A+ Certification
About the Course
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0
Covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts. Students who complete this course will be able to describe the internal components of a computer, assemble a computer system, install an operating system, and troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software. Students will also be able to connect to the Internet and share resources in a network environment. New topics included in this version include laptops and portable devices, wireless connectivity, security, safety and environmental issues, and communication skills.
Hands-on lab activities will continue to be an essential element of the course. In support of this, virtual learning tools are integrated into this course. The Virtual Laptop and Virtual Desktop are stand-alone tools designed to supplement classroom learning and provide an interactive "hands-on" experience in learning environments with limited physical equipment.
IT Essentials II: Network Operating Systems
It is an intensive introduction to multi-user, multi-tasking network operating systems. Characteristics of the Linux, Windows 2000, NT, and XP network operating systems will be discussed. Students will explore a variety of topics including installation procedures, security issues, back up procedures and remote access.
About A+
CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.
A+ is an enormously popular certification , A+ certifies skills in entry-level PC technology. It is a vendor-neutral certification, with an emphasis on the expertise needed to work as a computer service technician, troubleshooting and repairing PCs.
Among the certifications available for computer professionals, A+ is probably the one cited most often as a starting point for careers in the industry. It is viewed as a way to find jobs as computer service technicians or to gain enough skills to move on to further training.
A+ Certification is open to anyone who wants to take the tests. No specific requirements are necessary except payment of the fee. Individuals may retake the test modules as often as they like, but the Core and the Specialty Exams must be passed within 90 calendar days of each other in order for and individual to become certified.
Facts about A+
A+ Certification has only recently gained most of its popularity. Infact, even today, many people in the computer related fields aren't aware that A+ certifies a person to be competent in PC upgrades and related tasks.
A+ certifies the competency of only an entry-level (6 months experience) computer service technicians. Yet, its highly recommended that all computer professionals have this certification completed ASAP.
The test covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but is not bound to any vendor-specific products such as MSCE, CNA, etc...
To date, over 500,000 people have obtained the A+ Certification
Objectives
The objective of the PC Hardware and Software course is to prepare students for entry-level positions in the IT field within several different working environments, such as corporate, help-desk and field environments. Students learn about the components of desktop and laptop computers by learning the proper procedures for hardware and software installations, updates and troubleshooting.
Today we live in a global economy where skills need to be transferable across borders to meet market demands, no matter the location of the employee or the employer. The Cisco Networking Academy Program provides access to these skills. This learning experience is supported by high-quality curricula, assessments, instructor training, hands-on labs and classroom interaction that is delivered worldwide to ensure consistency in qualifications and skills.
"In a world that is more and more connected by the network, it is imperative that today's students have exposure to the fundamentals of computer science and IT," said Laura Quintana, director of product management, Cisco Networking Academy. "The Cisco Networking Academy has updated the PC Hardware and Software course in response to today's market needs and Web 2.0 world. The PC Hardware and Software course provides in-depth exposure to real-world skills that are an essential part of the IT career path."
The updated PC Hardware and Software 4.0 course is divided into two parts. The fundamentals part of the course prepares students for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ Essentials exam and offers a greater emphasis on information security skills, safety and job-environmental issues and soft skills. The advanced part of the course prepares students for CompTIA's three job environment certification exams: IT Technician (220-602), Remote Support Technician (220-603), and Depot Technician (220-604). This is a hands-on, lab-oriented course that stresses laboratory safety and working effectively in a group environment.
There are no prerequisites for the PC Hardware and Software course. The course consists of both instructor-facilitated online multimedia material and lab exercises. Standalone virtual learning tools have been developed to supplement classroom instruction and provide opportunities for interactive "hands-on" learning.
"In our design of this course, we applied the principle that students learn best by doing," said Dr. John Behrens, director of learning systems development, Cisco Networking Academy. "We have introduced interactive multimedia and tools such as the Virtual Desktop and Virtual Laptop that enable students to virtually disassemble and reassemble desktops and laptops. These tools emphasize meaningful student engagement by promoting exploration and experimentation that result in rich feedback and interactivity."
Curriculum
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0 - Semester I
Introduction to Personal Computer
Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use
Computer Assembly step by step
Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Fundamental of OS
Laptops and Portable devices
Printers and Scanners
Networks
Security
Communication skills
IT Essentials II: Network Operating Systems - Semester II
Operating System fundamentals
Introduction to Networking
Physical components of a Network
TCP/IP Networking
Overview of Network services
Introduction to Network Operating Systems
Installations and Boot Process overview
Windows 2000 Professional
Linux Installation procedure
Linux Administration
Advanced NOS Administration
Installing & Maintaining H/W in Linux
Troubleshooting the Operating System
Network Security
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