Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems
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Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems
This course is part of TOTAL: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) v15 Specialization
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What you'll learn
Master key concepts in IT systems and operating systems for career readiness.
Understand and implement mass storage solutions, file systems, and partitioning.
Develop communication and professionalism skills for handling customer issues.
Gain the ability to install, upgrade, and maintain various operating systems.
Skills you'll gain
- IT Infrastructure
- Performance Tuning
- Information Technology Operations
- Systems Administration
- Information Systems Security
- Desktop Support
- Software Installation
- Group Policy
- User Accounts
- Operating System Administration
- System Configuration
- Data Storage Technologies
- Information Technology
- Security Controls
- Data Storage
- User Provisioning
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
February 2026
11 assignments
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There are 11 modules in this course
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In this comprehensive course, you'll build a strong foundation in IT systems and operating systems, starting with the basics of computer hardware and moving on to mastering key concepts like operating systems, file systems, storage technologies, and system security. You will also gain a clear understanding of IT certifications, especially CompTIA A+, and learn how these skills can help you start a successful IT career. The course also includes practical tips for maintaining and troubleshooting operating systems across multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. The journey begins with an introduction to CompTIA A+ certification, and you’ll explore all the major domains of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. You'll dive into safety practices, professionalism, and communication skills essential for IT technicians. As you progress, you'll gain hands-on experience with different operating systems, how to install and upgrade them, and the ins and outs of mass storage technologies. You'll also learn how to effectively deal with customers, use critical system tools, and manage permissions for different users. This course is ideal for aspiring IT professionals and anyone looking to understand the inner workings of computers and operating systems. No prior technical experience is required, although familiarity with basic computing concepts can be helpful. The course offers both theory and practical exercises, making it suitable for beginners looking to start a career in IT or those wishing to deepen their existing knowledge. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently handle tasks such as managing operating systems, implementing mass storage, dealing with customer issues, and navigating key IT certification exams. You'll also understand the core concepts of Windows, macOS, and Linux and how to maintain and troubleshoot them effectively.
In this module, we will introduce you to the world of CompTIA A+ certification, one of the most recognized IT credentials globally. You will gain insights into what’s covered on the Core 1 and Core 2 exams and learn the steps to take and the resources available for success. Additionally, we’ll discuss effective exam preparation strategies to help you succeed on your certification journey.
What's included
7 videos2 readings
7 videos•Total 26 minutes
- Introduction to Specialization•1 minute
- Introduction to A+•3 minutes
- What is the CompTIA A+?•1 minute
- Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?•3 minutes
- How to Take the A+ Exam•5 minutes
- What's on the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Exam?•7 minutes
- How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resource•10 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the crucial soft skills and safety measures required in the IT industry. You will learn how to communicate effectively with clients, handle difficult customer situations, and ensure physical safety while working with hardware. This section equips you with the professionalism needed to thrive in a technical role while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 24 minutes
- Professional Communication, Part I•6 minutes
- Professional Communication, Part II•7 minutes
- Dealing with Difficult Customers•4 minutes
- Physical Safety•7 minutes
In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of operating systems and how they enable users to interact with computer hardware. You will be introduced to different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and learn key system tools and features. This section also highlights essential concepts like user management and security settings within each OS.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videos•Total 71 minutes
- Common Safety Procedures•6 minutes
- What Is an Operating System?•9 minutes
- Users and Super Users•5 minutes
- Why Windows?•7 minutes
- Touring Windows 10 and 11•7 minutes
- Touring the macOS, Part 1•10 minutes
- Touring the macOS, Part II•7 minutes
- Touring the macOS, Part III•13 minutes
- Touring Linux•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the vital role power supplies play in computer systems. You will learn how to protect systems from power fluctuations and ensure the longevity of components through power protection tools. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of cooling systems to prevent overheating and maintain system stability under heavy workloads.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videos•Total 16 minutes
- Power Protection•9 minutes
- Cooling Your System•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Power Supplies - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the world of mass storage, starting with the importance of boot order in ensuring proper system startup. You will learn how to configure and manage storage devices, troubleshoot common issues, and understand the various types of storage systems in use. This section is key to understanding how systems access data and operate efficiently.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 video•Total 7 minutes
- Boot Order•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Mass Storage Technologies - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the process of implementing mass storage through partitioning, file systems, and disk management. You will learn the differences between MBR and GPT partitioning and explore the benefits of dynamic disks and RAID arrays. This section will also introduce you to essential file systems like NTFS, FAT, and ext3, and their applications in various environments.
