IT Support   

Learn the fundamentals of PC and network security from this expert-developed course.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. This course will quickly bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.

You will understand and explore the vulnerability of operating systems, software, and networks. Then, you will get into the minds of hackers and crackers, developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer without your knowledge. You will find out why, where and how viruses, worms, and blended threats are created. You will learn a safe way to handle files and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. By the end of this course you will be able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. In this course, a security expert will teach you the fundamentals of PC and network security as you learn to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Introduction to PC Security

In this lesson, you will learn the facts and myths about PC security. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to assess your own risk, whether you're an individual or manage a network of any size. You will also perform a self-assessment to evaluate just how vulnerable you are to security flaws.

Your PC and Network

If you ever wondered what technical gurus are speaking about when they talk about LANs, WANs, VPNs, and P2P, you will find detailed answers in this lesson. Discover the basics of networks and how your PC connects to them.

PCs, Networks, and Software Demystified

Most people don't stop to think about how a Mac can talk to a PC and vice versa. Yet, different types of machines talk to each other on a daily basis across networks. They also talk to printers, fax machines, and a host of other devices. The OSI model for network connections lets you accomplish this, and you will learn all about it in this lesson.

Viruses, Worms, Blended Threats, and More

Get ready to investigate the world of viruses, worms, and blended threats. You'll learn what they are and the differences between all three. Of course, all this knowledge will also teach you how to protect yourself and your network from the hackers and crackers of the world.

The Family of Malware

This lesson introduces you to the ware family. What is the ware family? They are the products that download themselves onto your computer without your consent or knowledge—spyware, scumware, malware, and adware. You will meet them and learn all about where they live, places they frequent, and how to remove these unwelcome guests.

Exploits and Vulnerabilities

You may have heard of them: vulnerabilities, exploits, and exposure. But what are they? Have you ever wondered if someone really can control your computer without your knowledge? If you've been pondering these questions lately, then you will find your answers here, along with priceless information on protecting your computer and your network to keep your business and personal data private.

Network Attacks

Have you ever tried to access the web but received an error saying the page can't be displayed, you aren't connected, or you don't have access? Denial of Service attacks and SYN flooding are two types of network attacks that seem to go unnoticed on personal PCs and small networks. After this lesson, you will no longer be left wondering what happened to your Internet connection.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part One)

This lesson will introduce you to firewalls. Join me in this lesson, and you will soon start building an impenetrable moat around your network.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part Two)

Now that you have your moat built, it's time to arm up and defend yourself. In this lesson, you will learn how to configure your firewall and maximize your network security.

Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks, and Wireless Networking

Laptops and wireless connectivity aren't as secure as they appear. You will understand why in this lesson.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

This lesson explores the Virtual Private Network and how it's different from standard networks, how it works, how to secure it, and how to set up your own. You can share files with family across the miles by allowing them to connect remotely to your designated shared folders. You can share music files, family pictures, and anything else you choose to give them access to.

Changing Face of Security

Now that you know what's out there, how can you possibly keep on top of security issues? There's so much information out there, how will you know what applies to you? You will learn about emerging security technology that will help make managing and securing your network easier. Finally, you can test yourself against the first security assessment to see how well you've secured your own PC or network.

What you will learn

• Learn to assess your own risk on your computer or network
• Learn the weak links of security in software and operating systems
• Learn to protect your network from hackers
• Learn priceless information on protecting your computer and keep personal data private
• Learn to build a firewall
• Learn to set up your own Virtual Private Network

How you will benefit

• Understand when your computer is being attacked
• Understand the many vulnerabilities of operating systems, software, and networks
• Know how to protect your network from hackers
• Keep your personal data private

Debbie Mahler has worked for 15 years in the computer repair industry and runs her own IT business. She teaches on a wide range of business-related topics at the university level and has written six books on the business. She also contributes to several publications. Mahler holds a Bachelor of Art in Applied Behavioral Psychology and the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist.

Learn the fundamentals of PC and network security from this expert-developed course.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. This course will quickly bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.

You will understand and explore the vulnerability of operating systems, software, and networks. Then, you will get into the minds of hackers and crackers, developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer without your knowledge. You will find out why, where and how viruses, worms, and blended threats are created. You will learn a safe way to handle files and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. By the end of this course you will be able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. In this course, a security expert will teach you the fundamentals of PC and network security as you learn to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Introduction to PC Security

In this lesson, you will learn the facts and myths about PC security. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to assess your own risk, whether you're an individual or manage a network of any size. You will also perform a self-assessment to evaluate just how vulnerable you are to security flaws.

