CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Includes identification of basic terms, concepts and functions of system modules, and basic procedures for

adding and removing field replaceable units. Reviews of portable system components, identification of system resources, and other detailed information concerning PC architecture, hardware and standards. Includes identification of basic terms, concepts and function of operating systems in microcomputers and basic procedures for installation, upgrade and utilization. Reviews of basic concepts and procedures for creating, viewing, and managing files, using utility programs and understanding normal operation and symptoms relating to common problems. Students are required to demonstrate course objectives through the appropriate CompTIA certification exam preparation materials and the fee for the exam is assessed upon enrollment in the course. MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to: 1. Identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers including the identification and function of storage devices, motherboards, power supplies, processors, memory, display devices, input devices, adaptor cards, ports, and cooling systems. 2. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade personal computer components including storage devices, display devices, and basic input and multimedia devices. 3. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components. 4. Perform preventative maintenance on personal computer components including visual and audio inspection, driver and firmware updates, scheduling, use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials, and environmental factors. 5. Identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices including form factors, peripherals, expansion slots, ports, communication connections and input devices. 6. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade laptops and portable devices including power management and peripherals. 7. Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for laptops and portable devices including power conditions, video, keyboard, pointer and wireless card issues. 8. Perform preventative maintenance on laptops and portable devices including cooling devices, hardware and video cleaning materials, operating environments, storage, transportation and shipping. 9. Identify the fundamentals of using operating systems as defined by the operating systems name, purpose, and characteristics of the operating system components including registry, virtual memory and file system. 10. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade operating systems. 11. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for operating systems including boot sequences, recognize and resolve common operational issues, explain common error messages and codes and operating system utilities. 12. Perform preventative maintenance on operating systems by using common utilities, updates, scheduled backups/restores, and restore points. 13. Identify the fundamental principles of using printers and scanners by identifying the names, purposes and characteristics of printer types and interfaces. 14. Identify basic concepts of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading printers and scanners. 15. Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for printers and scanners.

16. Identify the fundamental principles of networks including basic networking concepts, names purposes and characteristics of common network cables, connectors, and technologies for establishing connectivity. 17. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade networks. 18. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for networks. 19. Identify the fundamental principles of security including names, purposes, and characteristics of hardware and software security, wireless security, and data security. 20. Install, configure, upgrade, and optimize security for hardware, software, and data. 21. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance techniques for computer security. 22. Describe the aspects and importance of safety and environmental issues, safe work environments, equipment handling, and disposal of equipment. 23. Use good communication skills including listening and tact/ discretion when communicating with customers and colleagues. 24. Use job-related professional behavior including notation of privacy, confidentiality, and respect for the customer and customers property. COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include PC Architecture PC components PC hardware terminology PC hardware function Repair and upgrade techniques and guidelines Basic understanding of printer hardware Current Microsoft Operating systems Desktop security