What's included
12 videos1 assignment
12 videos•Total 99 minutes
- Understanding Partitioning•4 minutes
- MBR Partitioning•12 minutes
- GPT Partitioning•8 minutes
- Understanding File Systems•11 minutes
- Popular File Systems•9 minutes
- Formatting in Action•11 minutes
- Dynamic Disks•8 minutes
- New Installation - First Drive•5 minutes
- Hardware RAID•7 minutes
- Software RAID in Storage Spaces•9 minutes
- Encrypting Mass Storage•9 minutes
- Maintaining Storage Disks•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Implementing Mass Storage - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the essential peripherals that enhance a computer system’s functionality. You will learn the various USB standards, their connectors, and how to set up and troubleshoot common devices like webcams. Additionally, this section will cover the integration of video conferencing tools to support remote and hybrid work environments.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videos•Total 14 minutes
- Understanding USB•11 minutes
- Webcams and Videoconferencing•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Essential Peripherals - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will guide you through the installation and upgrade processes for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. You will learn how to choose the correct edition, create bootable installation media, and perform system upgrades. Additionally, we will cover critical post-installation tasks to ensure your system is ready for optimal performance.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
7 videos•Total 69 minutes
- Windows 11 Editions and Features•12 minutes
- Boot from Everything•13 minutes
- Installing and Upgrading Windows•8 minutes
- Post-Installation Tasks•11 minutes
- Linux Features and Tools•11 minutes
- Installing and Upgrading Linux•9 minutes
- Upgrading macOS•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Installling and Upgrading Operating Systems - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce you to powerful operating system tools that help manage and optimize system performance. You will learn to navigate and use essential tools such as Task Manager, Control Panel, and MMC in Windows. Additionally, we’ll explore macOS tools, providing you with a comprehensive skill set for managing different operating systems.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
6 videos•Total 45 minutes
- The Task Manager•7 minutes
- The Control Panel•8 minutes
- Windows Settings•6 minutes
- MMC and Additional Tools•7 minutes
- What Is the Registry?•10 minutes
- macOS Core Tools•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Working with Operating Systems - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into user and group management, focusing on security and access control. You will learn how to configure user accounts, set permissions in Windows, and work with Linux/macOS user management systems. This section will also introduce security policies and best practices to control access to files and resources within your system.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
7 videos•Total 66 minutes
- Introduction to Users and Groups•6 minutes
- Managing Users and Groups•12 minutes
- NTFS Permissions•8 minutes
- Linux and macOS Permissions•5 minutes
- File Explorer•13 minutes
- Sharing Resources•10 minutes
- Security Policies•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Users, Groups, and Permissions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on maintaining and optimizing operating systems for peak performance. You will learn the best practices for software updates and system maintenance in Windows, macOS, and Linux. Additionally, this section covers essential backup strategies to protect user data and ensure long-term system stability.
What's included
6 videos1 reading3 assignments
6 videos•Total 41 minutes
- Maintaining Windows•5 minutes
- Maintaining macOS•8 minutes
- Maintaining Linux•6 minutes
- Working with Applications•10 minutes
- Backing Up Your Data in Windows•9 minutes
- Backing Up Your Data in Linux and macOS•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
- Maintaining and Optimizing Operating Systems - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems provides an introduction to the critical elements of IT, including system hardware, operating systems (such as Windows, macOS, and Linux), and essential troubleshooting techniques. This course is highly relevant because it serves as the foundation for a career in IT support, helping individuals gain the skills needed to effectively manage systems, perform installations, and address common technical problems. It equips learners with the knowledge to navigate key IT functions, an essential step in any IT career.
This course covers the fundamentals of IT systems and the various operating systems used across different platforms. It focuses on areas such as understanding operating systems, user management, system configurations, and essential troubleshooting techniques. Key topics also include power supplies, mass storage technologies, installation and upgrades of operating systems, and essential peripheral devices. The course is designed to give learners the practical knowledge needed to maintain and optimize operating systems in both personal and professional environments.
After completing the Foundations of IT Systems and Operating Systems course, you will be able to install, configure, and maintain multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. You will gain the skills to troubleshoot common IT issues, manage system resources, and perform necessary updates. Additionally, you will understand how to handle storage configurations, understand power supply issues, and work with various peripheral devices, preparing you for entry-level IT support roles.
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