Networking Fundamentals: IP Addressing, Routers and Wi-Fi
Understand how networks work: IP addresses, subnetting, DNS, routers, NAT, Wi-Fi, cabling and troubleshooting, and design a small school or office network.
- 20 lessons
- 5 h 17 min
- Certificate
Maintenance and networks - Beginner
Computer Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Networking Basics
Learn how computers are built, how to care for them, fix common problems step by step, and set up and troubleshoot a safe home or small office network.
About this course
Computers and phones break, slow down and lose connection, and a repair shop is not always nearby or cheap. This course teaches you to look after your devices, find out what is wrong with a calm step-by-step method, and fix the many problems that need no special tools.
You will start with the parts inside a computer and safe working habits, then learn cleaning, battery care, power protection and backups. Next you will practise troubleshooting for slow computers, freezing, overheating and software problems, and finish with networking: how Wi-Fi and the internet reach your device, and how to set up and secure a small network.
Safety comes first. We never ask you to open a power supply or work on mains electricity. For anything dangerous or beyond your confidence, the right answer is to switch off, unplug and call a qualified technician.
What you will learn
- Name the main parts of a computer and explain what each one does
- Read a specification sheet and compare two computers or phones
- Clean and care for devices and batteries safely, and protect them from power problems
- Make and follow a backup plan using the 3-2-1 idea
- Use a step-by-step method to troubleshoot slow, frozen or overheating computers
- Remove problem software, handle updates and basic malware cleaning
- Perform basic phone troubleshooting without losing your data
- Set up a secure Wi-Fi network and fix common connection problems
Course content
5 modules · 21 lessons · 4 h 47 min · 6 quizzes
Module 1: Inside the machine
Work safely, learn the main parts of a computer, and read specifications.
- Safety first: static and power 10 min
- The main parts of a computer 15 min
- Laptop versus desktop, and reading specifications 14 min
- Upgrading RAM and storage: the concept 12 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Module 2: Care and cleaning
Prevent problems with cleaning, heat control, battery care, power protection, backups and responsible disposal.
- Cleaning screens, keyboards and vents 12 min
- Heat, battery care and power protection 15 min
- Transporting devices and a maintenance schedule 11 min
- Backups (3-2-1) and e-waste 14 min
- Quiz: 7 questions
Module 3: Troubleshooting method
Follow a step-by-step method and fix common problems such as no power, slow performance, freezing and overheating.
- A step-by-step troubleshooting method 13 min
- No power, no display and beep codes 13 min
- Slow, freezing and overheating computers 15 min
- Blue screens, safe mode, drivers and resetting Windows 16 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 4: Software, security and mobile devices
Keep software updated, remove malware, fix browser and printer problems, and troubleshoot phones.
- Updates, antivirus and malware removal 14 min
- Uninstalling problem software and fixing browser problems 13 min
- Printer problems 11 min
- Phone troubleshooting, data and SIM basics 15 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Module 5: Networking basics
Understand networks, set up and secure Wi-Fi, fix connection problems, share resources and practise full troubleshooting scenarios.
- What is a network? LAN, WAN and Wi-Fi 12 min
- Network devices, IP addresses and DNS 14 min
- Setting up a secure home or small office Wi-Fi 15 min
- Troubleshooting connectivity 15 min
- Sharing, hotspots, public Wi-Fi and final scenarios 18 min
- Quiz: 8 questions
Final exam
29 questions. Pass with 70% or more to earn your certificate.
What you need
- Access to a computer or laptop (and ideally a smartphone)
- Basic computer skills are helpful; no repair experience needed