The A+ course is a hands‐on course introducing the student to computer hardware and software. The students will learn about the installation/repair of computers and peripherals, as well as and build their own computer.
The Network+ course is a hands‐on course allowing the student to build a networking foundation gaining hands‐on networking experience. The objectives are in two distinct groups: knowledge of networking technology and knowledge of networking practices.
In the Windows Vista course, students will learn how to successfully install, administer, and
troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows Vista
Business operating system.
Achieving CompTIA A+, Network+ and MCP certifications designates that the student has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance, the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, manage and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services and the ability to successfully install, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system.
The technology community identifies the CompTIA A+ certification, Network + and MCP certifications as a perfect entry point into an Information Technology career.
Course Outline
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining a PC
200 Hours
Introducing Hardware
Introducing Operating Systems
PC Repair Fundamentals
Form Factors and Power Supplies
Processors and Chipsets
Motherboards
Upgrading Memory
Hard Drives
Installing and Supporting I/O Devices
Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
Installing Windows 2000/XP
Maintaining Windows 2000/XP
Supporting Windows 2000/XP Users and Their Data
Troubleshooting Windows 2000/XP Startup
Windows 9x/ME Commands and Startup Disk
Supporting Windows 9x/ME
PCs on a Network
PCs on the Internet
Securing your PC and LAN
Notebooks, Table PCs, and PDAs
Supporting Printers and Scanners
The Professional PC Technician
Network+ Introduction to Networking Technologies
100 Hours
Network Theory
Network Communications Methods
Network Data Delivery
Network Media and Hardware
Network Implementations
Networking with TCP/IP
TCP/IP Services
Local Area Network Infrastructure
WAN Infrastructure
Network Security
Remote Networking
Disaster Recovery
Network Data Storage
Network Operating Systems
Network Management
Network Troubleshooting
Microsoft Windows Vista Configuration
100 Hours
Introducing Windows Vista
Installing Windows Vista
Configuring System Settings
Working with Disks
Working with Users and Groups
Working with Drivers and Printers
Configuring Network Connectivity
Configuring Windows Vista Security
Configuring Windows Vista Applications
Optimizing Windows Vista Performance
Troubleshooting Windows Vista
Working with Mobile Computers
Course Objectives
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining a PC
• Learn that a computer requires both hardware and software to work
• Learn about the many different hardware components inside of and connected to a
computer
• Learn about the various operating systems and the differences between them
• Learn how an OS interfaces with users, files and folders, applications, and hardware
• Learn about a few OS tools you can use to examine and maintain a system
• Learn about tools you’ll need as a PC support technician
• Learn how to develop a preventive maintenance plan and what to include in it
• Learn how to work inside a computer case
• Learn what happens when you first turn on a PC before the OS is loaded
• Learn how to approach and solve a PC problem
• Learn how to troubleshoot a failed boot before the OS is loaded
• Learn about different form factors and computer cases
• Learn how electricity is measured
• Learn how to protect your computer system against damaging changes in electrical
power
• Learn about Energy Star specifications
• Learn how to troubleshoot electrical problems
• Learn about the many different processors used for personal computers and notebook
computers
• Learn about chipsets and how they work
• Learn how to keep a processor cool using heat sinks and coolers
• Learn how to install and upgrade a processor
• Learn about the different types of motherboards and how to select one
• Learn how to support and configure a motherboard
• Learn how to install or replace a motherboard
• Learn how to troubleshoot a motherboard and processor
• Learn about the different kinds of physical memory and how they work
• Learn how to upgrade memory
• Learn how to troubleshoot problems with memory
• Learn how the organization of data on floppy drives and hard drives is similar
• Learn about hard drive technologies
• Learn how a computer communicates with a hard drive
• Learn how to install a hard drive
• Learn how to solve hard drive problems
• Learn about the general approaches you need to take when installing and supporting
I/O devices
• Learn about keyboards
