Advanced Systems Management and Cybersecurity

Windows Server is the foundation for advanced Microsoft services such as Exchange Server and SQL Server. Improperly configured, Windows Server can put these services at risk concerning performance, cost effectiveness, security, and stability. It is therefore critical to deeply understand this platform and the critical tasks of deployment, storage configuration, Hyper-V virtualization configuration, as well as fault tolerance, maintenance and monitoring. Additionally, this course covers the material on the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016.

Building on a solid understanding of Windows Server configuration, this course focuses on ensuring stability and security through the ongoing administration and management of the server infrastructure. Students will focus on the configuration of networking and network services within Windows Server 2016. More specifically, students will learn how to configure IPv4 and IPv6, manage IP addressing and DNS name resolution services, as well as provide for secure remote connectivity.

This course focuses on Windows infrastructure security, access control, and desktop management through the configuration and administration of Windows Server Active Directory, and the configuration and management of Group Policy, certificates and identity access on Windows networks.

This course introduces the essential operating system skills required of a computer support technician, and covers the skills necessary to achieve the 1000-series A+ Certification (exams 220-1001 and 220-1002). More specifically, students learn how to use, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and maintain computer hardware alongside the Windows family of operating systems, as well as basic configuration of Linux, MacOS, and mobile operating systems.

This module will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this module will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating Linked In profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample resumes and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional resumes and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts. An introduction to Occupational Health and Safety is also provided with specific focus on employees’ rights and responsibilities, workplace health and safety policy and programs, hazard identification and control, and safety training options such as WHIMIS and First Aid.

This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 prerequisite module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your resume and Linked In Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-plays. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.

This course introduces the skills and knowledge necessary to design, install, configure, administer, and support the Exchange Server 2016 messaging server within an enterprise environment. Students will also find that this course serves as an excellent foundation for managing corporate mailboxes in Microsoft’s Office 365 platform. Additionally, this course covers the concepts tested on the Microsoft certification exam 70-345: Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016.

At the successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed on an internship at an outside organization. Students will have the opportunity to apply their new and developed skills in a real-world environment. Hosts include small, medium, and large organizations that have an Information Technology department, or organizations that provide technology and technology services.

When properly configured, Linux can serve as one of the most stable, secure, and performance-oriented operating systems available. It serves as a key component in enterprise virtualization and cloud service offerings and is used extensively in the computer forensics and cybersecurity space. In this course, students will learn how to install, configure, and administer the basic services of a Linux system. More specifically, they will gain a solid working knowledge of how the Linux operating system works, experience in navigating within the file structure, system and network administration skills, security tools and practices, and more. At course completion, students will have covered the topics covered on the CompTIA Linux+ (Powered by LPI) certification exam.

Business rely heavily on stable, secure, well-designed networks. In this course students will learn the theory and concepts required to successfully administer and troubleshoot TCP/IP-based networks. Students will then expand their knowledge of TCP/IP-based networks by learning the configuration and support of mobile devices that use the ActiveSync protocol, as well as Cisco routers, switches and services. Additionally, in addition this course provides the conceptual foundation for the advanced networking and security courses, and introduces the concepts covered on the CompTIA Network+ certification exam (N10-007) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam (200-125).

This course introduces students to the concepts and procedures used to implement and configure security within an enterprise environment. Focus will be placed on the procedures and technologies that can be used to secure access to data and mitigate security breaches, as well as the procedures used to assess the attack surface and perform a penetration test and vulnerability assessment for an organization. Additionally, this course covers the concepts tested on the CompTIA Security+ certification exam (SY0-501) and the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ certification exam (CS0-002).

A database can contain some of the most valuable assets a company can own, which makes its stability, security, and performance a critical priority. This course introduces the concepts and skills required to administer Microsoft SQL Server, including how to install/upgrade SQL Server, as well as create, manage, monitor, and optimize databases. Additionally, students will explore automation, security, replication, backup/restore, snapshots, log shipping and clustering.

In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.

In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.

As individuals and business become more reliant on technology and its increasing importance, a successful Systems Administrator must know how to communicate advanced technology concepts, diagnoses, and project timelines to a diverse array of professionals with varying expectations and technical backgrounds. Using examples, demonstrations, projects and group activities, students will examine various communication, time and project management strategies and techniques that are commonly used within the IT industry. Moreover, this course introduces students to the concepts necessary to achieve the CompTIA IT Project+ certification (PK0-004).

For many organizations, mobile devices pose a security risk due to theft, or eavesdropping on unsecure/rogue wireless networks. Organizations today must provide configuration and support for mobile smartphone devices within their network environment. This course introduces students to the concepts and procedures used to administer ActiveSync smartphones within an enterprise environment that uses Microsoft Exchange Server. Moreover, this course examines the concepts and procedures used to provide a wireless infrastructure within an organization to support mobile technologies.

A secure infrastructure starts with a properly configured operating system. In this course you will learn about the various tolls for administering, configuring, securing, and troubleshooting Windows 10, as well as how to deploy and upgrade to Windows 10 from legacy systems. Among other topics, you will learn how to properly configure disks, printers, and network interfaces, as well as how to properly secure Windows with users, groups, and file security. The course also introduces students to Microsoft’s powerful scripting language: PowerShell, which can be leveraged to automate and streamline key system tasks and produce critical reports. This course is a prerequisite for all other Microsoft courses and covers the material tested on the MD-100 and MD-101 certification exams required to obtain the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MDAA) designation.