Course Outline

Computer Engineering & Networking Services and Sales Training Outline

Training Title: Computer Engineering & Networking Services and Sales

Duration: 2 Weeks (10 Days)

Target Audience: Individuals seeking foundational technical skills in computer hardware, operating systems, and networking, combined with the commercial skills needed to offer and sell IT support, maintenance, and setup services. Suitable for school leavers, aspiring IT technicians, small business IT support personnel, and entry-level IT salespeople.

Overall Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and understand the function of core computer hardware components.
  • Install, configure, and perform basic troubleshooting on Windows operating systems.
  • Understand fundamental networking concepts (TCP/IP, IP addressing, network devices).
  • Set up and configure a basic Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network (wired and wireless).
  • Perform basic network troubleshooting using common tools.
  • Understand the principles of IT service provision and customer support.
  • Identify customer needs and effectively communicate technical solutions.
  • Understand the basics of selling IT services and products.
  • Create simple service packages and quotations.

Methodology: Interactive lectures, demonstrations, hands-on lab sessions, group discussions, case studies, role-playing (for sales).

Assessment: Daily quizzes, practical lab assessments, final practical project, sales pitch role-play.

Materials: Computer toolkits, network cables, crimping tools, routers, switches, access points, PCs/laptops for labs, presentation slides, course notes.

Week 1: Foundational Technical Skills & Service Concepts

Day 1: Introduction & Computer Hardware Fundamentals

  • Morning (Theory & Demo):
    • Course Introduction: Objectives, schedule, expectations.
    • Overview: Computer Engineering vs. Networking vs. IT Support.
    • Internal PC Components: CPU, RAM, Motherboard, Hard Drive (HDD/SSD), Power Supply, Expansion Cards (Graphics, Network).
    • External Peripherals: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printers, Scanners.
    • Storage Concepts: Bits, Bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB.
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Safety Precautions when handling components.
    • PC Teardown: Disassemble a desktop PC, identify components.
    • PC Assembly: Reassemble the desktop PC.
    • Troubleshooting common hardware boot-up issues (POST errors).

Day 2: Operating Systems – Focus on Windows

  • Morning (Theory & Demo):
    • What is an Operating System? Role and types (Windows, macOS, Linux overview).
    • Windows Versions (Focus on current, e.g., Windows 10/11).
    • Installation Process: Boot order, partitioning, formatting, setup steps.
    • Windows User Interface: Desktop, Taskbar, File Explorer, Control Panel/Settings.
    • User Account Management: Creating users, permissions basics.
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Installing Windows on a formatted drive (or virtual machine).
    • Navigating the interface, basic customization.
    • Creating user accounts and managing passwords.
    • Basic command prompt/PowerShell commands (ipconfig, ping).
    • Installing essential drivers and software.

Day 3: Introduction to Networking Concepts

  • Morning (Theory):
    • What is a Network? Benefits (Resource sharing, communication).
    • Network Types: LAN, WAN, MAN.
    • Network Topologies: Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh (Conceptual).
    • OSI Model vs. TCP/IP Model (Simplified overview).
    • IP Addressing: IPv4 basics (Classes – brief, Subnet Masks, Default Gateway). Private vs. Public IPs.
    • Introduction to Network Hardware: NICs, Hubs (obsolete), Switches, Routers.
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Identifying network ports and cables (Ethernet – Cat5e/6).
    • Cable Crimping: Making straight-through and crossover cables (Demo & Practice).
    • Configuring IP address settings (Static vs. DHCP) on Windows.
    • Using ping and ipconfig /all for connectivity testing.

Day 4: Basic Network Services & SOHO Setup

  • Morning (Theory & Demo):
    • DHCP: How automatic IP configuration works.
    • DNS: How domain names are resolved to IP addresses (ISP DNS vs. Public DNS like Google/Cloudflare).
    • Introduction to Routers: NAT, basic firewall concepts.
    • Setting up a basic SOHO Router (Web interface login, basic WAN/LAN config).
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Connecting PCs through a switch.
    • Connecting a SOHO router to act as a gateway/DHCP server.
    • Verifying connectivity and internet access.
    • Troubleshooting common SOHO setup issues (Wrong cable, IP conflict, DNS issues).

