PC assembly, modern operating systems, LAN/Wi-Fi, IP addressing, network security basics and practical troubleshooting.
What you will cover
PC assembly
modern operating systems
LAN/Wi-Fi
IP addressing
network security basics
practical troubleshooting
Topic list from the institute's programme record.
Certification
Certificate terms for this programme are confirmed by the institute at admission. Any ADIVAS course-completion certificate is an institute certificate; it is not a university degree, an externally accredited qualification or a vendor certification (such as AWS or Microsoft) unless the institute states so in writing.
The programme title is as supplied in the institute's list. Please confirm the awarding body and recognition with the institute before enrolling.
Curriculum 0.1 · Draft: written for ADIVAS and awaiting academic review and approval. Topics and weeks may change before your batch starts.
Your skill trail
You move through 6 stations. Each week builds one skill you can show, not just a topic you have heard.
1
PC hardware essentials
Identify components, choose compatible parts and assemble a PC safely.
Week 1 Inside a computer
Week 2 Motherboard, chipset and CPU
Week 3 Memory and storage
Week 4 Power supply, cabinet and compatibility
Week 5 PC assembly
Week 6 UEFI firmware and peripherals
2
Operating systems and maintenance
Install, configure, update and recover Windows and Linux systems.
Week 7 Operating system concepts
Week 8 Installing Windows
Week 9 Installing and using Linux
Week 10 Maintenance, backup and recovery
3
Networking fundamentals
Understand models, topologies, protocols and IPv4 addressing with subnetting.
Week 11 Network models and devices
Week 12 Topologies and cabling
Week 13 IPv4 addressing basics
Week 14 Subnetting and CIDR
Week 15 DHCP, DNS and common protocols
4
Building LAN and Wi-Fi
Cable, configure and test wired and wireless networks and the services they need.
Week 16 Switching and VLAN basics
Week 17 Routing and internet connection
Week 18 Wi-Fi planning and setup
Week 19 Sharing resources
5
Network security basics
Secure accounts, devices and networks with sensible baseline controls.
Week 20 Securing accounts and devices
Week 21 Firewalls and safe network design
6
Troubleshooting and capstone
Diagnose faults systematically and deliver a complete office setup project.
Week 22 Hardware troubleshooting method
Week 23 Network and system troubleshooting
Week 24 Capstone: small office build
★
Ten-PC Computer Lab Setup
Your project, reviewed by a trainer.
The ADIVAS mastery ladder: how each skill is recognised
Explored You have seen the idea and tried a first example.
Practising You can do it with hints and keep improving.
Proficient You complete the weekly practical task correctly on your own.
Proven You apply it in a project reviewed by your trainer.
Skill-level tracking is being added to the learner workspace. Your trainer already reviews weekly practical work.
What you will be able to do
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement.
Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test.
Install and configure Windows and Linux, including partitions, drivers, updates and user accounts.
Explain network models, topologies and protocols, and read a network diagram.
Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS.
Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network.
Diagnose hardware, operating system and network faults with a systematic method and document the repair.
Who it suits
School Class 10-12 students who like fixing devices and want to understand how computers and the internet are built and connected.
College Diploma, ITI and degree students who need practical hardware and networking skills for IT support roles.
Professional Technicians, shop owners and office staff who maintain computers and small networks and want a structured method.
Prerequisites: Basic computer use. No prior hardware or networking experience is needed; basic arithmetic is enough for subnetting. Tools: A practice desktop PC with removable components, Antistatic wrist strap, screwdriver kit and cable tester, Crimping tool, RJ45 connectors and Cat6 cable, A bootable USB drive with Windows and Linux installers, Managed or small office switch and Wi-Fi router, Cisco Packet Tracer or an open-source simulator such as GNS3, Wireshark and standard command-line tools (ipconfig, ping, tracert).
Weekly plan
PC hardware essentials Weeks 1–6
Week 1: Inside a computer
Theory
Input, processing, memory, storage and output devices
Desktop, laptop and server form factors
Safety, ESD and tools of the trade
Lab
Open a practice PC with an antistatic strap and identify the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, power supply and cables, labelling each on a photo.
Homework
Make a one-page table of each component, its job and its connector.
Deliverable
A labelled component photo and table.
Weekly checkpoint
Component identification test on real parts.
You will be able to
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement.
Week 2: Motherboard, chipset and CPU
Theory
Motherboard form factors and expansion slots
CPU sockets, cores, clock speed and cache
Cooling and thermal paste
Lab
Identify socket type and slots on three motherboards, and seat a CPU and cooler on a practice board.
