COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course introduces the student to a PC, its components, common troubleshooting techniques, and adjustments.  Additional topics include PC and network security methods, computer hardware and software package selection, and managing the PCs within a company -- keeping track of all serial numbers, warranties and software licensing utilizing either a spreadsheet or database.  This course is 90% hands-on.  This course will not teach you to repair all problems;  not all problems can be fixed.

TEXTBOOK: Enhanced A+ A Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Third Edition,
by Jean Andrews

PREREQUISITES: CIS 101 and (CIS 165 or CIS 166) and (CIS 151 or CIS 153)

INSTRUCTOR:  Randall Perry

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of CIS 207, the student should be able to:

1. Perform general preventative maintenance on a PC.
2. Analyze what's wrong when a problem does arise.
3. Examine and define PC components, common troubleshooting techniques and adjustments.
4. Evaluate selection and installation of computer hardware and software packages.
5. Manage and create an interactive hardware listing which will keep track of all PCs, hardware and the software used on each PC within a company.
6. Troubleshoot software and its interaction with hardware.
7. Upgrade the PC's RAM and hard drive.
8. Replace/Upgrade video and sound cards
9. Replace power supplies, system boards and various other components.

SUCCESS SYSTEM

In this course, students will demonstrate achievement in the following Success System skills and abilities:

RELIABILITY:  Demonstrated by:
  Regular, punctual class attendance
  Completion of all assignments within the allotted time frame.

DECISION-MAKING AND SELF-INITIATIVE: Demonstrated by:
  Determining how the principles, capabilities, and theory can be utilized in completing the course assignments.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Demonstrated by:
  Reading and working through course material utilizing troubleshooting and network principles.
  Accurately completing assignments by applying the course theory.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Demonstrated by:
  Successful completion of this course and or complete of the CompTia PC ™ Certification.

TEAMWORK: Demonstrated by:
  Working in small groups utilizing hands-on computer troubleshooting techniques.
 

EVALUATION:  Includes four specific areas; they are homework assignments, quizzes, final examination and classroom participation.  Class participation although not specifically quantifiable for grading, provides the instructor insight into the students understanding of the subject matter vital if the instructor is required to make any subjective decisions concerning grading.  Each specific area will receive equal weight in the overall class grade.  Homework assignments will be accepted on a pass or fail basis.  If the quality of the homework assignment does meet the common sense test for quality, it will be returned to the student for resubmission. Each homework assignment completed will be totaled and divided by the total possible assignments for a percentage.   The grade therefore will be based on an average of the letter grade for each of the graded areas.  Please note that during the term that you can expect at least two (2) unscheduled quizzes.
A  97-100%   C 79-81%
A-  94-96    C-  77-78
B+  91-93    D+  74-76
B  91-93    D  72-73
B-  85-87    D-  70-71
C+  82-84    NC  Below 70%

Attendance:

We all have very busy lives and sometimes those lives intrude on your class schedule. Attendance will not be counted against your grade. However, each class will have review questions or projects due, in-class assignments or exams that you will lose credit for if you are absent. You will also lose possible class participation time and could miss something that may help you on the exams. If I am contacted before you miss a class with an explanation of the nature of the absence, I will consider accepting review questions and/or projects that are due. (Exams must be taken the day they are given ? only extreme situations qualify as exceptions.)