IT Professional: PC Troubleshooting & Helpdesk Career Course

In this video, we’ll explore the key components that make up a PC, covering essential hardware such as the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and storage devices. Understanding these components is crucial for anyone looking to build, upgrade, or maintain a computer. By breaking down the function and importance of each part, this guide will provide a clear overview of how they work together to drive your system's performance

In this lecture, we will take a look at hardware replacement for devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Covering essential components and practical tips, we’ll guide you through the basics of replacing or upgrading parts to improve performance, restore functionality, or extend device life.

This video provides a guide to diagnosing common issues with core PC components: the CPU, RAM, motherboard, and power supply. These parts are crucial for your system’s functionality, and identifying problems with them can save time and prevent larger failures. We’ll walk you through symptoms, testing methods, and troubleshooting tips to help you pinpoint and resolve hardware issues efficiently.

If you are curious to see how the performance of your computer's hardware rates according to Windows, you can run the Windows Experience Index (WEI) test on your PC to be shown the results on a scale of 1 to 10. It will rate your PC on five main components: processor, memory (RAM), graphics, gaming graphics, and primary hard disk.

If you bought your computer from a store rather than built it yourself, you may not know what type of hard drive or drives are installed in your computer. You may have a regular HDD spinning disk (SATA), SSD (Solid State Drive) or a NVMe\M.2 drive. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to find out what type of hard disk you have installed.

Here is the PowerShell command from the video. Get-PhysicalDisk | Select FriendlyName, SerialNumber, MediaType, BusType

The Windows Device Manager is a system tool used for managing and troubleshooting hardware devices connected to your computer. It provides a comprehensive list of installed hardware, such as the keyboard, mouse, sound card, graphics card, and more, displaying the status of each device. With Device Manager, users can update or roll back drivers, disable or enable devices, and view error codes, making it essential for diagnosing and resolving hardware issues and ensuring that all devices function correctly within the Windows environment.

The Windows Event Viewer is a tool that records detailed logs of system, security, and application events on a computer. It is used by administrators and advanced users to monitor system health, diagnose errors, and troubleshoot performance issues. By viewing logs in categories like Application, Security, and System, users can identify the source of issues, track important events, and gain insights into potential problems, helping maintain overall system stability and security.

It is always a good idea to see what programs and services are set to start with your computer to ensure its running at its best. These background apps and services can slow your PC down and can also be placed there by virus and malware infections. But at the same time, most of them are critical to ensure your computer is running properly.

Here are some other 3rd party startup app managers you might want to check out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SauKsFaSCao

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CLBtODMW-A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_IjfLH_Llc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCE7pSGzJA

Windows offers a range of recovery and troubleshooting options designed to help users resolve system issues and restore functionality. From simple tools like System Restore, which reverts the system to a previous state, to more advanced options like Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and the Recovery Environment, these features allow users to troubleshoot problems such as startup errors, system crashes, and application failures. Windows also provides reset and refresh options, enabling users to reinstall the operating system while preserving or removing personal files, depending on the level of troubleshooting required.

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing & Management (DISM) are Windows tools used to detect and repair system file issues. SFC scans the operating system for missing or corrupt system files and automatically restores them from a cache if needed, helping to maintain stability. DISM, on the other hand, is a more advanced tool that repairs the Windows system image itself, ensuring core system files are intact and properly configured. Together, SFC and DISM are essential for diagnosing and fixing system errors, especially when troubleshooting persistent performance issues.

The Windows Quick Assist app is a built-in tool that allows users to remotely share their screen or take control of another user’s Windows device to provide assistance. It’s especially useful for troubleshooting and tech support, as it enables a helper to guide someone through a problem or resolve issues directly on their system. Quick Assist is simple to use and provides a secure way to offer or receive help without needing third-party software.

Recovering your PC using System Restore is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to roll back your system to a previous state, undoing recent changes that may have caused problems. This tool can resolve issues caused by software installations, driver updates, or system settings adjustments, restoring system stability without affecting personal files.

Computer file systems are used to organize, store, and manage data on storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, and USB drives. They create a structured framework that allows the operating system to locate, access, and manage files and directories efficiently. File systems define how data is saved, retrieved, and protected, enabling everything from document storage to running applications smoothly and securely.

Explore the new Quick Machine Recovery feature in Windows 11 and learn how it simplifies system repair and restoration. This video provides an in-depth overview of its functionality, benefits, and how it compares to traditional recovery options. Ideal for IT professionals and advanced users looking to streamline troubleshooting and system recovery.

