CLUSTER
Engineering and Technical
COURSE
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
WVEIS CODE
1705
Course Description:
This course introduces the student to the knowledge and technical skills for all courses in the Computer Systems
and Hardware Support concentration. Areas of study include computer hardware, data representation, operating
system, utility, productivity software, communications and networks, and the Internet. Emphasis will be placed
on personal and professional ethics, and students will explore a variety of career opportunities. Students will
utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in laboratory activities to develop an understanding of course
concepts, and teachers should provide each student with real world learning opportunities and instruction
related to occupations in the IT industry. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities.
SKILL SETS
Computer Hardware
Data Representation
Operating System, Utility and Productivity Software
Communications and Networks
Internet
Personal and Professional Ethics
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
1705.1
Performance Objectives
1705.2
1705.3
1705.4
1705.5
1705.6
1705.7
1705.8
1705.9
1705.10
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
1705.11
Performance Objectives
1705.12
1705.13
1705.14
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
1705.15
Performance Objectives
1705.16
1705.17
1705.18
1705.19
WVEIS 1705
Computer Hardware
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment and computer hardware
and software, including applications and programming.
 the terminology and concepts related to computer hardware.
 the various devices associated with a typical microcomputer system.
Students will
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classify computers on the basis of size, function and number of users.
determine the steps of the information processing cycle.
examine the functions of the components of the system unit.
compare random-access and read-only memories.
inspect commonly used input devices.
inspect commonly used display devices.
inspect commonly used printers.
inspect commonly used storage devices.
compare types of storage media.
Data Representation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their applications.
the types of data that can be represented by bits and bytes.
calculations and conversions in binary, decimal and hexadecimal.
ASCII and EBCDIC coding systems used to represent text and numbers during
processing.
Students will
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illustrate the electronic representation of data.
perform simple binary.
examine how coding systems are used to represent text and numbers during
processing.
Operating System, Utility and Production Software
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 computer software.
 programs associated with a typical microcomputer system.
Students will
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identify the purpose and functions of an operating system.
compare a variety of microcomputer operating systems.
demonstrate basic OS operations.
examine essential system utilities.
1705.20
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
1705.21
Performance Objectives
1705.22
1705.23
1705.24
1705.25
1705.26
1705.27
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives

examine a variety of productivity application programs and suites.
Communications and Networks
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 network devices
 network connection media and methods.
 network characteristics.
Students will
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examine the functions of various networking devices.
compare the media and methods used in networking.
compare different network classifications.
compare different network architectures.
compare different network topologies.
compare different network standards.
Internet
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
1705.28
 the Internet and its components.
Performance Objectives Students will
1705.29
1705.30
1705.31
1705.32
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
1705.33
Performance Objectives
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compare different types of Internet connections.
compare different web browsers.
compare search engines.
locate information.
Personal and Professional Ethics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations,
executive orders, agency rules and the democratic political process.
 relevant equipment, policies, procedures and strategies to promote effective
local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data,
property and institutions.
Students will
1705.34
1705.35
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1705.36
1705.37
1705.38
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investigate methods of protecting a user’s personal information.
investigate methods of protecting a company’s intellectual property rights and
copyrights.
examine software license agreements and distribution policies.
examine software copyright infringement.
examine plagiarism.