A computer maintenance_course_syllabus_2010

Syllabus – A+ Computer Maintenance
Mr. Schuermeyer
3rd
Block – 9:37 to 11:07 on Red Days, Room 2516
Course Objective:
This course is designed to teach students the basics of computer hardware and software as used in business/industry
today. Students will learn the inner workings of computers and have hands on experiences working on computers. When
completed, students should have the background necessary to take the four A+ Certification Exams (given independently)
that is recognized worldwide as a standard of knowledge and expertise in the computer industry.
Grading Scale: We follow the district standard.
90% and Up = A, 80% - 89.9% = B, 70%-79.9% = C, 60% - 69.9% = D, and Below 60% = F
Attendance and Make-Up Policies:
When you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for missed work.
You only have 2 weeks to catch up the work or it goes into the grade book as a ZERO
If there are special circumstances, you must talk to me and make arrangements for the work missed.
The lab is open during Ac Lab and you are expected to make use of it if you are behind.
Your Responsibilities:
Ask questions – THERE IS NO STUPID QUESTION except the one you do not ask.
Be on time, ready to work every class!!! This means no tardies. I am expected to be here ready to work and I expect
the same of you. The first tardy will be excused but additional tardiness will lead to after school detentions.
Do all of the work assigned.
BE POSITIVE even in the face of adversity, bad attitudes have no place here and we are here to learn.
Two-semester (18 weeks each) Essentials and Practical Applications Courses:
Textbooks and Lab Manuals:
A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 7th
Edition
Lab Manual, A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 7th
Edition
Notes:
These two course outlines are designed to comprise a PC Repair Essentials course followed by a PC
Repair Practical Applications course. Both courses include a balanced content on hardware and
software.
The first semester is designed to cover the full range of content appropriate for a PC Repair Essentials
course. However, know that all the content covered on the A+ 220-701 Essentials 2009 exam is not
completed until the fourth week of the second semester.
Students are encouraged to take the A+ 220-701 Essentials exam near the middle of the second
semester. After reviewing questions missed on the Essentials exam and completing both semesters,
students are then prepared to take the A+ 220-702 Practical Applications exam.
Figure 1 shows a high-level view of how the chapters are organized for Essentials and Practical
Application content

Figure 1: Essentials and Practical Application chapter organization
The table below summarizes how chapters are used in the two courses. Note that some chapters include
both Essentials and Practical Applications content. In these chapters, the break from Essentials to
Practical Applications content is clearly marked.
Week Textbook
Essentials Week 1 Chapter 1
Essentials Week 4 Chapter 4, Essentials Content
Essentials Week 15 Finish up and testing
Advanced Week 1 Chapter 15
Advanced Week 4 Chapter 21, Essentials Content
Advanced Week 5 Chapter 22, Essentials Content
Essentials Content Completed
Advanced Week 6 Chapter 4, Practical Applications
Chapter 6, Practical Applications
Practical Application content
completed
Advanced Week 15 Finish up and testing

PC Repair Essentials Course
Week Class Objectives Class and Lab Content References/Homework for
Student
1
August
17 - 23
Chapter 1, entire chapter
Upon completion of this chapter,
the student will be able to:
Explain how a computer
requires both hardware
and software to work
Identify many hardware
components
Upon completion of these labs,
Use available tools to
gather system
information
Identify computer parts
inside and outside the
case
Welcome
Class Introductions
Review Goals &
Objectives of Class,
Syllabus, Lecture/Lab
Format
Point out the A+
Essentials 2009 grid and
the A+ 2009 Practical
Application grids at the
beginning of the book
Chapter 1: Introducing
Hardware
Lab 1.1: Gather and
Record System
Information
Lab 1.2: Identify
Computer Parts
Textbook, Chapter 1.
Introducing Hardware
Homework: Read the
chapter and answer
Reviewing the Basics and
Thinking Critically
questions. Answer Hands-on
Projects 1-1 through 1-4
questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 1.1, 1.2
Answer all lab questions in
class
2
August
25 - 31
Explain differences
between the various
operating systems
Describe the components
of a Windows OS
Know how an OS
interfaces with users,
files, folders,
applications, and
hardware
Use the command line
and other Windows tools
to examine a system
Understand the
relationships among
operating systems
Use Windows keyboard
shortcuts
Chapter 2: Introducing
Operating Systems
Lab 2.1: Examine Files
and Directories
Lab 2.5: Compare
Operating Systems
Lab 2.6: Use Windows
Keyboard Shortcuts
Introducing Operating
Systems
Homework: Read the
chapter and answer
Thinking Critically
Projects 2-1, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-
5 questions and Real
Problems, Real Solutions 2-
1 and 2-2.
Lab Manual: Labs 2.1, 2.5,
2.6
class
3 Chapter 3, entire chapter Chapter 3: Working with
People in a Technical
Working with People in a

