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Class Information - Mr. Ron Lehr - Spring, 2006
| Andrews,
Jean . A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Comprehensive [Fifth Edition].
Course Technology – a Division of Thomson
Learning, 2004. [ISBN: 0-619-21324-8].
Course Technology online: www.course.com
and
Textbook
Page. Written expressly for the classroom, this guide has been thoroughly updated for today's technologies and is designed to prepare students to pass the 2003 A+ Core Hardware certification exam and master PC Repair. |
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| Andrews,
Jean .
Lab Manual for A+
Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Comprehensive [Fifth Edition]. Course
Technology – a Division of Thomson Learning, 2004. [ISBN: 0-619-21344-2].
Course Technology online: www.course.com
and
Textbook
Page.
Written expressly for the classroom, This guide maps fully to the 2003 A+ Core Hardware and OS Technologies certification exams and is designed to be the most complete, step-by-step book available for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware and software. |
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| Note: The above three books come bundled under ISBN # 0-619-28299-1 | |||
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Web Sites / TV – Radio Programs / News Groups / Publications (links open in separate window):
| Welcome to CompTIA | www.smartcomputing.com Web Newsgroups | ||||
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Magazines: “Smart Computing” “PC Today”“PC World” “PC Magazine”“Network Computing” |
(See me for details on the above and for additional references.)
Computer Information Systems (CIS) are the tools that facilitate the effective and efficient transformation of data into information. Careers in today’s information systems require knowledge and hands-on experience in microcomputer applications, programming, operating systems, and networking. Several MSJC programs in Computer Information Systems offer students an opportunity to earn a CIS Associate Degree or State Approved Certificate. Students completing an employment concentration will be awarded a locally approved certificate of completion. The CIS program also offers general CIS electives for students in programs college-wide.
Computer Information Systems programs offers students a well-equipped technical environment for instruction and lab. CIS courses are taught in computer equipped classrooms, allowing hands-on experience in the use of industry-standard hardware, application software, operating systems, networking, and programming tools.
MSJC’s participation as a Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program (MAATP) and CISCO Regional Academy provides students the opportunity to prepare for industry recognized certification exams. Certification exams in a variety of employment concentrations can be taken at authorized testing centers. On-site certification is currently available through the Sylvan Authorized Prometric Testing Center on the Menifee Valley Campus.
CSIS-181 is a course designed to be the student’s introduction to computer hardware and concepts. This course will help the student learn the technical skills necessary to become an A+ Certified Technician. These skills will be taught through a series of hands-on lab exercises, review tests and quizzes. Each lab or review will help to teach and improve your PC configuration and troubleshooting skills, which are necessary to function as a PC Support Technician or Helpdesk Technician.
The course is designed to be very informative, covering quite a bit of technical information – which will be new to most students. The course requires a lot of reading and computer time (the hands-on projects may sometimes be very time consuming). Upon completion of the course, students should have a basic understanding of all aspects of the computer and the interaction of components. The student will have a solid foundation for A+ certification.
A+ Certification (10 units): In order to obtain the A+ Industry Certificate, students must take exams from CompTIA (A+ Core Hardware: 220-221 and A+ Operating Systems Technologies (220-222). [Students can register for these exams at http://www2.test.com (administered by Thompson ~ Prometric).]
Why A+ Certification?: (From the CompTIA [Computing Technology Industry Association] web site:
“The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard validating the vendor-neutral skills expected of an entry-level computer technician.”
“Having an A+ certification proves that you have a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.”
“Employers Look for the A+ Certification
Companies like Best Buy know the value of the A+ certification and require their
supervisors to be A+ certified. Many other companies like Sears, Radio Shack and
State Farm insurance also have A+ certification requirements for their IT
employees.”
“Every business uses computers and skilled technicians are a necessity. your A+ certification opens the door to an exciting career in computer technology at an affordable price. A+ is a solid certification that employers look for.”
A+ Core Hardware (2003) Examination Objectives
Exam Preparation - 220-221 Package Selection
CSIS-181 is an introductory course in computer hardware. It is designed for the student who wants to understand what is happening inside the computer in order to install new hardware and software, diagnose both hardware and software problems, and make decisions about purchasing new hardware and software. The only assumption is that the student is a computer user – one who can turn on the computer, load and use a software package to accomplish a task. No experience in electronics is assumed.
