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A+ COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to Computers

• Describe the major milestones in the development of the modern computer
• Define your role as a modern computer technician

Module 2: Understanding Electronic Communication

• Understand how a computer transmits and receives information
• Explain the principles of computer language
• Understand the concept of an electronic bus

Module 3: An Overview of the Personal Computer

• Describe the three stages of computing
• Define the primary components that make up a computer
• Identify additional support hardware for a computer
• Understand the functions of some of the add-on hardware

Module 4: The Central Processing Unit

• Describe how a microprocessor works
• Define different types of processors and describe their advantages and limitations
• Decide whether a CPU is worth upgrading, find the type of CPU required for upgrade, install a new CPU

Module 5: Power Supplies

• Define the current and voltage requirements for a computer power supply
• Identify when you need to replace a power supply
• Specify the correct surge suppressors for a computer system
• Select a backup power supply for a computer system
• Determine the types of problems that can be caused by power supplies
• Know when to check and when to replace a power supply
• Plan how to protect your system from external power supply problems

Module 6: Motherboard and ROM BIOS

• Identify the primary types of PC cases
• Explain how the case helps to protect the PC and surrounding devices from electromagnetic interference
• Identify a motherboard and its functions
• Locate and define the components of a motherboard
• Safely remove and replace a motherboard
• Identify the different types of ROM
• Modify the CMOS settings in a computer

Identify POST codes and take appropriate corrective action when a problem is identified

Module 7: Memory

• Identify basic concepts related to computer memory
• Define the types of memory and describe their advantages and disadvantages
• Explain memory upgrade options and issues
• Use hexadecimal numbers
• Define the different types of memory access
• Optimize memory allocation

Module 8: Expansion Buses, Cables, and Connectors

• Identify the different types of expansion buses in a computer
• Understand the difference between the system bus and the expansion bus
• Define addresses
• Describe the attributes and limitations of an IRQ
• Identify the causes of conflicts within a computer
• Locate and resolve hardware conflicts
• Identify cables and connectors by their names and functions

Module 9: Basic Disk Drives

• Describe floppy disk drive technology
• Troubleshoot a floppy disk drive problem
• Explain the operation of a hard disk drive
• Define the different types of hard disk drives, including their advantages and disadvantages
• Partition a hard disk drive
• Troubleshoot hard disk drives

Module 10: Advanced Disk Drive Technology

• Define the advantages of using CD-ROMs
• Explain the differences between CD-ROMs and DVDs
• Install and operate both CD-ROM and DVD drives
• Configure the newer large-capacity hard disk drives
• Define the limitations of hard disk drives
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of SCSI connections
• Define the advantages and disadvantages of a SCSI system
• Determine whether a SCSI system is best for your client
• Set up a SCSI system

Module 11: The Display System

• Identify the various types of monitors
• Recognize the components of monitor resolution
• Determine the amount of video memory your system requires
• Troubleshoot common monitor problems
• Understand how flat-panel displays differ from CRT systems
• Know what is required to install a flat-panel display
• Identify the different types of display adapters
• Understand display memory and how it affects quality and performance
• Select the right card for a monitor
• Understand the basic criteria used to advise a customer about display-system options
• Troubleshoot common display problems

Module 12: Printers

• List the various types of printers and their advantages and disadvantages
• Possess a working knowledge of laser printers. Troubleshoot printer problems
• Identify the differences between parallel and serial printers
• Understand expansion cards and how to use them

Module 13: Portable Computers

• Distinguish among the different categories of portable computers
• Identify the unique components of portable systems
• Define the unique problems of portable systems
• Distinguish among the different types of computer cards designed for portable computers

Module 14: Connectivity and Networking

• Define basic networking concepts and describe how a network functions
• Configure and change network interface cards
• Define basic Internet terms

Module 15: Telecommunications: Modems and the Internet

• Define how modems transmit data
• Define the difference between serial and parallel data transfer
• Install a modem
• Troubleshoot basic modem and communication problems
• Set up and test a modem

Module 16: Operating System Fundamentals

• Define an operating system
• Explain the fundamental roles the operating system plays in computer operations
• Understand the development of the PC-based operating environment from early DOS to modern Windows systems
• Explain the role of the command-line interface
• Be familiar with key DOS terms
• Use the primary command prompt applications
• Understand the functions of CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT
• Explain the differences among the major file systems used on today's PCs
• Understand why different types of media (magnetic, CD-ROM, and so on) have different file systems and attributes
• Understand how to choose which file system to use on a new hard drive or floppy disk
• Understand file attributes and how they are used

Module 17: Introducing and Installing Microsoft Windows

• Differentiate among the current versions of Windows
• Know the basic features, system requirements, intended users, and uses for the different versions of Windows currently on the market
• Prepare a system for a new Windows installation or upgrade an existing one
• Manage a dual boot configuration
• Choose the best method for setting up Windows 98 and Windows 2000
• Describe the issues and features with the different types of setup approaches
• Install Windows 98 and Windows 2000
• Troubleshoot problems in installation with both operating systems

Module 18: Running Microsoft Windows

• Understand the Windows 98 system architecture
• Understand how Windows 98 handles tasks and allocates memory
• Identify the elements of the boot process and core files of Windows
• Understand the Windows 2000 system architecture
• Understand how Windows 2000 Professional handles tasks and allocates memory
• Identify the elements of the boot process and core files of Windows 2000
• Understand the functions of the Registry Control Panel and the Microsoft Management Console
• Understand how to configure system settings and add new hardware using the Control Panel
• Understand basic use of the Windows 2000 Administrative Tools
• Know the fundamentals of how to edit the Registry

Module 19: Maintaining the Modern Computer

• Identify and describe the basic tools required to be equipped for working on computers
• Describe the outside resources available to make your work more productive and effective
• Explain the safety considerations and basic policies to be used when working with computer equipment
• Describe the methods and tools available for planning computer maintenance
• Identify and describe the basic system maintenance required for the typical desktop PC
• Extend the useful life of computer hardware
• Avoid major problems caused by unexpected downtime
• Describe the methods and tools available for performing Windows maintenance
• Identify and describe the basic regular maintenance steps required to maintain the Windows file system
• Inspect, clean up, defragment, and back up data on both Windows 98 and Windows 2000- based computers

Module 20: Upgrading a Computer

• Develop a systematic and logical approach to repairing a computer
• Identify procedures for working on a computer
• Identify basic procedures for adding and removing computer components
• Describe the principles behind upgrading a computer
• Define the limits of and expectations for upgrading a system

Module 21: Troubleshooting Techniques and Client Relations

• Identify the steps in defining scope of a computer-related problem
• Understand various troubleshooting techniques
• Apply those techniques to resolve the problem
• Identify some of the common problems encountered while using Windows
• Understand the general strategy for resolving Windows operating system problems
• Understand the system tools to restore and optimize performance
• Use the proper tool to restore the System Registry
• Troubleshoot problems with MS-DOS applications
• Troubleshoot common printer problems
• Identify the level of support needed to resolve a problem
• Put techniques for offering good customer service to use

Module 22: The Basics of Electrical Energy

• Explain the difference between electricity and electrical energy
• Define the terms used to measure electrical energy
• Identify basic electric and electronic components
• Perform basic and advanced electrical energy tests
• Define ESD. Avoid ESD
• Identify high-voltage hazards

Define some common guidelines for electrical safety