Sept. 2-9
Describe job roles and
responsibilities of those
who sell, fix, or support
personal computers
Understand what
customers expect of a PC
support technician that
goes beyond technical
knowledge
Interact with customers
when selling, servicing,
and supporting personal
computers
Describe the code of
ethics for IT
professionals and make
an ethical decision
Evaluate and respond to
the needs of customers
Use help desk skills in a
chat session or on the
phone to solve customer
problems
Listen well and respond
with integrity when a
customer is angry
Apply help desk
procedures to decide how
to handle a problem,
including when to
escalate the problem
World
Lab 3.1: Understand IT
Codes of Ethics
Lab 3.2: Provide
Customer Service
Lab 3.3: Practice Help
Desk Skills
Lab 3.4: Practice Good
Communication Skills
Lab 3.5: Understand the
Help Desk Procedures
for a Company
Technical World
Homework: Read the
chapter and answer
Thinking Critically
Projects 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4,
and 3-5 questions and Real
2 questions.
3.3, 3.4, and 3.5
class
4
Sept. 13
to 17
Chapter 4, Essentials sections
Upon completion of the
Essentials sections of this
chapter, the student will be able
to:
Describe the different
form factors used by
motherboards, computer
cases, and power supplies
and select appropriate
form factors to match a
system
Describe how electricity
is measured and about
A+ Essentials sections of
Chapter 4: Form Factors,
Power Supplies, and
Working Inside a
Computer, Pages 111-
143.
Lab 4.1: Identify Form
Factors
Lab 4.4: Find
Documentation on the
Internet
Lab 4.5: Choose the
Right Power Supply
Textbook, Chapter 4,
Essentials sections. Form
Factors, Power Supplies,
and Working Inside a
Computer, Essentials
sections, Pages 111-143.
Homework: Read Pages
111-143 of the chapter and
answer Reviewing the
Basics, Questions 1- 30 and
Thinking Critically
Projects 4-2, 4-3, 4-5, 4-6,
4-7, and 4-8.

electrical components
Select an appropriate
power supply for a
system
Protect self and others
against the dangers of
electricity
Identify and match form
factors of motherboards,
cases, and power supplies
Find documentation on
the Internet for computer
components
Select a replacement
power supply
and 4.5
class
5
Sept. 21
to 27
to:
types of features of
motherboards
Understand how
motherboard firmware
controls the beginning of
the boot
Examine and change
BIOS settings
Identify a CPU and
motherboard connectors
and features
Chapter 5: All About
Motherboards, Essentials
Lab 5.1: Examine and
Adjust CMOS Settings
Lab 5.3: Identify
Motherboard
Components
Essentials sections. All
About Motherboards
Homework: Read the
Essentials sections of the
chapter, Page 175-210, and
answer Reviewing the Basics
Questions 1-23 and Thinking
Critically Questions 1-4.
Answer Hands-on Projects
5-2, 5-4, 5-5 and 5-7, and
Real Problems, Real
Solutions 5-2 questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 5.1, and
5.3
class
6
Sept 29
to Oct 4.
to:
Describe features of
current Intel and AMD
processors uses for
personal computers
Chapter 6: Supporting
Processors, Essentials
Lab 6.4: Choose a CPU
Cooling Solution
Lab 6.5: Critical
Thinking: Restoring an
Overclocked PC
Supporting Processors,
Essentials sections
Homework: Read the
Essentials sections of the
chapter, Pages 239-256, and
Questions 1-18, and
Thinking Critically

