Description:

This course is designed to be a general introduction to personal computer hardware and operating system software. The course teaches the operation, installation, upgrade of all the major components of a typical PC. The course also provides the basic knowledge to prepare the student for passing the A+ test, which is the industry standard certification for personal computer technicians. Since A+ Certification is based upon the Windows Operating System and Intel/AMD type microprocessors, these will be the basis of the course. The course will cover both of the A+ Certification testing areas: PC Hardware (Core Test) and Operating Systems (OS Test). 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Install, upgrade and patch Windows 9X and XP.
2. Navigate through drives and folders, make and delete folders, format drives and copy files in Windows 9X and XP.
3. Use configuration tools and troubleshoot Windows 9X and XP.
4. Describe the features and functions of common microprocessors.
5. List the differences among the common types of microcomputers.
6. Understand the functions of the PC Chipset.
7. Configure computers using the CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) setup.
8. Use diagnostic software and hardware to analyze and troubleshoot microcomputers.
9. Install memory in a computer in the forms of SIMMS, DIMMS and RIMMS.
10. Identify and contrast common bus structures.
11. Display an understanding of hardware interrupts and port addresses.
12. Evaluate video monitor operation and compare the various types.
13. Compare the common video standards including concepts of resolution, speed, dot pitch, graphic accelerators, local bus and coprocessors.
14. Display an understanding of hard drive and floppy drive characteristics.
15. Install and configure hard drives, floppy/Zip drives and Optical drives.
16. Configure parallel, serial and USB ports.
17. Setup and upgrade printers and their associated software.
18. Troubleshoot common hardware and software problems using installed Windows utilities and add-on diagnostic software.
19. Perform preventative maintenance on PC hardware.
20. Demonstrate proper safety procedures when working on a PC system.
21. Install basic computer networking hardware such as Network Interface Cards (NIC’s), cables and hubs.
22. Configure basic Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server computer networks.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Operating Systems
   A. Install, upgrade and patch Windows 9x and XP. 
   B. Navigate through drives and folders, make and delete folders, format
drives and copy files in Windows 9X and XP.
   C. Use configuration tools and troubleshoot Windows 9X and XP.

II. Basic Computer Structure
   A. Describe the features and functions of common microprocessors.
   B. List the differences among the common types of microcomputers.
   C. Understand the functions of the PC Chipset.
   D. Configure computers using the CMOS setup.

III. Computer Memory
   A. Use diagnostic software and hardware to analyze and troubleshoot
microcomputers.
   B. Install memory in a computer in the forms of SIMMS, DIMMS and
RIMMS.

IV. Peripheral Installation
   A. Identify and contrast common bus structures.
   B. Display an understanding of hardware interrupts and port addresses.

V. Computer Video
   A. Evaluate video monitor operation and compare the various types.
   B. Compare the common video standards including concepts of resolution,
speed, dot pitch, graphic accelerators, local bus and coprocessors.

VI. Data Storage
   A. Display an understanding of hard drive and floppy drive
characteristics.
   B. Install and configure hard drives, floppy/Zip drives and Optical
drives.

VII. Input/Output Ports
   A. Configure parallel ports.
   B. Configure serial ports.
   C. Configure USB ports.

VIII. Printers
   A. Setup printers and their associated software.
   B. Upgrade printers and their associated software.

IX. PC Maintenance
   A. Troubleshoot common hardware and software problems using installed
Windows utilities and add-on diagnostic software.
   B. Perform preventative maintenance on PC hardware.
   C. Demonstrate proper safety procedures when working on a PC system.

X. Computer Networks
   A. Install basic computer networking hardware such as Network Interface
Cards, cables and hubs.
   B. Configure basic Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server computer
networks.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Labs:

Lab work is an extremely important part of this course and will account
for a significant portion of the course point total.  The labs will be
performed in the time period following the session’s lecture and turned
in to the Instructor.

Grading Scale:

Tests and Quizzes: 40-60%
Laboratory Work:   40-60%
 Total:             100%

  A = 90 – 100%
  B = 80 –  89%
  C = 70 –  79%
  D = 60 –  69%
  F = below 60%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.