Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

10154191A+ IT Technician

Course Information

Description

This course presents a comprehensive advanced exposure to computer operating systems and hardware. Students working through hands-on activities and labs gain skills in assembling components, install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software, understand the basics of networking and security/forensics, laptops, printers, and properly diagnose, document, resolve common hardware and operating system software issues while applying troubleshooting skills. Students also gain understanding of appropriate customer support; understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment. CompTIA's A+ Certification is a widely accepted IT industry standard certification for PC technology for an entry-level IT professional. This course prepares students for CompTIA's A+ 220-802 exam. Prerequisite: 154-189 Computer Hardware Essentials Program Outcomes: Troubleshoot computer workstations using best practices. Install and configure Microsoft Windows operating systems. Develop advanced methods of troubleshooting.. Solve problems individually and in a team environment.

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Summarize the parts inside a computer case and how to use proper ESD procedures

Assessment Strategies

by completing the assigned lab exercise(s)

by participating in the class session

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by completing out of class assignments.

Criteria

you identify the components inside a computer case

you correctly identify the ports and connectors used on a PC

you identify the various form factors used in computer cases

you identify the power supply connectors used in a computer

you identify the storage drives, their cables, and connectors

you discuss the proper methods of protecting yourself and the equipment against electrical dangers

you describe how to protect the equipment against static electricity

you describe the proper use of diagnostic cards, cleaning supplies, diagnostic tools
Perform proper procedures in computer disassembly and assembly

Assessment Strategies

by completing the assigned lab exercises(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in class.

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you can plan and organize your work

you can remove and install expansion cards

you can remove the motherboard, power supply and drives

you can complete putting the computer back together

you identify and install cooling devices used in a computer

you can properly select and install a power supply

you can calculate the wattage capacity of a computer system
Analyze motherboards

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you can describe the main motherboard types and their features.

you enter into class discussions of the various type of modtherboards available on the market

you enter into class discussions of chipsets and their functions

you solve the support issues to processors

you can discuss the current processor sockets on the market

you identify the various interface slots on a motherboard

you are able to access the BIOS and perform basic configuration settings

You are able to successfully select and install a motherboard

you discuss the Lojak technology for laptops

you discuss BIOS support virtualization
Discuss the various and Windows operating systems and the differences between them

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you briefly discussion the functions of a operating system

you discuss the major operating system components

you enter into class discussions about the differences in the with Windows Vista, 7 and 8 desktops

you can work in Windows Explorer, navigate the directory structure, and command prompt window

you resolve issues using the control panel, system information, action center, user account control, network and sharing center, and Windows help
Investigate upgrading of system memory and Processors

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you install memory modules

you identify the type of memory required to a system

you enter into class discussion about different memory styles and their technology

you perform basic RAM troubleshooting

you describe how a processor works

you install a processor
Investigate diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for hard drives.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you explain how data is stored in a magnetic hard drive and floppy disk

you identify and explain the ATA hard drive interfaces

you identify and explain the SATA hard drive interfaces

you install a hard drive

you solve hard drive installation problems

you use Disk Management to create, format, and delete a partition

you describe the various types of RAID

you discuss the differences in tape drive systems

you install a floppy drive.
Support I/O devices and mass storage strategies.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on a unit test

by participating in the class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you recongnize CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray specifications

you complete installation of optical drives

you solve multimedia device installation issues

you enter into class discussions relating to optical storage technologies

you explain the various USB standards

you discuss the various I/O devices used on a computer system

you install and configure various adapter cards

you explain the various video technologies and their connections/cables
Working with People in a technical world

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you enter into class discussions about job roles and responsibilites of those support personal computers

you can discuss the needs of customers beyond the technical abilities

you complete a discussion of how to interaact with customers when selling, servicing, and supporting personal computers.

you can discuss how to customize a computer system to meet customer needs
Explore installation of windows operating systems.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you enter into class discussions about the features and architecture of Windows operating system

you complete a plan for a Windows installation

you decide between the advantages of an upgrade or new installation for a system

you perform the steps to install Windows operating system

you use the Hardware Compatibility List for Windows

you configure the operating system after installation

you demonstrate the Windows tools to configure the operating system after installation is complete.

you discuss the deployment strategies for Window 7
Analyze maintenance of Windows operating systems.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you can set up and perform scheduled preventative maintenance tasks to keep Windows healthy

you demonstrate how to prepare for disaster

you demonstrate how to create and use backups in Windows 7

you demonstrate the use of Disk Management and mange file, folders

you demonstrate commands to manage file and folders.

you configure the regional and language settings in Windows.
Explain tools used to Optimize Windows

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you use Windows Task Manager

you use System Configuration utility

you work in computer management, management console, and event viewer

you configure the reliability and performance monitor

you edit the registry

you configure windows for optimal performance.

you use Windows tools to improve performance
Explain connecting to and setting up a network

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you enter into class discussions about the TCP/IP protocols and standards that Windows uses

you explain how IPV4 IP addresses are used

you explain how IPV6 IP addresses are used

you view IP address settings

you explain how character-based names identify computers and networks

you explain the layers of the TCP/IP protocol

you connect to a wired network

you connect to a wireless network

you create a dial-up connection

you can create a VPN connection

you can install and configure the router on a network
Explore networking types, devices and cabling

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you enter into class discussions on network types and topologies

you explain the hardware used to build local networks

you explain the Ethernet cables and connectors used in networks

you set up and troubleshoot network wiring

you use the tools that are used by network technicians

you can explain how twisted-pair cables and connectors are wired

you create a twisted-pair straight through and crossover cable
Summarize security essentials and practices.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you understand why it is important to comply with security policies

you demonstrate ways to autheniticate and classify users so that you can control who has access to resources

you identify methods used to protect resources

you explain how to monitor and maintain the secruity measures that have been implemented.

you show how to protect against and remove malicious software

you show how to implement security using Windows

you identify the BIOS security features
Summarize the support needs of notebooks.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercise(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussions

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you explain the special considerations when supporting notebooks

you explain warranty concerns

you use service manuals and other sources of support information

you use diagnostic tools provided by manufacturers

you explain the OEM operating system build

you use the special keys, buttons, and input devices on a notebook

you explain PCMCIA and Expresscard slots

you explain power usage and electrical devices

you demonstrate the use of port replicators and docking stations

you can demonstrate the replacing and upgrading on internal parts

you can disassemble and reassemble a notebook computer

you can troubleshoot notebooks
Summarize the support needs of printers.

Assessment Strategies

by completing the lab exercises(s)

by attaining a 70% or better on unit test

by participating in the class discussion

by completing out of class assignments

Criteria

you explain the printer types and features

you explain the languages that printer use

you install a local or network printer

you share an installed printer

you install a shared printer

you manage printer features and add-on devices

you can manage the printer queue

you clean a printer

you use printer maintenance kits

you can upgrade the printer memory

you can troubleshoot printer problems