Tidewater Community College
ITN 107 Personal Computer Troubleshooting and Repair
Summer 2013
Instructor: Bill McNamara
Office: H-245 Office hours are posted outside office and on my web page.
Telephone: 822-7314 Please leave your name and a short message on voice mail if no answer.
E-Mail: bmcnamara@tcc.edu
Website: http://www.tcc.edu/faculty/webpages/BMcNamara
Blackboard : Login through www.tcc.edu
click the “My TCC” link or http://learn.vccs.edu
Note: E-mail is the best way to contact me outside of class as I check it daily. I am available on campus Tuesday and Thursday by appointment if you need assistance. DO NOT wait until you fall behind to get help if you need it. Too many students fail because the wait too long to get help.
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Includes specially designed instruction to give a student a basic knowledge of hardware and software configurations. Includes the installation of various peripheral devices as well as basic system hardware components.
II. PRE/COREQUISITE: None
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to discuss and/or apply the following concepts:
A.
Describe the names, purpose, and characteristics of system modules
B.
List the basic procedures for adding and removing field replaceable modules for desktop systems
C.
List the basic procedures for adding and removing field replaceable modules for portable computers
D.
Describe the procedures for altering IRQ’s, DMA’s, I/O addresses when installing and configuring devices
E.
List the names, purposes, and performance characteristics of standardized/common peripheral ports, associated cabling, and their connectors
F.
Describe proper procedures for installing and configuring common IDE/EIDE and SATA devices
G.
Describe proper procedures for installing and configuring common SCSI devices
H.
List the proper procedures for installing and configuring common peripheral devices
I.
Describe the procedures to optimize PC operations in specific situations
J.
Discuss the issues that must be considered when upgrading a PC
K.
Discuss basic troubleshooting procedures and tools, and how to elicit problem symptoms from customers List the types of preventative maintenance measures, products, and procedures and when and how to use them
L.
List the various safety measures and procedures and when and how to use them
M.
List the environmental protection measures and procedures and when and how to use them
N.
Describe the basic characteristics of the popular CPU chips
O.
Describe the types of RAM, form factors, and operational characteristics.
P.
Describe the most popular types of motherboards, their components, and their architecture
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Q.
Discuss the purpose of CMOS memory, what it contains, and how and when to change its parameters
R.
Assemble computer components
S.
Discuss current printer technologies, interfaces, and options/upgrades
T.
List common printer problems and techniques used to solve them
U.
Discuss basic networking concepts, including how a network works
V.
List the common types of network cables, their characteristics, and connectors
W.
List the common network topologies available for establishing internet connectivity and their characteristics
IV. TOPICS COVERED:
A.
Personal Computer Hardware Components
B.
Power Supplies
C.
Motherboards
D.
Processors
E.
Memory
F.
Hard Drives
G.
Multimedia Devices
H.
Personal Computer Troubleshooting Techniques
I.
Networking Components
J.
Notebooks
K.
Printers
V. MATERIALS NEEDED
Text: A+ Guide to Hardware, sixth edition, Jean Andrews, Thompson, 2013
ISBN 978-1-133-13512-8
Tool kit: A basic toolkit with ground strap will be required , examples will be shown the first week of class. Students who do not have a wrist strap and tool kit for the lab assignments will receive a grade of “ZERO” for the respective lab.
VI. CREDITS 4
VII. COURSE SCHEDULE:
The course schedule is attached as a separate document, it is also available in blackboard and on the instructors webpage. The course schedule may change at the discretion of the instructor; however, students will be notified in writing when any changes/additions are made to the schedule.
VIII. EVALUATION
Lab Assignments - 35 %
There will be approximately 7 graded lab assignments during the semester. Most of these labs will be completed in the A+ classroom (H-271) at TCC. There will be a research project assigned that will be completed outside of class time. Due to time constraints there will be no make-up labs ; therefore, your attendance on lab days is mandatory.
YOU MUST HAVE A PASSING LAB AVERAGE TO PASS THE CLASS.
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Tests - 55 %
There will be four (4) tests administered during the semester. There will be no make-up tests ; therefore, your attendance on test days is mandatory.
YOU MUST HAVE A PASSING TEST AVERAGE TO PASS THE CLASS.