In addition, throughout this course the student will learn technical skills necessary to become an A+ certified technician. These skills will be learned through a series of hands-on lab exercises, review questions and quizzes. Each lab or review will help to teach and improve your PC configuration and troubleshooting skills, which are necessary to function as a PC support or help-desk technician.
Students are not required to have any previous knowledge of operating systems or hardware configuration. However, it is strongly recommended that CSIS-101 or CSIS-154 be completed or taken concurrently with this course.
The course provides the student with a ‘hands-on’ introduction to the following Microsoft software products:
Windows 2000® and Windows XP® operating system. MS-DOS® operating system
The following hardware / equipment will be needed to do the hands-on projects at the end of the chapters [some items will be furnished; some will be the students own property]:
Working PC that can be taken apart and reassembled. Various expansions cards for installing and diagnosing. Grounding Strap; 2 (Small & Medium) flat-head screwdrivers; Phillips-head screwdriver.
Ø Chapter 1. Introducing Hardware
ü Hardware Needs Software to Work
ü PC Hardware Components
Ø Chapter 2. How Hardware and Software Work Together
ü Introducing Operating Systems
ü What an Operating Systems Does
ü System Resources
ü OS Tools to Examine a System
Ø Chapter 3. Understanding the Boot Process and the Command Line
ü Booting Up Your Computer
ü Using the Command Prompt
Ø Chapter 4. Electricity and Power Supplies
ü Measures and Properties of Electricity
ü Protecting Your Computer System
ü The Computer Case and Form Factors
ü Detecting and Correcting Power Supply Problems
ü Energy Star Systems (The Green Star)
Ø Chapter 5. The Motherboard
ü Types of Motherboards
ü Components on the Motherboard
ü Building a Computer: An Introduction
ü Installing the Motherboard
ü Troubleshooting the Motherboard and the CPU
Ø Chapter 6. Managing Memory
ü RAM on the Motherboard
ü Upgrading Memory
ü Windows Memory Management
Ø Chapter 7. Floppy Drives
ü How Floppy Drives Work
ü Exchanging and Supporting Floppy Drives
Ø Chapter 8. Understanding and Installing Hard Drives
ü Hard Drive Technology
ü Communicating with the Hard Drive Controller
ü How a Hard Drive is Logically Organized to Hold Data
ü Installing a Hard Drive
ü Troubleshooting Hard Drive Installations
Ø Chapter 9. Optimizing and Protecting Hard Drives
ü Managing Hard Drives
ü Viruses and Other Computer Infestations
ü Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Ø Chapter 10. Supporting I/O Devices
ü Basic Principles of Peripheral Installations
ü Using Ports and Expansion Slots for Add-On Devices
ü Keyboards
ü Pointing Devices
ü Computer Video
Ø Chapter 11. Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
ü Multimedia on a PC
ü Optical Storage Technology
ü Hardware Used for Backup and Fault Tolerance
ü Troubleshooting Guidelines
Ø Chapter 12. Supporting Windows 9x
ü Windows 9x Architecture
ü Installing Windows 9x, Hardware and Software
ü Using Troubleshooting Tools for Windows 9x
ü Booting Windows 9x
ü Troubleshooting Tools for Windows 9x
ü Troubleshooting Windows 9x
Ø Chapter 13. Understanding and Installing Windows 2000 & NT
ü Windows NT/2000/XP Architecture
ü Installing Windows 2000 Professional
ü Installing Hardware and Applications Under Windows 2000
ü Supporting Windows NT
Ø Chapter 14. Managing and Troubleshooting Windows 2000
ü Understanding the Windows NT/2000/XP Boot Process
ü Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Boot Process
ü Tools for Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Ø Chapter 15. Installing and Using Windows XP Professional
ü Features and Architecture of Windows XP
ü Installing Windows XP
ü Using Windows XP
ü Installing Hardware and Applications
Ø Chapter 16. Managing and Supporting Windows XP
ü Security Using Windows NT/2000/XP
ü The Windows NT/2000/XP Registry
ü Other Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tools
ü Troubleshooting the Boot Process
Ø Chapter 17. Supporting Modems
ü All About Modems
ü Troubleshooting Guidelines for Modems
Ø Chapter 18. PCs on a Network
ü Physical Network Architectures
ü Windows on a Network
ü Installing a Network Card and Connecting to a Network
ü Using Resources on the Network
ü Troubleshooting Networks
ü Connecting Networks
Ø Chapter 19. PCs on the Internet
ü The TCP/IP Suite of Protocols
ü Connecting to the Internet
ü Supporting Internet Clients
Ø Chapter 20. Notebooks, Tablet PC's and PDAs
ü Notebook Computers
ü Tablets
ü PDAs
Ø Chapter 21. Supporting Printers
ü How Printers Work
ü Installing and Sharing a Printer
ü SCSI Installation
ü Troubleshooting Guidelines for Printers
Ø Chapter 22. All About SCSI
ü SCSI Basics
ü Comparing IDE and SCSI
ü Installing SCSI Devices
ü Setting Device IDs
ü Troubleshooting SCSI Devices
Ø Chapter 23. Purchasing a PC or Building Your Own
ü Selecting a Personal Computer to Meet Your Needs
ü Preparing to Build Your Own PC
ü Building a Personal Computer, Step by Step
Ø Chapter 24. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Fundamentals
ü Troubleshooting Perspectives and Tools
ü Your Approach to Troubleshooting
ü Preventative Maintenance
The overall objectives for the student in this class are:
- Have a better understanding of hardware / software and their working relationships.