Discover how CHKDSK, DISM, and SFC work together to troubleshoot and repair Windows system issues. Learn the correct order to run these tools and why it matters for resolving corruption, fixing errors, and restoring system stability.

Cybersecurity is a critical field focused on protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. As digital threats continue to evolve, cybersecurity plays a key role in safeguarding sensitive information, maintaining privacy, and ensuring the integrity of IT infrastructures. In the ever-connected world, understanding cybersecurity is essential for anyone working in IT, as it helps prevent data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage to organizations.

Configuring Windows security settings in Windows 11 is essential for protecting your system from threats and ensuring your personal data remains secure. In this process, you can adjust settings related to firewalls, virus protection, account security, and privacy controls. By customizing these options, you can enhance system defenses against malware, unauthorized access, and other vulnerabilities, giving you greater control over your computer's safety and performance.

Firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and IDS/IPS devices are essential security tools used to protect networks and data. Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking potentially harmful connections. VPNs create secure, encrypted tunnels for internet traffic, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized access, especially on public networks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) detect and prevent suspicious activities or attacks on a network, helping to identify and mitigate threats in real time. Together, these devices provide a layered defense to safeguard sensitive information and ensure network security.

Viewing and configuring the Windows built-in firewall rules allows you to manage network traffic and enhance your system's security. By accessing the firewall settings, you can view existing rules, create custom ones, and adjust permissions for specific applications or services. This helps protect your computer from unauthorized access while ensuring legitimate programs can communicate over the network. In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily navigate and modify firewall rules to suit your needs.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) security standards are protocols designed to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and ensure the privacy of data transmitted over Wi-Fi. These standards, such as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), and WPA2, employ various encryption techniques to secure communications between devices and routers. With the advent of WPA3, the latest security standard, stronger encryption and improved protection against attacks like brute-force and dictionary attacks are now available, providing enhanced security for modern wireless networks.

Using strong and unique passwords is crucial for protecting your personal information and online accounts from unauthorized access. A strong password typically combines a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, making it harder for attackers to guess or crack. Unique passwords for each account prevent a security breach from compromising multiple accounts if one password is exposed. By prioritizing strong, unique passwords, you significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Data encryption is a critical security practice that transforms sensitive information into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized parties can access it. It is essential for protecting personal data, financial transactions, business information, and communication from unauthorized access. Types of data that typically require encryption include passwords, credit card details, personal identification information (PII), confidential business documents, and medical records. By using encryption, individuals and organizations can safeguard data privacy and maintain compliance with security standards and regulations.

If you are using Windows on your computer, you are most likely logging in with a Microsoft account. This Microsoft account uses your email address and password to gain access to your computer. If you are interested in finding out if others have been trying to hack your Microsoft account, it's easy to see when these attacks came from and where. If you see a lot of attempts to access your account, then you might want to think about making your password more secure. Here is the website you can use to show the login attempts to your Microsoft account. https://account.live.com/activity

If you are using a shared computer with multiple user accounts, you may have the need to find out who shutdown or restarted your computer as well as the date and time that it happened. It's very easy to find using the Windows Event Viewer and the event ID of 1704. Using this method will allow you to see a listing of shut downs and reboots all in one place

If you are planning on giving away your computer or recycling it because its old and needs to be disposed of, you need to make sure that you delete your personal files and wipe the Windows drive to make sure that your files are securely deleted. Windows has a built-in disk wiper that will remove Windows as well as the installed programs and personal files. You can then have Windows reinstalled after the cleaning is done to improve the chances that your files cannot be recovered. Here is a link to the EaseUS Bit Wiper demonstration video shown in this video if you are looking for government grade file wiping\deletion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeeYuvCJdU4

Blocking a program from accessing the internet using the command line in Windows is a powerful way to control network activity without relying on graphical tools. This approach uses built-in Windows Firewall commands to create outbound rules that restrict specific applications from connecting to the internet. It's especially useful for IT professionals or advanced users who want to automate network restrictions or manage systems remotely.

Here are the commands from the video:

Add rule

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Block Filezilla" dir=out action=block program="C:\Program Files\FileZilla FTP Client\filezilla.exe" enable=yes

Disable rule

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule name="Block Filezilla" new enable=no

Remove rule

netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name="Block Filezilla"

The Windows Control Panel is a central interface in the Windows operating system that allows users to access and manage system settings and configurations. It provides a variety of tools for adjusting hardware, software, security, and user preferences, such as adding or removing programs, managing network settings, and customizing appearance options. While newer versions of Windows are shifting towards the Settings app, the Control Panel remains a valuable tool for advanced system management.