Know how to keep a
system cool
Select a cooling unit for a
particular CPU
Overclock and restore a
CPU
Questions 1-2. Answer
Hands-on Projects 6-1, 6-2,
6-3, 6-4, and 6-6questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 6-4 and
6.5
class
7
Oct. 6 –
11
Chapter 7, Essentials section
Essentials section of this chapter,
kinds of physical memory
and how they work
Identify the type memory
required for a system and
use the Internet to
research price and
availability
Use the Kingston Web
site to research memory
types appropriate for a
system
Enable and configure
Vista ReadyBoost for
optimal performance
Chapter 7: Upgrading
Memory, Essentials
sections, Pages 297- 307.
Lab 7.1: Research RAM
on the Internet
Lab 7.2: Explore the
Kingston Web Site
Lab 7.4: Use Vista’s
ReadyBoost
Textbook, Chapter 7:
Upgrading Memory,
Essentials sections, Pages
297- 307.
answer Reviewing the
Basics, Questions 1- 30, and
Thinking Critically
and 7-5 questions.
7.4
class
8
Oct. 13
to 18
to:
Describe technologies
used for hard drives and
how data is organized on
a drive
Describe how a computer
communicates with a
hard drive
How RAID works
Describe how floppy
drives work
Hard Drives, Essentials
Lab 8.2: Use Disk
Management
Lab 8.4: Use Hard Drive
Utilities
Supporting Hard Drives,
329- 347.
Hands-on Projects 8-1 and
8-2 questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 8.2 and
8.4
class

Use Disk Management to
create, format, and delete
a partition
Evaluate hard drive
utilities offered by
manufacturers and test a
hard drive for problems
Oct 20 Midterm over Chapters 1-8 Last day to turn in any
work from the first 8
chapters
9
Oct. 22
to 28
to:
Describe the concepts of
supporting I/O devices
Describe characteristics
of I/O devices
Install peripheral I/O
devices including the
mouse, keyboard,
barcode reader,
fingerprint reader, and
touch screen
Gather information about
hardware components in
a system
Research and select a
high-end video card
Install and test a scanner
Chapter 9: Installing and
Supporting I/O Devices,
393- 435.
Lab 9.1: Gather
Information on I/O
Devices
Lab 9.3: Research High-
End Video Cards
Lab 9.4: Install and Test
a Scanner
Installing and Supporting
I/O Devices, Essentials
329-435 and answer
Reviewing the Basics
questions 1-19. Answer
Thinking Critically
9-4, 9-5, and 9-6 and Real
1 and 9-2 questions.
and 9.4
class
10
Nov. 1
to 8
to:
Describe the features of
multimedia cards, optical
storage devices, and
removable storage.
Install multimedia
peripherals and input
devices
Chapter 10: Multimedia
Devices and Mass
Storage, Essentials
Lab 10.2: Install a PC
Video Camera
Lab 10.3: Compare CD,
DVD, and Blu-ray
Technologies
Lab 10.5: Research
Digital Cameras
Lab 10.6: Explore
Windows Audio Features
Multimedia Devices and
Mass Storage, Essentials
Questions 1- 18 Answer
Hands-on Projects 10-2, 10-
3, 10-4, and 10-5 questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 10.2,
10.3, 10.5, and 10.6

Install a video camera
and use Windows Movie
Maker to test the camera
Recognize CD, DVD,
and Blu-ray
specifications
Research the features of a
digital camera
Customize Windows
sounds and use third-
party audio software
class
11
Nov. 10
to 16
Apply operational
procedures to keep self,
others, the equipment,
and the environment safe
Develop a preventive
maintenance plan for a
PC
Describe troubleshooting
theories used to solve any
computer problem
Describe how to protect
self, others and the
equipment when
repairing a computer
Clean a computer without
damaging self or the
computer
Introduce a computer
software or hardware
problem, diagnose a
problem introduced by
others, and document the
troubleshooting process.
Chapter 11: PC
Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Strategies
Lab 11.2: Learn about
Safety Issues
Lab 11.3: Safely Clean
Computer Equipment
Lab 11.4: Diagnose
Simple Hardware
Problems
Lab 11.5: Troubleshoot a
Hardware Problem
Lab 11.8: Critical
Thinking: Troubleshoot a
Startup Problem
Lab 11.9: Critical
Thinking: Sabotage and
Repair a System
Textbook, Chapter 11: PC
Maintenance and
Troubleshooting Strategies
Homework: Read the
chapter and answer
Thinking Critically
Projects 11-1, 11-2, 11-3,
and 11-4 and Real Problems,
Real Solutions 11-1
questions.
11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8, and
11.9
class
12
Nov 18
to 29
Plan a Windows
installation
Install Windows Vista,
Windows XP, and
Chapter 12: Installing
Windows
Lab 12.1: Install or
Upgrade to Windows
2000
Lab 12-2: Determine
Hardware Compatibility
with Windows XP
Installing Windows
Homework: Read the
chapter and answer
Thinking Critically

