Embedded Files
SafeHaven’s Catalog of Free Learning Tools
Our Education Manifesto
At SafeHaven Technologies, we believe technology should lift people up — not shut them out. Learning isn’t a privilege reserved for experts, classrooms, or corporations. It’s something every person deserves access to, no matter their background, age, or experience. Knowledge gives people power, confidence, and independence, and our community deserves that. We share free learning resources because growth happens fastest when information is open, practical, and easy to understand. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first computer skill, a student preparing for a certification, or a professional strengthening your career, you should have a trusted place to start.
Our mission is simple:
Empowerment: Give people the tools to control their technology, protect themselves, and pursue their goals.
Education: Break down complex subjects into clear, approachable steps anyone can follow.
Community: Build a culture where knowledge is shared, support is genuine, and everyone’s success lifts the entire Blackstone Valley.
SafeHaven Technologies is more than an MSP. We’re a neighbor, a guide, and a resource for anyone ready to learn. Together, we can build a community that grows smarter, safer, and more capable — one skill at a time.
SafeHaven's 'old head' Tech Tips
SafeHaven Technologies is born from taking an unusual path in technology. When I started in telecommunications at nineteen, I never imagined I’d one day run a fully compliant, scalable MSP and IT break/fix service. It’s something I’m genuinely grateful for, and I intend to pay that forward however I can.
With the tools I’ve gained and the experience I’ve built over the years, my goal is simple: give my community the knowledge to be as self-reliant as possible, while knowing I’m here to support them when challenges get complex or time-sensitive. I hope these resources help you in some meaningful way — and that, in your own time and your own way, you’ll pay it forward too.
Trust your gut, then check again.
Measure twice- cut once.
The answers are almost always on the hardware.
Label everything.
All computers and programs think the same; they just speak different languages.
Slow & Steady, rushing does it fast, not well.
Check Your Troubleshooting layers
The "did you restart your computer" joke isn't a joke.
Document everything, it will save you later.
Never trust a cable.
If you can't tell my why, you don't know.
Airflow is more important than you'd think.
Keep a flashlight on you at all times.
Most network issues are user changes.
That project takes longer and costs more than you thought.
That zip tie will cut someone.
Velcro is cheaper if you search "hook and loop tape".
Anti-static protection. It's not expensive.
Back up your device. Recovery jobs aren't cheap, and I'm nice about it.
Hand tight doesn't mean torque tight, don't be that guy.
Magnets are your friend... most of the time
Mounting and securing can be compared to a fart; Don't force it.
If you don't ground that device, the inspector will ground you.
If it's hot, you did it wrong.
I bet you can google the manual.
Your equipment isn't smarter than your intuition.
The guy before you probably cut corners.
Out of the box new doesn't mean it works.
Don't put your hands where you wouldn't put your private parts.
Real World Fundamentals
Understanding the whole system — even at a basic level — makes every individual part easier to work with.
When you see how hardware, software, networks, and users all connect, problems stop feeling random. You start troubleshooting with purpose instead of guessing.
One fault can look unrelated and still take out everything else.
A loose cable, a mislabeled port, a dying power supply — tiny issues can cause symptoms on the opposite end of the system. Don’t let the surface-level problem distract you from the root cause.
Define your goal before you pick up a tool.
Knowing exactly what you’re trying to accomplish helps you choose the right approach, the right workflow, and the right gear. Unclear goals waste time and create messy fixes.
Pattern recognition is one of the most valuable skills in tech.
The more you pay attention to recurring failures, common symptoms, and typical user mistakes, the faster you become. Most “new problems” are old problems in disguise.
If you don’t understand something, someone else already has — and documented it.
There’s no shame in looking things up. Manuals, forums, videos, and documentation exist because people struggled before you did. Use the trail they left.
Transferable skills matter more than brand-specific knowledge.
Knowing “how systems work” beats memorizing where a specific button is. Once you understand principles — power, logic, flow, input/output — you can shift between tools and platforms without fear.
Never assume the issue is “too simple” to be the cause.
Batteries die. Ports fail. Wi-Fi drops. People unplug things. Tech is full of small points of failure that cause big headaches.
The best technicians think in layers, not guesses.
Physical → Network → Software → User.
Follow the stack. Don’t jump steps. Troubleshooting is method, not luck.
Computers & Cloud
Microsoft Learn Portal
What it is:
Microsoft’s official learning website. It teaches everything from basic computer skills to Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure cloud, and cybersecurity – all in simple, step-by-step lessons.
Beginner:
Start with fundamentals like Windows basics, cloud essentials, or Microsoft 365 training to understand everyday IT concepts.
Advanced:
Work through Azure administrator, security, or identity modules to build real-world cloud and enterprise skills.
Master:
Use certification tracks to specialize in architecture, security engineering, or DevOps — the same material Microsoft professionals rely on
Google Workspace Training Portal
What it is:
Google’s official learning portal for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, and Meet. It provides free guides, tutorials, and quick lessons to help anyone get comfortable with modern cloud-based productivity tools.
Beginner:
Learn how to use Gmail, organize files in Drive, share documents, edit Docs, and manage your schedule with Calendar. Perfect for anyone new to digital tools or trying to get more organized.
Advanced:
Start building multi-user workflows, collaborate in real time, use advanced search, manage shared drives, and work with formulas in Google Sheets.
Master:
Optimize full business workflows, automate tasks with Google Apps Script, manage Workspace settings, and streamline communication and productivity across teams and organizations.
Amazon Web Service Learn Portal
What it is:
AWS Skill Builder is Amazon’s free cloud learning platform. It covers cloud concepts, architecture, security, serverless computing, and exam prep.
