Hardware and Networking Course

Lesson 1 • Memory and Storage Technologies

Differentiates RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, and NVMe storage. Students match storage types to appropriate use cases.

Lesson 2 • Power and Cooling Systems

Examines PSU wattage ratings, efficiency certifications, and cooling methods. Prepares students to select appropriate power and thermal solutions.

Lesson 3 • Central Processing Unit Essentials

Explains CPU architecture, clock speed, cores, and cache. Connects processor specs to real-world performance outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Expansion Cards and Peripherals

Covers GPUs, sound cards, and PCIe slots alongside input/output devices. Links expansion hardware to system capability upgrades.

Lesson 1 • Step-by-Step PC Assembly

Guides students through installing CPU, RAM, storage, and PSU into a case. Builds procedural confidence for real-world technician tasks.

Lesson 2 • Diagnosing Hardware Failures

Introduces POST codes, beep codes, and diagnostic tools for fault isolation. Students apply a structured troubleshooting methodology to hardware problems.

Lesson 3 • Upgrading and Replacing Components

Teaches compatibility checks and upgrade paths for RAM, storage, and GPUs. Students evaluate and execute hardware upgrades on existing systems.

Lesson 4 • BIOS and UEFI Configuration

Covers firmware navigation, boot order, and hardware detection settings. Students configure BIOS/UEFI to prepare a system for OS installation.

Lesson 1 • OS Maintenance and Recovery

Covers system restore points, backup strategies, and recovery media creation. Students recover a non-booting system using learned tools.

Lesson 2 • Linux Installation and Basic Administration

Installs a Linux distribution and introduces terminal commands for system management. Builds foundational Linux skills relevant to server environments.

Lesson 3 • Operating System Fundamentals

Defines OS roles, kernel functions, and major OS families. Provides conceptual grounding before hands-on installation tasks begin.

Lesson 4 • Partitioning and Disk Preparation

Covers MBR vs. GPT partition schemes and disk formatting. Students prepare storage media correctly before any OS installation.

Lesson 1 • The OSI Reference Model

Explains all seven OSI layers and their specific functions. Students use the model to analyze where network issues originate.

Lesson 2 • TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Maps TCP/IP layers to OSI and details core protocols at each layer. Students trace data encapsulation from application to physical transmission.

Lesson 3 • DNS, DHCP, and NAT Services

Explains how DNS resolves names, DHCP assigns addresses, and NAT translates IPs. Students configure these services in a lab environment.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Computer Networks

Defines networks, their purposes, and basic topologies. Sets the conceptual stage for all protocol and hardware topics that follow.

Lesson 1 • Switches and VLANs

Covers managed switch operation, MAC address tables, and VLAN segmentation. Students configure VLANs to isolate network traffic logically.

Lesson 2 • Structured Cabling and Patch Panels

Teaches TIA/EIA cabling standards, patch panel termination, and rack organization. Students build a compliant structured cabling installation.

Lesson 3 • Network Transmission Media

Compares copper, fiber optic, and wireless media by speed, distance, and cost. Students select appropriate cabling for given network scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Wireless Access Points and Standards

Covers Wi-Fi standards, channel planning, and access point placement. Students configure an access point for secure, optimized wireless coverage.

Lesson 1 • File and Print Sharing Services

Sets up shared folders, network printers, and access permissions on a server. Students connect client machines to shared resources across the network.

Lesson 2 • Remote Access and VPN Basics

Introduces RDP, SSH, and VPN tunneling for secure remote connectivity. Students establish and verify remote sessions to network devices and servers.

Lesson 3 • Switch Configuration and Management

Covers port security, VLAN assignment, and inter-VLAN routing on switches. Students apply switch hardening and segmentation in a lab topology.

Lesson 4 • Router Configuration and Internet Access

Configures router interfaces, NAT, and default routes for internet connectivity. Students enable outbound internet access for a simulated office LAN.

Lesson 1 • Wireless Network Security

Addresses wireless vulnerabilities and mitigation through encryption and authentication. Students harden a wireless network against common attack methods.

Lesson 2 • Core Security Concepts

Defines the CIA triad, threat categories, and attack vectors relevant to networks. Establishes the security mindset applied in all subsequent sections.

Lesson 3 • Firewalls and Access Control Lists

Covers stateful firewall operation and ACL rule creation on routers. Students write and apply ACLs to permit or deny specific traffic flows.

Lesson 4 • Endpoint and Physical Security

Covers antivirus, patch management, and physical access controls for devices. Students apply endpoint hardening policies to workstations and servers.

Lesson 1 • Cloud and Virtualization Integration

Introduces IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models alongside virtual networking concepts. Students connect an on-premises network to a cloud environment conceptually.

Lesson 2 • Certification Pathways and Career Planning

Maps industry certifications to job roles and outlines a professional development roadmap. Students create a personalized career plan aligned with their goals.

Lesson 3 • Enterprise Network Design Principles

Applies hierarchical network design using core, distribution, and access layers. Students create a scalable network diagram for a multi-floor office building.

Lesson 4 • Wide Area Network Technologies

Covers WAN connection types including MPLS, broadband, and leased lines. Students select and justify WAN solutions for given business requirements.