Homework
Compare two CPUs on cores, speed and suitability for office use.
Deliverable
A CPU comparison note and a seating checklist.
Weekly checkpoint
Match sockets and slots to components.
You will be able to
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement. Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test.
Week 3: Memory and storage
Theory
DDR RAM, channels and capacity planning
HDD, SATA SSD and NVMe SSD differences
RAID concepts and backup
Lab
Install RAM in the correct slots, fit an SSD and check detection in the firmware.
Homework
Recommend RAM and storage for three user types.
Deliverable
A memory and storage recommendation table.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify storage types from their connectors.
You will be able to
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement. Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test.
Week 4: Power supply, cabinet and compatibility
Theory
PSU wattage, connectors and efficiency
Cabinet, airflow and cable management
Checking compatibility of parts
Lab
Calculate the power needed for a build, connect PSU cables and route them neatly.
Homework
Check a given parts list for compatibility problems.
Deliverable
A compatibility check sheet for a build.
Weekly checkpoint
Find the incompatible part in a list.
You will be able to
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement. Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test.
Week 5: PC assembly
Theory
Assembly order and antistatic practice
Front-panel and fan headers
Power-on self-test beep and LED codes
Lab
Assemble a complete PC from parts, connect the monitor and keyboard and complete a power-on test.
Homework
Write the assembly steps in your own words with photos.
Deliverable
A working assembled PC and a step log.
Weekly checkpoint
Timed assembly checklist signed by the trainer.
You will be able to
Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test.
Week 6: UEFI firmware and peripherals
Theory
UEFI versus legacy BIOS, Secure Boot and boot order
Display, USB, audio and printer connections
Basic hardware diagnostics
Lab
Enter UEFI, set the boot order, check temperatures and test USB, display and audio ports.
Homework
Document five UEFI settings and what each does.
Deliverable
A UEFI settings guide.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: set boot order and enable Secure Boot.
You will be able to
Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test. Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement.
Operating systems and maintenance Weeks 7–10
Week 7: Operating system concepts
Theory
Kernel, processes, memory and file systems
Windows, Linux and mobile OS comparison
Partitions and file systems (NTFS, FAT32, ext4)
Lab
Create a bootable USB, explore the partition layout and plan partitions for a dual-boot practice machine.
Homework
Compare Windows and Linux on three tasks.
Deliverable
A partition plan and bootable USB.
Weekly checkpoint
Match file systems to their use.
You will be able to
Install and configure Windows and Linux, including partitions, drivers, updates and user accounts.
Week 8: Installing Windows
Theory
System requirements and edition choice
Clean install versus upgrade
Drivers, updates and activation basics
Lab
Install Windows on the assembled PC, create user accounts, install drivers and run updates.
Homework
Write a post-install checklist.
Deliverable
A working Windows installation and checklist.
Weekly checkpoint
Sequence the steps of a clean install.
You will be able to
Install and configure Windows and Linux, including partitions, drivers, updates and user accounts.
Week 9: Installing and using Linux
Theory
Choosing a distribution
Command line basics and package managers
Users, permissions and updates
Lab
Install Linux in a virtual machine or dual boot, create a user and install two packages from the command line.
Homework
Write ten commands with their purpose.
Deliverable
A working Linux system and command sheet.
Weekly checkpoint
Command-line practical task.
You will be able to
Install and configure Windows and Linux, including partitions, drivers, updates and user accounts.
Week 10: Maintenance, backup and recovery
Theory
Disk cleanup, updates and health checks
System restore, imaging and backup strategies
Recovering from boot failure
Lab
Create a system image, simulate a corrupted boot and restore from the image.
Homework
Create a maintenance schedule for an office of ten PCs.
Deliverable
A restore test report and maintenance schedule.
Weekly checkpoint
Scenario: choose the right recovery method.
You will be able to
Install and configure Windows and Linux, including partitions, drivers, updates and user accounts. Diagnose hardware, operating system and network faults with a systematic method and document the repair.
Networking fundamentals Weeks 11–15
Week 11: Network models and devices
Theory
LAN, WAN and the internet
OSI and TCP/IP models in simple terms
NIC, hub, switch, router and access point
Lab
Identify network devices in the lab and trace the path of a packet from a PC to the router on a sketch.
Homework
Draw the network of your home or institute and label each device.
Deliverable
A labelled network sketch.
