Course Overview

Explore all aspects of computer hardware.  Learn diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques, enabling you to identify and fix errors in both software and hardware.  Discover how to install devices and upgrades.  Understand the different types of computer network and the functions of each component in a network.

Pre-requisites

You must have basic PC skills and be familiar with Windows and Windows applications.  If you don’t have these skills, we recommend you study our ECDL or PC Basics course first.

Qualification

A+ Certification and Network+ Certification

Support and benefits

• Acquire two internationally recognised certificates at once and at a reduced cost
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

Key topics

a) A+ (Essentials and Core Specialist)

• Personal Computer Components

Identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade personal computer components. Examine the tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques used for personal computer components. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance on personal computer components.

• Laptop and Portable Devices

Identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade laptops and portable devices. Examine the tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques used for laptops and portable devices. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance on laptops and portable devices.

• Operating Systems

Identify the fundamental principles of operating systems. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade operating systems. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance on operating systems.

• Printers and Scanners

Identify the fundamental principles of using printers and scanners. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade printers and scanners. Examine the tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques used for printers and scanners. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance on printers and scanners.

• Networks

Identify the fundamental principles of networks. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade networks. Examine the tools and diagnostic procedures used to troubleshoot network problems. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance on networks, including securing and protecting network cabling.

• Security

Identify the fundamental principles of security. Learn how to install, configure, optimise and upgrade security. Examine the tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques used for security. Discover how to perform preventive maintenance for computer security.

• Safety and Environmental Issues

Explore safety and environmental issues. Identify potential hazards and proper safety procedures. Learn the proper disposal procedures for batteries, display devices, and chemical solvents and cans.

• Communication and Professionalism

Acquire good communication skills. Explore professional behaviour.

b) Network+

• Media and Topologies

Explore different network topologies, such as star or ring. Compare a range of networking technologies, as well as a variety of cable standards. Examine different media connectors, media types and media components. Study different wireless technologies, as well as the factors that can affect the range and speed of wireless service.

• Protocols and Standards

Examine the seven layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) model. Explore a wide range of network services and protocols, as well as the ports that are associated with these services and protocols. Study WAN (Wide Area Network) technologies and Internet access technologies.

• Network Implementation

Explore the capabilities of various server operating systems to access resources. Discover the basic capabilities needed for client workstations to connect to and use network resources. Learn how to use a range of wiring tools. Explore firewalls, proxy services, VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), extranets, intranets, antivirus software, fault tolerance and disaster recovery.

• Network Support

Learn how to use a range of network utilities for troubleshooting. Discover how to develop logical troubleshooting strategies to enable you to identify and resolve problems.

Course Code

820

Hours of study

100 hours

Technical requirements

Minimum system requirements: 600MHz Intel Pentium III Processor or equivalent; Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP or Vista; 128MB RAM (256MB RAM recommended); 128MB Available Disc Space; CD-Rom Drive; Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01sp2.

Outline

You’ll sit three exams. These exams can be sat at your local testing centre.

Assessment Breakdown

A+ Essentials (220-701): The exam will last 90 minutes and will be completed on a computer. The pass mark is 675 out of 900.

A+ Practical (220-702): The exam will last 90 minutes and will be completed on a computer. The pass mark is 700 out of 900.

Network+ (N10-004): The exam will last 90 minutes and will consist of 90 questions. The pass mark is 720 out of 900.

Notes

Please note that exam fees are additional to your course fees.

Please note that the format of each exam is subject to change. The details provided are intended only as a guide and should not be regarded as definitive.