Windows 2000, and
configure the OS
Decide between the
advantages of an upgrade
or new installation for a
system
Plan the installation and
install Windows 2000,
Windows XP, or
Windows Vista as an
upgrade or clean install.
Use the Hardware
Compatibility List for
Windows XP
Explain the benefits of an
unattended installation,
use nLite to create an
answer file for the
installation, and perform
the unattended
installation.
Upgrade to Windows XP
Upgrade to Windows
Vista
Lab 12.6: Critical
Thinking: Unattended
Installation
Projects 12-1, 12-2, 12-3,
12-5, 12-6, and 12-7
questions. Answer Real
Problems, Real Solutions
12-1 and 12-2 questions
12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6
class
13
Dec. 1 to
7
to:
Set up and perform a
routine preventive
maintenance plan for
Windows
Prepare for disaster by
keeping timely backups
of user data and Windows
system files
Clean up and defragment
a hard drive and scan the
drive for errors
Use Task Scheduler to
schedule routine
maintenance tasks
Back up data and restore
data from backups
Add users, reset
passwords, and control
Chapter 13: Maintaining
Windows, Essentials
sections, Pages 603-642
Lab 13.1: Perform Hard
Drive Routine
Maintenance
Lab 13.2: Schedule
Maintenance Tasks
Lab 13.3: Back Up and
Restore Files in Windows
XP
Lab 13.4: Manage User
Accounts in Windows
Vista/XP
Lab 13.5: Set Disk
Quotas
Lab 13.6: Manage Virtual
Memory
Maintaining Windows,
603-642
Homework: Read pages
603-642 in the chapter and
Questions 1 – 22, and
Thinking Critically
Hands-on Project 13-1, 13-
2, 13-3, 13-4, and 13-5
questions.
Lab Manual: Labs 13.1
through 13.6
class

password policies
Convert a drive from
FAT to NTFS, set and
monitor disk quotas, and
identify when quotas
have been exceeded
Adjust virtual memory
settings
14
Dec. 9 to
15
to:
Use Windows tools and
utilities to solve problems
with Windows
performance
Customize Windows
Vista taskbar, Start menu,
and desktop
Use the Microsoft
Management Console to
create a console and then
use the console
Use Event Viewer to
view, save, and compare
events
Use Task Manager to
research process
information
Backup, modify, corrupt,
and restore the registry
Chapter 14: Optimizing
Windows, Essentials
Lab 14.1: Customize
Windows Vista
Lab 14.2: Use the
Microsoft Management
Console
Lab 14.3: Analyze a
System with Event Viewer
Lab 14.4: Use Task
Manager
Lab 14.5: Edit the
Registry with Regedit
Optimizing Windows,
677-710
1061-1093 in the chapter
and answer Reviewing the
Basics questions 1-19.
Answer Thinking Critically
Questions 1 and 2. Answer
Hands-on Project 14-5, 14-
6, and 14-7 questions.
14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5
class
15
Dec. 17
and 19
Final Exam over chapters 9-14 Dec. 17 is the last day to
turn in any work for chapters
9 to 14
PC Repair Practical Application Course
Week Content References
1
Jan. 5
to 11
Use Windows tools to
solve problems caused by
hardware, applications,
Chapter 15: Tools for
Solving Windows
Problems
Lab 15.1: Use Windows
Help and Troubleshooters
Lab 15.2: Restore the
System State
Tools for Solving Windows
Problems
Homework: Read the chapter
Basics and Thinking

