Imagine building a computer and connecting it securely to a network — IT Essentials gives you the hardware, software, networking, security, and professional skills needed to launch a rewarding IT career.
IT Essentials is a comprehensive, instructor-led course covering the fundamentals of computer and mobile device hardware and software, as well as advanced concepts including networking, security, virtualization, cloud computing, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. Students learn how various hardware and software components work, build and upgrade computers, install and troubleshoot operating systems, configure network connectivity, and implement security best practices. The course uses hands-on lab activities, Cisco Packet Tracer simulations, and 128 interactive activities to develop practical troubleshooting and IT career skills. New topics in version 8 include DNS records, spam management, VLANs, privacy, and gaming. The course aligns with the CompTIA A+ Certification.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. Introduction to Personal Computer Hardware
- 2. PC Assembly
- 3. Advanced Computer Hardware
- 4. Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- 5. Networking Concepts
- 6. Applied Networking
- 7. Laptops and Other Mobile Devices
- 8. Printers
- 9. Virtualization and Cloud Computing
- 10. Windows Installation
- 11. Windows Configuration
- 12. Mobile, Linux, and macOS Operating Systems
- 13. Security
- 14. The IT Professional
Skills You Will Learn
Identify, select, and install personal computer components to build, repair, or upgrade desktop systems. Perform PC disassembly, assembly, and BIOS/UEFI configuration. Explain electrical power and computer functionality. Apply preventive maintenance practices and use a structured troubleshooting process for hardware and peripheral issues. Explain networking concepts including protocols, standards, services, and network device types. Build a network cable and configure devices for wired and wireless network connectivity. Explain laptop and mobile device features, configuration, and troubleshooting. Install and configure printers and implement printer sharing. Describe virtualisation and compare cloud computing models. Install and configure Windows, manage disk partitions, and troubleshoot boot sequences. Manage Windows configuration using Control Panels, command-line tools, system administration utilities, and networking settings. Configure, secure, and troubleshoot mobile, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Implement basic host, data, and network security including security threat identification and wireless security. Explain the professional communication, operational, ethical, legal, and call centre responsibilities of an IT professional.
Technologies Used
Physical PC hardware (assembly & repair)
Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS
Cisco Packet Tracer
Networking tools (RJ-45 crimpers, cable testers, multimeter)
128 interactive activities & 26 hours of hands-on labs
Course Details
Course Type: Instructor-led
Time: 70 Hours
Modules: 14
Labs: 128 interactive activities & up to 26 hours of hands-on labs using hardware & Cisco Packet Tracer
Prerequisites
None.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course aligns with the CompTIA A+ Certification exam objectives. It prepares learners for entry-level IT roles including IT Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, and PC Technician. Recommended next courses: Networking Essentials, CyberOps Associate, or Network Security.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Share your verified achievement on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the IT Essentials course. The holder of this student-level credential demonstrated foundational knowledge in computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking concepts, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. They participated in up to 128 interactive activities and accumulated up to 26 hours of hands-on labs using hardware and/or Cisco Packet Tracer.