I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Computer Repair II

2. Course Prefix & Number:
COMP 1206

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

4. Course Description:

This course is the sequel to COMP 1204, introducing students to the operation, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and maintenance of microcomputer components. Topics include complete system assembly, maintenance, operating system architecture, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting, simple networking, viruses, data backup, and disaster recovery. Career Preparation: The studies in this course will help students prepare for careers such as Computer Support Specialist, PC Repair Technician, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, and Systems Engineer.  

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

8. Prerequisite (Entry) Skills:
Efficiency with a current Microsoft operating system such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. Working knowledge of the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of PC hardware components.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Hennepin Technical College, CCIS 2601 A+ Hardware/Software Support, 4 credits
Anoka Technical College, ITEC 2200 A+ Core Technologies, 6 credits

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Written
• Oral
• Demonstration
• Portfolio

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Computer Information Technology, AAS
Computer Ntework Administration, AAS
Computer Support Specialist, Diploma

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Follow troubleshooting and repair procedures, and identify iterative paths to resolving specific software/operating system-related computer repair problems.
Utilize appropriate technology	Use computers, current OSs and diagnostic utilities and hardware to diagnose, troubleshoot, upgrade and install current microcomputer components and OSs.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Explain the characteristics and functions of the components of various operating systems, and how they contribute to the functionality of the entire system.
• Explain the process and steps to install and configure various current PC operating systems.
• Diagnose and resolve problems related to computer software and operating systems.
• Specify the necessary hardware required to build a complete system.
• Identify the most efficient methods and software utilities to use for troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning computers.
• Demonstrate the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace.
• Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and protocols.
• Implement a reliable data security plan.
• Configure and manage wireless devices.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Installing operating systems
• Choosing an appropriate version
• Choosing a method of installation
• How to install Windows OS's
• How to upgrade Windows OS's
• How to install other operating systems
2. Maintaining operating systems
• Preventative maintenance
• Cleaning the hard drive
• Checking the hard drive for errors
• Verifying startup programs
• Freeing up hard drive space
• Backup procedures
• Backing up user data
• Backing up system files
• Complete system backups
• Managing files, folders, and hard drives
• Directory structures
• Using disk management
3. Optimizing operating systems
• Utilities and tools to support the OS
• Improving the OS’s performance
• Removing unnecessary software and services
• Monitoring the startup process
4. Operating system architecture
• Components of the various versions of NT architecture
• The role of each component
• Troubleshooting using the architectural components
5. Tools for solving operating systems’ problems
• System lockups and I/O device errors
• Files needed to start the OS
• Portable recovery environments
• Startup problems
• Advanced boot options
• System recovery tools
6. Repairing operating systems
• Fixing problems caused by hardware
• Fixing problems caused by applications
• Fixing problems caused by malware
• Troubleshooting the various stages of startup
7. Networking basics
• Networking technologies
• Internet technologies
• Hardware used by networks
• OSI model
• IP addressing
• Built-in networking utilities
• Connecting to a network
• Connecting to a wired network
• Connecting to a wireless network
• Connecting to the Internet
• Setting up a network
• Troubleshooting network and Internet connectivity problems
8. Security basics
• Controlling access to computer resources
• Controlling access to data shares
• Hidden files, administrative shares, and network resources
• Encrypting files and folders
• Malicious software
• Malware types and characteristics
• Malware symptoms
• Preventative maintenance and disaster recovery
• Protecting systems from malware
• Removing malware
9. Supporting portable computers
• Special consideration when supporting portable computers
• Locating service manuals and other sources of information
• Diagnostic tools provided by manufacturers
• Caring for portable computers
• Supporting portable peripheral devices
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Port replicators and docking stations
• Power management
• Troubleshooting, replacing, and upgrading internal components
• Assembling and disassembling a portable device
• Upgrading memory
• Upgrading hard drives
• Repairing damaged displays