Episode 11 – Core 1 Overview — Hardware, Networking, Mobile, Virtualization, and Troubleshooting

This foundational episode lays out the full landscape of the Core 1 exam, offering a detailed walkthrough of each of its five official domains. You’ll get a clear breakdown of what’s covered under hardware topics such as motherboards, storage devices, and memory, as well as networking concepts ranging from IP addressing to port numbers. We also introduce mobile devices like laptops and smartphones, virtualization platforms used for desktop environments, and the essential troubleshooting techniques that tie these domains together. By providing a complete structural map of the Core 1 exam, this episode helps you form a mental framework to organize and sequence your studies.

You’ll also learn how each domain connects to real-world tech responsibilities and why CompTIA structures the exam this way. The episode explains how to approach studying the Core 1 topics methodically and identifies areas that are especially dense or prone to confusion for new learners. Understanding this structure from the outset makes it easier to track your progress and ensure you’re covering every testable concept. Whether you’re self-studying or following a course, this overview gives you the clarity needed to proceed with purpose and direction. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.