Beginner:
Learn cloud fundamentals and get familiar with how AWS services work and why cloud matters.
Advanced:
Build skills around networking, compute, storage, IAM, and real architectural patterns.
Master:
Prep for certifications like AWS Solutions Architect or dive into advanced labs to master large-scale cloud design.
CompTIA Certifications
Learn with Prof. Messer: https://www.professormesser.com/
practice with: https://www.examcompass.com/comptia/a-plus-certification/free-a-plus-practice-tests
What it is:
CompTIA provides vendor-neutral IT certifications like A+, Network+, and Security+. While the full courses are paid, CompTIA offers free basics, career pathway guides, sample questions, knowledge articles, and IT fundamentals resources that help beginners understand the field before jumping into certifications.
Beginner:
Learn the basics of computers, networks, cybersecurity, troubleshooting, and IT roles using CompTIA’s free IT Fundamentals materials.
Advanced:
Use CompTIA practice questions, study guides, and career roadmaps to deepen your understanding of hardware, networking, and security.
Master:
Prepare strategically for certifications, plan your long-term IT pathway, and use CompTIA frameworks to guide real-world troubleshooting and support processes.
Network Engineering
NetAcad
What it is:
Cisco’s official network engineering training platform offering structured pathways, labs, and certification prep — including the free Introduction to Networks module.
Beginner:
Learn what networks are, how devices connect, and why routers and switches matter.
Advanced:
Practice subnetting, routing, switching, and real networking design concepts.
Master:
Use NetAcad to prep for industry certifications (like CCNA) or to architect small business networks with confidence.
Code & Dev
Scratch - Developed by MIT
What it is:
Scratch is a visual drag-and-drop coding platform that teaches programming logic using simple blocks instead of text-based code. Perfect for people who have no experience with programming or coding. Also really well tailored for teaching children coding structures.
Beginner:
Learn loops, conditions, events, and logic without worrying about syntax.
Advanced:
Build interactive games and animations that reinforce problem-solving and design thinking.
Master:
Use Scratch to teach others, prototype ideas quickly, or transition into real coding languages like Python or JavaScript.
W3 Schools
What it is:
W3Schools is a simple, beginner-friendly online reference when writing code in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and other web basics. It also includes a learning path and turns learning into compartmentalized learning modules.
Beginner:
Follow step-by-step examples to learn how websites are built.
Advanced:
Use it as a quick reference when building real web pages or learning responsive design.
Master:
Build full projects, test code instantly, and teach others how to structure clean, accessible websites.
Stack Overflow
https://stackoverflow.com/questions
What it is:
Stack Overflow is the world’s largest question-and-answer community for programmers, IT pros, sysadmins, and engineers. It’s where millions of people go to solve real problems, share code, and learn best practices directly from industry experts.
Beginner:
Use it to search simple explanations, troubleshooting steps, and examples when you’re stuck or curious about how something works.
Advanced:
Learn from existing code snippets, optimization techniques, edge-case solutions, and deeper technical discussions in real time.
Master:
Participate by answering questions, sharing your experience, and helping others — building your own expertise while giving back to the global tech community.
Computer science with Harvard’s CS50 programs
What it is:
A structured pathway through Harvard’s flagship computer science curriculum — starting from zero experience and scaling all the way to advanced software engineering, systems, and AI concepts.
Beginner:
A zero-experience starter course that teaches core logic, algorithms, and hands-on coding in C, Python, SQL, and web basics. Perfect for building real foundational skills from scratch.
Advanced:
Learn how to handle compliance, DBR requirements, permitting, and multi-step registration processes.
Master:
Choose from focused tracks like Web Programming, Cybersecurity, or Business Systems. These courses teach full-stack development, secure architecture, and applied problem-solving with real-world projects.
Rhode Island - Commercial Resources
What it is:
This is the State of Rhode Island’s official guide for forming a business — covering registration, licensing, taxes, and legal steps.
Beginner:
Understand what a business entity is and what you need to legally operate in Rhode Island.
Advanced:
Learn how to handle compliance, DBR requirements, permitting, and multi-step registration processes.
Master:
Use the portal to strategically structure your company, manage filings, and keep your business fully compliant year-round.
Rhode Island Building Code
What it is:
The state’s official building regulations, including structural, electrical, fire safety, and technology-related requirements.
Beginner:
Get familiar with safety standards and understand why codes matter for any kind of installation.
Advanced:
Apply the code during renovations, low-voltage work, or structured cabling to stay compliant.
Master:
Use code knowledge to plan projects, work with contractors, and verify that work meets state standards.
Building Standards
National Electric Code
What it is:
The NEC is the national standard for safe electrical installation, wiring, and equipment – referenced by most states, including Rhode Island. used by electricians and low-voltage techs.
Beginner:
Understand basic electrical safety and general do/don’t rules for wiring and devices.
Advanced:
Learn how grounding, load calculations, low-voltage, and conduit requirements affect real-world projects.
Master:
Use NEC mastery to design compliant electrical systems, supervise installations, or validate contractor work.
BICSI - Telecommunications & Cabling Standards
What it is:
BICSI is the global authority for structured cabling, low-voltage installation, and telecommunications standards. Their full courses and certifications are paid, but they provide free whitepapers, standards summaries, newsletters, and basic reference materials that help technicians learn the fundamentals of cabling design and best practices.
Beginner:
Learn what structured cabling is, why standards matter, and how professional installers design reliable, safe low-voltage systems.
Advanced:
Study pathway and space design, copper/fiber installation practices, grounding, bonding, and blueprint interpretation using BICSI reference materials.
Master:
Use BICSI standards to plan projects, validate contractor work, design infrastructure layouts, and prepare for advanced certifications like the Technician (TECH) or Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD).
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