Texas A&M University Central Texas
CISK 346.110 [Fall 2014] - PC TECHNOLOGY
7:00PM-8:15PM TR - (Founder Hall – 308)
Instructor: Son Thai
Office: Founder Hall 113c
Phone: (254) 519-5702
E-mail: son.thai@tamuct.edu
Office Hours: MTWR 1:00PM-5:00PM
UNILERT
Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University – Central Texas
UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to
communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email and text message. By enrolling in
UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location.
Please enroll today at http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/news/unilert.php
COURSE INFORMATION
I. Course Description:
An enhance study of the technology and hardware operation of microcomputers, their peripherals, and
operating software. Also, considered are hardware configuration and selection, installation and test procedures,
and routine maintenance.
II. Course Objectives
** The student will gain an understanding of the following topics:
Understanding of microprocessor architecture, memory, and bus structure
Understand different types of memories
Understanding of BIOS, CMOS and the functionality of the BIOs
Understanding of the concept of floppy drives, hard drives, CD and DVD drives
Understanding of video display devices and video input devices
Understanding of sound output and input devices
Understanding the differences between Laptops, Notebooks
Understanding of printer selection, installation and configuration
Understanding of network hardware and basic network client software modules
** The student will demonstrate proficiency in the following:
Selecting and installing components composing typical computer systems
Selecting, installing, and configuring secondary storage
Windows installation and how to secure windows
Installing a local and network printer
Set-up wireless devices
Technology trends that would affect workstation and network operations
III. Instructional Material:
Publisher: McGrawHill/Osborne
Authors: Michael Meyers
Title: All-in-One A+ Certification Exam Guide (Seventh Edition)
ISBN: 0-07-226311-3
Tool: Phillip/Flat screwdriver
Software: Windows XP or Windows 7 (MSDNAA)
IV. Microsoft Dream Spark
You can obtain free Microsoft Software if you meet the following criteria:
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Are currently enrolled in a CIS class at Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Agree to MSDN End User License Agreement (EULA)
Agree to follow MSDN Usage Guidelines
Some of the Usage Guidelines:
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V.
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VI.
You may use the software for non-commercial purposes
You may not use the Program software for any for-profit software development
You may not provide the software to anyone else
When you are no longer registered student
o you may continue to use installed software
o you are not eligible for any future updates to the installed software
o you may not re-install the software
Grade Computation: 1000 Points
(8) Quizzes
200 20%
Midterm
150 15%
Final
250 25%
Individual Research Paper
100 10%
Team Research Paper
200 20%
Review credit:
100 10%
900-1000 = A
800-899 = B
700-799 = C
600-699 = D
000-599 = F
COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
Aug 26
Aug 28
Sept 2
Sept 4
Sept 9
Sept 11
Sept 16
Sept 18
Sept 23
Sept 25
Sept 30
Oct 2
Oct 7
Oct 9
Oct 14
Oct 16
Oct 21
Introduction to PC Technology
Chapter 9 & 7 & 8 (Motherboard, BIOS/CMOS, Expansion Bus)
Chapter 9 & 7 & 8 (Motherboard, BIOS/CMOS, Expansion Bus)
Chapter 5 & 6 (Microprocessors & RAM)
Lab
Chapter 11 & 12 (Hard Drive Technologies and Implementing Hard Drive)
Chapter 19 & 20 (Video and Multimedia)
Lab
Lab
Chapter 13 (Removable Media)
Chapter 10 & Chapter 18 (Power Supplies and Input/Output)
Individual project
Individual project
Individual Project
Review for Midterm
Midterm
Chapter 4 & 14 (Understand Windows and Install/Configure Windows)
Oct 23
Oct 28
Oct 30
Nov 4
Nov 6
Nov 11
Nov 13
Nov 18
Nov 20
Nov 25
Nov 27
Dec 2
Dec 4
Dec 9
Dec 11
VII.
Chapter 16 & 17 (Securing Windows Resources and Maintain/Troubleshoot Windows)
Lab
Lab
Chapter 25 & 26 (The Internet and securing computers)
Chapter 23 & 24 (Local Area Networking and Wireless Networking)
Holiday – Veterans day
Lab
Lab
Chapter 21 & 22 (Portable Computing and Printers)
Review for Final
Holiday - Thanksgiving
Presentation
Presentation
Presentation
Final
Requirements:- Students are expected to read and review all material in the assigned chapter(s) prior to the class
meeting day.
- Students are expected to prepare and attend class related activities. You are responsible for all
material presented during an absence.
Quizzes: (200 points or 20%)
There will be eight quizzes
(4) Individual quizzes
(4) Team quizzes
Midterm exam: (150 points or 15%)
Multiple choice exam covering topics in chapters 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,18,19,20 and identifying list of
hardware
Final exam: (250 points or 25%)
Multiple choice exam covering topics in chapters 4,14,16,17,21,22,23,24,25,26 and Identifying list of
hardware
Individual project: (100 points or 10%)
Each student is going to research one topic and present it to the class. Grading is based on the quality,
compatibility and a completion of the project. I will provide a detailed project specifications later.
Team project: (200 or 20%)
Each team will provide a detailed proposal for a custom built system. Each team must email the
presentation to a reviewer team and to the instructor three days prior to the presentation day. Grading is based
on the quality, compatibility and a completion of the project. I will provide a detailed project specifications later
Review Credit: (100 or 10%)
Each team must study the other team’s project, research, analyze to find missing, incompatible
hardware. Each member of the team must participate by asking questions.
VIII. Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student.
The Records Office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed.
Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and
confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the Records
Office immediately! You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence.
Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an ‘F’ in the course.
XI. Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and
scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic dishonestly are subject to disciplinary action. Academic
dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work,
plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is responsible for
initiating action for each case of academic dishonestly. More information can be found
at http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/index.php
X. Disability Support Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides
comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation
requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for
reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an
accommodation, please contact Gail Johnson, Academic Support Programs Coordinator, at (254) 5015831 or by email at g.johnson@ct.tamus.edu. You can also visit the Disability Support website for
more information.
XI.
Tutoring
TAMUCT offers its students tutoring, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include:
Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing (MLA and APA). For hours, or if you're
interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-519-5796 or by emailing
rthomp80@ct.tamus.edu
Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE
online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing,
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for any
subject on your computer at www.tutor.com/tamuct, or use the Tutor.com To Go App on your iPhone,
iPod touch, or iPad. Visit www.tutor.com/togo to download the app for free. If you have any questions
about Tutor.com, please contact Ryan Thompson at 254-519-5796, or by emailing
rthomp8@ct.tamus.edu.
XII.
Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central Texas
students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online information literacy
tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the A&M-CT collection is available instantly from home.
This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as approximately 25,000 electronic
journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/deservices.php
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning,
ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include,
but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library collections, the identification
of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined
and accessed at: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/index.php
*** Instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time.