PC and Laptop Hardware Essentials

This unit develops foundational knowledge and hands-on skills for internal components, peripherals, power management, storage, basic networking, and security for desktops and laptops. It builds on introductory concepts and prepares students for advanced troubleshooting and repair topics in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• analyze internal hardware components and their relationships—including CPU, motherboard, memory modules, expansion slots, power systems, and mass storage—and interpret specifications to determine compatibility and performance implications
• apply proper procedures to install, configure, and maintain peripheral devices and displays (monitors, pointing devices, printers, scanners), removable and external storage, expansion cards, and input methods while following safety and preventive maintenance guidelines
• demonstrate effective power management and portability practices, including battery care, shutdown/boot configuration, travel and theft mitigation, data backup/restore workflows, and basic anti-malware hygiene
• evaluate network connectivity and internet access options, cloud synchronization methods, website legitimacy, and perform systematic troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve common hardware and network problems