1. Information Technology Basics

• Getting Started in IT
• Windows Desktop Environment
• Basic Features of Windows
• Overview of Software Applications
• Math for a Digital Age
• Laboratory Safety and Tools

2. How Computers Work

• System Overview
• The Boot Process
• Hardware Components
• Memory Components
• Display Components
• Connector Components
• Storage Components
• Network Components
• System Resources
• Portable Devices

3. Assembling a Computer

• Overview of the Assembly Process and Safety Issues
• Creating a Computer Inventory
• The Computer Case and Power Supply
• Preparing the Motherboard for Installation
• Installing the Motherboard
• Installing the Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, and DVD
• Video Card Installation
• Final Steps
• Booting the System for the First Time

4. Operating System Fundamentals

• The Operating System
• Disk Operating System (DOS)
• Memory Management

5. Windows 9x Operating Systems

• The Windows 9x File Structure and File Management System
• Windows Management with Control Panel
• System Tools
• Preparing a Hard Drive for Operating System Installation
• Installing Windows 9x
• Troubleshooting the Installation Process

6. Windows NT/2000 Operating Systems

• Windows 9x Contrasts
• System Tools
• Overview of the Installation Process
• Installing the Windows 2000 OS
• Special Installations

7. Windows XP Operating System

• Windows XP Versions
• Overview of the Installation Process
• Installing the Windows XP OS
• Special Installations
• Windows XP and Windows NT/2000/ME/9x Contrasts

8. Multimedia Capabilities

• Introduction to Multimedia
• Upgrading Video with a Video Acceleration Board
• Adding Audio Capabilities with a Sound Card
• Overview of CD-RW and DVD
• Digitizing Video

9. Advanced Hardware Fundamentals for Servers

• Network Server Overview
• Hardware-Based RAID Configuration
• Configuring External Peripherals
• Adding Hardware to a Server
• Upgrading Server Components

10. Networking Fundamentals

• Introduction to PC Networking
• Types of Networks
• Adding a Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Physical Components of a Network
• LAN Architectures
• Networking Protocols and the OSI Model
• TCP/IP Utilities
• Connecting to the Internet

11. Printers and Printing

• Understanding Printers and Printing
• Buying a Printer
• Connecting a Printer
• Sharing a Printer
• Managing a Printer
• Dealing with Paper Problems

12. Preventive Maintenance and Upgrading

• Preventive Maintenance and the Technician
• Preventive Maintenance and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• Preventive Maintenance for Computer Peripherals
• Preventive Maintenance for Computer Software

13. Troubleshooting PC Hardware

• Troubleshooting Basics
• Troubleshooting the Hardware Box
• Troubleshooting Peripheral Devices

14. Troubleshooting Software

• Role of the End User
• DOS Troubleshooting Issues
• Common Windows Operating System Problems
• Window 9x Troubleshooting Problems
• Using System Tools and System Editors to Troubleshoot Windows 9x/2000/XP
• Windows 9x/2000/XP Registry Problems
• Windows NT4/2000 Troubleshooting Problems
• Troubleshooting Windows XP
• Troubleshooting Applications
• Windows Data Backup and Recovery
• Windows-Specific Printer Software Problem Troubleshooting
• Windows-Specific Networking Software Connection Troubleshooting
• Windows 9x, NT, 2000, and XP Help