IT Fundamentals: Hardware, Software, and Operating Systems

Information Technology and Digital Systems October 25, 2025
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Introduction

This foundational course introduces the core concepts of information technology, providing a comprehensive overview of the essential components that make up any modern computing environment. Participants will gain a solid understanding of how hardware, software, and operating systems interact to execute tasks and deliver services. The curriculum is designed to equip learners with the basic vocabulary and conceptual framework necessary to pursue more advanced IT studies or function effectively in an entry-level technical role. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify, describe, and troubleshoot fundamental IT issues.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the function of major internal and external computer hardware components.
  • Differentiate between various types of software, including application, system, and utility software.
  • Explain the primary roles and responsibilities of an operating system (OS).
  • Perform basic configuration and navigation tasks in popular operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Understand the process of data storage and retrieval in different formats.
  • Describe basic networking concepts and the components of a small network.
  • Identify common security threats and explain best practices for basic digital security.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting steps for common hardware and software problems.

Target Audience

  • Individuals pursuing an entry-level career in IT.
  • Non-IT professionals who need a better understanding of technology.
  • Career changers looking to pivot into a technical field.
  • Students preparing for technical certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+).
  • Small business owners managing their own basic IT infrastructure.

Methodology

  • Hands-on labs for hardware identification and OS installation.
  • Individual exercises for practicing command-line navigation.
  • Case studies involving common technical support scenarios.
  • Discussions on best practices for data security and backup.

Personal Impact

  • Develop a foundational and comprehensive understanding of IT concepts.
  • Acquire basic troubleshooting skills for personal technology devices.
  • Increase digital literacy and confidence in using various operating systems.
  • Establish the prerequisite knowledge for pursuing advanced IT specializations.
  • Improve ability to communicate effectively with IT professionals.

Organizational Impact

  • Reduced reliance on external support for basic internal IT issues.
  • Increased security awareness among all employees, lowering risk.
  • Improved efficiency in technology utilization across departments.
  • Faster onboarding for new employees in tech-centric roles.
  • A solid baseline of technical competence for future organizational growth.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Computer Hardware Components

Internal Components
  • Motherboard, CPU, and RAM functionality and specifications.
  • Power Supply Unit (PSU) and cooling systems.
  • Storage devices: HDD, SSD, and M.2 NVMe.
  • Expansion cards (GPU, Network Cards) and their purpose.
External Peripherals
  • Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanners.
  • Output devices: monitors, printers, speakers.
  • Connecting hardware: USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
  • Basic hardware maintenance and preventative measures.

Unit 2: Operating Systems (OS) Fundamentals

OS Role and Types
  • The boot process and BIOS/UEFI.
  • Functions of the OS: resource management, process scheduling, file system.
  • Major OS families: Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions.
  • Introduction to mobile operating systems (iOS and Android).
OS Interaction and Management
  • User interfaces: CLI vs. GUI navigation.
  • File systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ext4, and HFS+.
  • Basic command-line operations and scripting concepts.
  • Installation, configuration, and user account management.

Unit 3: Software Concepts and Applications

Software Classification
  • System software vs. Application software.
  • Utility programs: antivirus, compression, backup tools.
  • Introduction to programming languages and interpreters/compilers.
  • Understanding licensing models and open-source concepts.
Common Applications
  • Office productivity suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Web browsers and their core functions.
  • Collaboration tools and video conferencing software.
  • Software installation, uninstallation, and updates.

Unit 4: Networking Basics

Network Concepts
  • What is a network? LAN, WAN, and the Internet.
  • Networking devices: routers, switches, modems.
  • Basic IP addressing (IPv4) and subnetting concepts.
  • The role of protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP, DNS).

Unit 5: Security and Troubleshooting

IT Security Fundamentals
  • Malware types: viruses, ransomware, spyware.
  • Authentication methods and strong password creation.
  • Firewalls and basic network security.
  • Data backup and recovery strategies.
Troubleshooting Methodology
  • The six-step troubleshooting process.
  • Diagnosing common hardware issues (e.g., POST errors).
  • Diagnosing common software issues (e.g., application crashes).
  • Resource monitoring and performance optimization.

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