Introduction to Information Technology

Classroom Learning

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Virtual Classroom e-Learning

On-Site Learning

Who Needs to Attend

IT novices who need a broad, fundamental understanding of IT and who want to learn the basics of computers, networking, LANs and WANs, data centers and data storage, and how IT infrastructures are monitored and managed. Ideal candidates include:

Entry-level and newly hired technical professionals, including PC support, help desk, and networking professionals
Sales and marketing professionals looking to increase their ability to communicate with technical professionals and increase sales
Executives who seek better-informed decision making
Beginners seeking fundamental knowledge in preparation for later certification courses

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Follow-On Courses

Gain an understanding of the core components that make up the Information Technology (IT) landscape.

In this introductory course, you will learn the basics of computers, operating systems, and communication. With the help of interactive exercises, you will learn about common network protocols, the use of addressing to communicate over the network, and the role of the OSI model in network operation and troubleshooting.

The course also provides a fundamental understanding of what a data center is, commonly used wireless technologies, how encryption can be used to protect data, and how companies monitor and manage their IT infrastructures. You will also learn about cutting-edge technologies such as Unified Communications, Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), Cloud Computing, RFID, and IPTV.

What You'll Learn

Components of a computer, including how information is transmitted in bits and bytes
Features and benefits of major operating systems
How resources are shared on a network
Function of each layer in the OSI model
Device identification for communication over the network
Functions and characteristics of communication protocols
Structure of LANs and WANs
Difference between analog and digital signals
Commonly used wireless technologies: Infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WiMAX
Different options available for data storage
Functions of firewalls
Basic network monitoring procedures and tools
Future and developing technologies such as Unified Communications, FMC, and IPTV

Course Outline

1. Core of Communication

States of Communication
- The Reason for Two
- The Power of Binary
Expressing Values
- Base 10
- Base 2
- A Spoonful of Bits: The Byte
- By the Numbers
- Binary in Your Life
Terminology in Use
- Marketing Math
- Data Speed
- Your Keyboard

2. Computers

What is a Computer?
The Machine
- Core Components
- Communication
- External Communication
- Serial vs. Parallel Communication
- Motherboard
- Peripherals
The Instructions
- Operating Systems
- Drivers
- Software

3. Operating Systems

What is an Operating System?
- The History of Operating Systems
- The Modern Interface
Modern Operating Systems
- Microsoft Windows
- UNIX
- Linux
- Mac OS
- Device-Specific Operating Systems
Virtualization

4. Network Resource Access

Network Resources
Before the Network
The Simple Network: Peer-to-Peer
The Modern Network: Client/Server

5. The Layered Approach

The Generic Layered Approach
- A Layered Approach Example
The Networking Model: OSI
- Layer 7: Application
- Layer 6: Presentation
- Layer 5: Session
- Layer 4: Transport
- Layer 3: Network
- Layer 2: Data Link
- Layer 1: Physical

6. Device Identification

A Glance at Device Identification
- The United States ZIP Code System
- Physical Addressing
Computers Need Identification
- Local Address
- Grouping Computers
- Traffic Sorting
Naming Devices for Humans
- Name Resolution

7. Communication Protocols

What is a Protocol?
- Protocol Types
- Protocol Characteristics
Commonly Used Protocols
- TCP/IP: The Core Protocol
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
- Post Office Protocol Version 3 (POP3)
- Internet Message Access Protocol Version 4 (IMAP4)
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
- Telnet
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
- Network Time Protocol (NTP)

8. LANs and WANs

Types of Networks
LAN Topologies
- Point-to-Point
- Bus
- Ring
- Mesh
- Star
Communication on the LAN
- Eliminating Collisions
- Reducing Collisions
Ethernet on the LAN
- Hubs
- Switches
WAN Technologies
- Circuit-Switched Networks
- Packet-Switched Networks
- The Internet

9. Analog and Digital Communications

Back to Basics
- Change in Energy
Frequency
- Frequency Properties
Mediums of Transmission
- Copper
- Fiber
- Air
Signals

10. Wireless Technologies

How is Wireless Used?
- Microwave
- Frequency Spectrum
Wireless Technologies
- Infrared
- Wi-Fi (802.11)
- Bluetooth (802.15)
- WiMAX (802.16)
Cellular Technology
- Cellular Telephone Standards
Satellite Technologies
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Phone
- Internet Access
- Television

11. Data Storage

Data Storage by the Numbers
History of Data Storage
- Punch Cards
- Floppy Disks
- Compact Disks
- Hard Disk Drives
- Solid State Drives
Readily Accessible Mass Data Storage
- Inside the Hard Drive
- RAID
Storage Systems
- Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
- Data Centers

12. Information Security

The CIA Triad
Authentication
- Single-Factor
- Two-Factor
Encryption
- Balance in Encryption
Firewalls
Network Attacks

13. Monitoring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Networks

Maintaining Network Health
Monitoring Networks
- Network Monitoring Procedures
- Monitoring and Managing Tools
Troubleshooting Networks
- Troubleshooting with Ping
- Advanced Troubleshooting