• Learn how to work with the mouse and other pointing devices
• Learn about monitors and video cards and how they relate to the system
• Learn how to use ports and expansion slots for add‐on devices
• Learn how to troubleshoot I/O devices, including keyboards, pointing devices, and video
• Learn about multimedia devices such as sound cards, digital cameras, and MP3 players
• Learn about optical storage technologies such as CD and DVD
• Learn how certain hardware devices are used for backups and fault tolerance
• Learn how to troubleshoot multimedia and mass storage devices
• Learn about Windows 2000/XP features and architecture
• Learn how to plan a Windows 2000/XP installation
• Learn the steps to install Windows XP
• Learn what to do after Windows XP is installed
• Learn how to install Windows 2000 Professional
• Learn how to install and manage hardware and applications using Windows 2000/XP
• Learn how to protect and maintain Windows 2000/XP system files
• Learn about the Windows 2000/XP registry
• Learn how to optimize the Windows 2000/XP environment for best performance
• Learn how to set up and support Windows 2000/XP user accounts
• Learn about some tools useful when supporting users and their data
• Learn how to maintain a hard drive and keep good backups
• Learn about what happens when Windows 2000/XP starts up
• Learn about the tools that can help you when Windows fails to boot or boots with errors
• Learn strategies that you can use to solve problems when Windows 2000/XP won’t boot
• Learn what happens when you first turn on your PC and DOS and Windows 9x/Me start
• Learn about the commands DOS and Windows 9x/Me use to manage memory
• Learn to use different commands at the command prompt
• Learn how to use a Windows 9x/Me startup disk to prepare a hard drive for first use and
to troubleshoot a failed boot
• Learn about the Windows 9x/Me architecture
• Learn how to install Windows 9x/Me and how to install hardware and applications using
Windows 9x/Me
• Learn about the Windows 9x/Me boot process
• Learn about tools to manage and troubleshoot Windows 9x/Me
• Learn how to troubleshoot Windows 9x/Me
• Learn about different types of physical network architectures
• Learn how networking works with Windows
• Learn how to install a network card and connect to a network
• Learn about sharing resources on a network
• Learn how to set up and secure a wireless network
• Learn about troubleshooting tools and tips for network connections
• Learn about the TCP/IP suite of protocols
• Learn how to connect to the Internet using cable modem, DSL, and dial‐up connections
and how to share those connections
• Learn how to use a router to enhance and secure a network connection to the Internet
• Learn about supporting common Internet clients such as Web browsers, e‐mail clients,
file transfer software, Internet telephone, and Windows XP Remote Desktop
• Learn how to secure a desktop or notebook computer
• Learn how to secure a local wired or wireless network
• Learn how malicious software works and how to clean an infected system
• Learn how to select, support, and add peripheral devices to notebooks
• Learn how to replace and upgrade internal notebook components
• Learn how to troubleshoot notebooks
• Learn about technologies relating to tablet PCs
• Learn about personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Learn how printers and scanners work
• Learn how to install printers and scanners and how to share a printer over a local area
network
• Learn about routine maintenance tasks necessary to support printers and scanners
• Learn how to troubleshoot printer and scanner problems
• Learn about some job roles and responsibilities of those who sell, fix, or support
personal computers
• Learn how to interact with customers when servicing and supporting personal
computers
• Learn about software copyrights and your responsibilities under the law
Network+ Introduction to Networking Technologies
• Identify the basic components of network theory
• Identify the major network communications methods
• Identify network data delivery methods
• List and describe network media and hardware components
• Identify the major types of network implementations
• Identify the components of a TCP/IP network implementation
• Identify the major services deployed on TCP/IP networks
• Identify the components of a LAN implementation
• Identify the components of a WAN implementation
• Identify major issues and technologies in network security
• Identify the components of a remote network implementation
• Identify major issues and technologies in disaster recovery
• Identify major data storage technologies and implementations
• Identify the primary network operating systems
• Explore tools, methods, and techniques used in managing a network
• Describe how to troubleshoot network issue.
