Course Syllabus
COURSE NUMBER:
TITLE:
CREDITS: 5
EET 131
IT Essentials
Winter 2010
COURSE LENGTH:
11 Weeks
MTWTh 11:00 AM - 12:40 PM
MTWTh 2:00 PM - 3:40PM
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is part one of a two course series that addresses the body of knowledge
required for the current Comptia A+ Certification. The emphasis is on the fundamentals
of installing, maintaining and configuring, computer hardware, operating systems,
networks and security systems. Taught in conjunction with Cisco Academy using IT
Essentials Curriculum with an emphasis on customer service. Part one prepares students
for the Comptia A+ Essentials test. Computer lab fee
INSTRUCTOR:
Tim Fiegenbaum
Phone: 206-526-0181
Office 2320B (above bookstore)
E-mail: tfiegenb@sccd.ctc.edu
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/tfiegenb/eet/
Office Hours
Monday / Wednesday 4:30pm -5:30pm
Required Texts:
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide, Third Ed. ISBN
1587131994, Anifinson/Quamme, December, 2007.
The above text is available for free online if student is inclined to read and study from the
computer screen only.
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study guide, Third Ed, ISBN
1587131986, Regan, Cisco Press, December 2007.
COURSE OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the class students will be able to
1. Assemble and disassemble computers
2. Install, configure, and maintain operating systems
3. Install, configure, and maintain computer networks
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4. Identify and troubleshoot computer security threats
5. Practice customer service skills
6. Prepare for A+ Certification Essentials Test
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Fundamentals: Introduction to the Personal Computer
a. Explain the IT industry and your place in it
b. Explain the differences between PCs based on implementation
c. Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of cases and power supplies
d. Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of internal components
e. Identify the names purposes and characteristics of ports and cables
f. Identify the names purposes and characteristics of input devices
g. Identify the names purposes and characteristics of output devices
h. Explain system resources and their purpose, IRQ, IO address and DMA
II. Fundamentals: Safe Lab Procedure and Tool Use
a. Identify safe working conditions and procedures
b. Identify tools and software used with PC components and their purpose
c. Implement proper tool use
III. Fundamentals: Computer Assembly Step by Step
a. Open the Case
b. Install the Power supply
c. Attach components to the motherboard and install the motherboard
d. Install internal drives
e. Install external drives
f. Install the adapter cards in the appropriate slots
g. Connect all internal cables
h. Boot computer
IV. Fundamentals: Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
a. Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance
b. Identify the elements of the troubleshooting process
V. Fundamentals: Operating Systems
a. Explain the purpose of operating systems
b. Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose, limitations and
capability
c. Determine operating system based on customer needs
d. Install an operating system
e. Navigate GUI
f. Identify and apply common Preventative maintenance techniques
g. Troubleshoot operating systems
VI. Fundamentals: Laptops and Portable devices
a. Describe laptops and the various portable devices currently available
b. Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of laptops
c. Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components
d. Explain how to configure laptops
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e. Define the various mobile phone standards
f. Identify common preventative maintenance techniques for laptops and portable
devices
g. Troubleshoot laptops and portable devices
VII. Fundamentals: Printers and Scanners
a. Describe the types of printers currently available
b. Describe the installation and configuration process for printers
c. Describe the types of scanners currently available
d. Describe all-in-one devices, flatbed scanners, handheld scanners and drum
scanners
e. Compare costs of scanners
f. Describe installation and configuration of scanners
g. Identify and apply common preventative maintenance techniques for printers
and scanners
h. Troubleshoot printers and scanners
VIII. Fundamentals: Networks
a. Explain principles of networking
b. Describe types of networks
c. Describe basic networking concepts and technologies
d. Describe physical components of a network
e. Describe LAN topologies and architectures
f. Identify standards organizations
g. Identify Ethernet standards
h. Explain OSI and TCP/IP model
i. Compare OSI and TCP/IP model
j. Configure a NIC and modem
k. Identify names purposes, and characteristics of other technologies for establish
connectivity.
l. Identify and apply common preventative maintenance techniques or networks
m. Troubleshoot the network
IX. Fundamentals: Security
a. Explain why security is important
b. Describe security threats
c. Identify security procedures
d. Identify common preventative maintenance techniques for security
e. Troubleshoot security threats
X. Fundamentals: Communication Skills
a. Explain the relationship between communications and troubleshooting
b. Describe good communication skills and professional behavior
c. Explain ethics and legal aspects of working with computer technology
d. Perform Call Center labs
e. Perform role-playing labs
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READING ASSIGNMENTS & APPROXIMATE COURSE SCHEDULE
Text: Cisco Networking Academy Program IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and
Software Companion Guide.
