Module 1: Computer Hardware & Architecture

Focuses on understanding, assembling, and troubleshooting physical computer components.

1. Introduction to Computer Hardware

• System Core Components: Motherboards (Form factors, Chipsets, Expansion slots), CPU/Processors (Sockets, Cores, Threads, Cache).
• Memory Systems: RAM types (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), ROM, BIOS/UEFI configuration and firmware updates.
• Storage Devices: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, M.2, NVMe), Optical drives, and Flash storage.
• Power & Cooling: Power Supply Units (PSU) wattage calculation, connectors, and thermal management (fans, liquid cooling).

2. PC Assembly & Configuration

• Step-by-Step Assembly: ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety, seating the CPU, applying thermal paste, installing RAM, mounting the motherboard, and connecting PSU cables.
• Display & Peripherals: Graphics cards (GPU), sound cards, display interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA), and I/O ports.
• CMOS Setup: Configuring boot priority, enabling virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V), setting passwords, and monitoring system health.

3. Hardware Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Diagnostic Tools: Using POST (Power-On Self-Test) cards, multimeters, and beep codes to identify failures.
• Common Issues: Overheating, Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), intermittent freezing, and No-Display troubleshooting.
• Preventive Maintenance: Dusting, cable management, and hardware stress testing.

Module 2: Operating Systems & Software Installation

Focuses on managing the software that interacts directly with the hardware.

1. OS Installation & Disk Management

• OS Deployment: Installing Windows Client (Windows 10/11) and Linux distributions (Ubuntu/RedHat).
• Partitioning Systems: MBR vs. GPT partition styles; NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT file systems.
• Dual Booting: Configuring a single machine to run multiple operating systems securely.

2. Device Drivers & System Utilities

• Driver Management: Installing, updating, and rolling back hardware device drivers.
• Windows Registry & Services: Managing background services, startup programs, and system optimization.
• Backup & Recovery: Creating system restore points, disk cloning (using tools like Acronis or Clonezilla), and data recovery techniques.

Module 3: Networking Fundamentals

Focuses on how computers communicate with each other over local and global networks.

1. Network Basics & Topologies

• Network Types: PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, and WLAN.
• Topologies: Star, Mesh, Bus, and Hybrid network designs.
• The OSI & TCP/IP Models: Deep dive into the layers of communication (Physical to Application).

2. Networking Hardware & Media

• Cabling: Twisted Pair (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), Coaxial, and Fiber Optic cables.
• Practical Lab: RJ-45 crimping (Straight-through and Cross-over cable standards using T568A/B).
• Network Devices: Layer 2 Switches, Routers, Hubs, Bridges, Access Points, and Modems.

3. IP Addressing & Subnetting

• IPv4 Addressing: Structure, Classes (A, B, C, D, E), Public vs. Private IPs.
• Subnetting: FLSM (Fixed Length Subnet Mask) and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask) calculations.
• Introduction to IPv6: Structure, notation, and advantages over IPv4.

Module 4: Network Protocols & Services

Focuses on configuration and management of core network infrastructure services.

1. Core Protocols

• TCP vs. UDP: Connection-oriented vs. connectionless communication.
• Common Ports & Protocols: HTTP/S, FTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, POP3/IMAP, and RDP.

2. Infrastructure Services

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Understanding DORA process, configuring DHCP scopes, and IP reservations.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Forward and Reverse lookups, A records, CNAME, and MX records.
• NAT (Network Address Translation): Static, Dynamic, and PAT (Port Address Translation).

Module 5: Advanced Networking & Security

Focuses on enterprise network management, wireless technologies, and security basics.

1. Switching & Routing Concepts

• Switching: VLAN (Virtual LAN) configuration, Inter-VLAN routing, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) basics.
• Routing: Static routing vs. Dynamic routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP).

2. Wireless Networking

• Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6).
• Wireless Security: Configuring WPA2/WPA3 encryption, SSID broadcasting, and MAC address filtering.

3. Network Security & Troubleshooting Tools

• Security: Firewalls (Hardware vs. Software), VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and Access Control Lists (ACLs).
• Command-Line Tools: Master tools like ping, traceroute/tracert, ipconfig/ifconfig, nslookup, netstat, and arp.
• Packet Analysis: Introduction to capturing and analyzing network traffic using Wireshark.

Module 6: Practical Projects & Lab Work

• Project 1: Assemble a complete PC from individual components and successfully install Windows and Linux in a dual-boot configuration.
• Project 2: Design, crimp, and deploy a small office network (LAN) using a switch, router, and access point.