IT Career JumpStart: An Introduction to PC Hardware, Software, and Networking

IT Career JumpStart: An Introduction to PC Hardware, Software, and Networking

Released January 2012
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9781118206157

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Book description

A practical approach for anyone looking to enter the IT workforce

Before candidates can begin to prepare for any kind of certification, they need a basic understanding of the various hardware and software components used in a computer network. Aimed at aspiring IT professionals, this invaluable book strips down a network to its bare basics, and discusses this complex topic in a clear and concise manner so that IT beginners can confidently gain an understanding of fundamental IT concepts. In addition, a base knowledge has been established so that more advanced topics and technologies can be learned over time.

  • Includes a discussion of the key computer components, such as the processor and memory

  • Covers the basics of data storage as well as the input/output process

  • Zeroes in on basic hardware configuration including how to install hardware and software drivers

  • Introduces various computer operating systems, including the Windows OS family, Linux, and Mac.

  • Looks at basic networking concepts and design

    • IT Career JumpStart is an ideal starting point for anyone looking for a career in IT but doesn't know where to start.

    Table of contents

    1. Cover Page
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright
    4. Dear Reader
    5. Dedication
    6. Acknowledgments
    7. About the Authors
    8. Contents
    9. Introduction
    10. Chapter 1: The Computer's Brain: Processors and Memory
      1. Introduction to Processors
      2. The Intel Processor Lineup
      3. Stacking Up the Competition
      4. Using Multiprocessor and Multicore Computers
      5. physical Memory
      6. Bus Architecture
      7. Terms to Know
        1. Review Questions
    11. Chapter 2: Storing Your Files: Data Storage
      1. Keys to Data Storage
      2. Understanding Hard Drive Basics
      3. Performance with SDD Drives
      4. Performance with SCSI Drives
      5. Organizing Disks
      6. Understanding Partition Types
      7. A Primer on Disk Drive Configurations
      8. Types of Offline Data Storage
      9. Terms to Know
      10. Review Questions
    12. Chapter 3: Data Movement: Input/Output Devices
      1. Understanding Ports
      2. Understanding Monitors
      3. Connecting a Keyboard and Mouse
      4. Touch Screens
      5. Making Remote Connections
      6. Choosing a Printer
      7. Choosing PC Cards
      8. Terms to Know
      9. Review Questions
    13. Chapter 4: Hardware Configuration
      1. Installing Hardware
      2. Installing Software Drivers
      3. Updating Software Drivers
      4. Handling Interrupts
      5. Using Base Memory and Identifying System Resources
      6. Using I/O Memory
      7. Using DMA
      8. Terms to Know
      9. Review Questions
    14. Chapter 5: Desktop Operating Systems: A Comparison
      1. In The Beginning: Understanding DOS
      2. Understanding Windows
      3. Understanding Unix and Linux
      4. Apple Operating Systems
      5. Dual-Booting between OSs
      6. Terms to Know
      7. Review Questions
    15. Chapter 6: Command Shell 101: Basics Every Administrator Should Know
      1. Introducing the Command-Line Interface
      2. Creating a Directory Structure
      3. Copying and Moving Files
      4. Using Command-Line Wildcards
      5. Understanding File Attributes
      6. Changing the Time and Date
      7. Using Timesaving Keyboard Shortcuts
      8. Introducing PowerShell
      9. Understanding PowerShell Modules and Snap-Ins
      10. PowerShell Functions and Scripts
      11. Terms to Know
      12. Review Questions
    16. Chapter 7: Graphical Interface: Windows 7 Basics
      1. A Quick Introduction
      2. Introduction to the Windows 7 Desktop
      3. Using the Start Button
      4. Accessing the Computer Window
      5. Accessing Network Resources
      6. Using the Recycle Bin
      7. Creating Shortcuts
      8. Using Wizards
      9. Using Windows Explorer
      10. Terms to Know
      11. Review Questions
    17. Chapter 8: A Communications Framework
      1. Understanding OSI Model Basics
      2. Data Transfer in the OSI Model
      3. Layer 1: The Physical Layer
      4. Layer 2: The Data-Link Layer
      5. Layer 3: The Network Layer
      6. Layer 4: The Transport Layer
      7. Layer 5: The Session Layer
      8. Layer 6: The Presentation Layer
      9. Layer 7: The Application Layer
      10. Terms to Know
      11. Review Questions
    18. Chapter 9: Network Models
      1. Considering Peer-to-Peer Networks
      2. Viewing Network Configurations for Windows 7 Computers
      3. Considering Client-Server Networks
      4. The Directory Services Model
      5. Terms to Know
      6. Review Questions
    19. Chapter 10: Data-Link and Network Layer Protocols
      1. Introduction to Topologies
      2. Ethernet Communication Architecture
      3. Using TCP/IP
      4. Terms to Know
      5. Review Questions
    20. Chapter 11: Network Operating Systems: A Comparison
      1. Introduction to an NOS
      2. Windows Server 2003 R2
      3. Windows Server 2008
      4. Windows Server 2008 R2
      5. Unix Servers
      6. Linux
      7. Terms to Know
      8. Review Questions
    21. Chapter 12: Windows Server 2008 R2 Origins and Platforms
      1. Understanding the Origins of Windows Server
      2. Understanding NT 4
      3. Understanding Windows 2000/Windows Server 2003
      4. Understanding Windows Server 2008/Windows Server 2008 R2
      5. Terms to Know
      6. Review Questions
    22. Chapter 13: Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 Active Directory Domain Services
      1. Features of the Active Directory Domain Services
      2. Structure of the Active Directory Domain Services
      3. The Physical Network
      4. Terms to Know
      5. Review Questions
    23. Chapter 14: Account Management
      1. Structuring the Active Directory
      2. Using and Creating Groups
      3. User Accounts
      4. Terms to Know
      5. Review Questions
    24. Chapter 15: File and Print Management
      1. Sharing Folders
      2. Assigning Permissions to Users and Groups
      3. Using NTFS
      4. Understanding Share and NTFS Permission Interaction
      5. Accessing Resources
      6. Sharing Printers
      7. Terms to Know
      8. Review Questions
    25. Appendix A: Review Question Answers
      1. Chapter 1
      2. Chapter 2
      3. Chapter 3
      4. Chapter 4
      5. Chapter 5
      6. Chapter 6
      7. Chapter 7
      8. Chapter 8
      9. Chapter 9
      10. Chapter 10
      11. Chapter 11
      12. Chapter 12
      13. Chapter 13
      14. Chapter 14
      15. Chapter 15
    26. Appendix B: Common Acronyms
    27. Glossary
    28. Index

    Product information

    • Title: IT Career JumpStart: An Introduction to PC Hardware, Software, and Networking
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: January 2012
    • Publisher(s): Sybex
    • ISBN: 9781118206157