IT Essentials

The Cisco Networking Academy® IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software curriculum provides an introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level ICT professionals. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of PC computer technology, networking, and security, and also provides an introduction to advanced concepts.

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software is a hands-on, careeroriented e-learning solution with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop fundamental computer skills, along with essential career skills. The Cisco® IT Essentials curriculum helps students prepare for entry-level ICT career opportunities and the CompTIA A+ certification, which helps students differentiate themselves in the marketplace to advance their careers.In addition, the course provides a learning pathway to the Cisco CCNA® Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula.

Features

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software provides a comprehensive introduction to the ICT industry and interactive, hands-on exposure to personal computers, hardware, software, and operating systems. The curriculum offers the following features and benefits:
• Students develop working knowledge of how computers operate, how to assemble computers, and how to troubleshoot hardware and software issues
• Hands-on labs and virtual learning tools help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills
• The course emphasizes the practical application of skills and procedures needed for hardware and software installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting systems
• Cisco Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities promote the exploration of networking and network security concepts and allow students to experiment with network behavior
• Interactive assessments provide immediate feedback to support the evaluation of knowledge and acquired skills

Students who complete IT Essentials will be able to perform the following functions:

• Define information technology (IT) and describe the components of a personal computer
• Describe how to protect self, equipment, and the environment from accidents, damage, and contamination
• Perform a step-by-step assembly of a desktop computer and install and navigate an operating system
• Explain and perform preventive maintenance
• Explain the steps of the troubleshooting process and perform basic troubleshooting
• Upgrade or replace components of a laptop, printer, or scanner based on customer needs
• Configure computers to attach to an existing network
• Implement basic physical and software security principles
• Apply good communication skills and professional behavior while working with customers
• Assess customer needs, analyze possible configurations, and provide solutions or recommendations for hardware, operating systems, networking, and security

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Outline