Basic IT Concepts - Beginner Guide
1. Basic Computer Concepts
- Components of a Computer: CPU (processes data), RAM (temporary memory), storage (HDD/SSD),
motherboard (connects all components).
- Operating Systems: Software managing hardware and applications. Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
- File Systems: Way data is stored. Examples: NTFS (Windows), ext4 (Linux).
- Software vs Hardware: Software = programs, Hardware = physical parts.
- Peripherals: Keyboard (input), Mouse (input), Printer (output), etc.
- Basic Troubleshooting: Reboot system, check cables, scan for viruses.
2. Networking Basics
- IP Address: Unique address for each device on a network.
- Subnet: Logical division of an IP network.
- DNS: Converts domain names to IP addresses.
- OSI Model: 7 layers (Physical to Application) that explain network communication.
- TCP/IP: Real-world protocol model with 4 layers.
- Networking Devices: Router (connects networks), Switch (connects devices in a network), Modem (internet
access), Access Point (wireless access).
- LAN, WAN, VPN: LAN = local, WAN = wide area, VPN = secure private network.
- Network Security: Firewalls (block threats), Antivirus, Encryption (protect data).
- Network Troubleshooting: Ping test, check cables, restart modem/router.
3. Browsers and Internet Concepts
- Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge - tools to access the web.
- Cookies: Store user data.
- Cache: Speeds up loading by storing files.
- History: Record of visited websites.
- Browser Settings: Control popups, extensions, and security.
- Protocols: HTTP (normal web), HTTPS (secure), FTP (file transfer).
- SSL/TLS: Security protocols for encryption.
Basic IT Concepts - Beginner Guide
4. Windows and Browser Shortcut Keys
- Windows Shortcuts: Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), Alt+Tab (switch windows), Win+E (open explorer).
- Browser Shortcuts: Ctrl+T (new tab), Ctrl+W (close tab), Ctrl+Shift+T (reopen tab), Ctrl+L (highlight URL).
5. Website and Web Hosting
- Website = collection of web pages built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
- Domain Name = website address (e.g., google.com).
- Web Hosting = service that stores your site files.
- Hosting Types: Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Cloud.
- DNS = translates domain names to IP addresses.
- CMS: Content Management System (e.g., WordPress).
- SSL = secures website (HTTPS).
- Website Issues: Loading errors, speed issues, SSL warnings.
6. Email and Collaboration Tools
- Email Protocols: POP3 (download), IMAP (sync), SMTP (send).
- Common Issues: Configuration errors, spam filters, blacklists.
- Spam: Unwanted email.
- Greylisting: Temporary email rejection to reduce spam.
- Blacklisting: Blocking email.
- Whitelisting: Allowing trusted emails.
- Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom - used for meetings, messaging, and teamwork.
