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:
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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