ITCNA1-B12 Computer Network and Security Notes

Computer Network and Security ITCNA1-B12 Eduvos (Pty) Ltd

  • Registration Information

    • Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training under the Higher Education Act, 101, of 1997.

    • Registration Certificate number: 2001/HE07/008

Week 1: Lesson 1 Introduction

  • Module Overview

    • The module teaches students how to:

    • Build, support, and upgrade computer hardware devices and peripherals.

    • Provide basic network support.

    • Offer customer support professionally.

    • Students will learn to:

    • Describe functions and identify internal and external components of computers (desktop and portable).

    • Recommend and construct custom computer systems for end users.

    • Disassemble and reassemble computer systems.

    • Set up printers and perform common maintenance procedures.

    • Practice proper safety procedures.

    • Interact with customers effectively.

    • Introduction to fundamental principles of networking and the Internet.

Week 1: Lesson 1

Module Information

  • Faculty: Information Technology

  • Module Code: ITCNA1

  • Module Name: Computer Network and Security

  • NQF Level: 1

  • Credit Value: 10

  • Notional Hours: 100

  • Year Level: 1

  • Duration of Module: 2 Blocks

  • Prerequisites/ Co-requisites: N/A

  • Copy Editor: Mr Kyle Keens

Prescribed Book

  • Title: The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Student Guide

  • Publisher: CompTIA

Details of Assessments

Summary of Assessments

  • Formative Assessment: Initial Continuous Assessment

    • Assessment Method: Quiz 1

    • Weighting: 10%

    • Lecture Week: First block (Week 4)

    • Submission Requirements: Deferred Formative Assessment (Covers Weeks 1-3)

    • Submission Due: Monday Week 5, 23:59

    • Duration: 1 Hour, 30 minutes

  • Formative Assessment: Project 1

    • Weighting: 30%

    • Submission Week: Week 8

    • Submission Time: N/A

  • Total Weight of Formative Assessments: 50%

  • Summative Assessment

    • Weighting: 50%

    • Submission Week: Week 8

    • Duration: 3 Hours

  • Summary of Overall Weight

    • Total Weight of Summative Assessments: 50%

    • Total Weight: 100%

Learning Objectives

  • Identify various parts inside a desktop computer case and their connectivity compatibility.

  • Identify ports, slots, and internal components of a laptop and explain maintenance concerns.

Hardware Components in Mobile Devices

  • Describe hardware components of mobile devices.

  • Explain wired and wireless connection types available for mobile devices.

  • Identify purpose of tools necessary for computer hardware technicians.

Components Inside the Computer Case

Computer Case Types

  • Computer Case (Chassis): Contains major components, including:

    • Power supply

    • Motherboard

    • Processor

    • Memory modules

    • Expansion cards

    • Hard drive

    • Optical drive

  • Types of Cases:

    • Tower Case: Sits upright, allows for multiple drives.

    • Desktop Case: Lies flat, often holds monitor.

    • Mobile Case: Designed for laptops and tablets.

    • All-in-One Case: Used in all-in-one computers.

Different Case Form Factors

  • Super/Ultra Tower: 27"+; can hold 5+ bays.

  • Full Tower: 22"-27"; can hold 3-4 bays.

  • Mid Tower: 17"-21"; holds 1-2 bays.

  • Mini Tower: 14"-16"; size varies.

  • Small Form Factor: Size varies; accommodates different power supply. HTPC.

Internal Computer Connectors and Ports

General Port Descriptions

  • VGA Port (DB-15): Used for older monitors, transmits analog video.

    • Description: 15-pin, D-shaped female port.

  • S-Video Port: 4 or 7-pin, used to connect to televisions.

  • DVI Port: Transmits digital or analog video, variations exist.

  • HDMI Port: Transmits digital video and audio.

  • DisplayPort: Replacing VGA/DVI, transmits digital video and audio.

  • Thunderbolt Port: Transmits video, data, and power; compatible with DisplayPort.

  • Network Port (RJ-45): Connects wired networks; speeds vary (Fast Ethernet: 100 Mbps; Gigabit Ethernet: 1 Gbps).

  • Audio Ports: Round ports for microphone and audio output.

  • USB Port: Multipurpose, varies in speed (USB 2.0, USB 3.0).

  • FireWire Port: Used for high-speed multimedia devices.

  • eSATA Port: Used by external hard drives.

  • PS/2 Port: Older port for keyboard and mouse.

  • Modem Port (RJ-11): Used for dial-up connections.

Inside the Case - Key Components

  • Motherboard: Largest circuit board, crucial for connections.

  • Processor (CPU): Main data processing component; requires cooling mechanisms (heat sink and fan).

  • Expansion Cards: Add additional ports beyond motherboard capabilities.

  • Memory Modules (RAM): Temporary data storage for processing; held in DIMM slots.

  • Hard Drives: Permanent data storage, includes HDD and SSD.

  • Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts house current for computer use.

Form Factors of Cases, Power Supplies, and Motherboards

  • Form Factors: Standards for size, shape, compatibility of components.

    • ATX: Most common; developed by Intel; supports a variety of connectors.

    • Micro-ATX: Variation of ATX; reduces cost and size by limiting expansion slots and connectors.

Drives, Their Cables, and Connectors

Storage Standards

  • SATA: Current standard for hard drives; uses specific power connectors.

  • PATA (IDE): Older standard; uses ribbon cables.

Laptop Computers Overview

  • Laptop (Notebook): Portable computer, smaller form than desktops.

  • Components: Costlier replacement parts, variety of ports.

  • Key Features: Use function keys for various controls; often includes ExpressCard slots for expansion.

Internal Components of Laptops

  • Key Internal Components:

    • Battery Pack

    • Hard Drive

    • CPU with heat sink and fan

    • Memory

    • Wireless Card

    • System Board

    • Optical Drive

  • Cleaning Guidelines: Proper cleaning to maintain functionality; avoid contact with sharp objects or moisture.

Mobile Devices Overview

  • Smart Phones: Enhanced cell phones with text, web browsing, multimedia, apps.

  • Tablets: Similar functions to smartphones, larger screen; some include call capabilities.

  • Phablets: Between smartphones and tablets in size and functions.

  • Other Mobile Devices: Include e-readers, smart cameras, and wearable technology.

Connection Types in Mobile Devices

  • Connection Methods: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wired connections, tethering.

  • Position Sensing: Utilizes gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS.

Common Tools for Hardware Technicians

  • List of essential tools:

    • ESD strap

    • Various screwdrivers (flat-head, Phillips, Torx)

    • Tweezers, extractor

    • OS recovery media

    • Toolbox

  • Testing Tools: Power Supply Tester, Multimeter, Loopback Plugs for testing connectivity and performance.

Recap and Summary

  • Ports include VGA, RJ-45, USB, etc.; main components include motherboard, CPU, expansion cards, etc.

  • ATX and micro-ATX are primary form factors; SATA is the standard for drives.

  • Laptops: Use function keys for operations; designed for portability. Mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, etc., and can connect via various methods.

  • Technician Tools: Include ESD straps, diagnostic tools, and cleaning solutions.