Managing Windows user accounts involves creating, modifying, and controlling access for different users on a computer. Through the User Accounts settings, administrators can assign permissions, set up passwords, manage login options, and control what each user can access or modify. Proper account management is essential for maintaining system security, ensuring that users have the appropriate level of access while protecting sensitive data and settings.

The Windows Settings app is a central hub for managing and customizing various aspects of your computer. It provides a user-friendly interface to adjust system settings, such as display, privacy, security, network, and updates. With the Settings app, users can quickly configure their preferences and troubleshoot issues without needing to access more complex control panels or system tools. It's designed to streamline the user experience and offer easy access to essential features and settings.

The Windows Disk Management tool is a powerful utility that allows you to manage and organize your computer’s drives and partitions. With Disk Management, you can create, delete, and format partitions, assign drive letters, and check the health of your storage devices. Whether you're adding a new hard drive, resizing partitions, or troubleshooting storage issues, this tool offers a user-friendly interface to help you efficiently manage your system's storage configuration.

Task Manager is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to view and manage running processes, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot issues. In this video, we’ll show you how to use Task Manager to check CPU, memory, disk, and network usage, identify resource-hogging applications, and end processes that might be slowing down your PC. Whether you're looking to improve performance or resolve system lags, Task Manager is an essential tool for efficient system management.

The Windows Resource Monitor is a powerful tool that allows users to monitor the performance of their system's hardware in real time. By providing detailed insights into CPU, memory, disk, and network usage, it helps identify potential bottlenecks and troubleshoot performance issues. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use the Resource Monitor to check hardware performance, ensuring your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

The Windows Computer Management MMC (Microsoft Management Console) is a powerful tool that provides a centralized interface for managing various system utilities and administrative tasks. It combines several management features, such as Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, and Services, into one easy-to-access console. Administrators can use it to monitor system performance, manage disks and partitions, configure services, and troubleshoot issues, making it an essential tool for system maintenance and configuration.

Managing Windows Services involves controlling the various background processes that run on a Windows operating system to ensure system functionality and performance. These services handle essential tasks such as networking, security, and system maintenance. Through the Services management console, users can start, stop, pause, or configure services to run automatically or manually, allowing for better control over system resources and troubleshooting issues related to software and hardware performance. Proper management of these services can help optimize system efficiency and stability.

Performing a clean installation of Windows 11 involves wiping your system's hard drive and installing a fresh copy of the operating system. This process helps resolve performance issues, remove unwanted software, and start with a clean slate. It requires creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 installation media, booting from it, and following the on-screen instructions to install the OS. A clean install is ideal for upgrading from an older version of Windows or fixing major system problems.

Here is a link to the Windows 11 website where you can download the media creation tool and the Windows 11 ISO file.

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 Rufus download https://rufus.ie/en/

How to check to see if your computer can run Windows 11.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7OxrBvMEpk

How to find your Windows license key. Do this before installing Windows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiJkfyR9pAg

How to change your Windows folder locations back to their defaults from OneDrive. https://onlinecomputertips.com/support-categories/windows/change-windows-folder-locations-from-onedrive/

Installing Windows with a local account or without an internet connection allows you to set up your system without needing to connect to online services or create a Microsoft account. This method is ideal for users who prefer more privacy or don’t have internet access during installation. By choosing a local account, you can still enjoy full access to Windows features while maintaining control over your account credentials and personal data.

Reinstalling Windows can help resolve performance issues, fix system errors, and restore stability without losing your personal data. In this video, we’ll walk through the process of reinstalling Windows while keeping your files, apps, and settings intact. By following these steps, you can refresh your system and enjoy improved functionality without the hassle of starting over completely.

Configuring wireless internet (Wi-Fi) connections involves setting up your router, connecting your device to the network, and ensuring a stable connection. This process typically includes selecting the correct network, entering the Wi-Fi password, and troubleshooting any issues like weak signals or connection drops. Proper configuration can optimize your internet speed and security, ensuring a reliable and safe browsing experience.

The Windows file and folder structure is a hierarchical system that organizes files and directories on your computer. At the top level is the "C:" drive (or another designated drive), which contains folders like "Program Files," "Users," and "Windows." Each folder can contain subfolders and files, making it easy to store, locate, and manage data. This structure allows for efficient navigation and organization, ensuring that users can access files and programs with ease while maintaining a clear separation of system files, user data, and applications.

