Computer Hardware & Networking

Computer Hardware & Fundamentals

Before touching a network, students must understand the machine. This module covers the physical architecture of a PC.

  • Introduction to Hardware: Motherboards, CPU sockets, and chipsets.

  • Memory & Storage: Understanding RAM (DDR4/DDR5), HDD vs. SSD (SATA, M.2, NVMe).

  • Power & Cooling: SMPS ratings, thermal paste application, and airflow management.

  • BIOS/UEFI: Configuration, secure boot, and firmware updates.

  • Assembly & Troubleshooting: Step-by-step PC assembly and identifying “Beep Codes.”

Operating Systems & Software Management

Hardware is useless without an OS. This module focuses on installation and maintenance.

  • OS Installation: Windows 10/11 and Linux (Ubuntu/Debian) setup.

  • Disk Management: Partitioning (GPT vs. MBR), file systems (NTFS, FAT32, EXT4).

  • Device Drivers: Manual installation and resolving hardware conflicts.

  • System Tools: Using Task Manager, Event Viewer, and Registry Editor.

Networking Fundamentals

This is the core of the course, focusing on how devices communicate.

  • The OSI Model: A deep dive into all 7 layers.

  • Network Topologies: Star, Mesh, and Hybrid structures.

  • Cabling & Hardware: * CAT5e/CAT6 crimping (Straight-through vs. Crossover).

    • Understanding Hubs, Switches, Routers, and Access Points.

  • IP Addressing: * IPv4 vs. IPv6.

    • Subnetting (FLSM & VLSM).

    • Public vs. Private IPs.

Advanced Networking & Server Admin

Moving beyond the home router into professional environments.

  • Routing & Switching: Static vs. Dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF).

  • VLANs: Creating virtual networks to segment traffic.

  • DHCP & DNS: Configuring automatic IP assignment and name resolution.

  • Remote Desktop & FTP: Managing files and systems remotely.

Network Security & Maintenance

How to protect the infrastructure from threats.

  • Firewalls: Configuring Windows Firewall and hardware-based UTMs.

  • Wireless Security: WEP, WPA2, WPA3, and MAC filtering.

  • VPN Fundamentals: Secure tunneling for remote work.

  • Backup & Recovery: Disaster recovery planning and RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10).

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