- Develop understanding of the terms and acronyms used in the Personal Computer world.
- Demonstrate the ability to 1.) install, configure and upgrade hardware components; 2.) diagnose and troubleshoot hardware problems; 3.) apply preventative maintenance procedures on various hardware components; and 4.) recognize environmental and safety issues in electronic hardware components.
- Develop troubleshooting techniques for a more in-depth examination of internal / external microcomputer components.
- Develop the foundation for Personal Computer technical support.
- Develop the foundation for Personal Computer technical support career.
Specific objectives are listed at the beginning of each chapter in the course textbook and are included as more detailed course objectives.
Class time will consist of lecture, demonstrations, hands-on examples, discussion, homework review, tests, test reviews and student labs. I may not be able to lecture on all the material in each chapter; however, you are still responsible for studying all the material in each scheduled chapter. Students should be aware that “out-of-class’ time equal to or greater than class time is required for assigned readings, reviews, projects and other homework.
Chapter
tests may consist of up to 50 written questions, may be a ‘take-home’ test,
or may be another form of test.
On ALL tests there will be a
missed test penalty of 10% if the test is not taken when
scheduled for your class. If you miss a regular test (non ‘hands-on’), you must take the make-up test, in the Computer Lab
or Learning Center, within two weeks to have the score counted.
If you miss a
‘hands-on’ test, YOU must
make arrangements, on the first day you return to class, to make up the test.
This test must be made up within one week of your return to class. If you do
not, you lose the right to make up the test.
Quizzes may not be made up.
Homework will NOT be accepted late, regardless of reason. However, the student will have ONE EXCEPTION to this policy: one (1) homework assignment [except the Semester Research Paper] will be accepted within one week after the due date [it will have an automatic late homework penalty of 10%]. Homework is due at the beginning of the class meeting on the due date shown in the schedule or given verbally.
You have four options to assure homework is turned-in on time (make sure the homework is to my attention, and has the assignment and due date on the cover page):
- You may turn it in early if you know you will be absent when it is due.
- Have someone else turn the homework in on time for you.
- E-mail the homework to the e-mail address given to the class.
- Use the Blackboard “drop-box”.
All homework that is returned should be kept so that if you later discover a mistake in the grading, you will have that work available to receive a corrected score. All homework should be kept on your personal diskettes or USB Flash Drive for the entire semester. ALWAYS bring your diskettes or USB Flash Drive to each class meeting.
One current, course related article (not an advertisement), from a newspaper or magazine, may be turned-in each class meeting for 1 point of extra credit (this is not retroactive). The article (or photocopy) must be attached, summarized in your own words [Do Not Plagiarize!], and presented in typewritten form using only Microsoft Word - Word Processor Tool. Other methods of extra credit, such as reviews of computer related TV programs, or reviews of Internet sites, may also be available during the semester. Maximum extra credit points for the semester is 40 points. No extra credit will be accepted after the end of the 14th week of the semester.
All homework / extra credit must be done using a word processor. (I do not accept handwritten homework or extra credit – unless so indicated.)
“Non-assignments” turned-in (homework [not required to turn-in] or extra credit not included in the class schedule or verbally given to the class) will not be graded or given extra credit points. Please: Do not turn-in “non-assignments”.
