-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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