Computer Technology Management Syllabus
School:
Tuscola Technology
Center
Instructor:
Mrs. Amy K. Schuette
Phone:
989.673.5300 ext. 349
Address:
1401 Cleaver Road
Caro, MI 48723
Course
Name:
Computer Technology
Management
Email:
aschuette@tuscolaisd.org
URL:
www.tuscolaisd.org
Course
Focus:
Computer Repair and
Maintenance,
Networking
COURSE
DESCRIPION
In this class students will learn the basics of computer repair and maintenance and networking.
They will focus on hardware, software, computer history, Internet fundamentals, and networking
fundamentals. Many opportunities are offered for students to get hands-on experience.
CERTIFICATIONS
AVAILABLE
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CIW Associate
CIW Professional
CompTIA Linux+
MOS
COURSE FOCUS
This is an instructor led course that focuses on hands-on learning experiences. Students also
have the opportunity to use computer based training modules to enhance their learning and
prepare them for industry certifications in many information technology fields.
TEXT AND
REFERENCES
Computer Service and Repair, Richard M. Roberts
Networking Fundamentals, Richard M. Roberts
Upgrading and Repairing PC's 14th Edition
TestOut Software
COURSE
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES All
STUDENTS
Keyboarding 40 wpm for 3 minutes with 5 or fewer errors (If unable to attain this speed, student
must complete the Micro Type program during the first semester.
Employability Skills: Resume, Cover Letter, Career Search, Thank-you Letter, Application, Mock
Interview
Telephone Training with help-desk focus
XHTML and Internet Fundamentals
Microsoft Access
Beginning Fireworks and Flash
Key Train
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COURSE
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES A+
FOCUS
The goal of this course is to prepare students for an entry level computer technician career and to
pass the CompTIA A+ Certification exam.
1. Personal Computer Components

Identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of storage devices
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of motherboards
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of power supplies, for example: AC
adapter, ATX, proprietary, voltage
o Identify the names purposes and characteristics of processor / CPUs
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of memory
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of display devices
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of input devices
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of adapter cards
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of ports and cables
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of cooling systems

Install, configure, optimize and upgrade personal computer components
o Add, remove and configure internal and external storage devices
o Install display devices
o Add, remove and configure basic input and multimedia devices

Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer
components
o Recognize the basic aspects of troubleshooting theory
o Identify and apply basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques
o Recognize and isolate issues with display, power, basic input devices, storage, memory,
thermal, POST errors
o Apply basic troubleshooting techniques to check for problems
o Recognize the names, purposes, characteristics and appropriate application of tools

Perform preventive maintenance on personal computer components
o Identify and apply basic aspects of preventive maintenance theory
o Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for devices such as input
devices and batteries
2. Laptops and Portable Devices

Identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of laptop-specific technologies
o Identify and distinguish between mobile and desktop motherboards and processors
including throttling, power management and WiFi

Install, configure, optimize and upgrade laptops and portable devices
o Configure power management
o Demonstrate safe removal of laptop-specific hardware such as peripherals, hotswappable devices and non-hot-swappable devices

Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for laptops and
portable devices
o Use procedures and techniques to diagnose power conditions, video, keyboard, pointer
and wireless card issues

Perform preventive maintenance on laptops and portable devices
o Implement software security preventive maintenance techniques such as installing service
packs and patches and training users about malicious software prevention technologies
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3. Operating Systems

Identify the fundamentals of using operating systems
o Identify differences between operating systems (e.g. Mac, Windows, Linux) and describe
operating system revision levels including GUI, system requirements, application and
hardware compatibility
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of the primary operating system components
including registry, virtual memory and file system
o Describe features of operating system interfaces
o Identify the names, locations, purposes and characteristics of operating system files
o Identify concepts and procedures for creating, viewing, managing disks, directories and
files in operating systems

Install, configure, optimize and upgrade operating systems
o Identify procedures for installing operating systems
o Identify procedures for upgrading operating systems
o Install / add a device including loading, adding device drivers and required
o Identify procedures and utilities used to optimize operating systems

Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for operating systems
o Identify basic boot sequences, methods and utilities for recovering operating systems
o Identify and apply diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques
o Recognize and resolve common operational issues such as blue screen, system lock-up,
input / output device, application install, start or load and Windows-specific printing
problems
o Explain common error messages and codes
o Identify the names, locations, purposes and characteristics of operating system utilities

Perform preventive maintenance on operating systems
o Describe common utilities for performing preventive maintenance on operating systems
for example, software and Windows updates (e.g. service packs), scheduled backups /
restore, restore points
4. Printers and Scanners



