ITSC - PC Operating Systems

A study of personal computer operating systems. Topics include installation and configuration, file management, memory and storage management, control of peripheral devices and use of utilities. Students will install, configure and maintain the operating system; perform basic file management operations; organize and allocate primary and secondary storage; access and control peripheral devices; and demonstrate the use of utilities.

This course is a study of current personal computer hardware including personal computer assembly and upgrading, setup and configuration, and troubleshooting.

Learning Objectives:

1. Assemble/setup and upgrade personal computer systems

2. Perform installation, configuration, and upgrading of microcomputer hardware and software.

3. Install/connect associated peripherals.

4. Diagnose and troubleshoot microcomputer systems hardware and software, and other peripheral equipment.

Specific Course Objectives (includes SCANS):

After studying the material presented in the text and online, the student should be able to complete all behavioral/learning objectives listed below with a minimum competency of 70% on assignments and exams.

1. Assemble/setup and upgrade personal computer systems. (1a-i, 1a-ii, 1a-iv, 1b-iv, 1b-v, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2c-iv)

1.  

   1. Identify modules that make up a computer system and its operation

   2. Understand that a computer requires both hardware and software to work.

   3. Describe the different hardware components inside of and connected to a computer.

   4. Identify each type of computer bus structure

   5. Learn about the many different processors used for personal computers and notebook computers

2. Perform installation, configuration, and upgrading of microcomputer hardware and software. (1a-i, 1a-iv, 1b-iv, 1b-vi, 1c-iv, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2c-iii, 2civ)

1. Assemble/setup microcomputer systems, accessory boards

2. Learn about the different types of motherboards and how to select one

3. Install or replace a motherboard

4. Troubleshoot problems with memory

3. Install/connect associated peripherals. (1a-i, 1a-iv, 1b-i, 1b-iii, 1b-iv, 1b-vi, 2c-i, 2c-ii, 2ciii, 2c-iv, 2d-iii)

1. Learn how printers and scanners work

2. Install printers and scanners and how to share a printer over a local area network.

3. Troubleshoot printer and scanner problems.

4. Solve hard drive problems

4. Diagnose and troubleshoot microcomputer systems hardware and software, and other peripheral equipment. (1a-i, 1a-iv, 1b-iv, 2c-ii, 2c-iv)

1. Understand how to approach and solve a PC problem.

2. Troubleshoot a failed boot before the OS is loaded.

3. Describe the general approaches you need to take when installing and supporting I/O devices

4. diagnose and isolate faulty components

Course Content:
Students in all sections of Personal Computer Hardware will be required to do the following:

1. Students will assemble a portfolio of lab/LabConnection projects to be submitted at the end of the semester.

2. Students will conduct an interactive presentation of a comprehensive hardware trouble-shooting project subject to peer and instructor evaluation.

Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery:
Students in both the traditional class and in the Internet class will have access to this course via Canvas. Students in the traditional class will meet regularly for lecture over the material. Students in the Internet class will only be required to meet with the instructor for testing; however, Internet students are always welcome to attend the traditional class (especially for exam reviews). Resources provided through Canvas include

• A calendar displaying assignments each week (please check often)

• Online assignments

• Chapter notes

• Email (totally contained within Canvas)

All assignments will be submitted through Canvas. After the assignment has been graded, the student will be able to view his or her grade by returning to the assignment and clicking the View Scores button or by clicking the My Grades link in the left banner. All exams will be hands-on application tests and students will not be able to view the answers to the exams online; however, they will be able to see their grade in My Grades and drop by the office to review their exams. I generally will have your work graded and posted within two days following the deadline.

Students in both the traditional and Internet classes should use the Email within Canvas to communicate with the instructor. Using Canvas email gives you access to the instructor and other classmates without having to remember or type email addresses—you just select a name from the list. If you are not able to contact me using email in Canvas, you may use my Panola College email address. I attempt to respond to all email within 24 hours. If you make an appointment with me through email to take an exam, for example, I will reply to your email—if I do not reply, you should send your email to me again or call me. Please always include a subject line and your name in your email.

Assessment:

The following items will be assigned during the semester and used to calculate the student’s final grade:

• ASSIGNMENTS

We will work through each of the learning modules which correspond to the chapters in your textbook. At the end of each learning module, you will complete a Labsim project demonstrating your knowledge of the programming concepts presented in the learning module. Projects will be submitted to me according to the schedule provided using the online drop box in the Assignments link of Canvas.

• PORTFOLIO

The portfolio will be a collection of all Labsim work completed during the semester including a comprehensive presentation project to be completed in the final weeks of the semester.

Portfolios are due by the scheduled deadline.

• EXAMS

There will be one assessment to verify that you have the comprehensive knowledge required to produce your portfolio. You will demonstrate this knowledge by conducting an interactive presentation of a comprehensive project subject to peer and instructor evaluation.

Course Grade:
The grading scale for this course is as follows:

• Assignments – 20%

• Portfolio – 50%

• Exams – 30%

All of your grades including a mid-semester and final grade will be posted to My Grades in Canvas.

Texts, Materials, and Supplies: A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting, Sixth Edition, Jean Andrews bundled with Lab Connect for A+ Essentials, Course Technology

Other:

Analysis and design methods and tools are studied and applied to practical situations involving various business functions. Utilization of current application software to solve advanced problems and generate customized solutions, involving project and software specific to a specific curricular area. Topics include problem solving skills, logic structures, and programming. (3 Lec/4 Lab hours, 4 credits, Laboratory fee).