Your PC and Network

If you ever wondered what technical gurus are speaking about when they talk about LANs, WANs, VPNs, and P2P, you will find detailed answers in this lesson. Discover the basics of networks and how your PC connects to them.

PCs, Networks, and Software Demystified

Most people don't stop to think about how a Mac can talk to a PC and vice versa. Yet, different types of machines talk to each other on a daily basis across networks. They also talk to printers, fax machines, and a host of other devices. The OSI model for network connections lets you accomplish this, and you will learn all about it in this lesson.

Viruses, Worms, Blended Threats, and More

Get ready to investigate the world of viruses, worms, and blended threats. You'll learn what they are and the differences between all three. Of course, all this knowledge will also teach you how to protect yourself and your network from the hackers and crackers of the world.

The Family of Malware

This lesson introduces you to the ware family. What is the ware family? They are the products that download themselves onto your computer without your consent or knowledge—spyware, scumware, malware, and adware. You will meet them and learn all about where they live, places they frequent, and how to remove these unwelcome guests.

Exploits and Vulnerabilities

You may have heard of them: vulnerabilities, exploits, and exposure. But what are they? Have you ever wondered if someone really can control your computer without your knowledge? If you've been pondering these questions lately, then you will find your answers here, along with priceless information on protecting your computer and your network to keep your business and personal data private.

Network Attacks

Have you ever tried to access the web but received an error saying the page can't be displayed, you aren't connected, or you don't have access? Denial of Service attacks and SYN flooding are two types of network attacks that seem to go unnoticed on personal PCs and small networks. After this lesson, you will no longer be left wondering what happened to your Internet connection.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part One)

This lesson will introduce you to firewalls. Join me in this lesson, and you will soon start building an impenetrable moat around your network.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part Two)

Now that you have your moat built, it's time to arm up and defend yourself. In this lesson, you will learn how to configure your firewall and maximize your network security.

Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks, and Wireless Networking

Laptops and wireless connectivity aren't as secure as they appear. You will understand why in this lesson.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

This lesson explores the Virtual Private Network and how it's different from standard networks, how it works, how to secure it, and how to set up your own. You can share files with family across the miles by allowing them to connect remotely to your designated shared folders. You can share music files, family pictures, and anything else you choose to give them access to.

Changing Face of Security

Now that you know what's out there, how can you possibly keep on top of security issues? There's so much information out there, how will you know what applies to you? You will learn about emerging security technology that will help make managing and securing your network easier. Finally, you can test yourself against the first security assessment to see how well you've secured your own PC or network.

What you will learn

• Learn to assess your own risk on your computer or network
• Learn the weak links of security in software and operating systems
• Learn to protect your network from hackers
• Learn priceless information on protecting your computer and keep personal data private
• Learn to build a firewall
• Learn to set up your own Virtual Private Network

How you will benefit

• Understand when your computer is being attacked
• Understand the many vulnerabilities of operating systems, software, and networks
• Know how to protect your network from hackers
• Keep your personal data private

Debbie Mahler has worked for 15 years in the computer repair industry and runs her own IT business. She teaches on a wide range of business-related topics at the university level and has written six books on the business. She also contributes to several publications. Mahler holds a Bachelor of Art in Applied Behavioral Psychology and the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist.

Learn to decipher and solve almost any problem with your PC.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on expensive PC repairs! The vast majority of the problems people experience with their computers are completely avoidable, and most can be solved with nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Intro to PC Troubleshooting takes you step by step through the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians, teaching troubleshooting techniques to decipher any problem, and giving you the skills you need to solve them.

Once you've mastered the basics, the course launches into some of the more advanced and nasty problems that crop up in the PC, teaching you how to diagnose and fix those problems as well! Finally, Intro to PC Troubleshooting shows you how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to troubleshoot and fix some PCs!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• You will also need access to one or more computers that do not contain any data you consider sensitive.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on PC repairs that you can fix yourself with a little troubleshooting knowledge. This course takes you step-by-step through typical hardware and operating system problems and gives you the skills you need to solve them as you learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

The Computing Process

This lesson starts you on the path to troubleshooting PCs like a pro. You'll first look at input devices, or how you tell the computer to do stuff. In the second part of the lesson, you'll explore the pieces that do the work inside the computer. The final section describes the output devices, where the computer communicates to you.

Troubleshooting Theory

This lesson will take you through the troubleshooting process. It's not a guide to solving specific computer problems, but the steps explained here will enable you to tackle any computer problems you might encounter. The three main steps are identifying the problem, testing solutions, and completing the process.

