Overview

More than 1 million IT professionals have built their IT careers on the CompTIA A+ certification (CompTIA). This Core 1 – Hardware and Network Troubleshooting course from IBM comprehensively prepares you for the first of the two exams required to earn this industry certification employers look for. The course is ideal for professionals looking to kickstart their IT career in IT support. You’ll build practical skills to set up, configure, and troubleshoot devices, networks, and systems in today’s work environments. You’ll gain a strong foundation in hardware and networking concepts, including troubleshooting laptops, mobile devices, video and resolution issues, storage, and printers. Plus, you’ll learn about configurations, power supply basics, and how to identify key motherboard and storage components. Throughout, you’ll get hands-on in online labs and then complete a final project where you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re starting your IT career or looking to advance in your current role, this course provides essential exam preparation and job-ready skills employers value. Enroll today and take the next step toward a successful career in IT.

Syllabus

Laptops and Other Mobile Devices

In this module, you will learn the foundations of troubleshooting laptops and other mobile devices. Lesson 1 introduces you to the basic components of a laptop and how to identify, install, and configure them. You will also learn about storage drives, backlights, displays, digitizers, docking stations, shortcut keys, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi accessories. The lesson also covers mobile device security as well as battery and power management. In Lesson 2, you will learn how to resolve common issues with laptops and mobile devices, including battery failures, screen resolution and refresh rate problems, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Lastly, you will learn how to identify and troubleshoot video and resolution issues using visual enhancement tools in a simulated Windows Server lab environment.

Networking, Storage, and Virtualization

In this module, you will learn about networking, storage, and virtualization technologies, as well as how to troubleshoot them. Lesson 1 introduces common types of networks and storage devices, including networking infrastructure, wireless connectivity, software-defined networking, and network-hosted services. You will also explore storage devices, RAID configurations, and virtualization concepts, including cloud computing and virtual machine environments. Lesson 2 walks you through essential troubleshooting tools and techniques. You will learn how to use diagnostic utilities to resolve network connectivity issues, perform advanced troubleshooting, and identify and repair problems with storage devices.

Internal Computer Components

In this module, you will learn about internal computer components and how to troubleshoot them. Lesson 1 introduces key internal components and foundational terminology. You'll explore motherboard architecture, BIOS configuration, CPU installation and cooling methods, and the basics of power supply. This lesson includes videos, readings, and a hands-on lab to help you identify internal connector types and determine power supply needs. Lesson 2 focuses on troubleshooting techniques for internal components. You'll learn how to diagnose issues with motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power supplies using video walkthroughs and a crash code identification lab.

Printers and Multi-function Devices and Maintenance

In this module, you will learn about multifunction devices and printers, as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot them. Lesson 1 covers various types of printers, their settings, components, and maintenance procedures. You will learn about multifunction devices, inkjet, thermal, and 3D printers. Lesson 2 will explain how to troubleshoot basic and advanced printer issues, including those related to laser printers and impact printers. It will teach you how to identify issues with and maintain laser and impact printers.

Final Project and Final Exam

In this module, you will test your knowledge and the skills you've acquired in this course. You will complete a final project that provides an opportunity to apply your technical troubleshooting skills by examining three realistic scenarios simulating common issues that might arise in a Helpdesk setting. This module includes a 20-question, graded final examination that focuses on the course content. The assessment addresses topics such as identifying, installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting hardware, including computers, printers, storage devices, mobile devices, multi-function devices, and networking devices.