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Daniel Lachance

This course will teach you how to determine which type of IT computer hardware should be used as well as how to connect components to computers including storage and multifunction print devices.

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This course will teach you how to determine which type of IT computer hardware should be used as well as how to connect components to computers including storage and multifunction print devices.

IT technicians must understand how hardware components work together, and which components are required to fulfill a specific need. In this course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Hardware, you’ll learn how to identify and configure a variety of IT hardware solutions. First, you’ll explore various types of computer peripherals and how to select components based on computing needs. Next, you’ll discover common cables and interface connection types, internal computer components such as CPUs and bus expansion slots, as well as local and network storage solutions. Finally, you’ll learn how to manage printer and multifunction devices. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of computer hardware needed to support an IT computing environment.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Internal Hardware Components
Cables, Interface Connectors, and Power
Storage and Memory
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Printers and Multifunction Devices

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the selection and configuration of hardware components, which is standard in IT
Taught by Daniel Lachance, a recognized instructor in the field of computer hardware
Develops skills and knowledge of computer hardware essential for supporting IT computing environments
Examines various types of computer peripherals, crucial for understanding hardware solutions
Covers cables and interface connectors, essential in connecting computer components
Teaches the management of printer and multifunction devices, a common task in IT settings

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in IT Professional Fundamentals: Hardware with these activities:
Review basic electronics concepts
Recalling and reviewing basic electronics concepts will provide a stronger foundation for understanding hardware components and their interactions.
Browse courses on Electronics
Show steps
  • Go over your notes or textbooks from previous electronics courses or online resources
  • Solve practice problems involving Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, and digital logic gates
Read 'Computer Organization and Design' by Patterson and Hennessy
This book provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture and design, deepening your understanding of the underlying principles and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, focusing on chapters relevant to hardware components and their interactions
  • Take notes or highlight key concepts and examples
  • Complete the practice exercises and review questions to test your comprehension
Practice how to set up a computer using tutorials
Following tutorials that walk through the process of setting up a computer can help you become more familiar with the components and connections involved.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial specifically about your computer model
  • Gather the necessary tools and materials such as a screwdriver and anti-static wrist strap
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorial carefully, step-by-step
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete online tutorials on troubleshooting common hardware issues
Guided tutorials can provide structured guidance on identifying and resolving common hardware problems.
Show steps
  • Find reputable online platforms that offer tutorials on hardware troubleshooting
  • Choose tutorials that cover issues relevant to your level of expertise
  • Follow the instructions and apply the troubleshooting techniques
Practice installing and configuring various hardware components
Hands-on practice is crucial for solidifying your understanding of hardware installation and configuration.
Show steps
  • Gather various hardware components such as RAM, hard drives, and graphics cards
  • Find instructional videos or articles on how to install and configure each component
  • Practice installing and configuring the components multiple times
Create a diagram or model of a computer system
Creating a visual representation of a computer system can assist in grasping the relationships and interactions between different components.
Browse courses on Computer Architecture
Show steps
  • Identify the major components of a computer system, including CPU, RAM, storage, and input/output devices
  • Research and gather information about the functions and connections of each component
  • Use a drawing or modeling tool to create a diagram or model that represents the system's architecture
Configure a computer system for a specific purpose
Hands-on experience in configuring a computer system to meet specific requirements will reinforce your understanding of hardware components and their capabilities.
Browse courses on System Configuration
Show steps
  • Identify the intended purpose of the computer system, such as gaming, video editing, or office work
  • Research and select appropriate hardware components that align with the performance and budget requirements
  • Assemble and configure the computer system, ensuring proper installation and compatibility
  • Install the necessary operating system and software applications
  • Test and optimize the system's performance to ensure it meets the intended purpose

Career center

Learners who complete IT Professional Fundamentals: Hardware will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist plans, manages, and coordinates computer-related activities to support an organization's IT systems. This course enables you to build foundational knowledge essential to solving hardware problems typically encountered in this role.
Computer Hardware Engineer
A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, builds, and tests computer hardware and related components. This course helps you build a foundation in identifying and configuring various hardware solutions.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator manages and maintains network systems, including hardware and software. This course introduces you to network storage solutions, which are critical for managing network systems.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst designs, develops, and implements computer systems. This course gives you the hardware knowledge required to specify hardware requirements and system configurations.
Data Center Technician
A Data Center Technician manages and maintains computer systems and equipment in a data center. This course gives you insights into hardware components, storage solutions, and interface connections.
Technical Support Analyst
A Technical Support Analyst troubleshoots and resolves hardware and software problems. This course provides the foundation to understand hardware issues and select appropriate components.
IT Manager
An IT Manager plans, organizes, and manages an organization's IT systems and staff. This course can be useful in developing a solid understanding of hardware components and their impact on IT systems.
Information Technology Specialist
An Information Technology Specialist provides technical support and guidance to users. This course may be useful in gaining a basic understanding of hardware components.
Computer User Support Specialist
A Computer User Support Specialist provides technical support and assistance to computer users. This course may be helpful in building basic hardware troubleshooting knowledge.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains network systems. This course may be helpful in understanding network storage solutions and hardware connectivity.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful in understanding hardware requirements and compatibility for software development.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites. This course may be useful in understanding the hardware requirements for web hosting and server configuration.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains database systems. This course may be useful in understanding storage solutions and hardware compatibility for database systems.
Computer Repair Technician
A Computer Repair Technician diagnoses and repairs computer hardware and software. This course may be useful in developing a foundation for hardware troubleshooting and component replacement.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and networks from cybersecurity threats. This course may be useful in understanding hardware security features and their impact on network security.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in IT Professional Fundamentals: Hardware.
Classic textbook on computer architecture. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the subject, covering topics such as processor design, memory organization, and input/output systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer hardware architecture, covering topics such as processor design, memory organization, and input/output systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture, covering topics such as processor design, memory organization, and input/output systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture and organization, covering topics such as processor design, memory organization, and input/output systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer science, covering topics such as computer hardware, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer science.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, covering topics such as processor design, memory organization, and input/output systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data communications and networking, covering topics such as network protocols, network topologies, and network security. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of data communications and networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, covering topics such as network security, cryptography, and malware. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer security.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of computer science, including topics such as algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. It great resource for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks, covering topics such as network protocols, network topologies, and network security. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital design and computer architecture, covering topics such as logic design, processor design, and memory organization. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of computer hardware.
Provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms and data structures, covering topics such as sorting, searching, and recursion. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of algorithm design and data structures.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems, covering topics such as process management, memory management, and file systems. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the fundamentals of operating systems.

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