Operating System Overview

This lesson introduces you to some of the basic components and tools of an operating system. First, you'll find out about the primary functions of operating systems. You'll then explore the major parts of Microsoft Windows, including the Desktop and Windows Explorer. You'll finish the lesson by learning about the most important troubleshooting tools for fixing operating systems.

OS Fixes

This lesson leads you through the basic steps of troubleshooting an operating system, including startup, video, sound, and application errors. You'll look at tools like Safe Mode and the System Configuration utility and learn about driver rollback. You'll end the lesson by learning how to troubleshoot audio/visual errors.

Avoiding OS Obstacles

How would you like to prevent system problems instead of rushing to fix them? In this lesson, you'll master the three most important types of preventive maintenance: backing up data that's on a hard drive, updating or upgrading the operating system, and using Windows utilities that help you monitor and maintain the OS.

Networking Basics

This lesson covers the basics of networking. First, you'll find out how networks work and what the necessary components are for a wired network. Next, you'll discover wireless networks and everything that separates them from their wired-network brethren. Finally, you'll learn about the biggest network of them all, the Internet.

Troubleshooting Network and Internet Issues

This lesson covers the steps to take when trying to fix your network or Internet connections. You'll learn how to troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, share files, and fix a dial-up or broadband Internet connection.

Preventing Internet Problems

Keep your computer safe from Internet-based attacks, including viruses and spyware! You'll discover the many types of malicious software that can infect your computer, and go through the five-step process of recovering from a virus infection. You'll also read about safe browsing and safe email use and find out how to configure a firewall to help defend your PC.

Introduction to PC Hardware

All PC techs needs to get their hands dirty eventually, which means diving inside the case and checking things out from the inside. In this lesson, you'll learn about the power of different PC parts, including what to look for when shopping for new parts. The lesson will also guide you through the safe and proper handling of components.

Installing Hardware

Replacing hardware components can dramatically improve your PC's performance. For instance, RAM can speed up your computer, a second hard drive increases your data storage capacity, and expansion cards can add features and ports to your computer. In this lesson, you'll learn to handle RAM, hard drives, and expansion cards.

Maintaining Hardware

Dirt happens! You can't make your PC last forever, but you can make it last longer and run better by keeping it clean. Get out your canned air and your distilled water (but not your pencil erasers or your household vacuum cleaner), and learn safe and effective ways to check, clean, and maintain the inside and outside of your computer. You'll also learn about how to donate an old computer and how to throw away a computer without losing data or harming the environment.

Life of a PC Troubleshooter

You've come a long way since the beginning of this course. Before you complete your PC troubleshooting training, you'll be reminded about the computing process and troubleshooting theory. Combined with your new knowledge of PC hardware, software, and networking, you can use these tools to fix all sorts of problems. You'll learn more about your future as a PC troubleshooter, including the certifications and careers available to anyone with the right skills.

What you will learn

• Learn the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians
• Gain the skills you need to solve common PC problems
• Learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced problems as well
• Learn how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC

How you will benefit

• Save time and money by learning to diagnose and troubleshoot common computer problems that you may encounter personally and professionally
• Gain confidence as you learn to fix problems on your PC and business computers
• Open the door to new career opportunities as the go to person for technology issues in most companies

David Rush has been an IT instructor and expert for over 35 years with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He has been the senior instructor for the industry leader in CompTIA certification books, videos, and learning tools for the past 11 years.

In this capacity, Dave has taught computer technology, A+, and Network+ to the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other federal law enforcement agencies. He also creates train-the-trainer courses and materials for educational institutions. He conducts weekly, live online seminars on using Raspberry Pi computers and Linux as tools to foster studies toward CompTIA certifications.

In addition to his involvement in IT instruction, Dave has had a wide and varied career, including time as an airline pilot with U.S. and international airlines.

Learn to decipher and solve almost any problem with your PC.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on expensive PC repairs! The vast majority of the problems people experience with their computers are completely avoidable, and most can be solved with nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Intro to PC Troubleshooting takes you step by step through the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians, teaching troubleshooting techniques to decipher any problem, and giving you the skills you need to solve them.

Once you've mastered the basics, the course launches into some of the more advanced and nasty problems that crop up in the PC, teaching you how to diagnose and fix those problems as well! Finally, Intro to PC Troubleshooting shows you how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to troubleshoot and fix some PCs!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• You will also need access to one or more computers that do not contain any data you consider sensitive.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on PC repairs that you can fix yourself with a little troubleshooting knowledge. This course takes you step-by-step through typical hardware and operating system problems and gives you the skills you need to solve them as you learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

The Computing Process

This lesson starts you on the path to troubleshooting PCs like a pro. You'll first look at input devices, or how you tell the computer to do stuff. In the second part of the lesson, you'll explore the pieces that do the work inside the computer. The final section describes the output devices, where the computer communicates to you.

