Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals Course

Lesson 1 • The IT Professional's Role

Maps common IT job functions to organisational needs. Sets expectations for professional conduct, documentation habits, and continuous learning.

Lesson 2 • Software Types and Roles

Distinguishes operating systems, applications, and firmware by function. Clarifies how software layers interact with hardware to execute user tasks.

Lesson 3 • What Computers Do and How

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

Lesson 4 • Core Hardware Components

Identifies and explains the function of essential physical components. Builds the hardware literacy needed to understand performance, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

Lesson 1 • Windows Environment and Administration

Covers navigation, user accounts, and system settings in Windows. Connects GUI and command-line tools to real administrative tasks.

Lesson 2 • OS Installation and Updates

Guides students through clean installs, upgrades, and patch management. Establishes best practices for maintaining a secure and stable OS baseline.

Lesson 3 • Linux Command Line Fundamentals

Introduces the Linux shell for file management, permissions, and process control. Prepares students for server administration and scripting tasks covered later.

Lesson 4 • File Systems and Storage Management

Compares file system formats and explains partitioning, formatting, and mounting. Directly supports storage troubleshooting and data organisation skills.

Lesson 1 • Display and Peripheral Troubleshooting

Resolves common issues with monitors, printers, and input devices. Applies driver management and connection diagnostics to peripheral support scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting Methodology

Presents a structured six-step troubleshooting process applicable to any IT problem. Establishes the analytical mindset required for efficient fault isolation.

Lesson 3 • Storage Device Diagnostics

Covers HDD, SSD, and RAID failure indicators and recovery steps. Reinforces data backup importance by demonstrating real failure consequences.

Lesson 4 • Diagnosing CPU and Memory Issues

Identifies symptoms of CPU overheating, memory errors, and POST failures. Connects diagnostic tool output to specific hardware replacement or configuration actions.

Lesson 1 • Network Troubleshooting Tools

Applies command-line and GUI tools to diagnose connectivity issues. Reinforces protocol knowledge by mapping tool output to OSI layer problems.

Lesson 2 • Network Models and Layers

Introduces the OSI and TCP/IP models as frameworks for understanding communication. Establishes layer-by-layer vocabulary used throughout all networking topics.

Lesson 3 • IP Addressing and Subnetting

Teaches IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, and CIDR notation. Enables students to plan and document network address schemes accurately.

Lesson 4 • Core Networking Protocols

Examines DNS, DHCP, HTTP, FTP, and SMTP by function and port. Connects protocol knowledge to real service configuration and troubleshooting scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Security Policies and Compliance

Introduces acceptable-use policies, incident response plans, and regulatory frameworks. Connects technical controls to organisational governance requirements.

Lesson 2 • Security Concepts and Principles

Defines the CIA triad, authentication, and authorisation as foundational security goals. Frames all subsequent security controls within these core principles.

Lesson 3 • Access Control and Authentication

Covers password policies, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access. Directly reduces unauthorised access risk in systems configured by students.

Lesson 4 • Encryption and Data Protection

Explains symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, and PKI basics. Equips students to implement data-at-rest and data-in-transit protections.

Lesson 1 • Cloud Service Models

Distinguishes IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS by responsibility and use case. Enables students to match business requirements to the appropriate cloud delivery model.

Lesson 2 • Virtualisation Concepts and Benefits

Defines hypervisors, virtual machines, and resource abstraction. Establishes why virtualisation is central to modern data centre and cloud operations.

Lesson 3 • Cloud Deployment Models

Compares public, private, hybrid, and community cloud environments. Prepares students to recommend deployment models based on cost, control, and compliance needs.

Lesson 4 • Containers and Microservices Basics

Introduces Docker containers and container orchestration concepts. Connects containerisation to modern application deployment and scalability practices.

Lesson 1 • Server Roles and Rack Infrastructure

Identifies common server types, form factors, and data centre components. Provides the physical infrastructure context for all server administration tasks.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring and Performance Management

Uses monitoring tools to track CPU, memory, disk, and network utilisation. Establishes baselines and alert thresholds to support proactive infrastructure management.

Lesson 3 • File and Print Services

Sets up shared folders, permissions, and print queues for organisational use. Applies access control principles to real resource-sharing scenarios.

Lesson 4 • DNS and DHCP Server Configuration

Configures authoritative DNS zones and DHCP scopes on server platforms. Reinforces protocol knowledge from networking by applying it to live service setup.

Lesson 1 • Change Management in IT

Explains change advisory boards, change requests, and rollback planning. Reduces service disruption risk by embedding formal change control into IT operations.

Lesson 2 • Stakeholder Communication and Reporting

Defines stakeholder analysis, status reporting, and escalation protocols. Connects technical progress to business language that non-technical audiences understand.

Lesson 3 • IT Project Management Frameworks

Compares waterfall, agile, and hybrid project methodologies in IT contexts. Equips students to select and apply the right framework for a given project scope.

Lesson 4 • Planning and Resource Allocation

Covers work breakdown structures, scheduling, and budget estimation for IT projects. Develops skills to produce realistic project plans with measurable milestones.