How to study with FM TecHub: one route from first lesson to job-ready

FM TecHub has grown into a lot of pages: eight domains, tutorials, notes, cheat sheets, nineteen tools and hands-on challenges. Here is a simple route through it, so you always know what to open next.

1. Start with the tutorials

If you are new to IT, begin with the tutorials. They explain networks, IP addresses, DNS, DHCP and security basics in plain English, with everyday examples. Read one a day and don't rush.

2. Pick a domain and go deep

Next, open Networking Security and work through Network Fundamentals, then Routing & Switching and Network Security. Each note has diagrams, key takeaways and practice questions. Answer the questions before you open the answers.

3. Use the tools while you read

Reading about subnetting is not the same as doing it. Keep the subnet calculator, VLSM planner and CIDR calculator open while you study addressing, and check every answer you work out by hand.

4. Practise, then practise again

Try the challenges and the subnetting practice. Getting a question wrong here is free; getting it wrong in an interview or on a live network is not.

5. Keep the cheat sheets close

When you move into labs or your first job, the cheat sheets give you the important Windows, Linux and Cisco commands in one place, with no hunting through forums.

Tip: follow a learning path if you like a clear order, and read the career paths to see which skills each job level expects.