Identify the fundamental principles of using printers and scanners
o Identify differences between types of printer and scanner technologies
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of printer and scanner components and
consumables
o Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of interfaces used by printers and
scanners including port and cable types
Identify basic concepts of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading printers and scanners
o Install and configure printers / scanners
o Optimize printer performance for example, printer settings such as tray switching, print
spool settings, device calibration, media types and paper orientation
Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for printers and
scanners
o Gather information about printer / scanner problems
o Review and analyze collected data
o Identify solutions to identified printer / scanner problems
5. Networks

Identify the fundamental principles of networks
o Describe basic networking concepts
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of the common network cables
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of network connectors
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics

Install, configure, optimize and upgrade networks
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o
o

Install and configure network cards (physical address)
Install, identify and obtain wired and wireless connection
Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for networks
o Explain status indicators, for example speed, connection and activity lights and wireless
signal strength
6. Security




Identify the fundamental principles of security
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of hardware and software security
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of wireless security
o Identify names, purposes and characteristics of data and physical security
o Describe importance and process of incidence reporting
o Recognize and respond appropriately to social engineering situations
Install, configure, upgrade and optimize security
o Install, configure, upgrade and optimize hardware, software and data security
Identify tool, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for security
o Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware, software and data security issues
Perform preventive maintenance for computer security
o Implement software security preventive maintenance techniques such as installing service
packs and patches and training users about malicious software prevention technologies
7. Safety and Environmental Issues



Describe the aspects and importance of safety and environmental issues
o Identify potential safety hazards and take preventive action
o Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent documentation and appropriate
equipment documentation
o Use appropriate repair tools
o Describe methods to handle environmental and human (e.g. electrical, chemical,
physical) accidents including incident reporting
Identify potential hazards and implement proper safety procedures including ESD precautions and
procedures, safe work environment and equipment handling
Identify proper disposal procedures for batteries, display devices and chemical solvents and cans
8. Communication and Professionalism

Use good communication skills including listening and tact / discretion, when communicating with
customers and colleagues
o Use clear, concise and direct statements
o Allow the customer to complete statements – avoid interrupting
o Clarify customer statements – ask pertinent questions
o Avoid using jargon, abbreviations and acronyms
o Listen to customers

Use job-related professional behavior including notation of privacy, confidentiality and respect
for the customer and customers’ property
o Behavior
o Property
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COURSE
GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES
NETWORK+
FOCUS
The goal of this course is to prepare students for an entry level network technician career and to
pass the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam.
1. Introduction to Networking

Definition of a Network

Network Classification – LAN, MAN, and WAN

Network Topologies

Basic Administration Network Models

Network Operating Systems (NOS)

Network Communications

Protocols

Network Media Devices

Standards and Organizations

OSI Model

Laboratory Activity – Identifying a Workstation’s IP Configuration Settings
2. Network Media – Copper Core Cable

Network Media

Analog and Digital Signals

Data Transmission

Electronic Terms

Copper Core Cables

IEEE 802.3 and 802.5 Standards

ARCnet Standard

Wiring Faults

Laboratory Activity – Making a Straight-Through Patch Cable
3. Fiber-Optic Cable

Characteristics of Fiber-Optic Cable

The Nature of Light

Fiber-Optic Cable Construction

Fiber-Optic Cable Transmission Characteristics

Fiber-Optic Cable Specifications

IEEE 802.3 Standards

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

Fiber-Optic Cable Connectors

Fiber-Optic Cable Installation and Troubleshooting

Laboratory Activity – Fiber-Optic Connector Identification
4. Wireless Technology

Electromagnetic Waves

Antenna Styles

Radio Wave Transmission Techniques and Networking
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
Radio Wave-Based Networking

Microwave transmission and Networking

Infrared Transmission and Networking

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Technology

Wireless Security

Laboratory Activity – Installing and Infrastructure Mode Wireless Network
5. Digital Encoding and Data Transmission

Digital Encoding and Transmission

Data Packaging and Transmission

Data Codes

Protocol Frame Structures

Data Encoding, Transmission, and the OSI Model

Laboratory Activity-Ethereal Protocol Analyzer
6. Network Operating Systems and Network Communications

Common Network Operating System Trails

Network Operating Systems and Hardware Protocols

Network Operating Systems and Networking Protocols

Laboratory Activity-Installing Client Service for Netware
7. Microsoft Network Operating Systems

A Brief History of Microsoft Network Operating Systems

Common Windows Server Administrative Components

Windows NT

Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003

POSIX

Interoperability

Laboratory Activity-Adding Users to Windows Server 2003
8. Novell Network Operating Systems

A Brief History of NetWare

Novell Kernel and NetWare Loadable Modules (NLM)