Day 5: IT Services Mindset & Basic Troubleshooting

  • Morning (Theory & Discussion):
    • What constitutes an “IT Service”? (Installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, support).
    • Troubleshooting Methodology: Identify problem -> Establish theory -> Test theory -> Establish plan -> Implement solution -> Verify -> Document.
    • Common PC Issues: Slow performance, No boot, Blue Screen, Malware symptoms.
    • Common Network Issues: No internet, Slow internet, Cannot connect to printer/shared folder.
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab & Intro to Sales):
    • Using Windows tools for diagnosis (Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager).
    • Basic network troubleshooting commands (ping, tracert, nslookup).
    • Intro to Sales: Linking problems to needs. Understanding what a customer really wants when they report an issue. Active listening exercise.

Week 2: Advanced Networking, Security, Sales & Customer Service

Day 6: Wireless Networking & Security

  • Morning (Theory & Demo):
    • Wi-Fi Standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax). Frequencies (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz).
    • Setting up a Wireless Router/Access Point: SSID, Channels, Security (WEP – obsolete, WPA, WPA2, WPA3).
    • Wireless Security Best Practices: Strong passwords, disabling WPS, MAC filtering (concept), Guest networks.
    • Basic Cybersecurity Threats: Malware (Viruses, Ransomware), Phishing. Importance of Antivirus & Updates.
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Configuring a wireless router with WPA2/WPA3 security.
    • Connecting devices to the Wi-Fi network.
    • Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi issues (Signal strength, Interference, Incorrect password).
    • Running a basic antivirus scan.

Day 7: Server Concepts & Introduction to Cloud

  • Morning (Theory & Demo):
    • What is a Server? Client-Server Model.
    • Common Server Roles: File Server, Print Server, Authentication (briefly mention Active Directory).
    • Introduction to Virtualization: What it is, benefits (VMware/VirtualBox overview).
    • Introduction to Cloud Computing: What it is (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). Major providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). Benefits for small businesses in Nigeria (Scalability, cost).
  • Afternoon (Practical Lab):
    • Setting up a simple file share on Windows.
    • Accessing the shared folder from another PC.
    • Brief demo of creating a Virtual Machine (e.g., using VirtualBox).
    • Navigating a cloud provider console (e.g., AWS Free Tier signup and console overview).

Day 8: Sales Fundamentals for IT Services

  • Morning (Theory & Role-Play):
    • Understanding the Sales Cycle (Prospecting, Qualifying, Presenting, Handling Objections, Closing, Follow-up).
    • Identifying Customer Needs: Asking effective questions (Open vs. Closed), SPIN selling basics.
    • Features vs. Benefits: Translating technical specs into value for the customer (e.g., “SSD means your computer starts in seconds,” not just “It has an SSD”).
    • Building Rapport and Trust.
  • Afternoon (Role-Play & Discussion):
    • Mock scenarios: Selling a PC repair service, proposing a small office network setup.
    • Handling Common Objections: “It’s too expensive,” “I can get it cheaper elsewhere,” “I need to think about it.”
    • Understanding the local market in Nigeria (common IT needs of SMEs, home users).

Day 9: Crafting Service Packages & Customer Relations

  • Morning (Theory & Workshop):
    • Defining Service Offerings: Installation (PCs, Networks), Troubleshooting & Repair, Maintenance Contracts (Preventive checks, updates), Basic IT Support (Remote/On-site).
    • Pricing Strategies: Hourly rates vs. Fixed project fees vs. Retainer/Subscription models.
    • Creating Simple Quotations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs – concept of response time).
    • Importance of Documentation (Network diagrams, service reports).
  • Afternoon (Workshop & Communication Skills):
    • Workshop: Develop sample service packages for different client types (e.g., Home User, Small Business).
    • Customer Service Essentials: Professionalism, clear communication (avoiding jargon), managing expectations, handling complaints.
    • Importance of follow-up and building long-term relationships.

Day 10: Integration, Final Project & Career Path

  • Morning (Practical Project):
    • Scenario: A small business in Abuja (e.g., 5 staff) needs a new office setup (PCs, basic network, Wi-Fi, file sharing).
    • Task: Participants (individually or in small groups) prepare a basic proposal outlining the hardware, network design, services offered, and a simple quotation.
  • Afternoon (Presentation, Review & Next Steps):
    • Presentations of project proposals.
    • Review of key concepts from the 2 weeks.
    • Q&A Session.
    • Career Paths in IT: Technician, Network Admin, Support Specialist, IT Sales.
    • Next Steps: Recommended certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+), further learning resources, job searching tips in the Nigerian IT sector.
    • Course wrap-up and feedback.

This outline provides a strong blend of essential technical skills and the commercial acumen needed to succeed in offering computer engineering and networking services.