Cisco IT Essentials course

Lesson 1 • Power and Cooling Systems

Explains power supply ratings, voltage rails, and thermal management components. Prepares learners to select appropriate power and cooling solutions.

Lesson 2 • Storage Devices and Media

Covers HDDs, SSDs, optical drives, and removable media types. Connects storage technology choices to system performance and data capacity planning.

Lesson 3 • Input and Output Devices

Describes keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, and peripheral connectors. Builds awareness of how peripherals integrate with the core system.

Lesson 4 • Safe Handling and ESD Prevention

Introduces electrostatic discharge risks and proper component handling procedures. Ensures learners protect hardware during assembly and maintenance tasks.

Lesson 1 • Motherboard and CPU Installation

Guides CPU seating, thermal paste application, and motherboard mounting into the case. Establishes the central platform for all other component installations.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Assembly Planning and Compatibility

Covers component compatibility checks, documentation review, and workspace preparation. Prevents costly errors before physical assembly begins.

Lesson 3 • Memory and Storage Installation

Covers RAM slot population rules, SSD mounting, and drive cable management. Reinforces storage and memory concepts from Chapter 1 through physical practice.

Lesson 4 • POST Testing and Initial Boot

Describes Power-On Self-Test procedures, BIOS entry, and first-boot verification steps. Validates that the assembled system is functional before OS installation.

Lesson 1 • Operating System Concepts and Types

Defines OS roles, kernel functions, and compares Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. Provides the conceptual foundation for installation and configuration decisions.

Lesson 2 • OS Updates and Basic Configuration

Covers Windows Update, system settings, user accounts, and accessibility options. Establishes a secure and personalised baseline configuration for end users.

Lesson 3 • Installation Media and Boot Methods

Covers creating bootable USB drives, DVD media, and network-based installation sources. Prepares learners to initiate OS installation across various deployment scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Driver Installation and Device Management

Explains driver roles, Device Manager usage, and update procedures for hardware components. Ensures all installed hardware functions correctly after OS deployment.

Lesson 1 • Internet Connectivity and Basic Protocols

Covers ISP connection types, browser configuration, and common protocols like HTTP, FTP, and email. Links network configuration skills to real-world internet usage.

Lesson 2 • Networking Concepts and Terminology

Introduces IP addressing, subnets, DNS, DHCP, and the OSI model layers. Provides the vocabulary and conceptual framework for all practical networking tasks.

Lesson 3 • Network Hardware and Topologies

Describes routers, switches, access points, NICs, and common network topologies. Connects physical infrastructure knowledge to logical network design concepts.

Lesson 4 • Wireless Network Setup and Security

Explains SSID configuration, WPA2/WPA3 security, and wireless adapter management. Ensures learners can deploy and secure Wi-Fi connections on client devices.

Lesson 1 • User Authentication and Access Control

Covers password policies, multi-factor authentication, and user account privilege levels. Reduces unauthorised access risk through strong identity verification practices.

Lesson 2 • Firewall Configuration and Network Security

Describes software and hardware firewalls, rule creation, and port management. Connects network knowledge from Chapter 4 to active traffic filtering practices.

Lesson 3 • Data Protection and Secure Disposal

Covers encryption basics, backup strategies, and secure data destruction methods. Ensures learners protect sensitive data throughout its entire lifecycle.

Lesson 4 • Common Security Threats and Attacks

Defines malware types, phishing, social engineering, and denial-of-service attacks. Establishes threat awareness as the foundation for all defensive security actions.

Lesson 1 • Printer Types and Installation

Describes laser, inkjet, thermal, and impact printer technologies and their installation. Provides the technical background needed to select and deploy printers appropriately.

Lesson 2 • Printer Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Covers paper jams, print quality defects, connectivity errors, and consumable replacement. Applies the troubleshooting methodology from Chapter 6 to printer-specific fault scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Mobile Device Operating Systems

Compares iOS and Android platforms, app ecosystems, and device management features. Prepares learners to support mobile devices alongside traditional desktop systems.

Lesson 4 • Mobile Device Connectivity and Troubleshooting

Explains Bluetooth, NFC, cellular data, and Wi-Fi configuration on mobile devices. Extends networking skills from Chapter 4 to smartphone and tablet connectivity scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Display and Peripheral Troubleshooting

Addresses monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer fault diagnosis and resolution. Extends hardware troubleshooting skills to the full range of user-facing devices.

Lesson 2 • Preventive Maintenance Practices

Covers cleaning schedules, firmware updates, disk maintenance, and hardware inspection routines. Reduces failure frequency through proactive system care habits.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Common Hardware Failures

Covers symptoms and causes of CPU, RAM, storage, and power supply failures. Builds diagnostic skills by linking observable symptoms to specific component faults.

Lesson 4 • The Six-Step Troubleshooting Process

Introduces the identify, theorise, test, plan, implement, and verify troubleshooting model. Provides a repeatable framework that applies to all hardware and software problems.

Lesson 1 • Time Management and Prioritisation

Covers task prioritisation frameworks, workload balancing, and SLA awareness in support roles. Helps learners manage competing demands without sacrificing service quality.

Lesson 2 • Help Desk Ticketing and Documentation

Explains ticket lifecycle, priority classification, escalation paths, and knowledge base use. Builds the documentation habits that support consistent and auditable IT service delivery.

Lesson 3 • Career Pathways and Certifications

Maps IT career tracks, relevant industry certifications, and continuing education resources. Motivates learners by connecting course skills to tangible professional advancement opportunities.

Lesson 4 • Communication Skills for IT Support

Covers active listening, clear verbal explanations, and written communication for tickets. Ensures technical knowledge is delivered effectively to users of all skill levels.