10154104A+ Hardware Essentials
Course Information
Description
This course presents a comprehensive overview of computer system fundamentals. Through hands-on activities and labs, students gain skills in assembling, configuring and maintaining PCs and operating system software. Participants learn to apply troubleshooting skills to properly diagnose and resolve common hardware and software problems. This course can help prepare students for CompTIA’s A+ 220-1001  exam. CompTIA’s A+ certification is a widely accepted IT industry standard certification for an entry-level IT PC support professional. 
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Exam-College Developed Challenge Exam
Course Competencies
  1. Perform hardware diagnostics, installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting
    Assessment Strategies
    Virtual lab assignments, written exam, skill demonstration with hands on labs
    Criteria
    Investigate and configure settings with BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC
    Perform diagnostics on motherboard
    Perform diagnostics on RAM
    Demonstrate skill to install and configure PC expansion cards
    Perform installation and configuration of storage devices
    Explore types of CPUs and appropriate cooling methods
    Investigate Windows PC connections interfaces, their characteristics, and purpose
    Measure power supply with multimeter
    Identify common PC connector types and associate cables
    Perform installation and configuration of common peripheral devices
    Perform installation of devices/printers and configure appropriate settings
    Perform appropriate printer maintenance

  2. Explore network architecture devices, their functions, and features
    Assessment Strategies
    Virtual lab assignments, written exam, skill demonstration with hands on labs
    Criteria
    Identify various types of network cables and connectors
    Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling
    Troubleshoot and explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose
    Compare and contrast various Wi-Fi networking standards and encryption types
    Explore Internet connection types, network types, and their features
    Explore network architecture devices, their functions, and features

  3. Explore characteristics and troubleshooting process related to various types of other mobile devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Virtual lab assignments, written exam, skill demonstration with hands on labs
    Criteria
    Perform installation and configuration of laptop hardware and components
    Explore function of components within the display of a laptop in order to troubleshoot issues
    Explore characteristics and troubleshooting process related to various types of other mobile devices
    Investigate accessories and ports of other mobile devices and how that helps troubleshooting process

  4. Perform hardware and network troubleshooting
    Assessment Strategies
    Virtual lab assignments, written exam, skill demonstration with hands on labs
    Criteria
    Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM CPU and power with appropriate tools
    Troubleshoot common video, and display issues
    Troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to appropriate procedures
    Troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools