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Computer Systems: CompTIA A+ Aligned

A hands-on Computer Systems course covering PC hardware, mobile devices, printers, networking, virtualization, operating systems, security, troubleshooting, and professional IT support. The course is aligned to the current CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) knowledge and skill objectives while remaining a high-school instructional course rather than an official CompTIA training product.

Length
18 weeks
Audience
Grades 9-12
Entries
109
NJ standards
8.1.12.CS.2 · 8.1.12.CS.3 · 8.1.12.CS.4 · 8.1.12.NI.1 · 8.1.12.NI.2 · 8.1.12.NI.3 · 9.4.12.CT.1
Provenance
Sources and credits

Course systems map

Six units. Two A+ cores. One technician workflow.

Use the unit map to see where hardware, networking, operating systems, security, operations, assessments, and the final service challenge connect.
CompTIA A+ aligned · not endorsed220-1201 · Core 1220-1202 · Core 2New Jersey CSDT aligned
Course scale
18 weeks · 90 lessons
Evidence model
Inspect → theory → controlled action → verify
Assessment model
Local grading · visual evidence · retry
Capstone
Technician Service Challenge
PC core component reference showing motherboard, CPU, memory, and cooling relationships.

Unit 1 · Weeks 1–4

Technician Foundations and PC HardwareHardware · compatibility · troubleshootingA+ Core 1
Portable and printer systems reference showing laptop, mobile, printer, and scanner service boundaries.

Unit 2 · Weeks 5–6

Mobile Devices, Printers, and Peripheral SystemsMobile · printers · peripheralsA+ Core 1
Network devices, media, and technician tools reference sheet.

Unit 3 · Weeks 7–9

Networking and Internet SystemsNetworking · tools · fault isolationA+ Core 1
Virtualization and cloud reference showing host, hypervisor, virtual machines, containers, and cloud boundaries.

Unit 4 · Weeks 10–12

Virtualization and Operating SystemsVMs · Windows · cross-platform supportCore 1 + Core 2
Security controls and evidence reference showing identity, endpoint, network, data, browser, and physical controls.

Unit 5 · Weeks 13–15

Security and Software TroubleshootingSecurity · hardening · software evidenceA+ Core 2
Technician Service Challenge packet showing inventory, dependency map, incidents, recovery, security, risks, and briefing evidence.

Unit 6 · Weeks 16–18

IT Operations, Integrated Review, and Technician CapstoneOperations · review · service challengeCore 2 + integrated

Assessment map

Practice, prove, integrate

Each unit has a local practice/test pair. The midterm and final integrate evidence across multiple technician domains.

Featured technician media

Don’t just read the system. Inspect it.

Jump into the course’s highest-value visual and interactive learning surfaces.
PC core component reference showing motherboard, CPU, memory, and cooling relationships.

3D hardware

Diagnose inside the desktopOrbit the PC, isolate CPU/RAM/GPU/storage/power, then use service symptoms to choose the first hardware boundary.Open →
Network devices, media, and technician tools reference sheet.

Network investigation

Trace the SOHO systemUse React Flow plus the bounded terminal to separate gateway, Wi-Fi, DHCP, DNS, and service-path evidence.Open →
Unlabeled server rack and network closet inspection board.

3D service environment

Separate rack data and powerInspect the Harborview rack, switch between front/rear views, and prove whether the data path or power path is actually failing.Open →
Evidence-first troubleshooting workflow reference sheet.

Visual study deck

Print the reference sheetsOpen the Robotnix-original hardware, connector, network, OS, security, troubleshooting, operations, and capstone sheets in one print-friendly view.Open →

Week 01

  1. overviewWeek 1: Technician Foundations and Hardware Orientation210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: The Technician MindsetA computer that will not start does not need a guess. It needs a process.
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Open the BoxToday we stop treating the desktop as one object.
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Ports, Cables, and InterfacesA connector is not just a shape. It tells you what kind of signal, power, or data path the system expects.
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Firmware, POST, and the Boot PathA computer can have every major component installed and still fail before the operating system ever starts.
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Your First Service TicketThis is the first time you put the technician process together.
  7. LabLab: System Trace StudioCreate an annotated diagram for the research-and-share task from Lesson 3. You may use paper, a slide, or a drawing tool. Do not use a real account, network scan, or administrator setting.

Week 02

  1. overviewWeek 2: Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Compatibility210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Motherboard as the Compatibility MapCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: CPU Architecture, Sockets, Cores, and CoolingCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: RAM Generations, ECC, and Channel ConfigurationCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Compatibility LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Diagnose the No-POST and Board-Level SystemCore path: 42 minutes

Week 03

  1. overviewWeek 3: Storage, SATA, NVMe, SAS, M.2, and RAID210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Storage Media, Form Factors, and WorkloadsCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: SATA, NVMe, PCIe, SAS, M.2, and mSATACore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: RAID Is Not BackupCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Storage Selection LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Diagnose the Missing or Failing DriveCore path: 42 minutes

Week 04

  1. overviewWeek 4: Power, Cooling, Expansion, and Displays210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Power Has a PathCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Cooling Is Part of ReliabilityCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Expansion Cards and Display TechnologiesCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Power and Expansion Planning LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Hardware, Video, and Projector Fault IsolationCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 1 Practice — Technician Foundations and PC Hardware15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. TestUnit 1 Test — Technician Foundations and PC Hardware20 questions · local grading · retry available

