Date: Spring 2011 I. Course Prefix and Number: CSC-271 Course Name: A+ Hardware and Operating Systems Technologies Credit and Contact Hours: 3 credit hours - 4 contact hours Catalog Description: A+ Hardware and Operating Systems Technologies is a course designed to prepare students to successfully complete the CompTia A+ Exams. CompTia A+ exams are generalized exams designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of entry level computer professionals. While completion of the test is optional, many employers look to the certification as proof of the skills of perspective employees. (Currently following the 2009 exams as amended 1/11.) This course requires students to assemble, repair, configure and optimize modern computer systems. Students will be given a broad overview of computer systems, problems and solutions, which may be encountered during employment. Emphasis will be made to allow students to experience actual challenges with a computer, and design their solution. Working with the general public to assist in diagnosing and repairing computer systems are included in this course. Prerequisite: CSC-115 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor. II. Course Outcomes and Objectives: Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the participant will be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Disassemble and reassemble a working computer Handle and repair components in a safe manor for both the student and the component Evaluate a non-working computer system and suggest repairs or upgrades Identify hardware in a computer system Convert between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal numbering systems Establish a local computer network Load and configure a working Windows Operating System Apply computer settings for individual optimization Understand FAT filing systems and NTFS filing systems Evaluate the security issues of FAT Tables and the more secure NTFS Optimize appropriate RAM on a computer system Partition a hard drive for multiple operating systems Upgrade and repair field replaceable units on a computer system Make minor repairs and upgrades to a laptop computer Evaluate a computer system for individual customers, making suggestions to optimize the system for the individual 16. Configure the power management features on a computer system 17. Troubleshoot, configure and repair printers 18. Control access to a computer and the files that may be shared 19. Prevent and repair infections of malware on a computer 20. Design, implement, and configure physical security of computers Relationship to Academic Programs and Curriculum: This course is a required for the: AAS in Information Technology Computer Science Advisement Area of the AS Information Systems degree This course is offered as an elective for the: AS in Computer Science College Learning Outcomes Addressed by the Course: Writing ethics/values oral communications Citizenship reading global concerns mathematics information resources problem-solving professional competency computer literacy III. Instructional Materials and Methods: Types of Course Materials: Textbooks: A textbook covering objectives of CompTia A+ Certification Exams Software: Windows, Linix, discussions of Apple Software Operating Systems Hardware: Desktop and Laptop computers, Peripheral devices and networking devices Methods of Instruction (e.g. Lecture, Labs, Seminars …): Lecture Discussions Demonstrations Hands-on lab activities Group projects Final written and oral presented project IV. Assessment Measures (Summarize how the College and student learning outcomes will be assessed): Student learning outcomes will be assessed through a variety of activities including the following: 1. Labs Although it is important to understand the theory behind Computer Repair, nothing can improve upon real-world experience. To this end, there will be labs to illustrate exactly how the concepts and fundamentals learned actually work. 2. In Class and Take Home tests: Chapter tests will be given in a current in-class and take home environment to encourage students to read the course materials. The tests will measure their comprehension of the course concepts as related to repairing and maintaining modern computer systems concepts and fundamentals. 3. Practical Exam: Students will be required to perform various repair and configuration tasks learned throughout the semester. 4. Final topic presentation and written project Students will research and present a final topic to the entire class. Topics will be chosen by the individual student, with approval of the instructor, to expand their knowledge of a specific interest, and to be able to present their knowledge to a group of their peers. V. General Outline of Topics Covered: 1. Introducing Hardware a. Hardware Needs Software b. PC Hardware Components c. Binary/Hex/Decimal Conversions 2. Introducing Operating Systems a. Operating Systems Past and Present b. How the Windows Operating Systems Work 3. Working with People in a Technical World a. Job Roles and Responsibilities b. What Customers Want, Beyond Technical Know-How c. Planning for Good Service 4. Electrical Requirements and Working Safely with Electricity a. Measures and properties of Electrical Devices b. Protect Yourself and the Equipment c. How to Work Inside of the Computer Case d. Troubleshooting Electrical Systems 5. Motherboards, Processors, Memory and Hard Drives a. Motherboard Types and Features b. Startup BIOS and Controlling the Boot Process c. Maintaining, Installing and Configuring Motherboards, RAM and Hard Drives d. Selecting and Installing a Processor e. Upgrading and selecting RAM f. Troubleshooting Motherboards, Memory, and Hard Drives 6. Installing and Supporting Input/Output Devices a. Installing I/O Devices b. Configuring I/O Devices c. Troubleshooting I/O Devices 7. Installing Operating Systems a. How to plan for a Operating System Installation b. Selecting a Operating System c. Optimizing a Operating System d. Deploying the features of the Operating System 8. Repairing and Avoiding Problems with a Modern Computer System a. Fixing Problems Caused by Hardware b. Fixing Problems Caused by Software Applications c. Networking Technologies and Securing Computers on a Network d. Connecting to the Internet and deploying Firewalls and Anti-malware Software e. Controlling Access to Computer Resources f. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Printers g. Fixing and securing Portable Computer Systems