COM121 COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE
COURSE OUTLINE
SEMESTER: FALL 2014
Faculty Member’s Details:
Name:
Office Hours:
Email:
Web Site:
Pelekanou Olga
By Appointment
fe_olga@mail.ru
http://www.cdacollege.ac.cy/
Course Description:
Computer architecture is concerned with the structure and behavior of the various functional
modules of the computer; and how they interact to provide the processing needs of the user.
An in-depth study of personal computer hardware and operating systems, this course prepares
students for the A+ Certification exams. Focus is on identification, installation, configuration,
and troubleshooting field replaceable components. Topics include microprocessors, memory,
BIOS and CMOS, expansion bus, motherboards, power supplies, floppy drives, hard drives,
SCSI devices, CD and DVD media, video, sound, portable PCs, printers, networks, the
Internet, and Windows operating systems.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of readings, exercises, labs, and assignments, the student will
be able to:












Be familiar with the format of and procedures for taking the A+ Certification exams
and understand the advantages of becoming an A+ Certified Hardware Technician.
Analyze and use appropriate power protection, safety procedures, and protective
devices within the computing environment to prevent injury to oneself or the
computer.
Identify all field replaceable units found in a personal computer and describe the
functionality of each component
Identify basic terms, concepts, and functions of computing system components,
including how each component should work during normal operation and during the
boot process.
Understanding and identify various architectures and buses and their advantages or
disadvantages
Be aware of common peripheral ports, associated cabling, and their connectors.
Install and configure motherboards, memory modules, storage devices,
microprocessors, power supplies, and multimedia devices.
Discuss the feasibility of upgrading an older computer in comparison with the cost of
replacing it with a newer model.
Identify various types of preventive maintenance products and procedures.
Analyze common symptoms and problems associated with each component and
provide solutions to troubleshoot and isolate the problems and perform appropriate
repair or replacement.
Have a rudimentary understanding of SCSI devices and how to install and configure
them.
Identify different printer technologies and how they work, diagnose basic printer
problems, and install printers in a Windows PC.
1





Understand video cards, CRT and LCD monitors and how to select and install them.
Understand the special configuration needs of portable computers and be aware of the
difficulties of upgrading/repairing them.
Be familiar with basics of networking and the Internet, including terminology,
cabling, topologies, protocols, configuration, and services.
Be familiar with basic files, commands, and utilities for Windows and be able to use
the command line interface.
Keep informed of new and emerging computer hardware technology and be able to
talk knowledgeably with computer sales and repair people.
Learning Outcomes:











Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
investigate tools, issues, and skills that form the basis of best practices for IT
technical professionals
install, configure, optimize, and upgrade personal computer components
maintain and troubleshoot personal computer components
install and troubleshoot laptops and portable devices
install, manage, and optimize operating systems
maintain and troubleshoot operating systems
install, maintain, and troubleshoot printers and scanners
identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of basic network protocols and
terminologies
install and manage network components
maintain and troubleshoot computer security.
Prerequisites: None
Type of Course: Compulsory for Information & Communication Technology
Teaching Methods: Face-to-face lectures, presentations, problem and case studies
discussion, independent and private study, preparation of projects and group work.
Course Teaching Hours: 42 hours a semester. The course is delivered during a 14-week
semester.
Assessment method and weight: 30% coursework and 70% final examination. Student
performance can be one or more of the following: student attendance and participation during
the semester, mid-term examination, tests, assignments and projects. Passing mark: 40%
ASSESSMENT
Assignments:
Mid-term examination:
Final examination:
10%
20%
70%
Assignments: The students will be assigned to carry out a theoretical research and practical
work in the existing literature over the topics covered in the course outline, or to carry out an
exercise using the Internet and/or other applications. The faculty member will determine the
character of the assignment. The students are requested to deliver their assignments on an
individual or group basis and on time. Although collaboration among the students for the
2
preparation of the assignments is encouraged, students should avoid copying. Presentations
and discussions over the assignments will follow.
Mid-term examination: The mid-term examination will be of one and a half hours. It may be
essay questions, practical exercises and/or multiple-choice questions.
Final Examination: The final examination will be of two hours. It will be comprehensive
and it will test the students on the material covered during the semester.
Grading System
% Grade
90-100
80-89
75-79
65-74
60-64
55-59
40-54
Below 40
Grade
Grade Meaning
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
W
I
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Poor
Failure
Withdrawal
Incomplete
COURSE BOOK
Required Textbook
Title
Author(s)
Publisher /Year
Edition
ISBN
Website
A+ Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC
Jean Andrews
Course Technology; (January 1, 2013)
8 edition
1133135080
http://www.cengage.com/cgiwadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20bI&product_isbn_issn=9781
435497788
Textbooks, References, Other Bibliography
The A+ Certification and PC Repair Handbook
Title
Author(s)
Christopher A. Crayton, Joel Z. Rosenthal and Kevin J. Irwin
Publisher /Year Laxmi Publications (December 1, 2007)
1st
Edition
8131800768
ISBN
Title
Author(s)
Publisher /Year
Edition
ISBN
Computer Organization and Design Balanced
David A. Patterson and John L. Hennessy
Morgan Kaufmann, 2010
4th Edition
0123744938
Learning Outcome Table
3
Week Learning Outcomes and Content of the Course
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Educational
Activities
Introducing Hardware and Operating Systems
Learn that a computer requires both hardware and software to work
Learn about the many different hardware components inside of and
connected to a computer; Learn about the various operating systems and
the differences between them; Learn about the components of Windows
operating systems; Learn how operating systems interface with users, files
and folders, applications, and hardware
Form Factors, Power Supplies, and Working Inside a Computer
Learn about different form factors used for computer cases, motherboards,
and power supplies; Learn how electricity is measured and about electrical
components; Learn how to select a power supply
Learn how to protect yourself and your equipment against the dangers of
electricity; Learn how to work inside a computer case
Learn how to troubleshoot electrical problems
All About Motherboards
Learn about the different types and features of motherboards
Learn how firmware on the motherboard controls what happens when you
first turn on a PC before the OS is loaded; Learn how to install, configure,
and maintain a motherboard
Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
Learn about the characteristics and purposes of Intel and AMD processors
used for personal computers; Learn about the methods and devices for
keeping a system cool; Learn how to install and upgrade a processor; Learn
how to solve problems with the processor, the motherboard, overheating,
and booting the PC; Learn about the different kinds of physical memory and
how they work; Learn how to upgrade memory; Learn how to troubleshoot
problems with memory
Supporting Hard Drive, Installing and Supporting I/O Devices
Learn about the technologies used inside a hard drive and how data is
organized on the drive; Learn how a computer communicates with a hard
drive; Learn how hard drives can work together in a RAID array
Learn about floppy drives; Learn how to select and install a hard drive
Learn how to solve hard drive problems; Learn about the general
approaches you need to take when installing and supporting I/O devices;
Learn about the types of I/O devices and their characteristics; Learn how to
install input devices, including the mouse, keyboard, barcode reader,
fingerprint reader, and touch screen
Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
Learn about multimedia adapter cards, including sound cards, TV tuner
cards, and video capture cards; Learn about optical storage technologies,
including CD, DVD, and Blu-ray; Learn about removable storage, including
solid-state devices, external hard drives, and tape drives
PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting Strategies
Learn about operational procedures to keep you, other people, the
equipment, and the environment safe; Learn how to develop a preventive
maintenance plan and what to include in it; Learn how to approach and
solve a PC problem; How to plan a Windows installation
Midterm
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab.
Maintaining and Optimizing Windows
Learn how to set up and perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to
keep Windows healthy; Learn how to prepare for disaster by keeping good
backups of use data and Windows system files; Learn about the directory
structures used by Windows and how to manage files and folders; Learn
how to use Windows utilities to manage hard drives; Learn about Windows
utilities and tools you can use to solve problems with Windows; Learn how to
optimize Windows to improve performance
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab.
4
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab.
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab.
Revision
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Midterm
10. Tools for Solving and Fixing Windows Problems
Learn about Windows tools useful to solve problems caused by hardware,
applications, and failed Windows components
Learn about Windows tools that can help when Windows gives problems
when starting; Learn what to do when a hardware device, application, or
Windows component gives a problem
Learn what to do when Windows won’t boot or boots with errors
11. Networking and Security Essentials and Practices
Learn about hardware devices used for networking; Learn about the different
types of networks; Learn how to connect a computer to a network; Learn
about troubleshooting tools and tips for network connections; Learn why it is
important to comply with established security policies; Learn ways to
authenticate and classify users so that you can control who has access to
your resources and what users can do with them; Learn about additional
methods you can use to protect resources; Learn how to monitor and
maintain the security measures you have implemented; Learn how to protect
against and remove malicious software; Learn how to implement security
using Windows; Learn how to use BIOS security features
12. Supporting Printers, Scanners ,Notebooks, Tablet PCs, and PDAs
Learn how printers and scanners work; Learn how to install printers and
scanners and how to share a printer over a local area network
Learn about routine maintenance tasks necessary to support printers and
scanners; Learn how to troubleshoot printer and scanner problems
Learn how to select, support, and add peripheral devices to notebooks
Learn how to replace and upgrade internal notebook components
Learn how to troubleshoot notebooks; Learn about technologies relating to
tablet PCs; Learn about personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
Lectures,
Presentation
and Lab
OTHER INFORMATION:
Academic Affairs And Policy: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and
understanding the policies and procedures of our college. These policies include cheating,
fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and
computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic
dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs. You should consult with me
if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an
assignment or test.
Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend classes regularly so that new material can
be delivered to all students without delays, without having to repeat newly delivered material
and without disturbing the smooth running of the course schedule. Students should enter their
lecture room at least five minutes before the lecture begins in order not to disturb fellow
students and interrupt the lecture process. Attending classes assures that all students receive
equal attention and everyone is up to date with the course schedule. In case of a student being
absent he/she is responsible for all material covered and required during the class period.
He/she should also be updated for any tests the instructor has announced in class. All mobile
phones must be switched off before coming into class.
Library: Students are advised to use library facilities in a productive way. Do not hesitate to
ask the librarian for help and guidance.
Office Hours: Students are encouraged to visit me during office hours, for any sort of matter,
academic or not. Students are encouraged to visit me and discuss any issues of their concern. I
recommend that you send me an email to arrange for a meeting or to get advice on issues that
concern you.
5