Each student should get the name and phone number and/or e-mail address of three other students in the class. If you are absent or unable to contact me for assignments, handouts, or other information, you can contact one of these students and be prepared for the next class meeting [being absent is not a reason for missing an assignment].
Preparation and participation are very important in this class. Preparation means reading the material and keeping-up with the homework assignments. Non-participation includes: distracting or disturbing other students; using cell phones, i-Pods, MP3 players or other non-approved devices during class time; or working on non-class activities during class time. If you prepare and participate in every class meeting for the semester, you will receive a 3% bonus at the end of the semester. If you miss participating in only one class meeting, you will receive a 2% bonus.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
Mt. San Jacinto College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities upon request of the student (in a timely fashion) and upon verification of disability. [For further information, see the Mt. San Jacinto College General Catalog, or contact the MSJC Department of Human Resources, Office for ADA information.]
Tests, Quizzes and
Exams (Approximately 500 Points):
There are ten chapter tests scheduled, worth from 15 to 40 points. Test questions will
be drawn from the chapter readings, lectures and class discussions. Test format
will be predominantly multiple-choice, but may also include: true-false, short
answer, fill-in and case study or problem analysis. Unannounced quizzes are
likely and can not be made up. The Final Exam will be a
comprehensive final and will be scheduled during Finals week. The Final will be
100 multiple-choice questions from only the chapters that were assigned and
discussed in class. The Final Exam will be worth 100 points.
Semester Projects and Semester Research Paper (Approximately
200 Points)
There will be three lab projects each worth 30 points and one Semester Research
Paper worth
100 points (including 15 points for class presentation). These assignments are intended
to offer the student extended time to accomplish lab activities that can be done
outside of class and to develop critical thinking skills.
Homework and Portfolio (Approximately 250 Points)
Homework in the form of chapter reviews / exercises and lab exercises may be
announced at any time and will vary in points based on complexity and/or subject
matter. Assignments
will typically be due by the start of the next scheduled class period. Late
assignments will not be accepted [except as noted on page 8 of this document].
The portfolio will be a collection of all notes, terms, diagrams, and graded materials,
as covered in class, and will be graded on appearance as well as content prior
to the Final Exam.
A grade sheet, listed by “Unique Student Code” (student created code name [alias], 4 to 10 alpha-numeric), will be posted showing “to-date” total scores for all tests, homework assignments, and extra credit, as well as your class grade (as of the date of the grade sheet). Each student should carefully review each grade sheet that is passed around the class and then posted on the wall to assure my entries are accurate. It is the student’s responsibility to point out – and have corrected – any unintentional input errors that are noted and confirmed on the grade sheet. See interactive sample grade sheet.
The following grading scale will be used after the final total is determined:
| 90% to 100% | A |
| 80% to 89% | B |
| 70% to 79% | C |
| 60% to 69% | D |
If you have a score of 90% or higher at the end of the last regular class meeting (without participation bonus) you may elect not to have your final exam score count toward your final grade. However, you must take the final exam or receive a score of zero.
It is “your responsibility to attend the first class meeting”. If not, the student is considered a ‘no-show’, may be dropped from this course, and a student on the ‘wait-list’ may then be accepted. [See ‘Wait Lists’, page 9 of the MSJC Schedule of Classes – Spring 2006]. It is “the student’s ultimate responsibility to drop” this course after being enrolled. Failure to drop a course may result in a grade of ‘F’. [See ‘Dropping Courses – Procedure’, page 136 of the MSJC Schedule of Classes – Spring 2006].
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Your instructor reserves the right to drop you from class, without notice, if you miss three (3) or more classes, regardless of reason. |
From the Mt. San Jacinto College Acceptable Use Policy:
“A user who uses the College’s computing systems to harass or make defamatory remarks, shall bear full responsibility for his or her actions. Further, by using these systems, users agree that individuals who transmit such remarks shall bear sole responsibility for their actions. Users agree that MSJC’s role in managing these systems is only as an information carrier, and that they will never consider transmission through these systems as an endorsement of said transmission by MSJC.”
“Many of the MSJC computing systems provide access to outside networks, both public and private, which furnish electronic mail, information services, bulletin boards, conferences, etc. Users are advised that MSJC, including members of the administration, faculty, and staff, does not assume responsibility for the contents of any of these outside networks.”
