Part 1: Know Your Machine (Hardware & OS)

Before you can solve technology problems for others, you need to understand the computer in front of you — its hardware, operating system, and how it connects to other devices. This knowledge forms the foundation of every IT Support Specialist’s skill set.

Identifying Your Device’s Core Specs

Your computer’s system information reveals its essential capabilities. These include:

Operating System (OS) name and version – Tells you what software platform you’re working with (e.g., Windows 11, macOS Ventura, Ubuntu 22.04).
Installed RAM – The amount of memory available for running programs. More RAM generally means smoother multitasking.
Processor (CPU) – Determines speed and how well your device handles complex tasks.
Storage type – HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for larger but slower storage, or SSD (Solid State Drive) for faster performance.

How to check system info:

Windows: Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
macOS: Click Apple Menu → About This Mac.
Linux: Open Terminal and type hostnamectl.

Once you find your system info, take a screenshot showing your OS, RAM, and storage type. This becomes your first task submission.

Comparing Operating Systems

IT support professionals often work with multiple OS platforms. Here’s a quick overview to help you compare:

Windows

Most widely used OS in business and gaming.
Works with a broad range of hardware and software.
Highly customizable but more vulnerable to malware.

macOS

Exclusive to Apple devices, offering strong integration between hardware and software.
Known for stability, smooth user interface, and security.
Less customizable, and some software is unavailable without alternatives.

Linux

Open-source and free to use.
Highly customizable and secure.
Requires more technical knowledge; not all commercial software is supported.

Tip for your assignment: Choose one comparison (Windows vs macOS or Windows vs Linux) and write 3–5 sentences summarizing the key differences.

Testing a Hardware Connection

A big part of IT support is making sure peripherals — devices like printers, USB drives, and monitors — work as intended.

Example test:

Device: USB flash drive
Observation: Plugged it in, received a message saying “Drive not formatted correctly.”
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Checked Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to confirm the system recognized the drive.
2. Tested the drive on another computer — same problem.
3. Formatted the drive to FAT32 to make it usable (note: formatting erases all data).

Why this matters:
The ability to connect, test, and troubleshoot devices quickly is essential for solving everyday IT issues.

Documenting Your Process

Clear documentation ensures that:

You can track what you tried and what worked.
Other technicians can continue where you left off.

A simple log includes:

Step	Action Taken	Result	Notes
1	Plugged in USB drive	Error: “Drive not formatted”	Device detected but not usable
2	Checked Disk Management	File system RAW	Needs formatting
3	Formatted to FAT32	Drive accessible	Data erased but issue resolved

Summary

By the end of Part 1, you should be able to:

Capture and share your device’s system specs
Compare major operating systems in plain language
Test and troubleshoot a hardware connection
Document your process clearly

This foundational skill set prepares you for more complex IT support tasks in later modules.