Chabot College
Fall 2012
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 63A
IT ESSENTIALS: PC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE I
Catalog Description:
63A – IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software I
2 units
First of two courses of the Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials program. Students will describe
the internal components of a computer, assemble a computer system, install an operating system,
and troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software. Students will also connect to the
Internet and share resources in a network environment. Additional topics covered include laptops and
portable devices, wireless connectivity and basic implementation skills, Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP), security, safety and environmental issues, applied network configuration and troubleshooting
skills, and communication skills. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 17.5, laboratory 35]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. define information technology (IT) and describe the components of a personal computer;
2. describe and demonstrate the proper use of hand tools for computer assembly;
3. perform a step-by-step assembly of a desktop computer and install and navigate an operating
system;
4. explain the steps of the troubleshooting process and perform basic troubleshooting and
preventive maintenance;
5. describe operating system capabilities and perform basic operating system installation;
6. identify and describe the main components of laptops and portable devices;
7. identify the main components of printers and scanners;
8. describe basic network components and configure computers to attach to an existing network;
9. identify basic security threats and implement basic physical and software security protocols;
10. apply good communications skills and professional behavior while working with customers.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 63A, Page 2
Fall 2012
Course Content (Lecture):
1. Introduction to the personal computer
2. Safe lab procedures and tool use
3. Computer assembly
4. Basics of preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
5. Fundamental operating systems
6. Fundamental laptops and portable devices
7. Fundamental printers and scanners
8. Fundamental networks
9. Fundamental security
10. Communication skills
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Safe lab procedures and tool use
2. Computer assembly step-by-step
3. Hands-on preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
4. Operating system installation
5. Printer and scanner basic troubleshooting
6. Basic network configuration
7. Basic security protocols
Methods of Presentation:
1. Laboratory
2. Small-group discussion
3. Computer-based interactive curriculum
Chabot College
Course Outline for ESYS 63A, Page 3
Fall 2012
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
1. Typical Assignments
a. Lecture
i. Describe the major components that make up a personal computer.
ii. Identify startup beep codes.
iii. Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards.
b. Lab
i. Prepare a hard drive for OS installation; and install an operating system.
ii. Install a CPU and a heat sink / fan assembly.
iii. Attach and configure a computer to an existing network.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Lab activities
b. Quizzes
c. Homework assignments
d. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
31 Days Before Your CompTIA A+ Exams, 2nd Edition, Benjamin Patrick Conry, Cisco Press,
September 15, 2011.
Special Student Materials:
Students must have Internet access outside the classroom to access the Cisco Networking Academy
online curriculum.
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