Attendance/Participation 10%
Attendance during lecture sessions is essential in order to fully comprehend the hardware components/concepts and features of the software programs covered. Students are expected to be present and on time for all scheduled classes. (Roll will be taken.) Entering a class late is distracting to me and more importantly to fellow students. If you must be late be seated quickly and quietly. Playing on the computer during class is considered non-participation and receives the same grade reduction as an absence. If you wish to play on the computer rather than participate with the class, stay home!
Excessive absences:
Summer Class meets 2 times per week in an 8 week semester - absences greater than 1 will result in a grade reduction of your final average. Each absence = 2 point reduction, each lateness or leaving early = 1 point reduction.
Accumulation of points in excess of 4 points will result in a withdrawal up to the 60% date or an
“F” grade after the 60% date being assigned for the course regardless of test and lab scores.
If you arrive late to class, it is your responsibility to see me immediately after class to have absence mark changed to late mark. I will not change what I have recorded for attendance at a later date!
In accordance with TCC policy, if absences exceed 15 percent of class time the instructor will withdraw the student with a “W” up to the scheduled last day to withdraw from class without academic penalty, after that date a grade of “ F”
will be assigned.
THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES . Extenuating circumstances will be dealt with on a case by case basis (i.e. you are hospitalized for a period of time). If you are absent for whatever reason it is
YOUR responsibility to turn in work due on time and get the assignments passed out during class from another student and turn them in on time, absence is no excuse for late work.
If you are late on a test day you will not get extra time to take the test, when the last person is finished, that arrived on time, the test will end in order to continue with the second part of the class. DO NOT enter the room and then start asking for assistance from others taking the test. A grade of
ZERO is assigned to both students talking or passing papers between themselves during a test. All tests will be given through Blackboard, boot up, login and begin the test.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY:
You may withdraw from a course without academic penalty during the first 60% of a session and receive a grade of “W” (withdrawal). The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is
Jnne 24 . After this date, the student will receive a failing grade of “F”. Exceptions to this policy may be made ONLY when initiated by the instructor and approved by the division dean; ONLY if you are able to document mitigating circumstances; and ONLY if you were making satisfactory progress in the course. Students are advised to discuss attendance irregularities with the instructor. Do not simply stop attending class.
Failure to properly complete the withdrawal procedure will result in the assignment an “F” grade to your permanent record.
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Final Exam
A comprehensive final exam will be given on the regularly scheduled final exam date and is mandatory for any student who missed one or two tests . The final will take the percentage value of the missed test or tests (MAX of 2 tests). Students who have taken all four tests may elect to take the final exam in an attempt to increase their test score average; the final exam will replace the two lowest test grades. You must have at least a 60 on the final in order to average it into your grades.
The final exam may not be used to substitute for lab assignments. If a student misses 3 or more tests a grade of “F” will be assigned.
Final Grade
Your final grade will be calculated using the percentages listed above, each weighted as indicated.
The following grading scale will be used:
A
B
90
80
100+
89
C
D
70
60
79
69
F 0 59
Rounding of grades: All test scores and lab grades are averaged at their assigned value, do not round.
Your final course average is rounded, i.e. 89.50 = 90, 79.50 = 80, etc.
NOTE: Please keep all graded lab assignments and tests until you receive your final grade in the mail from TCC. Discrepancies in grades will not be considered unless you can show all graded assignments and tests.
IX. LAB ASSIGNMENTS
It is the student's responsibility to complete all lab assignments independently of others. While interaction with other students and lab tech’s can be beneficial to understand concepts, it is important that each student do his/her own work. The student should not, under any circumstances, copy or duplicate the homework or ideas (logic) of others.
A grade of “ZERO” will be assigned to both parties that violate the above rule .
Lab tech’s are available in the open computer lab to assist you in using the computer and printers. They are not there to tutor or complete lab assignments for you. Ensure you bring your textbook to the lab for reference and assistance in completing assignments. Lab work is your responsibility not that of the lab tech or other students!
Lab assignments completed during class time are due at the end of that class. Lab assignments completed outside of class time will be due at the beginning of class on the date indicated on the lab assignment
(normally 1 week). A 15% penalty will occur if turned in late . Lateness or absence is not an excuse for late work, assignments may be turned in early if you will not be able to make it to class.
ASSIGNMENTS MORE THAN ONE WEEK (1 CLASS) LATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
FOR CREDIT. No assignments will be accepted after the last lecture day of class. It is the responsibility of each student to arrange his/her schedule to allow for whatever lab time is needed to complete the assignment and to turn them in on time. Lab down time is not an excuse for late work.
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X. DISKS AND GRADED ASSIGNMENTS
All graded lab assignments will be returned through blackboard.
XI. FINAL GRADES
Grades will not be posted. You can review your grades at anytime in Blackboard, “My
Grades”. If you have any questions about your grades contact me. Grades will be posted to SIS within 24 hours after the scheduled final exam.
XII. CLASS/LAB RULES - Smoking, eating, or drinking are not permitted at any time .
Children are not permitted in the class or in labs at any time and may not be left unattended on the grounds, in automobiles, the snack bar, or lounge areas.
IF YOU CARRY A BEEPER OR CELLULAR PHONE, PLEASE TURN THEM OFF OR
TO VIBRATE MODE BEFORE ENTERING CLASS.
Please leave the building or go to the atrium area if you need to use your cellular phone so as not to disturb any other classes in session. Do not, under any circumstance use a cell phone in the classroom at any time, this includes texting! During tests they MUST be put away (off the desk), use of a cell phone of having it out during a test is considered cheating and a grade of zero will be earned for that test.
Under no circumstance will any student perform maintenance on any computer without the instructor’s permission. DO NOT remove any components/disks from the classroom or bring any components/disks from home into the classroom without the instructor’s permission.
There is absolutely no game playing, chatting, e-mailing, or surfing the web in the classroom
AT ANY TIME ! Unless we are using the computers during the lecture leave them off . When we use the computers during a lecture I expect you to be at the same place I am. I CONSIDER
IT RUDE when you are playing on the computer while I am lecturing, it is distracting to me and to fellow students. Any student using the computer for any reason other than class directed activities during lecture will receive a 10 point reduction on their next test.
Be respectful of your fellow students and your instructor. Do not force me to embarrass you during class!
Personal Laptops, IPads, IPods, or Smart phones are NOT to be used in class.
If you want to surf the web or play on the computer stay home!
DO NOT download or install any software, music, pictures, etc or make changes to the computer systems unless directed to do so by the instructor.
XIII. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:
TCC is committed to maintaining a social and physical environment conducive to carrying out its education mission. Therefore, all members of the TCC community are expected to demonstrate standards for civility. Be moderate in speaking. Loud, obscene, argumentative, or threatening speech is disruptive to teaching and learning and is offensive to others. It has no place in an academic setting. Resolve any disagreements in a positive, non-combative manner. Request the
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assistance of college authorities if needed. Show respect for the comfort of others in an educational
XIV. DISPOSITION OF CLASSES FOR EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN OF THE COLLEGE:
In the event of an emergency shutdown of the college, the president and her executive staff may elect to conclude the term in session if eighty-five percent or more of that term has been completed. If the term in session is concluded, faculty shall compute final grades of students based on coursework completed at that point.
XV. STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Students who have documented, diagnosed disabilities, and who need special accommodations for tests, etc., are advised to see the Disabilities Services staff in Student Services so that the instructor may be notified of what accommodations are appropriate in each case. Requests for accommodations should be made to the designated campus disability services counselor at least
45 days before classes begin. Documentation must be provided to support the need for accommodations.
For assistance with disabilities, contact the campus Disabilities Counselor/Provider or the
Coordinator of Learning Disabilities Services: call 822-1213, visit Student
Services/Development, or visit the Disability Services webpage at: http://www.tcc.edu/students/specialized/disabilityservices/index.htm
Any student with special needs should see me after class or in my office during office hours to discuss your needs. I will need a copy of your form from the disabilities office. Accommodations will be made to the best of my ability and the ability of the classroom/facility. Accommodations are effective beginning the date I receive the disabilities form and are not retroactive, DO NOT wait to turn in your form.
There are 2 elevators available. Their locations are noted on the map in the back of the classroom. In the event of an emergency DO NOT use the elevator, there are designated emergency stairwells with communications to rescue crews, know where they are before an emergency occurs.
XVI. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
TCC will expect students to demonstrate personal and academic integrity, to be open to new ideas, and to share in a community where individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures help one another grow intellectually, socially, and personally.