Troubleshooting Theory

This lesson will take you through the troubleshooting process. It's not a guide to solving specific computer problems, but the steps explained here will enable you to tackle any computer problems you might encounter. The three main steps are identifying the problem, testing solutions, and completing the process.

Operating System Overview

This lesson introduces you to some of the basic components and tools of an operating system. First, you'll find out about the primary functions of operating systems. You'll then explore the major parts of Microsoft Windows, including the Desktop and Windows Explorer. You'll finish the lesson by learning about the most important troubleshooting tools for fixing operating systems.

OS Fixes

This lesson leads you through the basic steps of troubleshooting an operating system, including startup, video, sound, and application errors. You'll look at tools like Safe Mode and the System Configuration utility and learn about driver rollback. You'll end the lesson by learning how to troubleshoot audio/visual errors.

Avoiding OS Obstacles

How would you like to prevent system problems instead of rushing to fix them? In this lesson, you'll master the three most important types of preventive maintenance: backing up data that's on a hard drive, updating or upgrading the operating system, and using Windows utilities that help you monitor and maintain the OS.

Networking Basics

This lesson covers the basics of networking. First, you'll find out how networks work and what the necessary components are for a wired network. Next, you'll discover wireless networks and everything that separates them from their wired-network brethren. Finally, you'll learn about the biggest network of them all, the Internet.

Troubleshooting Network and Internet Issues

This lesson covers the steps to take when trying to fix your network or Internet connections. You'll learn how to troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, share files, and fix a dial-up or broadband Internet connection.

Preventing Internet Problems

Keep your computer safe from Internet-based attacks, including viruses and spyware! You'll discover the many types of malicious software that can infect your computer, and go through the five-step process of recovering from a virus infection. You'll also read about safe browsing and safe email use and find out how to configure a firewall to help defend your PC.

Introduction to PC Hardware

All PC techs needs to get their hands dirty eventually, which means diving inside the case and checking things out from the inside. In this lesson, you'll learn about the power of different PC parts, including what to look for when shopping for new parts. The lesson will also guide you through the safe and proper handling of components.

Installing Hardware

Replacing hardware components can dramatically improve your PC's performance. For instance, RAM can speed up your computer, a second hard drive increases your data storage capacity, and expansion cards can add features and ports to your computer. In this lesson, you'll learn to handle RAM, hard drives, and expansion cards.

Maintaining Hardware

Dirt happens! You can't make your PC last forever, but you can make it last longer and run better by keeping it clean. Get out your canned air and your distilled water (but not your pencil erasers or your household vacuum cleaner), and learn safe and effective ways to check, clean, and maintain the inside and outside of your computer. You'll also learn about how to donate an old computer and how to throw away a computer without losing data or harming the environment.

Life of a PC Troubleshooter

You've come a long way since the beginning of this course. Before you complete your PC troubleshooting training, you'll be reminded about the computing process and troubleshooting theory. Combined with your new knowledge of PC hardware, software, and networking, you can use these tools to fix all sorts of problems. You'll learn more about your future as a PC troubleshooter, including the certifications and careers available to anyone with the right skills.

What you will learn

• Learn the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians
• Gain the skills you need to solve common PC problems
• Learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced problems as well
• Learn how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC

How you will benefit

• Save time and money by learning to diagnose and troubleshoot common computer problems that you may encounter personally and professionally
• Gain confidence as you learn to fix problems on your PC and business computers
• Open the door to new career opportunities as the go to person for technology issues in most companies

David Rush has been an IT instructor and expert for over 35 years with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He has been the senior instructor for the industry leader in CompTIA certification books, videos, and learning tools for the past 11 years.

In this capacity, Dave has taught computer technology, A+, and Network+ to the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other federal law enforcement agencies. He also creates train-the-trainer courses and materials for educational institutions. He conducts weekly, live online seminars on using Raspberry Pi computers and Linux as tools to foster studies toward CompTIA certifications.

In addition to his involvement in IT instruction, Dave has had a wide and varied career, including time as an airline pilot with U.S. and international airlines.

Learn the fundamentals of PC and network security from this expert-developed course.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. This course will quickly bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.