Chapter
Chapter Title
Week
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Introduction to the Personal Computer
Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use
Computer Assembly Step By Step
Basics of Preventative Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Fundamental Operating Systems
Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices
Fundamental Printers and Scanners
Fundamental Networks
Fundamental Security
Communications Skills
1-2
3
3
4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
5
6
7
8-9
10
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* Schedule is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the instructor.
PROCESS:
There will be extensive reading but with a focus on concepts and terminology, not rote
memorization.
There will be tests at the end of each chapter in the online format. These tests are written
by Cisco and address the material from the text book and the online curriculum. These
tests will be invaluable as preparation for A+ certification. They can be taken outside
class and will be 10% of your grade.
There will be graded lab assignments. You will work in teams of two, but labs will be
graded on an individual basis. All labs require the instructor or lab assistant’s initial on
the weekly assignment sheet upon completion. Labs will be accepted late, but at a
reduction of 20 points per day (max. score 100). Labs will not be accepted over a week
late (The only exception is Instructor approved excused absence). If your lab partner is
absent during a lab day, continue to work on your labs. It will be your lab partner’s
responsibility to catch up.
Homework will consist of completing the assignments in the PC Hardware and
Software Labs and Study guide. These will not be turned in but assessed by faculty or
lab assistants in class. Completion will be documented on weekly assignment sheet.
A+ Essentials Preparation Paper Students will be provided with the Comptia Outline
for the A+ Essentials Test (220-601). The assignment is to complete the outline by
filling in detail about every item. Comments must be in your own words, cutting and
pasting from the Internet will not be acceptable. This is not required, but can be viewed
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as a bonus project which can increase your overall class score by up to 5%. This is an
excellent project for those preparing for A+ Certification.
Student Supplies: Each student is required to have the following items.
1.
Wrist Strap (ESD). The following link is included only as an example of what a
wrist strap looks like, and what to expect to pay for it. They can be purchased at most
computer, and electronics stores.
2.
Basic tools: Philips head (#1) and flat head screwdriver or inexpensive computer
tool kit (Sample: Cables To Go: 11-PIECE COMPUTER TOOL KIT)
3.
It is highly recommended that each student buy used computer (Pentium and
above) that they can work on at home. RE PC used computers, but is only one of many
local area vendors.
STUDENT EVALUATION METHOD
Grades will be based on the following:
Category
Labs, Homework
Chapter Tests
Approx. #
10
Percentage of Grade
30%
10
10%
Mid Term
Final
30%
30%
100.0% Total
Extra credit may be allowed from week to week.
Essentials Preparation Paper 5% Bonus
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Grade Assignment
96 - 100 %
95
94
93
92
91
90
89
88
87
86
85
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
3.5
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
.9
.8
.7
.0
NSCC Grading System: See Student Handbook
http://www.northseattle.edu/info/pub/handbook.htm
Maintaining Your PC Grade
The theme of EET 131 is Managing and Maintaining Your PC. This theme will be
directly assessed and graded based on how you manage and maintain the PC that is
issued to you. It will be roughly 5-10% of your lab score and will vary from week to
week depending on how many labs are assigned. If your machine works (boots the
operating system) you will receive an initial on your weekly lab assignment sheet. If it
does not, you will loose a portion of your lab score. It is your responsibility to keep your
machine functional.
PARTICIPATION/TEAMWORK/CONDUCT:
Your success in this course will be strongly influenced by your participation, conduct and
ability to work as a team player. In industry these are referred to as soft skills and
possession of them is critical to your success.
You are responsible for attendance. Punctuality is expected. Missed lecture and lab
material may be obtained from your fellow students. As this is largely a lab
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environment, safety and appropriate behavior will be stressed. Behavior deemed
disruptive to the class may be cause for dismissal under the provisions of the Student
Code of Conduct.
We will be sharing this classroom with other classes. It is imperative that we leave this
room ready for the next class. That includes a functional computer and a tidy workspace.
INTERNET USE:
It is the NSCC policy not to restrict student Internet access. It may be deemed disruptive
behavior to view Internet material offensive to those around them. Use of the Internet,
which is deemed disruptive behavior during lecture or labs, may lead to dismissal
under the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
COMPUTING SERVICES SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT POLICY.
It is the intent of the Seattle Community College District to adhere to all provisions and
amendments of Section 117, Title 17 of the United States code that regulates copyright
laws in the area of microcomputer programs.
Quoted below is the relevant part of the Policy:
I.
II.
III.
Illegal copies of copyrighted software may not be made or used on college
equipment.
When copyrighted software is used on a disk sharing system, efforts will be made
to secure this software from copying.
No employee of the District shall encourage or allow any student to
4surreptitiously or illegally duplicate computer software or access any database or
electronic bulletin board.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Any student with a documented learning disability (i.e. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations is requested to contact
the Educational Access Center, and the instructor, at the beginning of the quarter.
Holidays:
Jan 18 Mon
Feb 15 Mon
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents’ Day
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