• Understand Basic Hardware Concepts – Learn key terms, core components, and the primary functions of system modules.

• Explore CPU Chips – Study popular processors, their specifications (clock speed, cores, cache), and architectural characteristics.

• BIOS vs UEFI – Understand the roles of BIOS and UEFI firmware in system initialization and boot processes.

• Motherboard Architecture – Examine motherboard layout, major components, RAM types, and key terminologies.

• Ports, Cables, and Connectors – Identify and understand the function of essential I/O ports (USB, HDMI), internal/external cables, and connectors.

• Peripheral Devices – Printers – Gain insight into how printers work, including components and types (inkjet, laser), to enhance peripheral device knowledge.

• Install Internal Devices – Learn how to install components like RAM, CPU, GPU, HDD/SSD, and expansion cards inside the system unit.

• Connect External Devices – Set up external hardware such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and webcams through appropriate ports.

• Configure Peripheral Devices – Install and configure printers, scanners, and external storage (USB drives, external HDDs/SSDs).

• Driver Installation – Understand the importance of installing and updating drivers for device compatibility and performance.

• Apply Best Practices – Follow safety, grounding, and anti-static precautions during hardware installation.

• Ensure Compatibility & Performance – Verify hardware compatibility with the OS and ensure optimal performance through BIOS/firmware settings and driver configurations.

• Understand Preventive Maintenance – Learn regular cleaning, inspection, and component checks to extend hardware lifespan.

• Follow Safety Protocols – Apply proper grounding, anti-static measures, and safe handling practices to prevent damage and ensure workplace safety.

• Manage Replaceable Components – Identify and replace parts like RAM, power supplies, fans, and storage drives effectively.

• Troubleshooting Techniques – Use systematic methods to identify, isolate, and fix hardware issues efficiently.

• Use Diagnostic Tools – Employ tools like POST cards, multimeters, and software utilities to aid in hardware diagnostics.

• Document & Track Issues – Keep records of problems and solutions for future reference and better support workflows.

• Understand OS Functions

• Explore Key System Files

• File & Directory Management

• Disk Management Techniques

• Data Integrity Practices

• Work Across OS Types

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• Install Microsoft Windows Operating Systems

• Understand Boot Sequences and Startup Methods

• Upgrade Windows Versions Effectively

• Load and Configure Device Drivers

• Manage System Applications

• Ensure Seamless System Operation

• Understand Common Error Codes and Startup Messages

• Develop Systematic Troubleshooting Skills

• Use Windows Troubleshooting Utilities

• Diagnose and Fix Frequent OS Issues

• Enhance System Reliability

• Improve User Experience

• Understand Network Devices and Topologies

• Explore Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, etc.)

• Learn LAN Cable Types and Color Coding Standards

• Master Network Protocols and Virtualization Basics

• Understand IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing

• Apply Subnetting Techniques (FLSM & VLSM)

• Understand VLANs and Interswitch Connectivity

• Learn CDP, LLDP, and EtherChannel (LACP)

• Master Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid PVST+

• Explore Wireless Architecture and Access Point Modes

• Manage Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs)

• Implement Secure Remote Access with Telnet and SSH

• Understand Cisco Network Design and Router Components

• Learn the Cisco Router Boot Sequence

• Apply Router Security Best Practices

• Configure Routing Protocols: Static, Default, and OSPFv2

• Perform Cisco IOS Backup and Recovery

• Explore First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)

1. Configure NAT (Network Address Translation)

2. Set Up NTP (Network Time Protocol)

3. Deploy DHCP and DHCP Relay

4. Implement DNS for Name Resolution

5. Use Network Monitoring Tools: SNMP and Syslog

6. Manage Remote Access and File Transfers with SSH, TFTP, and FTP

• Understand Core Network Security Concepts

• Implement VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

• Configure Access Control Lists (ACLs)

• Apply DHCP Snooping and Port Security

• Use AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) Mechanisms

• Secure Wireless Networks with Modern Security Protocols

• Understand the Importance of Network Automation

• Explore Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

• Work with REST-Based APIs for Network Control

• Use Configuration Management Tools: Puppet, Chef, and Ansible

• Interpret and Manipulate JSON-Encoded Data

• Build Skills for Managing Programmable Networks

• Introduction to Open Source and RHEL: Understand the open-source philosophy, Linux distributions, and key features of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

• Command Line Essentials: Log into Linux systems and execute basic commands in the bash shell to manage files and processes efficiently.

• File Management: Learn to create, move, copy, delete, and organize files and directories via command line operations.

• User and Group Administration: Manage local users and groups, set password policies, and control file system permissions with precision.

• System Monitoring and Process Control: Monitor system processes, control services and daemons with systemd, and configure secure remote access using OpenSSH.

• Logging and Troubleshooting: Analyze and interpret system logs for troubleshooting, improve shell productivity with scripting, and schedule automated tasks using cron jobs.

• Security and Access Control: Manage SELinux, configure file access control lists (ACLs), and secure network services with firewalls and SELinux policies.

• Storage Management: Create and manage partitions, logical volumes, file systems, and optimize storage with advanced features like Stratis and VDO.

• Boot Process and System Recovery: Control the system boot process, troubleshoot boot failures, and manage recovery options.

• Software Management: Install, update, and manage software packages using yum and Red Hat repositories.

• Containers and Automation: Run and manage lightweight containers on RHEL and automate Linux administration tasks using Ansible, including playbook creation, role management, and troubleshooting.

• Cloud Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to cloud computing, deployment models, service models, and an overview of leading cloud providers with a focus on AWS. Learn to set up AWS accounts, utilize the free tier, and manage billing and budgets.

• Designing Secure Architectures: Deep dive into AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Security Token Service (STS), AWS Cognito, GuardDuty, Secrets Manager, Web Application Firewall (WAF), Shield, Key Management Service (KMS), and certificate management with AWS Certificate Manager (ACM).

• Designing Resilient Architectures: Implement highly available architectures using AWS API Gateway, Transfer Family, Simple Queue Service (SQS), Content Delivery Network (CDN), Application Load Balancer, Fargate, Lambda, Elastic Container Service (ECS), Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), Step Functions, Route 53, AWS Backup, RDS Proxy, and AWS X-Ray.

• Designing High-Performing Architectures: Optimize storage and computing with Amazon S3, EFS, EBS, AWS Batch, EMR, EC2, Auto Scaling, Elastic Cache, Aurora, DynamoDB, CloudFront, Global Accelerator, VPN, Direct Connect, PrivateLink, Athena, Lake Formation, QuickSight, DataSync, Storage Gateway, Glue, and Kinesis.

• Cost-Optimized Architecture Design: Use AWS Cost Management tools including Cost Explorer, Budgets, and Cost & Usage reports to optimize cloud spending and resource allocation.