You will understand and explore the vulnerability of operating systems, software, and networks. Then, you will get into the minds of hackers and crackers, developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer without your knowledge. You will find out why, where and how viruses, worms, and blended threats are created. You will learn a safe way to handle files and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. By the end of this course you will be able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. In this course, a security expert will teach you the fundamentals of PC and network security as you learn to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Introduction to PC Security

In this lesson, you will learn the facts and myths about PC security. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to assess your own risk, whether you're an individual or manage a network of any size. You will also perform a self-assessment to evaluate just how vulnerable you are to security flaws.

Your PC and Network

If you ever wondered what technical gurus are speaking about when they talk about LANs, WANs, VPNs, and P2P, you will find detailed answers in this lesson. Discover the basics of networks and how your PC connects to them.

PCs, Networks, and Software Demystified

Most people don't stop to think about how a Mac can talk to a PC and vice versa. Yet, different types of machines talk to each other on a daily basis across networks. They also talk to printers, fax machines, and a host of other devices. The OSI model for network connections lets you accomplish this, and you will learn all about it in this lesson.

Viruses, Worms, Blended Threats, and More

Get ready to investigate the world of viruses, worms, and blended threats. You'll learn what they are and the differences between all three. Of course, all this knowledge will also teach you how to protect yourself and your network from the hackers and crackers of the world.

The Family of Malware

This lesson introduces you to the ware family. What is the ware family? They are the products that download themselves onto your computer without your consent or knowledge—spyware, scumware, malware, and adware. You will meet them and learn all about where they live, places they frequent, and how to remove these unwelcome guests.

Exploits and Vulnerabilities

You may have heard of them: vulnerabilities, exploits, and exposure. But what are they? Have you ever wondered if someone really can control your computer without your knowledge? If you've been pondering these questions lately, then you will find your answers here, along with priceless information on protecting your computer and your network to keep your business and personal data private.

Network Attacks

Have you ever tried to access the web but received an error saying the page can't be displayed, you aren't connected, or you don't have access? Denial of Service attacks and SYN flooding are two types of network attacks that seem to go unnoticed on personal PCs and small networks. After this lesson, you will no longer be left wondering what happened to your Internet connection.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part One)

This lesson will introduce you to firewalls. Join me in this lesson, and you will soon start building an impenetrable moat around your network.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part Two)

Now that you have your moat built, it's time to arm up and defend yourself. In this lesson, you will learn how to configure your firewall and maximize your network security.

Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks, and Wireless Networking

Laptops and wireless connectivity aren't as secure as they appear. You will understand why in this lesson.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

This lesson explores the Virtual Private Network and how it's different from standard networks, how it works, how to secure it, and how to set up your own. You can share files with family across the miles by allowing them to connect remotely to your designated shared folders. You can share music files, family pictures, and anything else you choose to give them access to.

Changing Face of Security

Now that you know what's out there, how can you possibly keep on top of security issues? There's so much information out there, how will you know what applies to you? You will learn about emerging security technology that will help make managing and securing your network easier. Finally, you can test yourself against the first security assessment to see how well you've secured your own PC or network.

What you will learn

• Learn to assess your own risk on your computer or network
• Learn the weak links of security in software and operating systems
• Learn to protect your network from hackers
• Learn priceless information on protecting your computer and keep personal data private
• Learn to build a firewall
• Learn to set up your own Virtual Private Network

How you will benefit

• Understand when your computer is being attacked
• Understand the many vulnerabilities of operating systems, software, and networks
• Know how to protect your network from hackers
• Keep your personal data private

Debbie Mahler has worked for 15 years in the computer repair industry and runs her own IT business. She teaches on a wide range of business-related topics at the university level and has written six books on the business. She also contributes to several publications. Mahler holds a Bachelor of Art in Applied Behavioral Psychology and the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist.

Learn the fundamentals of PC and network security from this expert-developed course.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. This course will quickly bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of PC and network security.

You will understand and explore the vulnerability of operating systems, software, and networks. Then, you will get into the minds of hackers and crackers, developing an understanding of the exploits they use to access your computer without your knowledge. You will find out why, where and how viruses, worms, and blended threats are created. You will learn a safe way to handle files and data across the Internet through a virtual private network. By the end of this course you will be able to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Learn why you're at risk and what you can do to protect your precious personal and business data from the outside world. In this course, a security expert will teach you the fundamentals of PC and network security as you learn to install and configure a firewall to build an impenetrable moat around your computer or network.

Introduction to PC Security

In this lesson, you will learn the facts and myths about PC security. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to assess your own risk, whether you're an individual or manage a network of any size. You will also perform a self-assessment to evaluate just how vulnerable you are to security flaws.

