. Connects physical infrastructure knowledge to logical network design.

Lesson 4 • IP Addressing and Subnetting

Covers IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, and CIDR notation. Enables students to plan and troubleshoot address allocation in small networks.

Lesson 1 • Building and Upgrading a PC

Walks through component selection, assembly sequence, and POST verification. Students can build a functional workstation from individual parts.

Lesson 2 • Peripheral Devices and Connectivity

Explains USB, Thunderbolt, display, and audio interfaces for connecting peripherals. Prepares students to support diverse endpoint configurations in the field.

Lesson 3 • Safe Hardware Handling Practices

Covers electrostatic discharge prevention, tool use, and workspace safety. Prevents equipment damage and personal injury during all hardware tasks.

Lesson 1 • User and Group Management

Teaches account creation, group policies, and permission inheritance on both platforms. Directly supports security and access-control responsibilities in IT roles.

Lesson 2 • Process and Service Management

Covers monitoring, starting, stopping, and scheduling processes and services. Enables students to maintain system stability and resolve performance issues.

Lesson 3 • Command-Line Proficiency

Builds fluency in Windows Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Bash for administrative tasks. Accelerates all future automation and scripting work in the course.

Lesson 4 • File System Permissions

Explains NTFS permissions on Windows and chmod/chown on Linux for access control. Students can audit and correct permission misconfigurations on shared resources.

Lesson 1 • Core Security Concepts

Defines confidentiality, integrity, and availability as the foundation of security decisions. Frames every subsequent security control within the CIA triad.

Lesson 2 • Encryption and Data Protection

Covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, and certificate basics. Enables students to select and apply appropriate data-protection mechanisms.

Lesson 3 • Common Threats and Attack Vectors

Surveys malware types, phishing, social engineering, and network-based attacks. Students can recognise attack indicators and respond appropriately.

Lesson 4 • Incident Response Basics

Introduces a structured response lifecycle from detection through recovery and lessons learned. Students can execute first-responder actions during a security event.

Lesson 1 • Cloud Monitoring and Cost Control

Introduces dashboards, alerts, and tagging strategies for visibility and budget management. Connects operational awareness to responsible cloud resource stewardship.

Lesson 2 • Cloud Storage and Databases

Covers object storage, block storage, and managed database services in the cloud. Students can choose and configure the right storage tier for a given workload.

Lesson 3 • Virtualisation Concepts and Hypervisors

Explains Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors, virtual machines, and resource allocation. Provides the conceptual base for cloud infrastructure understanding.

Lesson 4 • Cloud Service and Deployment Models

Distinguishes IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS and compares public, private, and hybrid clouds. Students can match business requirements to the appropriate cloud model.

Lesson 1 • Software and OS Issues

Addresses boot failures, application crashes, driver conflicts, and update problems. Builds on OS administration skills to resolve real-world support scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Network Connectivity Problems

Applies networking knowledge to diagnose and fix LAN, Wi-Fi, and internet issues. Students can resolve the most common connectivity tickets without escalation.

Lesson 3 • Structured Troubleshooting Methodology

Presents a repeatable problem-solving framework from symptom identification to solution verification. Reduces resolution time and prevents recurring issues.

Lesson 4 • Help Desk Tools and Ticketing

Introduces ticketing systems, remote support tools, and knowledge-base management. Prepares students for professional support workflows and SLA compliance.

Lesson 1 • IT Governance and Compliance Basics

Surveys governance frameworks, data-protection regulations, and audit readiness. Students can align IT practices with organisational policy and regulatory expectations.

Lesson 2 • IT Asset and Inventory Management

Introduces asset tracking, lifecycle management, and software inventory practices. Supports compliance, budgeting, and security auditing responsibilities.

Lesson 3 • Capacity Planning and Roadmapping

Teaches demand forecasting, technology refresh cycles, and IT roadmap creation. Prepares students to contribute to strategic IT planning conversations.

Lesson 4 • Infrastructure Design Principles

Covers redundancy, scalability, and availability as guiding principles for infrastructure decisions. Students can evaluate trade-offs in proposed architecture designs.