ChabotCollege

Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 53, Page 2

Fall 2009

ChabotCollegeFall 2009

Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 53

PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Catalog Description:

53 –Personal Computer Systems2 units

Preparation for the CompTIA A+ Essentials certification exam. Basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills such as installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, with additional elements of security and softskills. The Essentials Exam validates the basic skills needed by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours laboratory.

[Typical contact hours: 17.5 lecture; 35 laboratory]

Prerequisite Skills:

None

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

  1. identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers;
  2. install, configure, optimize and upgrade personal computer components;
  3. identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components;
  4. perform preventive maintenance on personal computer components;
  5. identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices;
  6. install, configure, optimize and upgrade laptops and portable devices;
  7. identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for laptops and portable devices;
  8. perform preventive maintenance on laptops and portable devices;
  9. identify the fundamentals of using operating systems;
  10. install, configure, optimize and upgrade operating systems;
  11. identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for operating systems;
  12. perform preventive maintenance on operating systems;
  13. identify the fundamental principles of using printers and scanners;
  14. identify basic concepts of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading printers and scanners;
  15. identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for printers and scanners;
  16. identify the fundamental principles of networks;
  17. identify the fundamental principles of security;
  18. install, configure, upgrade and optimize security;
  19. identify tool, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for security;
  20. perform preventive maintenance for computer security;
  21. describe the aspects and importance of safety and environmental issues;
  22. identify potential hazards and implement proper safety procedures including ESD precautions and procedures, safe work environment and equipment handling;
  23. identify proper disposal procedures for batteries, display devices and chemical solvents and cans;
  24. use good communication skills including listening and tact / discretion, when communicating with customers and colleagues;
  25. use job-related professional behavior including notation of privacy, confidentiality and respect for the customer and customers’ property.

Course Content:

  1. Course Content, Lecture
  1. Personal computer components
  2. Laptop and portable devices
  3. Operating systems
  4. Printers and scanners
  5. Networks
  6. Security
  7. Safety and environmental issues
  8. Communication and professionalism
  1. Course Content, Laboratory
  1. Personal Computer Components
  2. Operating Systems
  3. Printers
  4. Networks
  5. Security
  6. Safety Issues
  7. Communication and Professionalism

Methods of Presentation:

  1. Online learning objects
  2. Small group discussion/lecture
  3. Laboratory

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1.Typical Assignments

a.Describe the procedure for replacing a printer with a new model, including updating the software printer driver.

b.Install a RAM upgrade and load a new operating system.

2.Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

a.Homework and laboratory written reports

b. Class participation

c. Observation and critique of laboratory exercises

d. Quizzes, Midterm, and Final Examinations

Textbook(s) (Typical):

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, Deluxe Edition by Quentin Docter, Emmett Dulaney, and Toby Skandier (Hardcover - Oct 30, 2006) ISBN: 0-470-04831-X

Special Student Materials:

Computer with Internet access

wap ESYS-53-outline.doc

New: September 2, 2008

Revised: November 20, 2008