Week 05

  1. overviewWeek 5: Laptops and Mobile Devices210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Laptop Hardware and Replacement DecisionsCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Batteries, Displays, Cameras, and Input HardwareCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Mobile Accessories, Networks, MDM, and SyncCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Mobile Device Support LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Mobile Device Troubleshooting ChallengeCore path: 42 minutes

Week 06

  1. overviewWeek 6: Printers and Peripheral Systems210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Printer Technologies and Deployment DecisionsCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Print Mechanisms and MaintenanceCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Deploy, Share, Scan, and SecureCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Printer Deployment and Peripheral Support LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Printer Troubleshooting ChallengeCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 2 Practice — Mobile Devices, Printers, and Peripherals15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. TestUnit 2 Test — Mobile Devices, Printers, and Peripherals20 questions · local grading · retry available

Week 07

  1. overviewWeek 7: Network Hardware, Media, and IP Foundations210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Network Hardware and Internet Edge DevicesCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Copper, Fiber, Coax, and Connector StandardsCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: IPv4, IPv6, Gateways, and Addressing ModesCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Internet and Network Types SOHO LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Local Network Fault IsolationCore path: 42 minutes

Week 08

  1. overviewWeek 8: Network Services, Ports, Wi-Fi, and Configuration210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: DNS, DHCP, NAT, VLAN, and VPNCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: TCP, UDP, and the Complete A+ Port SetCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and RFIDCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Network Services and SOHO Design LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Service and Wi-Fi Failure ChallengeCore path: 42 minutes

Week 09

  1. overviewWeek 9: Network Tools and Troubleshooting210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Troubleshoot in LayersCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Complete Technician Network Tool SetCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Read IP, Route, DNS, and Connectivity EvidenceCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Complete Network Symptom LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Network Incident DefenseCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 3 Practice — Networking Foundations, Services, and Troubleshooting15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. MidtermComputer Systems Midterm — Weeks 1–930 questions · local grading · retry available

Week 10

  1. overviewWeek 10: Virtualization and Cloud Computing210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Why Virtualize?Core path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Hypervisors, VDI, Containers, and VM RequirementsCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Cloud Models, Services, and CharacteristicsCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Virtual and Cloud Design LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Virtualization and Cloud Troubleshooting ChallengeCore path: 42 minutes

Week 11

  1. overviewWeek 11: Windows Installation, Administration, and Networking210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Windows Editions, Features, and RequirementsCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Install and Upgrade WindowsCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Windows GUI Tools and SettingsCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Windows Command Line and Networking LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Windows Technician PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

Week 12

  1. overviewWeek 12: Cross-Platform Operating Systems and Applications210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Operating System Families, Filesystems, and LifecycleCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: macOS Features and ToolsCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Linux Client Tools and System ComponentsCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Application Installation and Cloud Productivity LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Cross-Platform Technician PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 4 Practice — Virtualization and Operating Systems15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. TestUnit 4 Test — Virtualization and Operating Systems20 questions · local grading · retry available

Week 13

  1. overviewWeek 13: Security Controls, Windows Security, and Device Hardening210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Physical and Logical Security ControlsCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Windows Security, Permissions, and IdentityCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Wireless Authentication and Device HardeningCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Secure Endpoint Configuration LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Security Controls PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

Week 14

  1. overviewWeek 14: Threats, Malware Response, and Secure Client Systems210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Social Engineering, Attacks, and VulnerabilitiesCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Malware Types, Defensive Tools, and RemovalCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Secure SOHO Networks and BrowsersCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Data Destruction and Security Triage LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Security Incident PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

Week 15

  1. overviewWeek 15: Software Troubleshooting Technician Practical210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Troubleshoot Windows OS IssuesCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Troubleshoot Mobile OS and Application IssuesCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Troubleshoot Mobile Security IssuesCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: PC Security Troubleshooting LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Domain 3 Technician PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 5 Practice — Security and Software Troubleshooting15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. TestUnit 5 Test — Security and Software Troubleshooting20 questions · local grading · retry available

Week 16

  1. overviewWeek 16: Operational Procedures and Professional IT Support210 instructional minutes | five 42-minute lessons
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Documentation, Assets, and Change ManagementCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Backup, Safety, and Environmental ControlsCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Privacy, Licensing, Policy, and Incident EvidenceCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Professional Communication and Remote SupportCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Scripting and AI Operations PracticalCore path: 42 minutes

Week 17

  1. overviewWeek 17: Integrated Technician ScenariosWhen the ticket does not tell you whether the problem is hardware, networking, Windows, mobile, security, software, or process, how do you decide where to look first?
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Triage the Whole SystemCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Choose the EvidenceCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Correct, Roll Back, and VerifyCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Mixed Incident LabCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Technician Review BoardCore path: 42 minutes

Week 18

  1. overviewWeek 18: Technician Service ChallengeCan you take one realistic client environment from intake to verified working state and explain every important decision you made along the way?
  2. Lesson 1Lesson 1: Intake, Inventory, and BaselineCore path: 42 minutes
  3. Lesson 2Lesson 2: Configure the Service EnvironmentCore path: 42 minutes
  4. Lesson 3Lesson 3: Diagnose the Seeded FaultsCore path: 42 minutes
  5. Lesson 4Lesson 4: Security, Recovery, and VerificationCore path: 42 minutes
  6. Lesson 5Lesson 5: Service Record and Technical BriefingCore path: 42 minutes

End-of-unit assessment

  1. PracticeUnit 6 Practice — IT Operations, Integrated Support, and Service Challenge15 questions · local grading · retry available
  2. FinalComputer Systems Final — Core 1 + Core 2 Integrated Review40 questions · local grading · retry available