NetWare Boot Process

The NetWare Console

NetWare File Systems

eDirectory

NetWare Security

NetWare 6 Administration

NetWare Connectivity and Interoperability

Laboratory Activity-Installing the Novell Client
9. UNIX/Linux Operating Systems

UNIX
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
Linux

UNIX/Linux Basics

X Windows System

Interoperability

MAX OS X Server

Laboratory Activity-Adding a New User in SuSE Linux
10. Introduction to the Server

Server Types and Services

Major Server Components

System Resources

RAID Systems

External Storage Systems

Fibre Channel

Laboratory Activity-Using the Disk

Part Command Interpreter
11. TCP/IP Fundamentals

IP Addressing

Domain Name System (DNS)
The IP, TCP, and UDP Protocols

Assigning IP Addresses

TCP/IP Ports and Sockets

TCP/IP Troubleshooting Utilities

The IPv6 Standard

Laboratory Activity-Configuring a DHCP server
12. Subnetting

The Binary Number System

Dotted Decimal Notation

Subnetting

Virtual LAN (VLAN)

Laboratory Activity-Subnet Mask Calculator
13. ATM and VolP

Voice and Audio Signals

Video

Multimedia Transmission Protocols

Laboratory Activity-NetMeeting
14. Web Servers and Services

Internet, Intranet, and Extranet

Domain Name and URL Resolution

Web Servers
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
Web Browsers

Web Site Communications

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP)

E-mail

Laboratory Activity-Installing Internet Information Services (IIS)
15. Remote Access and Long Distance Communications

Introduction to Telecommunications Systems

Remote Connection Technologies and Media

Dial-Up Networking

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

Laboratory Activity-Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS)
16.
Network Security

Hackers, Crackers, and Intruders

Common Network Security Breaches

Security Methods and Protocols

Wireless Security

Authentication Protocols

Security Implementations

Security Tools

Laboratory Activity-Security Event Monitoring
17. A Closer Look at the OSI Model

History and Purpose of the OSI Model

The OSI Layers

The Encapsulation Process

The OSI Model and the Major Protocol Suites

Request For Comments (RFC)

Laboratory Activity-Ethereal OSI Model Exploration
18. Maintaining the Network

Monitoring the Server and Network

Maintaining System Software

Maintaining System Hardware

Maintaining System Integrity

Maintaining Stable Electrical Power

Protecting Networks from Malware

Merging Networks

Laboratory Acivity-LANguard Network Security Scanner
19. Fundamentals of Troubleshooting the Network

Troubleshooting Procedures
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
Troubleshooting the Workstation

Troubleshooting the Network Infrastructure

Troubleshooting the Server

Troubleshooting the Most Common Network Problems

Troubleshooting the Event Viewer and System Monitor

Troubleshooting with TCP/IP Utilities

Laboratory Activity-Network Diagnostics
20. Designing and Installing a New Network

Needs Assessment and Design

Developing a Timeline

Installation

Implementation

Documentation

Training

Specifications for Network Design

SICSI

Laboratory Activity-Designing a Small Network
21. Network+ Certification Exam Preparation

The Network+ Certification Exam

Preparation Strategy

Network+ Certification Practice Exam
22. Employment in the Field of Networking Technology

Information Technology Industry Careers

Career Information Sources

General and College Education

Certification

Employment
STUDENT
Students are given enough in-class work time to complete most projects and assignments.
CONTRIBUTION Students will only be allowed to take text books home in the event of an extended illness, or other
teacher approved reason. Students have the opportunity to purchase the TestOut software used
in the class at a greatly reduced rate for use on their home computer. They will need a highspeed Internet connection.
Page 9 of 10
STUDENT
ASSESSMENT
Students will earn a grade for each marking period in the course. The grade will be comprised of
15% homework, 20% quizzes, 20% labs, 15% projects, and 30% work habits. Students will be
assessed with written and computer based tests and hands-on performance testing.
Grading Scale:
COURSE
SCHEDULE
Grade High Value
Grade Low Value
A
100
93
A-
92.99
90
B+
89.99
87
B
86.99
83
B-
82.99
80
C+
79.99
77
C
76.99
73
C-
72.99
70
D+
69.99
67
D
66.99
63
D-
62.99
60
E
59.99
0
Students can complete the material for the Computer Repair course during one full school year.
The class will meet every weekday for 2.5 hours during their home schools schedule.
First Marking Period: Keyboarding, Career Planning, Microsoft Access, Internet Fundamentals,
Safety Training, A+ Essentials, Network+
Second Marking Period: A+ Essentials, Network+
Third Marking Period: A+ Practical Application, Network+
Fourth Marking Period: A+ and Network+ Certification Preparation
CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
To obtain a Tuscola Technology Center Certificate in the Computer Technology Management
Program a student must have eight or fewer absences for the school year, must score at least
80% or higher on the written and applied SCAT test, and have at least a C+ average for the
school year.
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