Weekly checkpoint
Match devices to layers and functions.
You will be able to
Explain network models, topologies and protocols, and read a network diagram.
Week 12: Topologies and cabling
Theory
Bus, star, ring and mesh topologies
Twisted-pair, fibre and wireless media
Straight-through and crossover cables
Lab
Crimp two Cat6 cables to the T568B pattern and test them with a cable tester.
Homework
Compare topologies on cost, reliability and ease of troubleshooting.
Deliverable
A tested cable and comparison table.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: crimp and test a cable.
You will be able to
Explain network models, topologies and protocols, and read a network diagram. Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network.
Week 13: IPv4 addressing basics
Theory
IP address, subnet mask and default gateway
Public and private ranges
Binary and decimal conversion
Lab
Assign static IPs to four lab PCs, test with ping, and then deliberately mis-set a mask to observe the effect.
Homework
Convert ten IP addresses to binary.
Deliverable
An address table and test log.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify the network and host portions of addresses.
You will be able to
Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS.
Week 14: Subnetting and CIDR
Theory
CIDR notation and subnet masks
Calculating network, broadcast and usable host range
Dividing a network for departments
Lab
Subnet 192.168.10.0/24 into four subnets for Admin, Lab, Library and Staff and fill an address plan table.
Homework
Subnet a /24 into eight subnets and list every range.
Deliverable
A complete subnet plan.
Weekly checkpoint
Subnet calculation questions with exact answers.
You will be able to
Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS.
Week 15: DHCP, DNS and common protocols
Theory
DHCP leases and reservations
DNS resolution and records
HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH and email protocols
Lab
Configure a DHCP scope on a router or simulator, reserve an address and resolve names with nslookup.
Homework
Explain what happens when you type a website name.
Deliverable
A DHCP configuration note and DNS trace.
Weekly checkpoint
Sequence the steps of DHCP and DNS.
You will be able to
Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS. Explain network models, topologies and protocols, and read a network diagram.
Building LAN and Wi-Fi Weeks 16–19
Week 16: Switching and VLAN basics
Theory
How a switch learns MAC addresses
VLANs and trunks in plain terms
Port speed, duplex and PoE
Lab
Connect four PCs to a switch, view the MAC table and create two VLANs in a simulator.
Homework
Explain why separate VLANs help an office.
Deliverable
A switch and VLAN lab record.
Weekly checkpoint
Interpret a MAC table.
You will be able to
Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network.
Week 17: Routing and internet connection
Theory
Routers, gateways and routing tables
NAT and port forwarding
ISP connections: fibre, broadband and leased line
Lab
Configure a router with LAN and WAN settings, NAT and a static route in a simulator or lab router.
Homework
Explain NAT using the example of a company reception.
Deliverable
A router configuration summary.
Weekly checkpoint
Read a simple routing table.
You will be able to
Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network. Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS.
Week 18: Wi-Fi planning and setup
Theory
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, channels and range
WPA2/WPA3, SSID and guest networks
Access point placement and interference
Lab
Configure a Wi-Fi network with WPA2/WPA3, a guest SSID and a good channel; survey signal strength with a phone app.
Homework
Recommend an access point layout for a two-room office.
Deliverable
A Wi-Fi setup sheet and signal map.
Weekly checkpoint
Choose correct Wi-Fi settings for a scenario.
You will be able to
Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network. Apply basic network security: passwords, updates, firewall rules, guest networks and backups.
Week 19: Sharing resources
Theory
File and printer sharing
Users, permissions and shared folders
Network printers and scan-to-folder
Lab
Create a shared folder with read and write permissions for two groups and share a printer on the network.
Homework
Write a permission matrix for three roles.
Deliverable
A working shared folder and printer with a permission matrix.
Weekly checkpoint
Permission scenario questions.
You will be able to
Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network. Apply basic network security: passwords, updates, firewall rules, guest networks and backups.
Network security basics Weeks 20–21
Week 20: Securing accounts and devices
Theory
Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
Updates, antivirus and least privilege
Backup and recovery plans
Lab
Harden a lab PC: standard user, updates, antivirus check, screen lock and an automated backup.
Common attacks in simple terms: phishing, weak Wi-Fi, open ports
Lab
Create firewall rules to allow only needed traffic in a lab, and test that blocked traffic fails.
Homework
Suggest a secure layout for a small clinic.
Deliverable
A firewall rule list with test results.
Weekly checkpoint
Choose the right rule to meet a requirement.
You will be able to
Apply basic network security: passwords, updates, firewall rules, guest networks and backups. Explain network models, topologies and protocols, and read a network diagram.
Troubleshooting and capstone Weeks 22–24
Week 22: Hardware troubleshooting method
Theory
The six-step troubleshooting approach
POST beeps, LEDs, power and overheating faults
Swapping and isolating parts
Lab
Diagnose and fix three planted faults (loose RAM, wrong boot order, dead PSU cable) and write a fault log for each.
Homework
Write a decision tree for a PC that will not power on.
Deliverable
Three fault logs and a decision tree.
Weekly checkpoint
Order the diagnostic steps for a scenario.
You will be able to
Diagnose hardware, operating system and network faults with a systematic method and document the repair.
Week 23: Network and system troubleshooting
Theory
ping, ipconfig, tracert and nslookup
Cable, IP, DNS and Wi-Fi fault patterns
Slow PC and application fault diagnosis
Lab
Fix four planted network faults: wrong gateway, duplicate IP, bad cable and DNS error, and document each.
Homework
Prepare a quick reference of commands and what their output means.
Deliverable
A network fault log and command guide.
Weekly checkpoint
Interpret command output to find the fault.
You will be able to
Diagnose hardware, operating system and network faults with a systematic method and document the repair. Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS.
Week 24: Capstone: small office build
Theory
Requirements, design and cost estimate
Documentation and handover
Client communication
Lab
Plan and set up a ten-PC lab office: parts list, address plan, cabling plan, Wi-Fi, shared printer and security baseline, then present.
Homework
Write a handover document for the client.
Deliverable
A complete office design, configuration and handover pack.
Weekly checkpoint
Final assessment of design, configuration and presentation.
You will be able to
Identify PC components and their roles, and select compatible parts for a given requirement. Assemble a PC safely, configure UEFI settings and verify it with a power-on test. Plan IPv4 addressing and subnets (up to /30) for a small office and configure hosts, DHCP and DNS. Build and test a wired LAN with cabling, switches and a router, and configure a secure Wi-Fi network. Apply basic network security: passwords, updates, firewall rules, guest networks and backups. Diagnose hardware, operating system and network faults with a systematic method and document the repair.
Sample lessons
Week 14
Subnetting a /24 network
An IPv4 address has a network part and a host part, split by the subnet mask. A /24 network has 256 addresses but two are reserved, so 254 hosts. To make smaller networks you borrow bits from the host part. Borrowing 2 bits gives four subnets of 64 addresses each (/26) with 62 usable hosts. Each subnet has a network address (first), a broadcast address (last) and usable addresses in between. Subnetting lets departments be separated for security and traffic control.
Subnet
Network
Usable range
Broadcast
Admin
192.168.10.0/26
.1 to .62
.63
Lab
192.168.10.64/26
.65 to .126
.127
Library
192.168.10.128/26
.129 to .190
.191
Staff
192.168.10.192/26
.193 to .254
.255
Step by step
Decide how many subnets are needed (for example 4).
Find the bits to borrow: 2 bits give 4 subnets, so /24 becomes /26.
Block size = 256 minus the last mask octet: mask 255.255.255.192 gives 64.
List the subnet starts: 0, 64, 128, 192.
For each, the network is the first address, the broadcast is the last, usable is everything between.
In real life
A college lab in Madurai splits 192.168.10.0/24 into Admin, Lab, Library and Staff subnets so that a problem in the lab does not slow the admin office.
Worked example
Problem. Subnet 192.168.10.0/24 into four equal subnets. Give the range of the second subnet.
Solution. Mask /26 = 255.255.255.192, block size 64. Second subnet network = 192.168.10.64, usable 192.168.10.65 to .126, broadcast 192.168.10.127.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to subtract network and broadcast when counting hosts.
Mixing up block size with the number of usable hosts.
Assigning an IP that is the network or broadcast address to a device.
Try it yourself
Subnet 192.168.1.0/24 into eight subnets and list the first two ranges.
How many usable hosts are in a /27 and a /30?
Which subnet does 192.168.10.130/26 belong to?
Week 5
Assembling a PC in the right order
Assembly goes from the motherboard outward. Fitting the CPU, cooler and RAM on the motherboard before it goes into the cabinet is easier because there is more space. Then the board is fixed with standoffs, storage and power supply are connected, the front-panel connectors are attached and the system is tested before closing the case. Working in order, using an antistatic strap and checking each connection, avoids damaged parts and saves time when something does not start.