Your PC and Network

If you ever wondered what technical gurus are speaking about when they talk about LANs, WANs, VPNs, and P2P, you will find detailed answers in this lesson. Discover the basics of networks and how your PC connects to them.

PCs, Networks, and Software Demystified

Most people don't stop to think about how a Mac can talk to a PC and vice versa. Yet, different types of machines talk to each other on a daily basis across networks. They also talk to printers, fax machines, and a host of other devices. The OSI model for network connections lets you accomplish this, and you will learn all about it in this lesson.

Viruses, Worms, Blended Threats, and More

Get ready to investigate the world of viruses, worms, and blended threats. You'll learn what they are and the differences between all three. Of course, all this knowledge will also teach you how to protect yourself and your network from the hackers and crackers of the world.

The Family of Malware

This lesson introduces you to the ware family. What is the ware family? They are the products that download themselves onto your computer without your consent or knowledge—spyware, scumware, malware, and adware. You will meet them and learn all about where they live, places they frequent, and how to remove these unwelcome guests.

Exploits and Vulnerabilities

You may have heard of them: vulnerabilities, exploits, and exposure. But what are they? Have you ever wondered if someone really can control your computer without your knowledge? If you've been pondering these questions lately, then you will find your answers here, along with priceless information on protecting your computer and your network to keep your business and personal data private.

Network Attacks

Have you ever tried to access the web but received an error saying the page can't be displayed, you aren't connected, or you don't have access? Denial of Service attacks and SYN flooding are two types of network attacks that seem to go unnoticed on personal PCs and small networks. After this lesson, you will no longer be left wondering what happened to your Internet connection.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part One)

This lesson will introduce you to firewalls. Join me in this lesson, and you will soon start building an impenetrable moat around your network.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Firewalls (Part Two)

Now that you have your moat built, it's time to arm up and defend yourself. In this lesson, you will learn how to configure your firewall and maximize your network security.

Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks, and Wireless Networking

Laptops and wireless connectivity aren't as secure as they appear. You will understand why in this lesson.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

This lesson explores the Virtual Private Network and how it's different from standard networks, how it works, how to secure it, and how to set up your own. You can share files with family across the miles by allowing them to connect remotely to your designated shared folders. You can share music files, family pictures, and anything else you choose to give them access to.

Changing Face of Security

Now that you know what's out there, how can you possibly keep on top of security issues? There's so much information out there, how will you know what applies to you? You will learn about emerging security technology that will help make managing and securing your network easier. Finally, you can test yourself against the first security assessment to see how well you've secured your own PC or network.

What you will learn

• Learn to assess your own risk on your computer or network
• Learn the weak links of security in software and operating systems
• Learn to protect your network from hackers
• Learn priceless information on protecting your computer and keep personal data private
• Learn to build a firewall
• Learn to set up your own Virtual Private Network

How you will benefit

• Understand when your computer is being attacked
• Understand the many vulnerabilities of operating systems, software, and networks
• Know how to protect your network from hackers
• Keep your personal data private

Debbie Mahler has worked for 15 years in the computer repair industry and runs her own IT business. She teaches on a wide range of business-related topics at the university level and has written six books on the business. She also contributes to several publications. Mahler holds a Bachelor of Art in Applied Behavioral Psychology and the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist.

Learn to decipher and solve almost any problem with your PC.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on expensive PC repairs! The vast majority of the problems people experience with their computers are completely avoidable, and most can be solved with nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Intro to PC Troubleshooting takes you step by step through the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians, teaching troubleshooting techniques to decipher any problem, and giving you the skills you need to solve them.

Once you've mastered the basics, the course launches into some of the more advanced and nasty problems that crop up in the PC, teaching you how to diagnose and fix those problems as well! Finally, Intro to PC Troubleshooting shows you how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to troubleshoot and fix some PCs!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• You will also need access to one or more computers that do not contain any data you consider sensitive.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on PC repairs that you can fix yourself with a little troubleshooting knowledge. This course takes you step-by-step through typical hardware and operating system problems and gives you the skills you need to solve them as you learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

The Computing Process

This lesson starts you on the path to troubleshooting PCs like a pro. You'll first look at input devices, or how you tell the computer to do stuff. In the second part of the lesson, you'll explore the pieces that do the work inside the computer. The final section describes the output devices, where the computer communicates to you.

Troubleshooting Theory

This lesson will take you through the troubleshooting process. It's not a guide to solving specific computer problems, but the steps explained here will enable you to tackle any computer problems you might encounter. The three main steps are identifying the problem, testing solutions, and completing the process.

