Ops 201: Foundations of Computer Operations

Course Information

Course Prerequisites

Students with previous relevant or equivalent experience can test out of this requirement in their application.

Course Description

In this hands-on course, you will build up foundational Windows troubleshooting skills by exploring and overcoming challenging scenario-based labs. Key skills such as communication, knowledge and process documentation, fundamental terminal operations, performance monitoring, system process management, issue handling, backup/imaging/recovery tools, and software application operations are developed.

The course focuses on practical systems support and troubleshooting. Students will utilize the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology as well as the ITIL service management framework to communicate, resolve, and document issues and incidents. Students will also study how endpoints interact with the greater IT infrastructure, exploring concepts such as network ports and protocols, Wi-Fi, and server-based user identity support.

Certification

This course will substantially prepare you for achieving the learning objectives of CompTIA ITF+ certification, and beyond. This course covers significant aspects of five of the six domains required for ITF+.

Students register for the CompTIA ITF+ exam during course prework, and take the exam during the final module. The student’s resulting score from taking CompTIA ITF+ is then factored into the final grade for this course. Passing this course is largely contingent upon passing CompTIA ITF+.

Required Materials

Personal Computer

By the start of the first class, you will need a working computer, meeting the school-specified requirements.

Ops Lab Kit

The Ops courses lab kit will include a second computer and additional tools for lab.

Internet Connection

Each student is responsible for their access to the internet for purposes of this course and for research. Internet access is a required component of this course and will not be accepted as an excuse for missed work. If you know that you will be traveling, then make sure you plan accordingly.

Applications

Resources / Downloads

This course will utilize pre-made scenarios for certain classes. These are sizable downloads, so it’s a good idea to download all these files in advance and store them on your lab kit PC hard drive for immediate access in labs.

Files required, along with download links are noted with each class description in the course outline.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn to support technology operations by resolving issues with hardware, software, and virtual or cloud systems.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, a student should be able to:

Describe and Define

Technical Service & Support

Hardware & Software

Infrastructure connectivity

Execute

Course Schedule

This course is composed of four modules, each module with its own theme.

Module 1 - Linux Diagnostics and IT Service Delivery

Class # Topic Lab Download
01 Backup Your System Backup/Import from .ova Windows 10 ISO - 4.79 GB
02 Dev Tools Install/Configure Git and VS Code  
03 Issue tracking system Resolve & Track an Issue with Spiceworks ops201-class03.ova - 7.84GB
04 Troubleshooting Techniques Applied Ticket Resolution ops201-class04.ova - 10.7GB
05 Windows Command Line Tools Resolve issue and use CLI utilities ops201-class05.ova - 12.8GB

Module 2 - Windows Diagnostics

Class # Topic Lab Download
06 Windows Security Center Firewalls and Windows Defender Use your own Win10 VM
07 OS Upgrade and Remote Access Resolve ticket remotely ops201-class07.ova - 7.15GB
Windows 10 ISO - 4.79 GB
08 System Log Analysis and Registry Backup and hack the Windows Registry Use your own Win10 VM
09 Workstation Deployment SOP Configure a remote workstation Foxit PhantomPDF
10 Imaging, Backup, and Recovery Backup/Restore automation Use your own Win10 VM

Module 3 - Software, Networking, Virtualization & Cloud Computing

Class # Topic Lab Download
11 Data Restoration, Startup Repair, and Secure Disposal Secure data repair and deletion ops201-class11.ova - 10.3GB
Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN) ISO file - 15.9 MB
12 Virtualizing a Router with pfSense Deploy pfSense to Virtualbox pfSense .iso file
13 Cloud Virtualization With AWS AWS Lightsail  
14 Malware Remediation Tools and Techniques Diagnose, Fix Malware on PC ops201-class14.ova - 6.41GB
15 Review Ops 301 Entrance Exam  

Module 4 - Projects