Gateway to IT Online Training Package including CompTIA: A+, Network+ & Security+

Gain a complete understanding of PC networking and security with this three course package. Students will learn everything required to support and manage a Windows PC network, from basic hardware familiarisation to administering a PC network to securing data within that network.

Initially participants will study how to build, configure and manage client devices (PCs and laptops) in a corporate network setting as part of the A+ certification training. The course materials will take them through:

• Common PC components and how they are assembled to create a working computer.
• Component configurations that improve performance and system compatibility.
• How to build a simple network to share data between PCs.
• Installing, configuring and managing the Microsoft Windows operating system on a desktop PC.
• Applying Group Policies to prevent data and settings being accessed or altered by unauthorised users.
• Monitoring and maintaining PCs to identify and resolve potential problems early.

Focus then shifts to the Network+ modules which will help students gain a better understanding of common PC networking techniques. Initially learners will be introduced to basic network hardware, before going on to look at:

• Physical network cable types and the situations in which each would be used.
• Building LANs and WANs and the correct topology to use for a specific business need.
• How to monitor and manage the traffic passing through network hardware to ensure a consistently high performance for service users.
• The basic principles of network security, using features built-in to routers and switches to prevent unauthorised access and data theft.

Finally, the Security+ modules are intended to help network engineers and administrators use advanced techniques to raise security levels within the corporate network. Topics covered include:

• Including network security as a basic design consideration.
• Identifying compliance needs for data and network security and building appropriate safeguards.
• Familiarisation with common network threats and vulnerabilities and how they can be blocked or minimised.
• The three levels of security considerations – application, data and host – and how each is to be protected.
• How user accounts and security groups can limit data access to authorised parties and raise security standards.
• The use of encryption to protect sensitive data against unauthorised access or theft.

This package is best suited to:

• IT network managers and systems administrators responsible for building and maintaining small and medium computer networks.
• IT professionals seeking a collection of qualifications to prove their all-round skills and expertise.
• First-line IT technicians who want to improve their basic IT skills and expand their knowledge and experience of networking and security.
• People looking to develop complete network management skills in anticipation of a move into IT.

There are no prerequisites for this course package.

Once this package has been completed, you will have all the knowledge necessary to function in any IT engineer or technician role, including for IT networking and security.