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