Introduction to Information Technology Systems

What is IT?

• History of IT: Starting with the first functional computers, information technology has rapidly developed over the past several decades. This topic will discuss the milestones in that development.
• Function of IT professionals: IT has engulfed all aspects of society. IT professionals are critical in their various functions in a business, with new functions being added.
• Careers in IT: More than just a service help desk, there are many options available to the modern IT professionals to develop specialized careers.
• Professional Certification: The foundational certifications establish a baseline of expertise for the IT professional. Each has a different function and development path.
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA ITF
• CompTIA Network+

IT Fundamentals

• Computer Architecture Overview: The basic information system is common across the IT landscape. This topic develops those foundational components.
• Technical Support: A major part of the IT profession is helping users. This topic will discuss the fundamentals of assisting customers in a professional manner.
• Software Fundamentals: Information systems require software to perform any function. This topic will review the major types of software used by businesses and basic implementation options.

Hardware

• Hardware Components: CPU, GPU, RAM, Cables & Connectors, Storage Devices, Motherboards, Power Supply This topic will continue the investigation of the information system components to discover the various options.
• Peripherals: The information system needs other devices for input, output or other specific functions. These options are important to understanding the possible configurations.
• Compatibility: Not all devices can communicate with each other. Compatibility is critical in developing and repairing information systems.
• Building a Computer: Not simply plug and play, building a computer requires many precautions and techniques to be successful.
• Hardware Decision Making: Many options must be investigated to choose the correct configuration.
• Hardware Troubleshooting: Any given system or configuration can have issues. There are techniques and processes to efficiently troubleshoot those hardware problems.

Operating Systems

• Operating System Fundamentals: This topic discusses the primary functions and processes of operating systems for devices.
• Windows, Mac & Linux: Each type of operating system has unique features and functions. This topic will review the strengths and weakness of the three major desktop operating systems.
• Welcome to Linux: While not as well known as other operating systems, understanding Linux is foundational for the IT professional to operate in the modern information system environment.
• Users & Permissions: The information systems required parameters of operation and access to allow users to utilize the tools of the system; however, information and functionality must also be restricted to the proper personnel.
• Package and Software Management: Implementing and maintaining the software of information systems is a critical role for the IT professional.
• Machine Processes: How the information system processes information and the operating system’s flow are critical information for the IT professional to understand the system.
• OS Troubleshooting: Information systems do not always function properly. Troubleshooting system issues often takes more than just replacing a component. Operating systems troubleshooting and repair are a vital IT professional function.

System Administration & Infrastructure

• What’s a System Administrator?: This topic will discuss this major IT professional role and its position in the business structure.
• Network and Infrastructure Basics: Information systems gain much functionality when they can communicate with each other. This topic covers how that occurs, including introducing the transport layers and functionality.
• Software, Platform, and Directory Services: This topic introduces how the information is stored and retrieved within multiple devices in a network.
• Data Recovery & Backups: Maintaining integrity of data, especially during system failures, is another critical IT professional function.
• Virtual Desktops and Remote Updating: This topic introduces virtualization and its function in the workplace. IT professionals must also be able to update and repair systems from other locations.

Security Fundamentals

• Threats: No system is completely secure. Several security threats exist, and the IT professional must understand them to combat those threats.
• Cryptology: This topic will discuss the various was data is encrypted for security, including the concept of public and private keys.
• Network Security: This topic will discuss methods and techniques to improve network security for a business’ information systems.
• Best Practices: Not all methods are equal, and this topic will discuss using risk management to determine the best techniques to be used for security.
• The Human Factor: People are the weakest point in any security scheme. This topic will discuss how people can be security risks, and how the IT professional can mitigate those risks.

Mobile Devices

• Laptop Hardware: This topic will discuss the hardware differences between desktops and laptops, including their limitations.
• Tablets: From iPads to Surface to Android, tablets are becoming a dominant force in the workplace that the IT professional has to understand.
• Smartphones: Since the small computers are in everyone’s pocket, the IT professional has to understand their capabilities.
• Configuration: Each of these mobile devices will require configuration to be effective in the business environment. The IT professional must understand how to configure them to operate securely in the business environment.
• Network Connectivity: With multiple options for connecting to networks, the IT professional must understand not only the ways connection can occur but the implication of that connection on network security.
• App Support Basics: Installing and supporting essential apps is one of the functions of the help desk and the IT professional.
• Mobile Sync: How does the data synchronize across all of our devices? The IT professional must be ready to assist in making the data available regardless of the device.