10154110PC Troubleshooting 1
Course Information
Description
Students learn basic computer concepts, identify all parts of a PC, discuss the functions and interactions of all PC subsystems, identify and troubleshoot common PC hardware problems and select quality PCs and constituent components based on performance and cost. In addition students learn how to install, replace, and upgrade PC hardware components and install, troubleshoot peripherals, how hardware and operating systems interact and develop techniques of support professional.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore hardware components of a computer system.
    Assessment Strategies
    By completing a quiz
    by completion of lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you list basic functions of microcomputer
    you identify the hardware inside the computer case
    you describe the functions of PC hardware components
    you list the types of storage devices
    you identify the CPU and chip set
    you identify the cables found inside the case

  2. Explain how hardware and software work together
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you give and overview of hardware and software interaction
    you identify system resources
    you identify 8-bit and 16-bit ISA slots
    you describe Interrupt Request Numbers (IRQ)
    you identify the standard set of IRQ assignments on a computer system
    you describe the function of memory addresses as a system resource
    you describe the function of I/O addresses as a system resource
    you describe the function of DMA channels
    you describe how an OS relates to other software
    you illustrate the differences between Real (16-bit) and Protected (32-bit) operating modes
    you explain how an OS uses Bios and Device Drivers
    you relate how an OS launches applications
    you demonstrate how to load application software using Windows desktop

  3. Explain the Boot Process and Command Line
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you explain how to "boot up" your computer
    you define "plug and play" in Windows
    you explain how the startup BIOS controls the beginning of the boot
    you explain how the MS-DOS core of Windows 9x loads
    you create a set of emergency startup disks
    you demonstrate using the command prompt
    you explain the file system used in Windows
    you explain "post" and assignment of system resources is accomplished
    you define key terms

  4. Explore electricity and power supplies
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you explain voltage, amps
    you explain the relationship between voltage and current
    you explain the relationship between voltage, current and resistance
    you list common electronic components
    you explain how to protect computers systems from static electricity and EMI
    you explain the methods of surge protection and battery backup
    you identify the form factors of computer cases
    you explain how to detect and correct power supply problems
    you describe the facets of energy star systems
    you define key terms

  5. Examine the system motherboard
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you identify the types of motherboards
    you identify the components of a motherboard
    you identify the Intel processors
    you identify the AMD processors
    you explain the function of CPU heat sinks and cooling fans
    you explain the CPU form factors
    you explain the role of the chip set
    you explain the function of the ROM BIOS
    you explain Buses and expansion slots
    you explain how the computer stores and managing the hardware configuration
    you demonstrate how to flash a BIOS
    you define key terms
    you demonstrate how to install a motherboard

  6. Manage system memory
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you describe the forms of physical memory in the computer
    you describe SIMM memory technology
    you describe DIMM memory technology
    you demonstrate the process of upgrading a systems memory
    you describe how DOS addresses physical memory

  7. Explore Floppy Drives
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you explain how data is physically stored on a floppy disk
    you explain the formatting process for a floppy disk
    you explain how to use Windows Explorer to manage floppy disks and hard drives
    you demonstrate how to exchange and support floppy drives
    you explain how to troubleshoot a floppy drive

  8. Support Hard Drives
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you describe the types of hard drive interfaces
    you explain how hard drives work
    you explain how the OS and the system BIOS communicate with the hard drive BIOS
    you explain how a hard drive is logically organized to hold data
    you demonstrate how to install a hard drive
    you explain how to troubleshoot hard drive installations

  9. Explore optimizing and protecting hard drives
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you compare defrag and ScanDisk utilities
    you explain how disk compression is used
    you explain the methods of performing hard drive backups
    you explain viruses and other computer infestations
    you explain how to protect against computer infestations
    you explain how to troubleshoot hard drives

  10. Explore notebooks and PDAs
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you describe a notebook computer
    you compare how notebooks are supported by Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Windows XP
    you explain the power management of notebooks
    you explain how to upgrade memory
    you explain how to connect peripheral devices to notebooks
    you describe PDAs
    you demonstrate connecting a PDA to a PC

  11. Explain supporting printers
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you describe how laser printers work
    you explain the steps in a laser printing
    you describe how ink-jet printers work
    you describe how dot-matrix printers work
    you explain how Windows handles print jobs
    you explain how to share a printer with others in a workgroup
    you explain how to troubleshoot printers

  12. Explain SCSI
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a quiz
    by completing lab exercises
    by completing chapter assignments
    Criteria
    you define key terms
    you explain the SCSI subsystem
    you explain SCSI host adapters
    you discuss the variations in SCSI
    you compare IDE and SCSI
    you explain how to install SCSI devices
    you explain how to troubleshoot SCSI devices