Hardware and Networking

Week 1: Introduction to Computer Hardware

• Session 1: Overview of Computer Systems

  • Components of a computer: hardware vs. software
  • Understanding the computer architecture
  • Types of computers (desktops, laptops, servers)

• Session 2: Input and Output Devices

  • Types of input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanners)
  • Types of output devices (monitors, printers, speakers)
  • Device functionality and connections

Week 2: Internal Components

• Session 3: Motherboards and CPUs

  • Understanding motherboards and their components
  • CPU architecture and function
  • Installing and upgrading CPUs

• Session 4: Memory and Storage

  • Types of RAM (DDR, SRAM, DRAM)
  • Storage devices: HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives
  • Installation and configuration of memory and storage

Week 3: Power Supply and Cooling

• Session 5: Power Supply Units (PSUs)

  • Understanding power supply specifications
  • Installing and testing PSUs
  • Safety precautions while handling power supplies

• Session 6: Cooling Systems

  • Importance of cooling in computers
  • Types of cooling systems (air, liquid cooling)
  • Installing and maintaining cooling solutions

Week 4: Networking Fundamentals

• Session 7: Introduction to Networking

  • Basics of networking and its importance
  • Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, and WLAN
  • Network topologies (star, bus, ring)

• Session 8: Networking Devices

  • Understanding routers, switches, hubs, and modems
  • Functionality and setup of network devices
  • Hands-on practice: configuring a basic home network

Week 5: Networking Protocols

• Session 9: OSI and TCP/IP Models

  • Understanding the OSI model and its layers
  • Overview of TCP/IP protocols and their functions
  • Common networking protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP)

• Session 10: IP Addressing and Subnetting

  • Understanding IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6)
  • Concepts of subnetting and CIDR notation
  • Hands-on practice: calculating subnets

Week 6: Wireless Networking

• Session 11: Introduction to Wireless Technologies

  • Overview of wireless networking standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
  • Understanding Wi-Fi security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
  • Configuring wireless routers and access points

• Session 12: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks

  • Common issues in wireless networking
  • Tools and techniques for troubleshooting
  • Hands-on practice: diagnosing wireless connectivity issues

Week 7: Network Security

• Session 13: Basics of Network Security

  • Understanding threats and vulnerabilities
  • Introduction to firewalls and VPNs
  • Best practices for securing networks

• Session 14: Securing Devices and Data

  • Implementing security measures for hardware devices
  • Understanding encryption and data protection
  • Hands-on practice: configuring basic security settings on devices

Week 8: Advanced Networking Concepts

• Session 15: Introduction to Cloud Networking

  • Overview of cloud computing and networking
  • Understanding IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
  • Hands-on practice: setting up a virtual machine in the cloud

• Session 16: Network Performance Monitoring

  • Tools and techniques for network performance analysis
  • Understanding Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Hands-on practice: using monitoring tools

Week 9: Building a Computer

• Session 17: Assembling a Computer

  • Step-by-step guide to building a PC
  • Understanding component compatibility
  • Hands-on practice: assembling a computer system

• Session 18: Installing Operating Systems

  • Overview of popular operating systems (Windows, Linux)
  • Step-by-step installation process
  • Basic configuration of the operating system

Week 10: Troubleshooting Hardware and Networking

• Session 19: Common Hardware Issues

  • Diagnosing and fixing hardware problems
  • Tools for hardware diagnostics
  • Hands-on practice: troubleshooting hardware issues

• Session 20: Network Troubleshooting Techniques

  • Common network issues and resolutions
  • Using command-line tools (ping, tracert, ipconfig)
  • Hands-on practice: diagnosing network problems

Week 11: Final Project Preparation

• Session 21: Project Overview

  • Guidelines for the final project
  • Selecting a project topic related to hardware and networking
  • Planning and preparing for project implementation

• Session 22: Project Work Session

  • Working on the final project with guidance
  • Collaborating with peers for feedback
  • Preparing for project presentation

Week 12: Final Project Presentation and Review

• Session 23: Project Presentations

  • Presenting final projects to the class
  • Discussion and feedback from peers and instructors

• Session 24: Course Wrap-Up

  • Review of key concepts learned
  • Q&A session for clarifications
  • Resources for further learning and career development

Assessment:

• Participation in Sessions: 10%
• Homework Assignments: 30%
• Hands-on Labs: 30%
• Final Project: 30%