Lesson 2 Overview

IT Infrastructure – Course Overview

IT Infrastructure introduces students to the core technologies that power modern computing environments. Instead of focusing only on PC repair, this course reframes the material around infrastructure fundamentals—hardware, operating systems, networking, security, virtualization, and device management.

Students gain hands‑on experience with real hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting workflows, and foundational networking concepts used across enterprise environments.

What You Will Learn

1. Infrastructure Hardware Foundations

Students explore the physical components that make up modern computing systems—cases, power supplies, motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage, ports, and peripherals. Safety practices such as electrical safety and ESD protection are emphasized.

2. System Assembly & Component Integration

Learners assemble a complete system from the ground up, installing power supplies, CPUs, RAM, motherboards, drives, adapter cards, and internal cabling. This builds confidence in understanding how infrastructure hardware fits together.

3. BIOS/UEFI, Firmware & Advanced Hardware

This module covers POST, BIOS/UEFI configuration, firmware updates, CPU architecture, RAID, power protection, and hardware upgrades—core skills for maintaining infrastructure systems.

4. Preventive Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Students learn structured troubleshooting using the industry‑standard six‑step process. Preventive maintenance practices for hardware, software, and environmental conditions help ensure system reliability.

5. Networking Foundations

This chapter introduces network types, topologies, protocols, wireless technologies, servers, and network devices. Students also learn about copper and fiber cabling, connectors, and cable‑building tools—key elements of physical network infrastructure.

6. Applied Networking & Device Connectivity

Students configure NICs, wired and wireless networks, DHCP, DNS, NAT, QoS, firewall settings, and IoT devices. They also troubleshoot common network issues using real tools and Packet Tracer simulations.

7. Laptops, Mobile Devices & Mobility Infrastructure

This module covers laptop hardware, mobile device features, wireless connectivity, email setup, synchronization, and hardware replacement—expanding infrastructure knowledge beyond desktops.

8. Printers & Output Infrastructure

Students compare printer technologies, configure printers, manage print services, and perform maintenance. This includes inkjet, laser, thermal, impact, virtual, and 3D printing systems.

9. Virtualization & Cloud Concepts

Learners explore server virtualization, hypervisors, cloud service models, and software‑defined networking—core components of modern IT infrastructure.

10. Windows Installation & Deployment

Students install Windows, manage partitions, perform upgrades, configure boot options, and use recovery tools—skills used in enterprise imaging and deployment workflows.

11. Windows Configuration & System Management

This module covers system utilities, CLI commands, networking, remote access, user accounts, permissions, and OS maintenance—key operational tasks for infrastructure technicians.

12. Linux, macOS & Mobile OS Fundamentals

Students compare operating systems, secure mobile devices, and learn Linux/macOS GUI, CLI, permissions, and best practices—broadening their cross‑platform infrastructure skills.

13. Security Foundations

This chapter covers malware, network attacks, social engineering, physical security, data protection, encryption, Windows security policies, firewalls, and wireless security—critical for protecting infrastructure systems.

14. The IT Professional

Students learn communication skills, documentation, change management, disaster recovery, ethics, and scripting basics—professional competencies required in infrastructure roles.

Course Outcomes

By the end of IT Infrastructure, students will be able to:

• Identify, install, and troubleshoot infrastructure hardware
• Assemble and configure complete computing systems
• Install and manage Windows, Linux, and mobile operating systems
• Configure wired, wireless, and IoT devices
• Apply structured troubleshooting to hardware, software, and networks
• Implement security best practices across devices and data
• Communicate effectively and document work professionally