IT Fundamentals Course

Lesson 1 • What Computers Do and Why

Defines computing as input, processing, output, and storage. Anchors all subsequent hardware and software concepts to this four-function model.

Lesson 2 • Binary and Data Representation

Explains how all digital data is encoded in binary. Connects number systems to practical understanding of file sizes and data capacity.

Lesson 3 • Software Fundamentals

Distinguishes system software from application software and explains how they interact. Prepares students for operating system and application topics ahead.

Lesson 1 • User and Account Administration

Teaches creation, modification, and removal of user accounts and groups. Directly supports access control practices introduced in later security chapters.

Lesson 2 • OS Maintenance and Updates

Covers patch management, update cycles, and routine maintenance tasks. Ensures students can keep systems stable, secure, and current.

Lesson 3 • File Systems and Storage Management

Covers how operating systems organise and access data on storage media. Students learn to navigate directory structures and manage disk partitions.

Lesson 4 • Role of the Operating System

Explains how an OS manages hardware resources and provides services to applications. Establishes why OS knowledge is central to all IT support work.

Lesson 1 • Safe Work Practices for Hardware

Covers electrostatic discharge prevention, tool use, and workspace safety. Establishes habits that protect both technicians and equipment throughout all lab work.

Lesson 2 • Peripheral Devices and Connectivity

Covers installation and troubleshooting of printers, monitors, and USB devices. Extends hardware skills to the full range of devices found in office environments.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Hardware Failures

Introduces a structured troubleshooting methodology applied to hardware symptoms. Students practice isolating faulty components using diagnostic tools and substitution.

Lesson 4 • POST and Boot Process

Explains the power-on self-test sequence and BIOS/UEFI role in booting. Students interpret POST codes and BIOS messages to identify hardware faults.

Lesson 1 • IP Addressing and Subnetting

Teaches IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, and CIDR notation. Students calculate valid host ranges and design simple subnet schemes.

Lesson 2 • Core Network Protocols

Surveys essential protocols including DNS, DHCP, HTTP, and FTP. Connects protocol knowledge to real service configuration and troubleshooting tasks.

Lesson 3 • Network Hardware and Media

Identifies switches, routers, access points, and cabling types. Prepares students to select and connect appropriate hardware for a given network scenario.

Lesson 4 • The OSI and TCP/IP Models

Explains the layered models that govern network communication. Students use these frameworks to diagnose where in the stack a problem originates.

Lesson 1 • Configuring Network Interfaces

Teaches static and dynamic IP assignment on workstations and servers. Connects OS-level network settings to the addressing concepts from the networking chapter.

Lesson 2 • Network Troubleshooting Techniques

Applies the OSI model as a diagnostic framework for connectivity problems. Students use command-line tools to trace, test, and resolve network faults.

Lesson 3 • Wireless Network Configuration

Guides students through SSID, channel, and security settings on access points. Addresses common wireless interference and coverage issues.

Lesson 4 • Router and Gateway Setup

Covers basic router configuration including static routes and NAT. Students enable internet access and inter-network routing for small office environments.

Lesson 1 • Security Incident Response Basics

Outlines the steps for identifying, containing, and reporting a security incident. Prepares students to act decisively and document events during a breach.

Lesson 2 • Endpoint and Network Defenses

Introduces firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection as layered defences. Students configure basic protective controls on workstations and network perimeters.

Lesson 3 • Common Threats and Attack Types

Surveys malware categories, social engineering, and network-based attacks. Students recognise threat indicators to respond appropriately before damage escalates.

Lesson 4 • Access Control and Authentication

Covers password management, multi-factor authentication, and access control models. Builds on user administration skills to enforce identity-based security.

Lesson 1 • Virtualisation Concepts and Benefits

Defines hypervisors, virtual machines, and resource pooling. Connects virtualisation to cost reduction, scalability, and disaster recovery outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Deploying and Managing Virtual Machines

Guides students through VM creation, configuration, and lifecycle management. Builds practical skills transferable to both on-premises and cloud platforms.

Lesson 3 • Cloud Service and Deployment Models

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

Lesson 4 • Cloud Storage and Services

Covers object storage, file sync services, and cloud-based productivity tools. Students evaluate storage options based on cost, durability, and access patterns.

Lesson 1 • Backup and Disaster Recovery

Covers backup strategies, recovery objectives, and testing procedures. Students design and verify backup plans that meet organisational continuity requirements.

Lesson 2 • Continuous Improvement in IT

Introduces root cause analysis, metrics, and iterative improvement cycles. Students apply data-driven thinking to reduce recurring incidents and improve service quality.

Lesson 3 • Change and Asset Management

Explains change control processes and IT asset lifecycle tracking. Prevents unauthorised changes and ensures accurate inventory for planning and compliance.

Lesson 4 • IT Service Management Principles

Introduces service desk concepts, ticketing systems, and service-level expectations. Frames technical work within a structured service delivery context.