Course Description

This is an introductory course for the beginning student to learn microcomputer hardware and operating systems. The course is dedicated to the basic concepts of microcomputers and describes how these fundamental concepts are actually implemented in working PCs. This course covers the computing infrastructure showing the interaction of computer hardware and software 

General Objectives
 
 

The goal of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of PC hardware relating to computer technology. The student will have an understanding of the basic components that make up a microcomputer system including system boards, input/output devices, magnetic storage devices, and video displays. Also an understanding of “System Software” used by microcomputers; BIOS and Operating systems.
 
 

Course Outline
 
 

A.  Safety and Preventive Maintenance

1. Electrostatic Discharge
2. Grounding
3. Hard-Disk Utilities

B.  Basic System

1.  System Board
   1.  Microprocessors
   2.  Memory Systems
   3.  Expansion Slots

C.  Input / Output Devices

1.   I/O ports
2.   Input Devices

D. Magnetic Storage

1.   Floppy-Disks Drives
2.   Hard-Disk Drives

E. Operating Systems

1.   DOS commands
2.   System optimization
3.   Types of files

Specific Course Objectives

A.  Safety and Preventive Maintenance

1.  Describe ESD hazards and methods of preventing ESD

2.  The precautions that should be observed when working on computer equipment

3.  Perform basic disk -management functions on a hard drive

B.  Basic System

1.   Define the following terms: hardware, software, and firmware

1.  Terms and terminology with computer systems

2.  Locate and identify the components inside a computer

3.  Describe the interaction of the computer infrastructure

C.  Input / Output Devices

1.  Define the functions of the computer’s input /output units

2.  To be able to identify and connect computer input / output units

D.  Magnetic Storage

1.  Differentiate between different types of hard- and floppy-disk drive types

2.  Differentiate between common connecting cables of hard- and floppy-disk drive types

E.  Operating Systems

1.  Access the Setup program of a computer

2.  Use DOS batch files

3.  Use the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files to optimize system performance

created by DDelgado