Information Technology Foundation Combination Certificate Program
A+, Network+, MCP, CCNA and Security+
(160 Hours)

Series: Fundamentals & Technology Series

Audience and Prerequisites Overview Course Outline Detail

The Information Technology Foundation Course is made up of five highly demanded computer industry certifications. This program is ideal for anyone wanting to start a career or advance their career in the IT industry. The five modules, as described below, cover a broad range of introductory and more advanced topics across crucial areas of computer hardware, software, networking, operating systems and security systems that employers require in today's computer industry .

Taught by industry professionals in fully equipped computer labs, this course will prepare students for all five certifications exams as well as build their skill sets to move forward in real world computing careers.

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AUDIENCE AND PREREQUISITES

This course is designed for individuals who have some basic computer experience and wish to prepare for intermediate roles in the installation, configuration and administration of computer hardware, software and networks. Related experience might include familiarity with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and the Internet.

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OVERVIEW

A+ Certification

This hands-on course domains introduces a broad range of basic computer hardware and software topics. It is a valuable industry credential that validates the fundamental level skills and knowledge of computer professionals. Industry and government employers accept A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendor-neutral computer certification. The new 2006 curriculum, which covers a broad range of topics such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking, is presented at a university level and pace.

Network+ Certification

This intermediate level course module prepares individuals for a career in the administration and support of computer networks across all platforms. Network+ topics include: Network Troubleshooting, TCP/IP, Network Operating Systems, Network Installation and Upgrading, Managing User Accounts and Passwords, Remote Access and Administration, and Fault Tolerance and Disaster Recovery.

CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate

This more advanced certification course module provides a comprehensive introduction to deploying Cisco routers in computer networks. Cisco routers are the industry standard devices that are used to connect computers in local area networks and the internet. Through extensive hands-on exercises, students gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot Cisco routers. CCNA certified professionals are in great demand in the computer industry today.

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

This certification course module provides a strong foundation in the Microsoft Windows Professional operating software systems. MCP gives the student an overview of Microsoft Windows operating system including hands-on exercises and real world examples of how Windows is used in large and small computer network systems.

Security+

Security+ validates knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts. The curriculum covers prevention of information technology theft and security of intellectual property as well as theory of security implementation and management. Industry and government employers have a growing need for skilled computer security professionals to combat hackers, decrease financial losses and secure valuable data.

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COURSE OUTLINE

A+ Course

Domain 1: Personal Computer Components

Domain 2: Laptops and Portable Devices

Domain 3: Operating Systems

Domain 4: Printers and Scanners

Domain 5: Networks

Domain 6: Security

Domain 7: Safety and Environmental Issues

Domain 8: Professionalism and Communication

Network+ Course

Module 1: Basic Network Knowledge

• Network Definitions
• Network Models
• Connectivity
• Network Addressing
• Signaling Concepts

Module 2: Network Connectivity

• The Data Package
• Establishing a Connection
• Reliable Delivery
• Network Connectivity
• Noise Control
• Building Codes
• Connection Devices
• Design Challenge

Module 3: Advanced Network Theory

• The OSI Model
• Ethernet
• Network Resources
• Token Ring/IEEE 802.5
• FDDI
• Wireless Networking

Module 4: Common Network Protocols

• Families of Protocols
• NetBEUI
• Bridges and Switches
• The TCP/IP Protocol
• Building a TCP/IP Network
• The TCP/IP Suite

Module 5: TCP/IP Services

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• DNS Name Resolution
• NetBIOS Support
• SNMP
• TCP/IP Utilities
• Upper Layer Services: FTP

Module 6: Alternate Network Protocols

• Introduction to IPX/SPX
• AppleTalk
• Introduction to Apple Open Transport
• Introduction to IPv6

Module 7: Network LAN Infrastructure

• Implement LAN Protocols on a Network
• IP Routing
• IP Routing Tables
• Router Discovery Protocols
• Data Movement in a Routed Network
• Virtual LANs (VLANs)