TCC expects students to achieve, not just to get by. And while many caring and talented faculty and staff are here to help, students must take responsibility for their own learning. Students should strive for a high level of academic performance and to be responsible, contributing citizens within the college and in outside communities. Above all, TCC wants students to develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime, along with a life-long interest in maintaining emotional and physical wellness.
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XVII. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Students are responsible for being aware of the policies, procedures, and student responsibilities contained within the current edition of the Tidewater Community College Catalog and Student
Handbook. Students should familiarize themselves with the College’s policies regarding misconduct and inclement weather policies found in the Student Handbook.
Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Cheating on an examination or quiz, which includes giving or receiving information.
Copying
Using unauthorized materials during tests
Collaboration during examinations or with other students in another class
Buying, selling or stealing examinations
Substituting for another person, or arranging for such
Arranging for a substitute for oneself, during examinations
Plagiarism
Submission of work other than your own written assignments
Collusion with another person or persons in submitting work for credit in class or lab, unless such collaboration is approved in advance by the instructor.
A violation of any of the above items will result in a grade of “ ZERO”
being assigned to that test or lab assignment for both parties involved. A second violation will result in a grade of “ F”
for the course.
Appeals of faculty penalties may be pursued using the grade appeal procedure when a final course grade is involved, or using the student grievance procedure for penalties not involving final course grades.
XVIII. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Tune in to one of the radio stations or TV stations listed:
Television - 3, 10, 13
Radio - 790AM, 850 AM, 90.3FM, 97.3FM, 100.5FM, 102.9FM
Web sites with closing information: www.tcc.edu www.wvec.com www.wtkr.com www.wavy.com
If time permits I will send an e-mail to all students when I am informed of the college being closed, check your e-mail before heading to the college.
If you do not hear that the college is closed or classes are canceled, then I will be in class and the attendance policy stands. If you feel it is unsafe for you to make it to class that is your choice.
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XIX. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the event of a bomb threat, tornado, or fire, students and staff may be asked to evacuate the building or move to a secure location within the building. Evacuation routes for movement to an external location or to a shelter within the building are posted at the door of the room. Students should review the maps and make sure that the exit route and assembly location for the building are clearly understood. If you have a disability that may require assistance during an evacuation, please let your faculty know at the end of the first class.
XX. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are responsible for being aware of the policies, procedures, and student responsibilities contained within the current edition of the Tidewater Community College Catalog and Student
Handbook. Students should familiarize themselves with the College’s policies regarding misconduct and inclement weather policies found in the Student Handbook.
In the event of a bomb threat, tornado, or fire, students and staff may be asked to evacuate the building or move to a secure location within the building. Evacuation routes for movement to an external location or to a shelter within the building are posted at the door of the room. Students should review the maps and make sure that the exit route and assembly location for the building are clearly understood. If you have a disability that may require assistance during an evacuation, please let your faculty know at the end of the first class. Stay together as a class, I will need to take attendance once we leave the building to account for all students.
Tidewater Community College uses TCC Alerts to immediately contact and inform faculty, staff and students of a major crisis or emergency. TCC Alerts delivers important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates via:
Email account (work, home, other)
Cell phone
Pager
Smartphone/PDA (BlackBerry, Treo & other handhelds)
When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will be instantly notified via TCC Alerts.
TCC Alerts is a personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact, and other important information. New users may also register by clicking the TCC Alerts tab on the TCC webpage (www.tcc.edu) or by sending a text message to411912 keyword: TIDEWATER. To cancel the service, text TIDEWATER STOP to 411911.
XXI. STUDENT SERVICES
The following resources are available to TCC students. See the Student Handbook or click the links in blackboard under the button for Student Services.
Academic Support for Students
Student Support Services
Academic Support (Tutoring services)
Academic Calendars
Libraries
Counseling Support Services
Netiquette
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Technical Support for Students
Tech Support
Minimum Technical Skills and Computer Requirements
Student support Services
College Policies for Students
Academic Integrity
Student Rights
Student Conduct
Incompletes/Withdrawals
Student Grievances
Student confidentiality
Student Handbook
Inclement Weather Emergency Notification
Blackboard Help
For blackboard help contact the TCC Information center at:
757 822-1122
1-800-371-0898
Online: complete the blackboard help form
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