The default Windows user folders are pre-configured directories designed to organize and store personal files for each user account. These include folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Downloads, which provide a structured way to manage different types of content. Located within the user profile, these folders help keep personal files separate from system files and allow easy access to important data, making file management more efficient and organized on Windows systems.

Changing your Windows user password is an important step in maintaining the security of your computer. Whether you want to update your password for better protection or you've simply forgotten it, Windows makes it easy to reset or change your password through the Microsoft Website, Settings menu or Control Panel. This simple process ensures that only you have access to your personal files and settings, keeping your system secure from unauthorized access.

The Windows System Information tool is a built-in utility that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware, software, and system resources. It displays important data such as the operating system version, processor details, memory usage, and network configurations. This tool is useful for troubleshooting, system diagnostics, and gathering essential information for software installations or technical support.

Managing Windows startup apps and services is an essential step in optimizing your computer’s performance. By controlling which programs and services load automatically when your system starts, you can reduce boot time and prevent unnecessary background processes from slowing down your system. In this video, we'll show you how to access and manage startup settings, allowing you to disable, enable, or configure apps and services for a faster, more efficient Windows experience.

This lecture covers essential Windows system commands, such as net user, chkdsk, net stop, and net start, that allow users and administrators to perform crucial maintenance and configuration tasks. These commands provide quick, powerful ways to manage user accounts, check and repair disk errors, and control Windows services directly from the command line, making them valuable tools for troubleshooting and system management.

If you do not have a lot of RAM installed in your computer, then there is a good chance that Windows is using the pagefile on your hard drive when it starts running low on RAM resources. By default, the size of this pagefile is determined by Windows but you can configure it manually if you want to make it larger. If you need to see how much of your pagefile is being used by your computer, you can use the Windows Performance Monitor to do so.

If your password or PIN is not working (or you forgot it) and you do not have any other user accounts to log into your computer with, you can enable the Windows built in administrator account to then log into your computer with and proceed to fix your regular account. This also comes in handy if you do not have an admin account on the computer and need to use one to fix a user account problem.

Pre‑installed Windows 11 SSDs can look like a quick way to get a system up and running, but they often introduce troubleshooting headaches that catch users off guard. In this video, we focus on the common problems people run into after installing one of these drives, including activation errors, update failures, driver issues, and strange system behavior that’s difficult to diagnose. We’ll explain why troubleshooting Windows becomes more complicated when you didn’t perform the installation yourself, how licensing and activation problems can surface later, and what to watch for if Windows starts acting unpredictably. If you’ve ever dealt with unexplained errors or a system that just doesn’t behave the way it should, this video will help you understand whether a pre‑installed SSD is helping you save time, or creating more problems than it’s worth.

IP addressing is a system used to assign unique numerical labels, known as IP addresses, to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate with each other. These addresses come in two main versions: IPv4, which uses 32-bit addresses, and IPv6, which uses 128-bit addresses. An IP address typically includes information about the device's network and its specific location within that network, ensuring data is routed to the correct destination across the internet or local networks.

Running networking commands via the command line are powerful tools for managing and troubleshooting network connections on your computer. These commands, such as ipconfig, ping, tracert, and netstat, allow users to view network configurations, test connectivity, trace routes, and monitor network activity. By using the command line, you can quickly diagnose issues, configure network settings, and perform various network management tasks efficiently without needing additional software.

Network ports and protocols are essential components in computer networking that enable devices to communicate with each other. A network port is a logical endpoint used for sending and receiving data across a network, while protocols define the rules and conventions for communication. Common protocols like HTTP, FTP, and TCP/IP determine how data is transmitted and ensure proper interaction between devices. Understanding ports and protocols is crucial for configuring network settings, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and securing network communications.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) frequencies and standards are essential for understanding how wireless networks operate. Wi-Fi networks typically use radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These frequencies are divided into channels that help avoid interference and improve performance. Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, define the speed, range, and efficiency of these connections. Each new standard builds on the previous one, offering faster speeds, greater capacity, and better coverage to meet the increasing demand for high-performance wireless networking.

If you are on a Windows PC with a wireless connection but do not know the password for that particular Wi-Fi connection, you can easily find it using a variety of methods.

Here are the commands from the video.

netsh wlan show profile

netsh wlan show profile "your SSID" key=clear

The Windows Network & Internet Settings tool provides users with access to a variety of options for managing and troubleshooting network connections. From this tool, you can configure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, and proxy settings, as well as view your network status and diagnose connectivity issues. It also offers advanced options like setting up a hotspot, managing data usage, and adjusting network adapter settings, helping users maintain a stable and secure internet connection.

