Introduction

This course is one of two courses you will need to take if your job responsibilities include entry-level computer service technician support duties It is also one of two courses of study for the CompTIA A+ certification program In this course, you'll build on your end-user background knowledge as you acquire the specific skills required to install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, and repair PC hardware components and systems

Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explore foundational information about computers
• Install or remove devices on standard ports
• Install or remove internal hardware
• Upgrade system components
• Install, configure, and work with various portable computing devices
• Perform preventative maintenance procedures
• Troubleshoot and correct device problems
• Troubleshoot system problems

Prerequisites

• End-user skills with Windows-based personal computers, including the ability to: Start up and shut down the computer

• Log on to a computer or computer network

• Run programs

• Move, copy, delete, and rename files in Windows Explorer

• Browse and search for information on the Internet

• Basic knowledge of computing concepts including:
  • The difference between hardware and software
  • The functions of software components such as the operating system, applications, and file system
  • The function of a computer network

CompTIA Certified Professional Exams

This course will help the student prepare for CompTIA A+ Core Hardware examination

Course Materials

The student kit includes:

• Hardware and Operating Systems Manual
• Knowledge Coach™ CD-ROM with assessment questions and overheads to supplement the classroom experience
• Access to Knowledge² online tutorials for students to continue their study outside of the classroom
• Premium computer tool kit
• Professional quality digital multimeter
• Anti-static wristband
• Heavy-duty nylon briefcase

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers

• A Brief History of Computers

• Desktop Computer System Components and Their Functions

• Software and Firmware

• Numbering Systems

Lesson 2: Setting Up a Personal Computer

• Install Video Output Devices

• Install PS/2 Devices

• Install Parallel Devices

• Install Serial Devices

• Install Game and Sound Devices

• Install USB Devices

• Install FireWire Devices

• Connect Wireless Devices

Lesson 3: Installing or Removing Internal Hardware

• Establish an ESD-free Work Area

• Install or Remove Adapter Cards

• Install a Network Adapter and Cable

• Install or Remove IDE Drives

• Install or Remove Internal SCSI Drives

• Install External SCSI Devices

• RAID

Lesson 4: Upgrading System Components

• Add Memory

• Upgrade the CPU

• Add a CPU

• Upgrade the System BIOS

• Upgrade the Power Supply

• Upgrade the System Board

• Decide When to Upgrade

Lesson 5: Supporting Portable Computing Devices

• Connect External Peripherals to a Portable Computer

• Install or Remove Portable Computing Device Drives

• Install or Remove PCMCIA Cards

• Install or Remove Mini-PCI Cards

• Install or Add Memory to a Portable Computing Device

• Connect PDAs to Computers

Lesson 6: Performing Preventative Maintenance

• Hard Disk Maintenance

• Perform Printer Maintenance

• Use a UPS

• Clean Peripheral Components

• Clean Internal System Components

• Dispose of Computer Equipment

Lesson 7: Troubleshooting Device Problems

• Correct Monitor Problems

• Correct Input Device Problems

• Correct Adapter Card and PC Card Problems

• Correct Hard Drive Problems

• Correct Internal Removable Media Drive Problems

• Correct CD or DVD Drive Problems

• Correct Printer Problems

Lesson 8: Troubleshooting System Problems

• Correct Network Connection Problems

• Correct Modem Problems

• Correct Power Problems

• Correct Boot Problems

• Correct Memory Problems

• Correct System Board Problems

• Correct Portable System Problems

• Diagnose System Problems