Microsoft Windows Vista Configuration
• Understand Windows Vista system requirements
• Run the Upgrade Advisor
• Use the Windows Vista interface
• Perform a clean installation
• Migrate to Windows Vista
• Identify upgrade paths
• Upgrade to Windows Vista
• Prepare to upgrade
• Upgrade from Windows XP
• Upgrade Vista editions
• Perform a dual boot installation
• Configure Windows Sidebar
• Introduce Windows Aero
• Understand Windows Aero hardware requirements
• Troubleshoot video adapter issues
• Validate Windows
• Run the System Performance Rating Tool
• Update display drivers
• Enable Aero display settings
• Configure Data Protection
• Use the Backup Files Wizard
• Use Complete PC
• Restore previous versions
• Introduce User Account Control
• Understand User Account Control
• Understand recommended UAC practices
• Perform administrative tasks with a standard user account
• Configure User Account Control
• Understand drivers and devices
• Update drivers with Windows Update
• Use Device Manager
• Update drivers
• Use the Network and Sharing Center
• Understand Network Discovery
• Run network diagnostics
• Manage local area network connections
• Create a new network connection
• Configure Windows Firewall settings
• Configure exceptions and ports
• Introduce Windows Defender
• Configure Windows Defender
• Use Software Explorer
• Update definitions
• Set up users
• Set up parental controls
• Configure Internet Explorer 7
• Configure RSS feeds
• Configure feed subscriptions
• Configure search options
• Print with IE7
• Secure Internet Explorer 7
• Resolve protected mode incompatibilities
• Configure the phishing filter
• Configure the pop‐up blocker
• Configure security zones
• Configure privacy settings
• Manage add‐ons
• Use Windows Mail
• Configure the Inbox
• Use Windows Contacts
• Use newsgroups
• Use Windows Meeting Space
• Use Windows Calendar
• Use Windows Fax and Scan
• Work with media applications
• Use the Windows Update Client
• Apply updates
• Use Event Viewer
• Use Performance Information and Tools
• Introduce ReadyBoost
• Use ReadyBoost
• Use Reliability Monitor
• Use the Reliability and Performance Monitor console
• Understand troubleshooting practices
• Use troubleshooting tools
• Use remote access technologies
• Troubleshoot installation and startup issues
• Configure Windows Vista wireless networking
• Configure mobile display options
• Configure power options
• Synchronize data
• Configure tablet PC features
Enrollment Requirements
To be eligible for admission into Network Learning Institute potential students must be at least eighteen years of age or older on the first day of class, and meet or exceed at least one of the following guidelines:
Possess a high school diploma.
Possess the recognized equivalency of a high school diploma.
Score a satisfactory on an Ability-to-Benefit exam.
Course Prerequisites
A minimal understanding of computers.
A minimal understanding of the Internet.
Needs Assessment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer support specialists and systems administrators is expected to increase much faster than the average. Employment of computer support specialists and systems administrators is expected to increase by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, this occupation is expected to add 155,000 jobs over the projection decade.
Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technology. Job growth will continue to be driven by the ongoing expansion of the computer system design and related services industry, which is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy.
Job growth among computer support specialists reflects the rapid evolution of technology. As computers and software become more complex, support specialists will be needed to provide technical assistance to customers and other users. The adoption of new mobile technologies, such as the wireless Internet, will continue to create a need for these workers to familiarize and educate computer users. Consulting jobs for computer support specialists also should continue to increase as businesses seek help managing, upgrading, and customizing ever more complex computer systems.
Employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to increase by 27 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer networks have become an integral part of business, and demand for these workers will increase as firms continue to invest in new technologies. The wide use of electronic commerce and the increasing adoption of mobile technologies mean that more establishments will use the Internet to conduct business online. This growth translates into a need for systems administrators who can help organizations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and consumers.
Related Occupations:
Computer Programmers
Computer Software Engineers
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer Scientists
Database Administrators
What's the next step?
Contact N.L.I. for a free consultation and evaluation appointment and one of our admissions specialist will be more than happy to assist you.
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