GOMBA SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY
Certificate in Information Technology - Course Outline
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in information technology,
empowering learners to harness technology for personal and professional growth.
Module 1: Fundamentals of Information Technology
 Introduction to IT: History, trends, and applications
 Computer Basics: Hardware and software concepts
 Operating Systems: Overview of Windows, Linux, and macOS
 File Management: Organizing, storing, and securing data
Module 2: Digital Literacy
 Internet Basics: Browsing, searching, and email communication
 Digital Tools: Productivity applications like MS Office, Google Workspace
 Social Media Platforms: Responsible use and digital etiquette
 Cybersecurity Essentials: Passwords, phishing, and data protection
Module 3: Introduction to Programming
 Programming Concepts: Variables, data types, and logic
 Introduction to Python: Syntax, loops, and functions
 Developing Simple Applications: Hands-on projects
Module 4: Database Management
 Fundamentals of Databases: Relational and non-relational databases
 SQL Basics: Creating, querying, and managing data
 Practical Exercises: Building and managing small databases
Module 5: Web Development
 Basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
 Building Static Web Pages: Layouts, styles, and interactions
 Hosting and Publishing: Uploading sites to the web
Module 6: Networking Basics
 Understanding Networks: LAN, WAN, and the internet
 Networking Devices: Routers, switches, and modems
 Network Security: Firewalls and basic troubleshooting
Module 7: IT Maintenance and Troubleshooting
 Hardware Maintenance: Assembling and repairing computers
 Software Troubleshooting: Common issues and solutions
 Tools for Diagnostics: Using utilities for problem-solving
Module 8: Career Development and Entrepreneurship in IT
 IT Careers: Job opportunities and professional development
 Entrepreneurship: Starting a tech business or freelancing
 Preparing for Certification Exams: Guidelines and resources
Course Delivery
 Duration: 12 months
 Mode: In-person and online hybrid
 Assessment: Assignments, projects, and final examination

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, learners will:
 Understand the basics of IT and its applications in real-world scenarios
 Develop digital literacy and responsible use of technology
 Build foundational programming and web development skills
 Gain practical knowledge in database management and networking
 Be prepared to troubleshoot and maintain IT systems
 Have the confidence to pursue IT certifications or entrepreneurial ventures
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MODULE 1

Module 1: Fundamentals of Information Technology

1. Introduction to IT: History, Trends, and Applications
History of IT
 Pre-Modern IT: Information technology began with basic tools for calculation and record-
keeping, such as the abacus (3000 BCE) and mechanical calculators like Blaise Pascal's
Pascaline in the 17th century.
 Development of Computers:
 First Generation (1940s–1950s): Used vacuum tubes for processing and were large
and expensive.
 Second Generation (1950s–1960s): Used transistors, making them smaller, faster,
and more energy-efficient.
 Third Generation (1960s–1970s): Integrated circuits increased computing power
and efficiency.
 Fourth Generation (1970s–Present): Microprocessors enabled the development of
personal computers (PCs).
 Fifth Generation (Future): Focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum
computing.
 Internet Evolution:
 Began as ARPANET in the 1960s, connecting academic and military institutions.
 Expanded globally in the 1990s, creating the World Wide Web (WWW) for
accessing and sharing information.
Current Trends in IT
 Cloud Computing: Allows users to store and access data and applications over the internet.
Examples include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
 Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics
are enabling smarter systems.
  Internet of Things (IoT): Everyday objects like home appliances, vehicles, and wearable
devices are connected to the internet, exchanging data in real time.
 Big Data Analytics: Processes vast amounts of structured and unstructured data to uncover
patterns and trends for decision-making.
 Cybersecurity: Protecting data, networks, and systems from attacks like hacking, phishing,
and malware.
Applications of IT
 Business: Automation of operations, online marketing, and customer relationship
management (CRM) systems.
 Education: Online learning platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and Google
Classroom.
 Healthcare: Telemedicine, online medical consultations, and electronic health records
(EHR).
 Entertainment: Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify revolutionize media
consumption.
 Government: Digital services like tax filing, e-voting, and public service portals improve
governance efficiency.

2. Computer Basics: Hardware and Software Concepts

Hardware
 Definition: Physical parts of a computer you can touch, such as the monitor, keyboard, and
motherboard.
 Types of Hardware:
 Input Devices: Devices that allow you to input data, e.g., keyboards, mice, scanners,
and microphones.
 Output Devices: Devices that display or produce output, e.g., monitors, printers, and
speakers.
 Storage Devices:
 Primary Storage: RAM (temporary memory) for active processes.
 Secondary Storage: Hard disks and SSDs for long-term storage.
 Removable Storage: USB drives and memory cards for portability.
 Processing Unit:
 The CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions and processes
data.
 GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are specialized for graphics-intensive
tasks.
Software
 Definition: Programs and instructions that run on hardware to perform specific tasks.
 Types of Software:
 System Software:
 Operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS) manage hardware and
software resources.
 Utilities like disk cleanup and antivirus software ensure system efficiency.
 Application Software:
  Productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite) for tasks like writing,
spreadsheets, and presentations.
 Multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, VLC Media Player) for editing and
playback.
 Programming Software: Tools like Visual Studio Code and compilers for coding
and software development.

3. Operating Systems: Overview of Windows, Linux, and macOS

What is an Operating System?
 It is a system software that serves as a bridge between the user and hardware, enabling
smooth execution of applications.
 Functions:
 Process Management: Allocates CPU time to various programs.
 Memory Management: Handles memory allocation and deallocation.
 File System Management: Organizes data into files and folders.
 Device Management: Controls peripheral devices like printers and storage.
Popular Operating Systems
 Windows:
 Pros: User-friendly, supports a wide range of applications, and is compatible with
most hardware.
 Cons: Vulnerable to malware and viruses due to its popularity.
 Linux:
 Pros: Open-source, highly customizable, secure, and suitable for servers.
 Cons: Requires technical knowledge for advanced configurations.
 Popular Distributions: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Red Hat.
 macOS:
 Pros: Stable, secure, and optimized for multimedia tasks.
 Cons: Expensive hardware requirements and limited compatibility with non-Apple
devices.

4. File Management: Organizing, Storing, and Securing Data

What is File Management?
 The process of handling data storage and retrieval in a computer.
 Involves organizing files systematically to ensure quick and secure access.
File Systems
 A file system defines how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device.
 NTFS (Windows): Supports large files and modern features like encryption.
 ext4 (Linux): Efficient and widely used in Linux distributions.
 APFS (macOS): Optimized for SSDs and macOS features.
Organizing Files
 Folder Hierarchy: Use folders and subfolders to categorize files.
 Descriptive Names: Name files and folders descriptively to identify them easily.
 Metadata: Use file properties like tags and dates for better organization.
Data Security
 Backup Strategies: Store copies of important files on external drives or cloud services.
 Encryption: Protect sensitive data with encryption tools like BitLocker (Windows) or
VeraCrypt.
 Access Control: Set file permissions to restrict unauthorized access.
 Antivirus and Updates: Use antivirus software and keep your system updated to prevent
malware attacks.