1CPU, cooler, RAM on board
2Mount board in cabinet
3Storage and PSU
4Connect power and front panel
5Power on and test
Step by step
Wear an antistatic strap and prepare a clean workspace.
Install the CPU, cooler and RAM on the motherboard.
Fit the I/O shield and mount the motherboard on standoffs in the cabinet.
Install storage and the power supply, and connect the 24-pin, CPU and drive power.
Connect front-panel cables, then monitor and keyboard.
Power on, check the POST and enter UEFI to confirm all parts are detected.
In real life
A Madurai computer shop assembles dozens of PCs for schools; following one fixed assembly order lets even a new technician build a working PC reliably.
Worked example
Problem. After assembly the PC powers on but there is no display. List three checks in order.
Solution. 1) Check the monitor cable and input source. 2) Reseat the RAM and listen for beep codes. 3) Check the CPU power connector and, if there is a graphics card, its power cable and slot.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the CPU power connector.
Not seating RAM fully until it clicks.
Skipping the test outside the cabinet when a fault is suspected.
Try it yourself
Write the assembly order for a tower PC in ten steps.
What does a continuous beep usually indicate and what should you check?
Why is the I/O shield fitted before the motherboard?
Try the questions
The same skills are asked at three levels: School (Classes 6–12), College and Professional. Switch the level and the language (English or Tamil), and say how sure you are before you check: knowing what you are unsure about is part of learning.
Classes 6–12: everyday examples, no prior knowledge. Practice only. Nothing here is graded or saved.
Question 1 / 4 · Identify computer parts
Match each computer part with its job, like parts of a human body.
Projects
Ten-PC Computer Lab Setup
A small coaching centre in Madurai is opening a ten-PC computer lab with one printer and Wi-Fi for staff. Plan, build and document the complete setup within a given budget.
Tasks
Choose compatible parts for the PCs and justify the choice with a costed table.
Create an IP plan with subnets for lab PCs and staff Wi-Fi.
Draw the network topology diagram and cable plan.
Configure the router, DHCP, Wi-Fi security and a shared printer in a lab or simulator.
Test connectivity and write a short handover guide with a troubleshooting section.
Sample input
Budget ₹6,00,000; ten student PCs, one staff laptop, one printer and a 100 Mbps fibre line.
Expected output
A parts list within budget, an address plan, a topology diagram, a working simulated or lab configuration and a handover guide.
How it is assessed
Criterion
Weight
Hardware selection and compatibility
20%
IP and subnet plan correctness
25%
Configuration and testing evidence
25%
Security baseline
15%
Documentation and diagram quality
15%
Stretch challenge: Add a second branch with a separate subnet and describe how traffic between them would be routed.
Fault Clinic: Five Planted Faults
The trainer prepares five computers and network faults. Diagnose each using a method and record evidence, cause, fix and prevention.
Tasks
For each fault, write the symptom and a hypothesis.
Test and isolate the cause using tools and swaps.
Apply the fix and verify.
Write a prevention tip for the user.
Summarise the fault patterns observed.
Sample input
A PC that beeps and will not boot, a laptop with no Wi-Fi, a PC with a duplicate IP, a slow system, a printer unreachable.
Expected output
Five fault records with cause, fix, verification and a prevention tip each.
How it is assessed
Criterion
Weight
Systematic method
30%
Correct diagnosis
30%
Verification and evidence
20%
Clear communication
20%
Stretch challenge: Create a one-page troubleshooting flowchart for front-desk staff.
How you are assessed
A weekly checkpoint of 6 to 8 questions (choice, sequence, matching, calculation) and a short hands-on task on that week's lab, recorded on a signed lab sheet.
Practical work. Practical tests on component identification, timed PC assembly, OS installation, cable crimping, subnet planning, router and Wi-Fi configuration and planted-fault troubleshooting.
What trainers look for
Weight
Correct and safe technical work
30%
Planning and calculation accuracy (parts, IP plans)
20%
Troubleshooting method and evidence
20%
Documentation and diagrams
15%
Security practice and professionalism
15%
Where this can lead
Prepares you for roles such as hardware technician, desktop support or network support assistant.
Prepares you to assemble, maintain and troubleshoot computers and small office networks.
Builds a foundation for further study in networking, systems administration or security pathways of your choice.
These describe skills you will build. ADIVAS does not guarantee jobs, placement or salary.
Other programmes in Hardware, Networking & Cybersecurity