and failed Windows
components
Use Vista tools to solve
problems when starting
Vista
Use Windows 2000/XP
tools to solve problems
when starting Windows
2000/XP
Search Windows Help
and use Windows
Troubleshooter
Use System Restore to
return the system to a
previous restore point
Update drivers using
Device Manager
Copy files to a removable
media while using the
Recovery Console
Repair a Vista installation
using Windows RE
Lab 15.3: Update Drivers
with Device Manager
Lab 15.5: Use the XP
Recovery Console to Copy
Files
Lab 15.6: Use the Vista
Recovery Environment
(Windows RE) to Repair
Windows
Critically questions. Answer
2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5, and 15-6
1 questions
15.2, 15.3, 15.5, 15.6
class
2
Jan 13
to 20
Describe hardware
devices used for
networking
types of networks
Explain the networking
protocols and standards
used by Windows
Connect a PC to an
existing network
Troubleshoot a network
connection
Install a network card and
drivers and perform a
loopback test
Test a patch cable and
crossover cable and
identify pinouts
Research wired and
Welcome
Class Introductions
Review Goals &
Objectives of Class,
Syllabus, Lecture/Lab
Format
Point out the A+ 2009
Essentials 2009 grid and
the A+ Practical
Application 2009 grid at
the beginning of the book.
Also point out the green
Essentials and blue
Practical Application A+
mapping within the
chapters.
Point out in the front of
the book the diagram that
explains chapter
organization to cover the
A+ Essentials and A+
Practical Application
objectives.
Chapter 17: Networking
Essentials
Networking Essentials
Basics and Thinking
2, 17-3, and 17-4 questions.
Answer Real Problems, Real
Solutions 17-1 questions
17.2, 17.3, and 17.5
class

wireless standards and
identify best options for a
home LAN
Share resources on a
network and connect to
these resources
Lab 17.1: Connect Two
Computers
Lab 17.2: Inspect Cables
Lab 17.3: Compare
Options for a Home LAN
Lab 17.5: Share Resources
on a Network
3
Jan 24
to 28
Understand the
importance of complying
with established security
policies
Identify ways to
authenticate and classify
users and data
Describe additional
methods to protect
resources
Describe methods used to
monitor and maintain
security measures that
have been implemented
Use Windows tools and
BIOS setup to log and
monitor events
Use Vista Event Viewer
to track filed login
attempts and changes to
files and folders
Configure and use
Windows Firewall and
Windows Defender and
unhide file extensions
Share a folder on the
network and control
which users and read and
modify the folder
Chapter 19, Security
Essentials
Lab 19.1: Audit Computer
and Network Activity in
XP
Lab 19.2: Monitor
Security Events in Vista
Lab 19.3: Research PC
Security
Lab 19.4: Secure a Private
Folder
Security Essentials
Basics and Thinking
3, 19-4 and 19-5 questions,
and answer Real Problems,
Real Solutions 19-1 and 19-2
questions
19.2, 19.3, and 19.4
class
4
Feb. 1
to 7
Chapter 21, Essentials content
Essentials content of this chapter,
Explain the special
considerations when
supporting notebooks and
Notebooks, Essentials
Lab 21.1: Examine
Notebook Documentation
Lab 21.2: Compare
Notebooks and Desktops
Lab 21.3: Manage Power
Supporting Notebooks,
1093-1128
1093 - 1128 of the chapter

different from supporting
desktop computers
Install, configure,
optimize and troubleshoot
peripheral devices used
with notebooks
Locate and download
notebook documentation
and use it to find critical
information about the
notebook
Research and compare
prices of a desktop and
notebook computer with
similar specifications
Manage power saving
options and troubleshoot
power problems
Change display settings
on a notebook, use an
external monitor, and
communicate with
difficult customers
Research and use
diagnostic software on a
notebook and research
replacing a notebook part
Saving Options
Lab 21.4: Use Notebook
Display Options
Lab 21.5: Use Notebook
Diagnostic Software
Hands-on Project 21-1 and
21-2 questions.
21.2, 21.3, 21.4, and 21.5
class
5
Feb. 9
to 15
Chapter 22 Essentials
Essentials content of this chapter,
Describe printer types and
features
Install printers and share a
printer on the network
Manage Windows print
jobs and install printer
consumables
Install and share a local
printer and use that printer
from another computer on
the network
Install a network printer
and test the printer on the
Printers, Essentials
Lab 22.1: Install and
Share a Local Printer
Lab 22.2: Install a
Network Printer
Lab 22.3: Update Printer
Drivers
1161-1191
1161 - 1191 of the chapter
Hands-on Project 22-2 and
22-3 questions. Answer
questions for Real Problems,
Real Solutions 22-1.
22.2, and 22.3
class

