Genesee Course Listing

Credits: 4

Catalog Description: Introduces the microcomputer and its operating system components. Includes hardware installation, repair, systematic troubleshooting, bus structures, operating system installation, and navigation tools. Lab work includes PC assembly and repair projects. Three class hours, three lab hours.

Lecture: 3 hrs.

Lab: 3 hrs.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1.) Build working computer systems and successfully repair a minimum of 4 microcomputers in the labs.
2.) Document the correct diagnostic processes and systematic troubleshooting techniques for at least 4 different real problem scenarios in lab projects.
3.) Demonstrate 85% proficiency in the installation of central processing units, random access memory, system boards, power supplies, floppy drives, hard drives, CD ROM drives, various internal ISA and PCI adapter cards such as SCSI devices, sound, video, modems through hands on lab projects. Become proficient in the installation of the disk operating system, Windows 9x and Windows 2000. Become skilled in the use of DOS commands and memory management. Utilize safety practices 100% of the time.
* 4.) Pass a final exam that requires the same level of comprehension as the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam.

*This course objective has been identified as a student learning outcome that must be formally assessed as part of the College's Comprehensive Assessment Plan. All faculty teaching this course must collect the required data (see Assessing Student Learning Outcomes form) and submit the required analysis and documentation at the conclusion of the semester to the Office of Assessment and Special Projects.

Content Outline:
I. Microcomputer Systems - Overview
A. Operating System installation
B. Hardware upgrades and installation
C. Network overview

II. Systematic Troubleshooting Techniques
A. Localizing the problem
B. Hardware or Software problems
C. External power problems-transients

III. Troubleshooting Computer Hardware Problems
A. Complete failure vs. intermittent
B. Check the simple things first

IV. Computer Power Supply
A. Overloaded power supply
B. Inoperative power supply
C. D.C. voltage regulators & multitestor usage

V. System Board and Option Cards
A. Logic probes and post analyzers
B. Testing and installing option cards

VI. Troubleshooting the Keyboard
A. The keyboard cable
B. Kinds of keyboards in use

VII. Floppy Disk Drives
A. Symptoms of a malfunctioning disk drive
B. Identifying component failures

VIII. Monitors
A. Monitor circuits - overview
B. Typical monitor problems and symptoms

IX. Printers
A. Laser printing phases
B. The mechanics of printers
C. Printer preventive maintenance

X. Computer Software Problems
A. Data loss problems
B. Memory allocation problems
C. Corrupted system file repair
D. Registry examination

Effective Term: Spring 2007