IT Specialist

IT Specialists are in demand! Expand your potential and take the first step toward success in this growing career field.



In today's digital age, technology is transforming industries and reshaping the job market. This is your chance to be a part of it!

Our comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in this ever-evolving field as well as help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, an industry standard that is often used to start an IT career.

» View the entire course curriculum now.

  ✓ Course type : Self-guided with instructor support
  ✓ Total Number of Modules: 6
  ✓ Total Number of Lessons: 21

Who should take this IT Specialist training course?
   » Anyone looking to learn about/prepare for a new career in computer technology.
   » Hobbiest looking to enhance their skills to start a side hustle or second career.
   » Employers needing to train new staff or as a update/refresher for current staff.

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What is an IT Specialist?
IT Specialists work with technology to keep computer systems and networks running smoothly and securely. Their responsibilities can vary widely depending on their specific role and the organization they work for, but can include technical support, network administration, database management, cyber security and more.

IT Specialist Career Outlook
Computer Support Specialists are in demand! Computer technology is used in nearly every industry and is always changing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of Computer Support Specialists to increase by 6% in the coming years, which is faster than average & the median annual pay is $60,810.

Why Choose Stratford?

Convenient
Our guided, self-paced instructional courses allow you to study when YOU have time. Everything you need to complete the course is provided with our all-inclusive tuition. And if you do need help, Stratford instructors and student service professionals are only a call or email away. Learn more about how studying with Stratford works.

Affordable
All you need to get started is a low, down payment and you can make interest-free monthly payments as you go.

Worthwhile
We have been in business for more than 32 years and more than one million students worldwide have enrolled with us!

Now is better time than ever to get the education you desire at a price you can afford. Why wait? Get started toward your brighter future today!

Stratford's IT Specialist course has 6 Modules and a total of 21 lessons.
This course is self-guided with ongoing support from instructors as requested. Once you successfully pass exams in one module, the next module will be made available to you.

Understanding the Personal Computer
Module 1 - Lesson 1
Components of a Personal Computer and Their Functions
How to Set Up a Computer
Connecting to the Internet
Central Processing Unit
The Development of Modern Computers
Types of Computer Memory

Module 1 - Lesson 2
Functions of Special Keys
Computer Input Devices
Properties of Monitors
How to Get the Best Results out of a Printer
Types of Storage Devices
Upgrading a Variety of Computer Components

Module 1 - Lesson 3
Most Common Operating Systems and Their Features
Drivers
Technology behind the Internet
Internet Functions and Precautions
Four Main Types of Computer Errors
Troubleshooting Techniques

CompTIA A+ Volume 1
Module 2 - Lesson 1
Taking Apart a Computer
Protection Methods
Planning and Organizing Hardware Work
Opening the Case
Removing Expansion Cards, the Motherboard, the Power Supply and Drives
Rebuilding the PC
Laptop Components

Module 2 - Lesson 2
Types of Motherboards and Their Features
Buses and Expansion Slots
Configuring a Motherboard Using BIOS/UEFI Setup
Updates to Motherboard Drivers and BIOS/UEFI
Motherboard Installation and Replacement

Module 2 - Lesson 3
Evaluating Processor Characteristics
Processor Selection and Installation
Evaluating Memory Technologies and Memory Upgrades

Module 2 - Lesson 4
Cooling Methods and Devices
Power Supply Selection
Troubleshooting Strategies for Hardware Components
Troubleshooting the Motherboard, Processor and RAM

CompTIA A+ Volume 2
Module 3 - Lesson 1
Hard Drive Technologies and Interface Standards
Hard Drive Selection and Installation
Troubleshooting Strategies for Hard Drives
Storage Device Support
Supporting I/O Devices
Identifying and Installing I/O Peripheral Devices
Supporting the Video Subsystem
Troubleshooting Strategies for I/O Devices

Module 3 - Lesson 2
Understanding TCP/IP and Windows Networking
Network Hardware Components
Local Network Setup and Configuration

Module 3 - Lesson 3
Identifying Network Types and Network Connections
Evaluating Network Hardware and Infrastructure
Network Infrastructure Configuration
Troubleshooting Strategies for Network Connections
Client-side Virtualization
Cloud Computing

CompTIA A+ Volume 3
Module 4 - Lesson 1
Operating Systems, Connections and Accessories for Mobile Devices
Business Use Mobile Apps
Troubleshooting Strategies for Mobile Devices

Module 4 - Lesson 2
An Introduction to Printer Types and Features
Installing, Sharing and Managing Printers in Windows
Printer Maintenance and Support

Module 4 - Lesson 3
Addressing Customer Needs
Introduction to Documents and Support Systems
Change Management
Popular Operating Systems and Diverse Software Environments

Module 4 - Lesson 4
Windows 10 and 11 Installation and System Evaluation
An Introduction to Windows Network Support
Installation Checklists
Post Installation Guidelines
Aspects of Working in a Large Enterprise

CompTIA A+ Volume 4
Module 5 - Lesson 1
Backup Procedures and Critical Windows Settings
Hard Drive Maintenance
Introduction to CommandLine Interface (CLI)

Module 5 - Lesson 2
Windows Startup Troubleshooting
The Shell and the Kernel
Troubleshooting Strategies for Windows OS Problems

Module 5 - Lesson 3
Introduction to the Boot Process
System Repair Disc, Recovery Drive and Media Creation Tool in Windows 10 and 11
Strategies and Tools for Windows Startup Problems
Windows Reinstallation Tools
Troubleshooting Strategies for Windows Startup

Module 5 - Lesson 4
Strategies for Physical and Logical Security
Addressing Malicious Software on PCs
Security Policies, Regulated Data and Licensing

CompTIA A+ Volume 5
Module 6 - Lesson 1
Securing and Sharing Practices for Windows Resources
Managing Folder, File and Printer Access
Introduction to Active Directory Domain Services
Mobile Device Backup and Security; Troubleshooting Strategies for Mobile Devices

Module 6 - Lesson 2
Workstation and IoT Device Network Security
Multifunction Router and SOHO Network Security
Introduction to Remote Access Technologies
Troubleshooting Strategies for Network Connections

Module 6 - Lesson 3
Introduction to the macOS
macOS Maintenance and Support
Updating macOS Drivers
Troubleshooting Strategies for macOS Startup
Introduction to Linux OS
Scripting Software
Scripting Uses and Techniques

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.