A practical approach for anyone looking to enter the IT workforce Before candidates can begin to prepare for any kind of certification, they need a basic understanding of the various hardware and software components used in a computer network. Aimed at aspiring IT professionals, this invaluable book strips down a network to its bare basics, and discusses this complex topic in a clear and concise manner so that IT beginners can confidently gain an understanding of fundamental IT concepts. In addition, a base knowledge has been established so that more advanced topics and technologies can be learned over time. Includes a discussion of the key computer components, such as the processor and memory Covers the basics of data storage as well as the input/output process Zeroes in on basic hardware configuration including how to install hardware and software drivers Introduces various computer operating systems, including the Windows OS family, Linux, and Mac. Looks at basic networking concepts and design IT Career JumpStart is an ideal starting point for anyone looking for a career in IT but doesn't know where to start.

A practical approach for anyone looking to enter the ITworkforceBefore candidates can begin to prepare for any kind ofcertification, they need a basic understanding of the varioushardware and software components used in a computer network. Aimedat aspiring IT professionals, this invaluable book strips down anetwork to its bare basics, and discusses this complex topic in aclear and concise manner so that IT beginners can confidently gainan understanding of fundamental IT concepts. In addition, a baseknowledge has been established so that more advanced topics andtechnologies can be learned over time.* Includes a discussion of the key computer components, such asthe processor and memory* Covers the basics of data storage as well as the input/outputprocess* Zeroes in on basic hardware configuration including how toinstall hardware and software drivers* Introduces various computer operating systems, including theWindows OS family, Linux, and Mac.* Looks at basic networking concepts and designIT Career JumpStart is an ideal starting point for anyonelooking for a career in IT but doesn't know where to start.

Introduction xxiiiChapter 1 The Computer's Brain: Processors and Memory 1Chapter 2 Storing Your Files: Data Storage 27Chapter 3 Data Movement: Input/Output Devices 55Chapter 4 Hardware Configuration 79Chapter 5 Desktop Operating Systems: A Comparison 91Chapter 6 Command Shell 101: Basics Every Administrator ShouldKnow 105Chapter 7 Graphical Interface: Windows 7 Basics 131Chapter 8 A Communications Framework 161Chapter 9 Network Models 179Chapter 10 Data-Link and Network Layer Protocols 191Chapter 11 Network Operating Systems: A Comparison 211Chapter 12 Windows Server 2008 R2 Origins and Platforms 221Chapter 13 Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 Active Directory DomainServices 235Chapter 14 Account Management 253Chapter 15 File and Print Management 269Appendix A Review Question Answers 295Appendix B Common Acronyms 305Glossary 311Index 325