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Percy already clocked in. Twenty XP and the bar is yours.

Resets at midnight on this phone.

Learn the basics of IT and Cyber Security to start your new career

1. Domain 1

   IT Concepts and Terminology

   How we count, how a computer works, how we fix it.

   1. Module 1.1

      Notational systems

      • Decimal: the ten we already use4 min · 20 XP

        1.1 Identify notational systems — decimal

      • Binary: on or off4 min · 20 XP

        1.1 Identify notational systems — binary

      • Hexadecimal: binary in a shorter coat4 min · 20 XP

        1.1 Identify notational systems — hexadecimal

      • Octal: the quieter cousin4 min · 20 XP

        1.1 Identify notational systems — octal

   2. Module 1.2

      Basics of computing

      • Input: telling the clerk4 min · 20 XP

        1.2 Explain the basics of computing — input

      • Processing: the fast clerk4 min · 20 XP

        1.2 Explain the basics of computing — processing

      • Output: showing the work4 min · 20 XP

        1.2 Explain the basics of computing — output

      • Storage: still there tomorrow4 min · 20 XP

        1.2 Explain the basics of computing — storage

   3. Module 1.3

      Units of measure

      • Bits to petabytes4 min · 20 XP

        1.3 Compare and contrast common units of measure — storage

      • Throughput: the hose4 min · 20 XP

        1.3 Compare and contrast common units of measure — throughput

      • Clock speed: ticks per second4 min · 20 XP

        1.3 Compare and contrast common units of measure — processing speed

   4. Module 1.4

      Troubleshooting methodology

      • Step 1: identify the problem4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — identify the problem

      • Step 2: a theory of probable cause4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — establish a theory

      • Step 3: test the theory4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — test the theory

      • Step 4: plan and implement4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — plan and implement

      • Step 5: verify — then prevent4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — verify and prevent

      • Step 6: write it down4 min · 20 XP

        1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology — document

   5. Domain exam

      Domain 1 exam

      • Domain 1 exam10 min · 50 XP

        Domain exam

2. Domain 2

   Infrastructure

   Devices, parts, storage, cables, cloud, and the network.

   1. Module 2.1

      Computing devices

      • Pocket computers4 min · 20 XP

        2.1 Explain common computing devices — smartphones, tablets, e-readers

      • Laptops, desks, and closets4 min · 20 XP

        2.1 Explain common computing devices — laptops, workstations, servers

      • Play, then overlay4 min · 20 XP

        2.1 Explain common computing devices — gaming consoles, virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems

      • The house is on the network4 min · 20 XP

        2.1 Explain common computing devices — Internet of Things (IoT)

   2. Module 2.2

      Internal components

      • Board, firmware, RAM4 min · 20 XP

        2.2 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components — motherboard, firmware/BIOS, RAM

      • Two kinds of brain4 min · 20 XP

        2.2 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components — CPU and GPU

      • Cabinet and mailbox4 min · 20 XP

        2.2 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components — storage and NIC

   3. Module 2.3

      Storage types

      • Forgetful vs carved in4 min · 20 XP

        2.3 Compare and contrast storage types — volatile vs non-volatile; RAM vs ROM

      • Local cabinets4 min · 20 XP

        2.3 Compare and contrast storage types — local storage

      • Cabinets down the hall4 min · 20 XP

        2.3 Compare and contrast storage types — NAS, file server, cloud storage service

   4. Module 2.4

      Peripherals

      • Things you plug in4 min · 20 XP

        2.4 Given a scenario, install and configure common peripheral devices — the devices

      • Plug, driver, or browser4 min · 20 XP

        2.4 Given a scenario, install and configure common peripheral devices — plug-and-play, drivers, IP-based, web-based configuration

   5. Module 2.5

      Input/output interfaces

      • Network plugs and the toolbag4 min · 20 XP

        2.5 Compare and contrast common types of input/output device interfaces — networking

      • The cable drawer4 min · 20 XP

        2.5 Compare and contrast common types of input/output device interfaces — USB, Thunderbolt, Bluetooth, RF, Lightning

      • Pictures leaving the box4 min · 20 XP

        2.5 Compare and contrast common types of input/output device interfaces — video

   6. Module 2.6

      Virtualization and cloud

      • Computers inside computers4 min · 20 XP

        2.6 Compare and contrast virtualization and cloud technologies — hypervisor, guest OS

      • Rent the stack4 min · 20 XP

        2.6 Compare and contrast virtualization and cloud technologies — PaaS, IaaS, SaaS; on premises, cloud, hybrid

   7. Module 2.7

      Internet service types

      • The last mile with a wire4 min · 20 XP

        2.7 Compare and contrast common internet service types — fiber optic, cable, DSL

      • The last mile without a trench4 min · 20 XP

        2.7 Compare and contrast common internet service types — wireless RF, satellite, cellular

   8. Module 2.8

      Basic networking

      • Addresses and doors4 min · 20 XP

        2.8 Identify basic networking concepts — IP address, MAC address, ports

      • Web, files, mail4 min · 20 XP

        2.8 Identify basic networking concepts — secure web browsing, file transfer, email

      • Five boxes on the shelf4 min · 20 XP

        2.8 Identify basic networking concepts — modem, router, switch, access point, firewall

      • Who talks to whom4 min · 20 XP

        2.8 Identify basic networking concepts — client/server, peer-to-peer, LAN, WAN

   9. Module 2.9

      Small wireless networks

      • The small wireless network4 min · 20 XP

        2.9 Explain the basic capabilities of a small wireless network — 802.11n/ac/ax, bands, interference

   10. Domain exam

       Domain 2 exam

       • Domain 2 exam10 min · 50 XP

         Domain exam

3. Domain 3

   Applications and Software

   The operating system, the apps, the browser, and AI.

