This course addresses basic IT literacy and ensures students understand the different terminology and key concepts used in the IT industry. It also serves as an entry point for students who are new to computers. Topics covered include operating systems, hardware basics, troubleshooting, software installation, security, networking, and databases. This course prepares students for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Certification (FC0-U61) exam.

Course Outline

Module 1: Operating Systems

Students will learn about computer operating systems. Content includes how operating systems function and features of common operating systems. There is a focus on the history and core functionality of three operating systems: Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and GNU Linux.

Video content includes:

• Overview
• Computer Operating Systems
• Microsoft Windows
• Apple macOS
• GNU Linux

Practice labs include:

• Manage Operating System Tools
• Manage Operating System Updates
• Installing Windows
• Run Linux from a Live CD

Module 2: Software and Applications

Students will explore different requirements to use software including cost, licensing, and platforms.  Then they will explore business and productivity software and collaboration software. Finally, they will examine web browser features and certificate validity.

Video content includes:

• Software Usage Requirements
• Business and Productivity Software
• Business and Productivity Software Part 2
• Collaboration Software
• Web Browser Settings
• Web Browser Settings Part 2

Practice labs include:

• Manage Application Delivery Methods
• Implement Device Security with Signed Software, Trusted Sites, and Application Control
• Install Productivity Software
• Working with Business Software - Desktop Publishing and PDF Creator
• Manage Web Browser Settings Part 1
• Manage Web Browser Settings Part 2
• Working with Basic HTML Tags

Module 3: Software Development

Students will learn about basic programming concepts and application design. They will explore the use of Python as a development language and delve into elements like variables, functions, and loops.

Video content includes:

• Programming Concepts
• Programming Concepts Part 2
• Developing with Python

Practice labs include:

• Fundamentals of Software Programming
• Working with Primitive Data Types in Python
• Converting Data Types in Python
• Working with Primitive Data Types in Javascript

Module 4: Computer Hardware

Students will examine different types of computer hardware and learn how to connect and configure devices. Topics include processing speed, motherboard, RAM, BIOS, IP-based peripherals, connection types, and storage devices and capacity.

Video content includes:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Common Hardware
• Common Hardware Part 2
• Peripheral Devices
• Peripheral Devices Part 2
• Display Hardware
• Storage Hardware

Practice labs include:

• Managing Units of Measure - Disks, Network Throughput, and Processor Lab
• Implement Device Security with Host-Based Firewall and Password Policy Lab
• Configure Mobile Devices Lab
• Manage Backup and Restore Lab

Module 5: Networking

In this module, basic networking concepts will be discussed. Students will learn about basic protocols, devices used to network, how to configure a wireless router, and network connections.

Video content includes:

• Basic Networking Concepts
• Basic Networking Concepts Part 2
• Configuring a Wireless Router
• Configuring a Wireless Router Part 2
• Connection and Service Types
• Connection and Service Types Part 2

Practice labs include:

• Manage User Authentication with RADIUS

Module 6: Databases

In this module, modern databases are explained. Students will learn about different types of databases, how to communicate with databases, and how data is stored.

Video content includes:

• Database Concepts
• Querying a Database
• Table Design

Practice labs include:

• Core Database Concepts
• Data Storage
• Administering Databases
• Modify Data

Module 7: Security

Students will examine factors that increased the need for security, modern security threats, and strategies to reduce these issues. In addition, they will explore best practices for web browsing.

Video content includes:

• Basic Security Principles
• Basic Security Principles Part 2
• Security Best Practices
• Security Best Practices Part 2
• Security Best Practices Part 3

Practice labs include:

• Password Policies
• Multifactor Authentication and Run As
• Implement Device Security with Anti-Malware Apps
• Social Engineering Reconnaissance
• Configure Network-based Anti-Malware
• Manage File System Security

Module 8: Troubleshooting

Students will learn about CompTIA’s eight-step troubleshooting model. They will examine how these steps can be applied to a hardware issue on a computer.

Video content includes:

• Troubleshooting Methodology
• Troubleshooting Methodology Part 2
• Troubleshooting Example

Practice labs include:

• Troubleshoot Network Connectivity Issues
• Troubleshoot Windows Operating System Errors

Module 9: Certification Test Prep

In this module, students will have an opportunity to review their course notes and practice for the certification exam.

Content includes two exam prep formats:

• Learn Mode
• Exam Mode