PC Hardware and Software Management

Equipping IT Support Professionals with Skills to Maintain, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Computer Systems

1. Introduction

With the increasing dependence on technology across all sectors, the ability to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software has become a critical skill for IT personnel, office administrators, and technical support teams. This course provides participants with hands-on training in managing computer systems—from installation and configuration to diagnostics and upgrades.

The course blends theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to ensure participants are competent in handling both common and advanced issues in PC environments, making them valuable assets in any workplace.

 

2. Training Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and assemble computer hardware components
• Install, configure, and update operating systems and application software
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
• Manage data backups and system recovery
• Implement basic network connectivity and configuration
• Enhance PC performance through optimization and upgrades
• Apply security best practices in system management

 

3. Target Group

This course is designed for:

• IT support technicians and assistants
• Computer lab managers and administrators
• Office administrators and technical staff
• Students or graduates seeking a career in IT support
• NGO, government, and private-sector staff responsible for ICT infrastructure

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 weeks
• Modules: 16
• Contact Hours: 64–80 hours (4–5 hours per module)
• Delivery Mode: In-person / Online / Blended
• Methodology: Hands-on labs, simulations, guided exercises, group projects, assessments

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to PC Hardware and Software

• Overview of computer systems
• Types of software and hardware components
• Roles of hardware and software in computing

Module 2: Computer Hardware Components and Identification

• Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, hard drives, power supplies, I/O ports
• Internal vs. external components

Module 3: Assembling a Personal Computer

• Step-by-step assembly
• Cable management and power considerations
• BIOS/UEFI setup

Module 4: Operating System Installation and Configuration

• Installing Windows, Linux, or macOS
• Dual-booting systems
• Driver installation and updates

Module 5: Installing and Managing Application Software

• Office suites, browsers, antivirus, and utility tools
• Software licensing and activation

Module 6: PC Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Tools

• Common hardware and software problems
• Using built-in diagnostic tools (e.g., Device Manager, Event Viewer)

Module 7: Preventive Maintenance and Best Practices

• Cleaning hardware components
• Disk cleanup, defragmentation, and software updates
• Maintenance scheduling

Module 8: Data Backup and Recovery Solutions

• Backup types: full, incremental, differential
• Backup media and cloud services
• System restore and recovery

Module 9: Virus, Malware Protection, and Security Tools

• Types of threats
• Installing and updating antivirus/firewall software
• Safe computing practices

Module 10: Storage Device Management and Partitioning

• HDD vs. SSD vs. NVMe
• Disk formatting, partitioning, and file systems (NTFS, FAT32, etc.)
• Disk management tools

Module 11: BIOS and Firmware Management

• Accessing and updating BIOS/UEFI
• Understanding POST (Power-On Self-Test)
• Secure Boot configuration

Module 12: Basic Networking for PCs

• Network setup (LAN, Wi-Fi)
• IP configuration, ping tests, and connectivity troubleshooting
• Sharing files and printers over a network

Module 13: Peripheral Devices and Driver Management

• Printers, scanners, webcams, keyboards/mice
• Driver installation and troubleshooting

Module 14: System Performance Monitoring and Optimization

• Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and third-party tools
• Managing startup programs and services
• RAM and storage upgrades

Module 15: User Account and Access Control Management

• Creating and managing user accounts
• Admin vs. standard accounts
• Permissions and access rights

Module 16: Capstone Project – Build, Configure, and Troubleshoot a PC

• Participants assemble a PC, install software, connect to a network
• Simulate a real-world troubleshooting scenario and resolve it

 

6. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Assemble and configure personal computers
• Install and maintain operating systems and application software
• Troubleshoot and resolve PC hardware/software issues
• Perform routine maintenance and data backup
• Apply basic security and networking practices
• Provide technical support in real-world environments

 

7. Certification

• Award: Certificate of Completion – PC Hardware and Software Management
• Issued By: Accredited ICT Training Institute / Technical College / Certification Body
• Requirements:
• 85% attendance
• Completion of all practical exercises and quizzes
• Final capstone project submission and evaluation

This certificate affirms the participant’s practical skills and readiness to manage and support desktop computing environments in professional settings.

 

Optional Add-ons:

• Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification
• Practice test bank and PC simulation software
• Toolkit checklist for hardware technicians
• Post-training support or mentorship group