The Windows Network and Sharing Center is a tool that helps users manage their computer's network connections and sharing settings. It provides an easy-to-navigate interface to view and configure network status, set up Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, and adjust sharing options for files and printers. It also allows users to troubleshoot network issues, making it an essential tool for maintaining a stable and secure connection on a Windows system.

The Windows Network & Internet Settings app provides a central location for managing all aspects of your computer's network connections and internet settings. From here, you can configure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN connections, monitor data usage, troubleshoot network problems, and customize settings like proxy servers and sharing options. This app offers a user-friendly interface to ensure your system stays connected and secure on both local and wide-area networks.

Configuring a static IP address in Windows using the command line provides a quick and efficient way to manually assign a fixed IP address to your computer. This process ensures that your device maintains the same IP address every time it connects to the network, which is useful for tasks like remote access, networked printers, or servers.

Here is the command text from the video that you can edit with your own information.

interface ip set address name="Ethernet0" static 192.168.13.200 255.255.255.0 192.168.13.2

Sharing files and folders in Windows allows users to easily collaborate and transfer data between computers on the same network. By setting permissions and enabling sharing options, you can control who has access to specific files or folders, making it simple to share resources with colleagues, friends, or other devices. This functionality is essential for seamless teamwork and efficient file management in both personal and professional environments.

This lesson provides a concise yet informative explanation of essential networking hardware, including routers, switches, and access points. It outlines the core functions of each device, how they integrate within network architectures, and their typical deployment in residential and enterprise environments.

Connecting to administrative shares on a Windows 11 networked computer allows authorized users to access system folders remotely for management and troubleshooting. This process requires proper permissions and knowledge of network paths to ensure secure and successful connections.

If you are having trouble connecting to ad administrative share on a remote Windows 11 computer and are getting a message such as "Windows cannot access (share name)" telling you that you do not have permission, then you are not alone. When it comes to networking, Windows 11 is more locked down that Windows 10 and it takes a bit more to get things working.

Here is the registry information from the video.

Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

Create a new DWORD value named LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy and set its value to 1.

Reboot the computer

AI applications are transforming the IT technical support landscape by enhancing efficiency and automation in problem-solving. With the use of chatbots, virtual assistants, and machine learning algorithms, AI can quickly diagnose issues, provide real-time solutions, and offer personalized support to users. These tools help reduce response times, minimize human error, and enable IT teams to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately improving overall service quality and user satisfaction.

Maximizing technician efficiency with AI-assisted computer support leverages advanced tools to automate routine tasks, diagnose issues faster, and provide real-time solutions. AI-powered systems can analyze system logs, predict hardware failures, and suggest fixes, allowing technicians to resolve problems more quickly and accurately. By reducing manual intervention and speeding up troubleshooting processes, AI enables support teams to handle more requests, enhance productivity, and improve overall service quality.

Customizing language model prompts for IT-related queries involves tailoring the input to ensure accurate, relevant, and context-aware responses. By adjusting the prompt to include specific technical terms, user scenarios, or system environments, you can optimize the model's ability to provide precise solutions for IT issues. This approach helps address everything from troubleshooting software problems to configuring hardware, making it a valuable tool for IT professionals and support teams seeking efficient and focused assistance.

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. It leverages advanced machine learning and natural language processing to help users by generating content, summarizing information, automating tasks, and providing insights. Designed to enhance productivity, Microsoft Copilot streamlines workflows and offers intelligent suggestions, making it easier to work efficiently and creatively within familiar Microsoft tools.

Google Gemini is a suite of advanced AI tools and models developed by Google, designed to integrate cutting-edge language understanding, image recognition, and multimodal capabilities. It powers various applications, including search, content creation, and automation, enabling users to interact with technology in more intuitive and efficient ways. By combining deep learning techniques with Google's vast data resources, Gemini aims to enhance productivity and creativity across multiple industries.

ChatGPT is an advanced AI language model developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text based on user input. It can assist with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and providing explanations to writing content and offering recommendations. With its ability to engage in natural conversations and provide informative responses, ChatGPT is used in various fields, including customer service, education, content creation, and more.

Claude is an AI language model developed by Anthropic, designed to assist with a wide range of tasks, including answering questions, generating text, and providing insights. Known for its focus on safety and ethical AI use, Claude aims to offer responses that are informative, reliable, and aligned with human values. It’s used in various applications, from customer support to content creation, with an emphasis on understanding and natural conversation