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Introduction to Computers

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

Understanding Electronic Communication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connectivity and Networking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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