Operating System Overview

This lesson introduces you to some of the basic components and tools of an operating system. First, you'll find out about the primary functions of operating systems. You'll then explore the major parts of Microsoft Windows, including the Desktop and Windows Explorer. You'll finish the lesson by learning about the most important troubleshooting tools for fixing operating systems.

OS Fixes

This lesson leads you through the basic steps of troubleshooting an operating system, including startup, video, sound, and application errors. You'll look at tools like Safe Mode and the System Configuration utility and learn about driver rollback. You'll end the lesson by learning how to troubleshoot audio/visual errors.

Avoiding OS Obstacles

How would you like to prevent system problems instead of rushing to fix them? In this lesson, you'll master the three most important types of preventive maintenance: backing up data that's on a hard drive, updating or upgrading the operating system, and using Windows utilities that help you monitor and maintain the OS.

Networking Basics

This lesson covers the basics of networking. First, you'll find out how networks work and what the necessary components are for a wired network. Next, you'll discover wireless networks and everything that separates them from their wired-network brethren. Finally, you'll learn about the biggest network of them all, the Internet.

Troubleshooting Network and Internet Issues

This lesson covers the steps to take when trying to fix your network or Internet connections. You'll learn how to troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, share files, and fix a dial-up or broadband Internet connection.

Preventing Internet Problems

Keep your computer safe from Internet-based attacks, including viruses and spyware! You'll discover the many types of malicious software that can infect your computer, and go through the five-step process of recovering from a virus infection. You'll also read about safe browsing and safe email use and find out how to configure a firewall to help defend your PC.

Introduction to PC Hardware

All PC techs needs to get their hands dirty eventually, which means diving inside the case and checking things out from the inside. In this lesson, you'll learn about the power of different PC parts, including what to look for when shopping for new parts. The lesson will also guide you through the safe and proper handling of components.

Installing Hardware

Replacing hardware components can dramatically improve your PC's performance. For instance, RAM can speed up your computer, a second hard drive increases your data storage capacity, and expansion cards can add features and ports to your computer. In this lesson, you'll learn to handle RAM, hard drives, and expansion cards.

Maintaining Hardware

Dirt happens! You can't make your PC last forever, but you can make it last longer and run better by keeping it clean. Get out your canned air and your distilled water (but not your pencil erasers or your household vacuum cleaner), and learn safe and effective ways to check, clean, and maintain the inside and outside of your computer. You'll also learn about how to donate an old computer and how to throw away a computer without losing data or harming the environment.

Life of a PC Troubleshooter

You've come a long way since the beginning of this course. Before you complete your PC troubleshooting training, you'll be reminded about the computing process and troubleshooting theory. Combined with your new knowledge of PC hardware, software, and networking, you can use these tools to fix all sorts of problems. You'll learn more about your future as a PC troubleshooter, including the certifications and careers available to anyone with the right skills.

What you will learn

• Learn the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians
• Gain the skills you need to solve common PC problems
• Learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced problems as well
• Learn how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC

How you will benefit

• Save time and money by learning to diagnose and troubleshoot common computer problems that you may encounter personally and professionally
• Gain confidence as you learn to fix problems on your PC and business computers
• Open the door to new career opportunities as the go to person for technology issues in most companies

David Rush has been an IT instructor and expert for over 35 years with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He has been the senior instructor for the industry leader in CompTIA certification books, videos, and learning tools for the past 11 years.

In this capacity, Dave has taught computer technology, A+, and Network+ to the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other federal law enforcement agencies. He also creates train-the-trainer courses and materials for educational institutions. He conducts weekly, live online seminars on using Raspberry Pi computers and Linux as tools to foster studies toward CompTIA certifications.

In addition to his involvement in IT instruction, Dave has had a wide and varied career, including time as an airline pilot with U.S. and international airlines.

Learn to decipher and solve almost any problem with your PC.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on expensive PC repairs! The vast majority of the problems people experience with their computers are completely avoidable, and most can be solved with nothing more than a few minutes of your time. Intro to PC Troubleshooting takes you step by step through the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians, teaching troubleshooting techniques to decipher any problem, and giving you the skills you need to solve them.

Once you've mastered the basics, the course launches into some of the more advanced and nasty problems that crop up in the PC, teaching you how to diagnose and fix those problems as well! Finally, Intro to PC Troubleshooting shows you how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to troubleshoot and fix some PCs!

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• You will also need access to one or more computers that do not contain any data you consider sensitive.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Don't spend your hard-earned cash on PC repairs that you can fix yourself with a little troubleshooting knowledge. This course takes you step-by-step through typical hardware and operating system problems and gives you the skills you need to solve them as you learn to maintain and optimize a Windows PC.

