Chabot College
Fall 2012
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 63B
IT ESSENTIALS: PC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE II
Catalog Description:
63B – IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software II
2 units
Second of two courses of the Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials program. Students will
describe the process for upgrading computer hardware, assemble a computer system, upgrade,
configure, and optimize 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 advanced topics covered include laptops and portable devices, wireless connectivity, Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP), security, applied network configuration and troubleshooting skills.
Prerequisite: ESYS 63A. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 17.5, laboratory 35]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering 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 63B, Page 2
Fall 2012
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. describe and demonstrate the process for replacing or upgrading personal computer components
and apply troubleshooting techniques;
2. describe and demonstrate the process for upgrading and optimizing a computer operating
system;
3. describe the process for replacing or upgrading laptop or portable device components;
4. describe common wireless communication technologies and configure a wireless network;
5. install and configure networked printers and scanners;
6. design and implement a basic computer network based on customer requirements and apply
preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques;
7. implement security measures based on customer requirements.
Course Content (Lecture):
1. Advanced personal computers
2. Advanced operating systems
3. Advanced laptops and portable devices
4. Advanced printers and scanners
5. Advanced networks
6. Advanced security
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Replacing and upgrading personal computer components
2. Upgrading and optimizing a personal computer operating system
3. Installing and configuring network printers and scanners
4. Configuring and troubleshooting a network
5. Implementing, monitoring, and troubleshooting computer and network security
Chabot College
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 63B, Page 3
Fall 2012
Methods of Presentation:
1. Laboratory
2. Small-group discussion
3. Computer-based interactive curriculum
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Lecture
i. Describe the process to upgrade and optimize a personal computer operating
system.
ii. Describe the configuration process for a wireless network.
iii. Evaluate a faulty network configuration map and resolve the errors.
b. Lab
i. Upgrade, troubleshoot as needed, and verify performance of a personal
computer RAM upgrade
ii. Configure and troubleshoot a wireless network.
iii. Plan, configure, and verify a network based on customer requirements.
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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