“The user agrees to comply with the acceptable use guidelines for whichever outside networks or services they may access through MSJC systems.”
“Further, the user agrees to follow proper etiquette on outside networks. Documents regarding etiquette are available through system administrators and through specific individual networks.”
“An account assigned to an individual must not be used by others without written permission from the system administrator. The individual is responsible for the proper use of the account, including proper password protection.”
“All users of MSJC computing systems must read, understand, and comply with the policies outlined in this document” [MSJC Acceptable Use Policy].
A full copy of the MSJC Acceptable Use Policy will be given to all students.
Students are expected to uphold Mt. San Jacinto College District’s standard of conduct relating to academic honesty. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the work they submit. The guiding principle of academic honesty/integrity shall be that submitted work, tests, projects, reports, and extra credit must be the student’s own work.
This principle is considered violated if the student:
Ø Represents the work of others as his/her own.
Ø Uses or obtains unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
Ø Gives unauthorized assistance to other students.
Ø Misrepresents the content of submitted work.
Any student found violating the principle of academic honesty/integrity is subject to the following actions (from “Mt. San Jacinto College District - Instructor Orientation Guide”, Fall 2002: Part IV, Section: A - ‘Instructional Policies and Procedures’, sub-section 2.b [page 43]:
Ø First
Offense:
“An
automatic “F”
on the assignment or examination in question and notification that a second
occurrence will result in a twenty-four (24) hour suspension from class.”
Ø Second
Offense:
“Instructor
suspends student from class for one day and notifies campus administrator of
that action, and confers with student prior to student’s return to class.”
Ø Third
Offense:
“Instructor
notifies the campus administrator to schedule an administrative review. This
will involve the administrators from Student Services and Instructional Service.”
If a student is unclear whether a particular situation may constitute a violation, the student should meet with me to discuss the situation.
For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. General advice and interaction are encouraged. Each student, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments, and tasks.
Students may not “work together” on graded assignments. Such collaboration constitutes cheating. A student may not use or copy (by any means) another’s work (or portions of it) and represent it as his/her own.
[See also: Student Code of Conduct: §605.03(B) (1).]
The following office hours are in the Computer Lab, Room 107A, or the office area in the Cutting Building for Business and Technology (beginning the third week of the semester):
| Saturday | Please Make An Appointment |
| Other Days | Schedule a Time We Both Agree On |
(You may call 487-MSJC, x1588 #354 to request an appointment time.)
You are welcome to see me any time during my office hours. If needed, we can schedule a meeting time other than the office hours listed above.
The campus phone number is (909)
487-MSJC. Dial extension
1588, and follow the instructions to
leave a campus message for me. My voice mail selection is
"354".
My E-Mail addresses are:
|
Mt. San Jacinto College |
[email protected] [preferred] |
|
MSN |
[email protected] [alternate] |
If you have any comments, suggestions, or criticisms regarding instruction, assignments, grades - or any other subject - please discuss your concerns with me.
Please visit www.schoolnotes.com (use zip code 92583) as a “Portal” to the full web site for this course. “SchoolNotes.com” is designed to be a ‘quick-glance’ for tips on class assignments, various hints on upcoming class meetings, suggested web sites to visit, or to send me an e-mail. It also links to the full CSIS-181 web site for our course.
At the full CSIS-181 web site you will find the information in this document and the information contained in “Syllabus – Class Schedule” for each this section of CSIS-181. In addition, the full website contains a host of additional information such as links to textbook pages, study guides, sample [interactive] grade sheet, “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ’s), “Feedback” form to submit, Lab hours and information, site search, and much more.
The CSIS-181 web site may be accessed directly using the following URL: www.multimedia.msjc.edu/rlehr/CSIS181.html
The CSIS-181 web site should soon be linked from the CIS Department web pages (by CSIS-181 Section Number) at www.msjc.ac/cisdept/
It is also linked from the MSJC Home Page (by Faculty Name: Ron Lehr) at: MSJC Faculty Web Pages.
Click to send e-mail to Ron Lehr
Click to go to
Student
Feedback Page
Click to return to CSIS-181
Home Page
Click to go to MSJC Home Page
(Site best viewed with
Internet Explorer)
Ronald L. Lehr, MSJC Instructor.
Copyright © 1996 - 2006, R. Lehr / MSJC. All rights reserved.
Revised: May 23, 2006.
Jeff
Levy Show (KNX – 1070 AM Radio)