The Computing Process

This lesson starts you on the path to troubleshooting PCs like a pro. You'll first look at input devices, or how you tell the computer to do stuff. In the second part of the lesson, you'll explore the pieces that do the work inside the computer. The final section describes the output devices, where the computer communicates to you.

Troubleshooting Theory

This lesson will take you through the troubleshooting process. It's not a guide to solving specific computer problems, but the steps explained here will enable you to tackle any computer problems you might encounter. The three main steps are identifying the problem, testing solutions, and completing the process.

Operating System Overview

This lesson introduces you to some of the basic components and tools of an operating system. First, you'll find out about the primary functions of operating systems. You'll then explore the major parts of Microsoft Windows, including the Desktop and Windows Explorer. You'll finish the lesson by learning about the most important troubleshooting tools for fixing operating systems.

OS Fixes

This lesson leads you through the basic steps of troubleshooting an operating system, including startup, video, sound, and application errors. You'll look at tools like Safe Mode and the System Configuration utility and learn about driver rollback. You'll end the lesson by learning how to troubleshoot audio/visual errors.

Avoiding OS Obstacles

How would you like to prevent system problems instead of rushing to fix them? In this lesson, you'll master the three most important types of preventive maintenance: backing up data that's on a hard drive, updating or upgrading the operating system, and using Windows utilities that help you monitor and maintain the OS.

Networking Basics

This lesson covers the basics of networking. First, you'll find out how networks work and what the necessary components are for a wired network. Next, you'll discover wireless networks and everything that separates them from their wired-network brethren. Finally, you'll learn about the biggest network of them all, the Internet.

Troubleshooting Network and Internet Issues

This lesson covers the steps to take when trying to fix your network or Internet connections. You'll learn how to troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, share files, and fix a dial-up or broadband Internet connection.

Preventing Internet Problems

Keep your computer safe from Internet-based attacks, including viruses and spyware! You'll discover the many types of malicious software that can infect your computer, and go through the five-step process of recovering from a virus infection. You'll also read about safe browsing and safe email use and find out how to configure a firewall to help defend your PC.

Introduction to PC Hardware

All PC techs needs to get their hands dirty eventually, which means diving inside the case and checking things out from the inside. In this lesson, you'll learn about the power of different PC parts, including what to look for when shopping for new parts. The lesson will also guide you through the safe and proper handling of components.

Installing Hardware

Replacing hardware components can dramatically improve your PC's performance. For instance, RAM can speed up your computer, a second hard drive increases your data storage capacity, and expansion cards can add features and ports to your computer. In this lesson, you'll learn to handle RAM, hard drives, and expansion cards.

Maintaining Hardware

Dirt happens! You can't make your PC last forever, but you can make it last longer and run better by keeping it clean. Get out your canned air and your distilled water (but not your pencil erasers or your household vacuum cleaner), and learn safe and effective ways to check, clean, and maintain the inside and outside of your computer. You'll also learn about how to donate an old computer and how to throw away a computer without losing data or harming the environment.

Life of a PC Troubleshooter

You've come a long way since the beginning of this course. Before you complete your PC troubleshooting training, you'll be reminded about the computing process and troubleshooting theory. Combined with your new knowledge of PC hardware, software, and networking, you can use these tools to fix all sorts of problems. You'll learn more about your future as a PC troubleshooter, including the certifications and careers available to anyone with the right skills.

What you will learn

• Learn the typical hardware and operating system problems encountered by technicians
• Gain the skills you need to solve common PC problems
• Learn how to diagnose and fix more advanced problems as well
• Learn how to maintain and optimize a Windows PC

How you will benefit

• Save time and money by learning to diagnose and troubleshoot common computer problems that you may encounter personally and professionally
• Gain confidence as you learn to fix problems on your PC and business computers
• Open the door to new career opportunities as the go to person for technology issues in most companies

David Rush has been an IT instructor and expert for over 35 years with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. He has been the senior instructor for the industry leader in CompTIA certification books, videos, and learning tools for the past 11 years.

In this capacity, Dave has taught computer technology, A+, and Network+ to the FBI, DEA, CIA, and other federal law enforcement agencies. He also creates train-the-trainer courses and materials for educational institutions. He conducts weekly, live online seminars on using Raspberry Pi computers and Linux as tools to foster studies toward CompTIA certifications.

In addition to his involvement in IT instruction, Dave has had a wide and varied career, including time as an airline pilot with U.S. and international airlines.