Module 8: Network WAN Infrastructure

• The WAN Environment
• WAN Transmission Technologies
• WAN Connectivity Devices
• Voice Over Data Services

Module 9: Remote Networking

• Remote Networking
• Remote Access Protocols
• VPN Technologies

Module 10: Network Security

• Introduction to Network Security
• Virus Protection
• Local Security
• Network Access
• Internet Security

Module 11: Disaster Recovery

• The Need for Disaster Recovery
• Disaster Recovery Plan
• Data Backups
• Fault Tolerance

Module 12: Advanced Data Storage Techniques

• Enterprise Data Storage
• Clustering
• Network Attached Storage
• Storage Area Networks

Module 13: Network Troubleshooting

• Using a Systematic Approach to Troubleshooting
• Network Support Tools: Utilities
• The Network Baseline

Module 14: Network Operating Systems

• Novell NetWare
• Microsoft BackOffice
• Linux History and Operation
• Macintosh

Microsoft Certified Professional Course

Module: Installing Windows XP Professional and Upgrade from a previous version of Windows Professional

• Install Windows XP Professional by using Windows 2000 (RIS)Server
• Install Windows XP Professional by using the SysPrep Tool
• Create unattended answer files by using Setup Manager for automated installation of Windows XP Professional
• Upgrade from a previous version of Windows to Windows XP Professional
• Troubleshooting failed installations
• Adding local/Network Printers
• Manage printers and print jobs, access to printers by permissions, Internet printer connection
• Management of file systems, converting from one file system to another
• Managing, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers
• Managing, and troubleshoot display devices
• Configure, manager, and troubleshoot mobile computer hardware
• Configure, manage and troubleshoot input and output (I/O) devices
• Configure multiple processing units
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot network adapters
• Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot the Task Scheduler
• Manage and troubleshoot the use and synchronization of offline files
• Optimize and troubleshoot performance of the Windows XP Professional desktop
• Configure hardware profiles
• Recovering system state data and user data
• Configure and manage user profiles
• Configure support for multiple languages or multiple locations
• Manage applications by using Windows Installer packages
• Configure and troubleshoot accessibility services
• Configure and troubleshoot the TCP/IP protocol, dial-up and VPN connection
• Configure and troubleshoot Internet Connection Sharing
• Encryption File Systems (EFS)
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot local security policy.
• Create, configure, manage, and troubleshoot local user accounts

Cisco Certified Network Associate

Topic 1: Internetworking.

Topic 2: Introduction to TCP/IP.

Topic 3: Subnetting, Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSMs), and Troubleshooting TCP/IP.

Topic 4: Cisco’s Internetworking Operating System (IOS) and Security Device Manager (SDM).

Topic 5: Managing a Cisco Internetwork.

Topic 6: IP Routing.

Topic 7: Enhanced IGRP (EIGRP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF).

Topic 8: Layer 2 Switching and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

Topic 9: Virtual LANs (VLANs).

Topic 10: Security.

Topic 11: Network Address Translation (NAT).

Topic 12: Cisco’s Wireless Technologies.

Topic 13: Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6).

Topic 14: Wide Area Networks

Security+ Course

Module 1: General Security Concepts

• Access Control
• Authentication
• Non-essential Services and Protocols
• Attacks
• Malicious Code
• Social Engineering
• Auditing - Logging, system scanning

Module 2: Communication Security

• Remote Access
• Email
• Web
• Directory - Recognition not administration
• File Transfer
• Wireless

Module 3: Infrastructure Security

• Devices
• Media
• Security Topologies
• Intrusion Detection
• Security Baselines

Module 4: Basics of Cryptography

• Algorithms
• Concepts of Using Cryptography
• PKI
• Standards and Protocols
• Key Management/Certificate Lifecycle

Module 5: Operational/Organizational Security

• Physical Security
• Disaster Recovery
• Business Continuity
• Policy and Procedures
• Privilege Management
• Forensics
• Risk Identification
• Education
• Documentation

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