Description

CompTIA certifications were developed to offer networking professionals a vendor-neutral credential that validates the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an IT career.
These skills are required for Service Techs with most companies, recognized by U.S. Dept. of Defense, and held by 900,000 IT professionals.

With the Network+ Certification, you will be qualified for specialized jobs including Technical support specialist, IT support technician, IT support administrator, and help desk technicians.

Course Outline:

PC Hardware

• Configure and apply BIOS settings.
• Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties.
• Compare and contrast RAM types and features.
• Install and configure expansion cards.
• Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.
• Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method.
• Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose.
• Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenario.
• Evaluate and select appropriate components to meet customer specifications or needs.
• Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices.
• Identify connector types and associated cables.
• Install and configure various peripheral devices.

Networking

• Identify types of network cables and connectors.
• Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling.
• Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
• Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose.
• Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types.
• Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings.
• Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features.
• Identify various types of networks.
• Compare and contrast network devices, their functions, and features.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

Laptops

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop.
• Compare and contrast laptop features.

Printers

• Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process.
• Given a scenario, install, and configure printers.
• Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance.

Operational Procedures

• Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.
• Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls.
• Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism.
• Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity.

Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems.
• Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.
• Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities.
• Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
• Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools.
• Explain the differences among basic OS security settings.
• Explain the basics of client-side virtualization.

Security

• Apply and use common prevention methods.
• Compare and contrast common security threats.
• Implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
• Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method.
• Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network.
• Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network.

Mobile Devices

• Explain the basic features of mobile operating systems.
• Establish basic network connectivity and configure email.
• Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices.
• Compare and contrast hardware differences in regards to tablets and laptops.
• Execute and configure mobile device synchronization.

Troubleshooting

• Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

Networking Concepts

• Compare the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models.
• Classify how applications, devices, and protocols relate to the OSI model layers.
• Explain the purpose and properties of IP addressing.
• Explain the purpose and properties of routing and switching.
• Identify common TCP and UDP default ports.
• Explain the function of common networking protocols.
• Summarize DNS concepts and its components.
• Given a scenario, implement network troubleshooting methodology.
• Identify virtual network components.

Network Installation and Configuration

• Given a scenario, install and configure routers and switches.
• Given a scenario, install and configure a wireless network.
• Explain the purpose and properties of DHCP.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wireless problems.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common router and switch problems.
• Given a set of requirements, plan and implement a basic SOHO network.

Network Media and Topologies

• Categorize standard media types and associated properties.
• Categorize standard connector types based on network media.
• Compare and contrast different wireless standards.
• Categorize WAN technology types and properties.
• Describe different network topologies.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common physical connectivity problems.
• Compare and contrast different LAN technologies.
• Identify components of wiring distribution.

Network Management

• Explain the purpose and features of various network appliances.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate hardware tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate software tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Given a scenario, use the appropriate network monitoring resource to analyze traffic.
• Describe the purpose of configuration management documentation.
• Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization.

Network Security

• Given a scenario, implement appropriate wireless security measures.
• Explain the methods of network access security.
• Explain methods of user authentication.
• Explain common threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Given a scenario, install and configure a basic firewall.
• Categorize different types of network security appliances and methods.