Description
Course Overview
Welcome to the ‘IT Mastery: Your Ultimate Tech Handbook’ training course! I’m Emilio and I work in tech, and absolutely love it!
In this course, we invite you to embark on a journey through the world of information technology. Designed to be your go-to resource for mastering essential IT concepts, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of key topics that form the backbone of modern technology infrastructure.
Whether you’re starting out and eager to build a solid foundation or a seasoned professional seeking to deepen your expertise, our course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of IT with confidence and proficiency.
By the end of this course, you’ll emerge not only with a newfound knowledge of information technology but also with the confidence and expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges head-on.
Some of the key topics we’ll cover include –
- Computer Hardware: Explore different computer types, internal and external components, memory, CPUs, graphics cards, hard drives, and troubleshooting techniques.
 - Operating Systems & Software: Understand OS types, boot processes, CLI versus GUI, software types, installation procedures, and troubleshooting strategies.
 - Networking & Data Centers: Gain insights into computer communication, IP addressing, network devices, LANs and WANs, ports, cables, and data center infrastructure.
 - Server Administration & Storage Solutions: Learn about server management, storage capacity measurements, types of storage devices, and backup strategies.
 - Virtualization Technologies: Explore server and desktop virtualization, deployment models, and cloud integration.
 - Cybersecurity Essentials: Understand threat types, malware, encryption, firewall security, VPNs, and password security.
 - Professional Skills: Receive guidance on interviewing, CV writing, resignation processes, and career opportunities in the technology industry.
 
Whether you find yourself at the threshold of your IT journey, eager to lay a sturdy groundwork, or you’re a seasoned professional yearning to delve deeper into the nuances of the field, we’ll make you a pro.
Let the learning begin!
Audience
- Aspiring IT professionals
 - Entry-level IT staff
 - Individuals preparing for IT certifications
 - Career changers entering the tech industry
 - Current IT employees seeking to expand their knowledge base
 
Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy
 - No prior in-depth technical knowledge required
 - Familiarity with general computer usage is recommended
 
Course Outline
Introduction
- Intro to Course
 
Computer Hardware
- Let’s Discuss Computer Hardware
 - Different Computer Types – Desktops, Laptops, Servers
 - Let’s Look at Computers (Outside)
 - Let’s Look at Computers (Inside)
 - Memory & RAM (Random Access Memory)
 - All about CPU’s
 - Graphics Cards – GPU
 - About Hard Drives – Brands, Sizes, Types
 - Motherboards
 - Power Supplies, Fans & Other Parts
 - Ports – USBs, VGA, HDMI, USB-C, DVI, etc
 - Other Bits – Keyboards, Mice, Monitors etc
 - Hardware Troubleshooting?
 
Computer Software
- Let’s Discuss Operating Systems & Software
 - Operating System Types
 - Computer Boot Process
 - About the BIOS
 - CLI vs GUI?
 - System Software, Control Panel, CLI, Registry
 - Hardware Drivers
 - Applications, Free, Paid, Licensing, Open Source
 - Installing Windows 10 from USB
 - Basics of Windows
 - Troubleshooting – OS, Software, Hardware
 - Turning it OFF & ON again
 - Windows vs Mac @ work
 
Networking & Datacenters
- Let’s Discuss Networking & Datacenters
 - IP addresses (DHCP vs Static)
 - What are Switches
 - What is a Router
 - What is a Firewall
 - Networking Protocols and Standards
 - TCP/IP
 - Computer MAC Address
 - LAN vs WAN
 - Port Types & Cables, Ethernet & Fibre
 - What are Datacenters, Server & Comms Rooms
 - What is inside a Datacenter
 - Office Cabling – Computer to Switch
 
Servers
- Let’s Talk About Servers
 - What is a Server (Physical Overview of a Rack Server)
 - Rack Server vs Desktop
 - Physical vs Virtual Server (on Premise)
 - Server vs Mainframe vs Supercomputer
 - Top Server Functions
 
Domains, AD, DNS, DHCP
- What is a Domain and Active Directory (AD)
 - AD Overview
 - What is DHCP
 - DNS Overview
 - How DNS works on Windows Computers
 - Joining Windows to the Domain
 - Joining Mac to the Domain
 - What’s Next?
 
Storage, SAN, NAS
- Let’s Talk About Storage
 - MB vs GB vs TB
 - All About Disk Types
 - SAN vs NAS – What’s the Difference
 - Difference between Traditional RAID
 - Disk Vendors
 - SAN, NAS Vendors
 
Virtualization
- Let’s Talk About Virtualisation
 - Server Virtualization
 - Desktop vs Server Virtualisation
 - Using VMware ESXi
 - Installing VMware ESXi v8
 - Building VM’s (ESXi)
 - Using VMware Fusion (macOS only)
 - Getting VMware Fusion (macOS)
 - Installing VMware Fusion (macOS)
 - Building a Server on VMware Fusion (Linux)
 - Last thoughts on Virtualisation
 
Cloud
- On-premises, Cloud, Hybrid
 - Servers in the Cloud
 - Cloud Security
 - Staying Safe Online
 - Secure Web Browsing
 - Microsoft 365 + Final Thoughts on Cloud
 
IT Security
- Cyber Intro
 - Network Security Devices
 - Threat and Attack Types
 - Malware
 - Phishing
 - Social Engineering
 - DDoS
 - Data Encryption
 - Firewall Security
 - VPNs
 - WiFi Security
 - Password Security
 - Monitoring
 - MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
 
Backups 101
- What do we mean by Backups
 - Backup Software
 - Backup Types (Incremental, Differential, Full)
 - Backup Media
 - The 3-2-1 Rule
 - Backing up the Cloud
 
Other Tech
- What Other Tech Is There?
 - Office / Desk Phones
 - Printer & MFD Management
 - Databases 101
 - UPS Devices
 
Tech Interview Tips
- Let’s Talk Interviewing
 - Understand the Role and if you can do it
 - Top Roles in Technology + Salaries (in dollars)
 - Getting your CV, Cover Letter ready
 - Applying for Roles
 - Using the STAR Method for Question Prep
 - Making a Good Impression
 - Ending Strongly
 - Resigning and Handover
 - What’s Next?
 
Outro
- Where to from here?
 
