IT Hardware Essentials: Desktop Support and Troubleshooting (Video Course)

Description

6.5+ Hours of Video Instruction

Master essential IT hardware skills with our Desktop Support and Troubleshooting course, perfect for starting a career in tech support.

This beginner-friendly course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to launch a career in IT support. You will begin by learning how to identify and work with common computer ports and cable types, including video ports, USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and power cables.

You will also discover how cable converters and adapters are used to connect different hardware components. As you move forward, you will explore the inside of a desktop computer and gain hands-on knowledge about installing essential hardware such as RAM, hard drives, graphics cards, and wireless adapters. The course also demonstrates how to use built-in tools such as device managers to manage and update drivers, while explaining the difference between internal and external storage device

Once you have built a strong understanding of computer components, the course focuses on practical troubleshooting skills. You will learn how to diagnose and fix common issues related to power, connectivity, usability, and hardware compatibility for CPUs, memory, graphics, and storage. You will also understand how to read device status indicators, identify problems using Device Manager, and when to consider firmware updates. The final part of the course covers troubleshooting a wide range of peripherals including printers, speakers, microphones, keyboards, scanners, webcams, and conferencing tools.

By the end of the course, you will have real-world skills to confidently support computer systems, solve hardware and device problems, and take your first step toward roles such as help desk technician or IT support specialist.

Learn How to:

• Identify common physical ports and cable types used in desktop and mobile devices, including video, USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and power connectors.
• Differentiate between various cable converters and adapters to support hardware compatibility and connectivity in IT environments.
• Describe the internal components of a desktop computer, including CPU, RAM, storage drives, and expansion cards to build foundational hardware knowledge.
• Demonstrate how to install and upgrade desktop hardware such as memory, hard drives, graphics cards, and wireless adapters.
• Use system tools such as Device Manager to manage, update, and troubleshoot software drivers and connected devices.
• Explain the functions of internal and external storage devices and how to choose the appropriate solution for different use cases.
• Apply diagnostic steps to troubleshoot common hardware problems including power failures, connectivity issues, and hardware compatibility conflicts.
• Analyze system requirements to determine compatibility between components such as processors, memory, graphics cards, and storage devices.
• Interpret hardware status indicators and use troubleshooting tools to identify device issues effectively.
• Evaluate the benefits and risks of firmware updates and decide when and how they should be applied in a support environment.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to peripheral devices including printers, scanners, webcams, speakers, and input tools like keyboards and mice.
• Apply best practices for the setup, maintenance, and support of common peripherals in both office and remote work settings.
• Develop critical thinking and technical troubleshooting skills needed for real-world IT support tasks, preparing you for help desk and technician roles.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to start a career in IT support. It is ideal for beginners, students, career changers, and anyone preparing for entry-level IT roles. It also supports those studying for the CompTIA A+ certification or looking to build hands-on troubleshooting skills. No prior experience is needed.

About Pearson Video Training

Pearson publishes expert-led video tutorials covering a wide selection of technology topics designed to teach you the skills you need to succeed. These professional and personal technology videos feature world-leading author instructors published by your trusted technology brands: Addison-Wesley, Cisco Press, Pearson IT Certification, Sams, and Que. Topics include IT Certification, Network Security, Cisco Technology, Programming, Web Development, Mobile Development, and more. Learn more about Pearson Video training at http://www.informit.com/video.

Sample Content

Table of Contents

Introduction

Module 1: Common Computer Components, Ports, and Cable Types

Lesson 1: Physical Port and Cable Types

Video ports and cable types

Universal Serial Bus (USB), Thunderbolt port and cable types

Serial ports and cable types

Ethernet cable types

Power cables (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile)

Cable converters and adaptors

Lesson 2: Common Desktop Computer Hardware Components

A look inside of a desktop computer and its components

How to install hardware components inside a desktop computer

Installing Random-Access Memory (RAM)

Installing an internal hard disk drive (HDD)

Installing a graphics card

Installing a wireless adapter

Using device manager to update and manage software drivers

Understanding internal and external storage devices

Module 2: Troubleshooting Common Computer, Peripherals, and Hardware Issues

Lesson 3: Common Hardware Issues and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting power supply issues

Troubleshooting connectivity issues

Troubleshooting usability issues

Compatibility requirements (CPU, RAM, GPU, Storage)

Leveraging Device Manager to identify hardware issues

Device status indicators

Benefits and risk of firmware updates

Lesson 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues with Peripherals

Printer and facsimile (Fax) operations and maintenance

Troubleshooting a laser printer

Audio devices (external speakers, headphones, and microphones)

External input components (keyboard, mouse, scanners, and pointing devices)

External video devices (webcams, teleconferencing, and touch panels)

Summary

Next steps

Updates

Submit Errata