   1. Module 3.1

      OS components

      • Files, folders, and the rules4 min · 20 XP

        3.1 Identify components of an OS — filesystem

      • Utilities, services, and the two faces4 min · 20 XP

        3.1 Identify components of an OS — utilities, services, drivers, interfaces

   2. Module 3.2

      What an OS is for

      • What an OS is actually for4 min · 20 XP

        3.2 Explain the purpose of operating systems — management jobs

      • Four kinds of operating system4 min · 20 XP

        3.2 Explain the purpose of operating systems — OS types

   3. Module 3.3

      Software you actually use

      • The right tool, not a random app4 min · 20 XP

        3.3 Explain the purpose and proper use of software

   4. Module 3.4

      Web browser features

      • Browser locks and extras4 min · 20 XP

        3.4 Given a scenario, configure and use web browser features — privacy and compatibility

      • Make the browser yours4 min · 20 XP

        3.4 Given a scenario, configure and use web browser features — profile and comfort

   5. Module 3.5

      Artificial intelligence

      • Where AI shows up at work4 min · 20 XP

        3.5 Identify common uses of AI

   6. Domain exam

      Domain 3 exam

      • Domain 3 exam10 min · 50 XP

        Domain exam

4. Domain 4

   Software Development Concepts

   Languages, types, and the logic without a coding bootcamp.

   1. Module 4.1

      Language categories

      • Interpreted: run it as you go4 min · 20 XP

        4.1 Compare and contrast programming language categories — interpreted

      • Compiled, query, and assembly4 min · 20 XP

        4.1 Compare and contrast programming language categories — compiled, query, assembly

   2. Module 4.2

      Data types

      • Char, string, number, Boolean4 min · 20 XP

        4.2 Identify fundamental data types

   3. Module 4.3

      Programming concepts

      • Names, boxes, and lists4 min · 20 XP

        4.3 Explain programming concepts — identifiers, variables, constants, arrays

      • Functions and objects4 min · 20 XP

        4.3 Explain programming concepts — functions and objects

   4. Module 4.4

      Organization and logic

      • Plans humans can read4 min · 20 XP

        4.4 Identify programming organizational techniques and logic — organization

      • Forks and loops4 min · 20 XP

        4.4 Identify programming organizational techniques and logic — branching and looping

   5. Domain exam

      Domain 4 exam

      • Domain 4 exam10 min · 50 XP

        Domain exam

5. Domain 5

   Data and Database Fundamentals

   Why data matters, how we store it, how we back it up.

   1. Module 5.1

      Value of data

      • Data is inventory4 min · 20 XP

        5.1 Explain the value of data and information — data as an asset

      • Selling the pile, reading the pile4 min · 20 XP

        5.1 Explain the value of data and information — monetization and analytics

   2. Module 5.2

      What a database is for

      • What a database is for4 min · 20 XP

        5.2 Explain database concepts and purpose — uses and records

      • Why not a single file?4 min · 20 XP

        5.2 Explain database concepts and purpose — flat file vs database

   3. Module 5.3

      Database structures

      • Tables, keys, and a schema4 min · 20 XP

        5.3 Compare and contrast various database structures — relational

      • When the grid is the wrong tool4 min · 20 XP

        5.3 Compare and contrast various database structures — non-relational

   4. Module 5.4

      Backups

      • A second copy is a strategy4 min · 20 XP

        5.4 Explain basic data backup concepts

   5. Domain exam

      Domain 5 exam

      • Domain 5 exam10 min · 50 XP

        Domain exam

6. Domain 6

   Security

   Confidentiality, integrity, availability, passwords, encryption, and small-office Wi-Fi.

   1. Module 6.1

      Security concepts

      • Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability4 min · 20 XP

        6.1 Explain fundamental security concepts and frameworks — CIA

      • Privacy is confidentiality with a human attached4 min · 20 XP

        6.1 Explain fundamental security concepts and frameworks — privacy

      • Prove it, permit it, record it4 min · 20 XP

        6.1 Explain fundamental security concepts and frameworks — AAA and non-repudiation

   2. Module 6.2

      Securing devices and habits

      • The human is the easy port4 min · 20 XP

        6.2 Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices — awareness

      • Lock the door first4 min · 20 XP

        6.2 Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices — securing devices

      • Licenses, sources, and stolen copies4 min · 20 XP

        6.2 Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices — software

      • The browser is a door4 min · 20 XP

        6.2 Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices — safe browsing

   3. Module 6.3

      Password best practices

      • The secret has rules4 min · 20 XP

        6.3 Explain password best practices

   4. Module 6.4

      Encryption

      • Readable vs scrambled4 min · 20 XP

        6.4 Identify common use cases for encryption

   5. Module 6.5

      Secure a small wireless network

      • The small wireless network4 min · 20 XP

        6.5 Given a scenario, configure security settings for a small wireless network

   6. Domain exam

      Domain 6 exam

      • Domain 6 exam10 min · 50 XP

        Domain exam

7. Final

   Course exam

   All six domains. Closed book. Twice the domain exams.

   1. Course exam

      Core Technology Concepts exam

      • Core Technology Concepts exam20 min · 100 XP

        Course exam