network
Identify printer driver
information and
download, install, and test
newer drivers
Essentials content ends here and
Practical Application content
begins
Students are encouraged
to take the A+ 220-701
exam. There is an A+
testing center at Parkway
North High School
6
Feb.
17 to
25
Chapter 4, Practical Application
sections
Upon completion of the Practical
Application section of this
to:
Take a computer apart and
put it back together
Troubleshoot electrical
problems
Take a computer apart,
recognize components,
and put a system back
together
Use a multimeter to
measure voltage provided
by a power supply
Upgrade a power supply
A+ Practical Application
sections of Chapter 4:
Form Factors, Power
Supplies, and Working
Inside a Computer, Page
144 through end of
chapter.
Lab 4.2: Take a Computer
Apart and Put it
Back Together
Lab 4.3: Measure the
Output of Your
Power Supply
Lab 4.6: Upgrade a
Power Supply
sections. Form Factors,
Power Supplies, and Working
Inside a Computer, Practical
Application sections
beginning on Page 144
through end of chapter.
beginning with page 144 and
questions 31 – 33. Answer
Hands-on Projects 4-1
questions and Real Problems,
Real Solutions 4-1 questions.
and 4.6
class
7
Mar 1
to 7
sections
sections
Application sections of these
chapters, the student will be able
to:
Install, configure, and
maintain a motherboard
Install and upgrade a
processor
Troubleshoot problems
with processors,
motherboards, and
Chapter 5: All About
Motherboards, Practical
Application sections,
Pages 210 through end of
chapter.
Processors, Practical
Pages 256 through the end
of chapter.
Lab 5-4: Identify a
Motherboard and Find
Documentation and
Drivers on the Internet
Lab 5.5: Remove and
Replace a Motherboard
sections. All About
Motherboards, Page 210
through end of chapter.
Homework: Read Pages 210
through end of the chapter
Basics Questions 24-25, and
Thinking Critically Questions
5-6. Answer Hands-on
Projects 5-1, 5-3, and 5-6,
and Real Problems, Real

overheating
Open a case, identify a
motherboard brand and
model number, and search
the Internet for
motherboard
documentation for this
particular board
Remove, replace, and
configure a motherboard
Flash BIOS
Remove and replace a
CPU
Lab 5.6: Flash BIOS
Lab 6-1: Remove and
Replace a CPU
sections. Supporting
Processors, Page 256 through
end of chapter.
through end of the chapter
Basics Questions 19-20, and
Thinking Critically Question
3. Answer Hands-on Projects
6-5, and Real Problems, Real
5.6, and 6.1
class
8
Mar 9
to 15
sections
sections
to:
Upgrade memory
with memory
Select and install a hard
drive
with hard drives
Research memory needed
for an upgrade and
upgrade memory
Identify faulty memory
symptoms and test RAM
Install a second hard drive
in a system
Simulate hard drive
problems, diagnose and
repair problems, and
document the
Chapter 7: Upgrading
Memory, Practical
Pages 307 to end of
chapter.
Hard Drives, Practical
Pages 347 to end of
chapter.
Lab 7.3: Upgrade RAM
Lab 7.5: Troubleshoot
Memory Problems
Lab 8-3: Install a Second
Hard Drive
Lab 8-5: Troubleshoot
Hard Drives
Lab 8-7: Critical
Thinking: Troubleshoot
and Repair a Hard Drive
Upgrading Memory,
sections, Pages 307 to end of
chapter.
to end of chapter and answer
4-5. Answer Hands-on
Projects 7-3, 7-4, and 7-6 and
Real Problems, Real
Supporting Hard Drives,
chapter.
to the end of the chapter and
Questions 21-25, and
Thinking Critically questions.
Answer Hands-on Projects 8-
3, 8-4, and 8-6 and Real
Problems, Real Solutions 8-1
questions.

troubleshooting process 8-3, 8-5, and 8-7
class
Mar
17
MidTerm Exam over weeks 1 to
8
9
Mar
29 to
Apr. 4
sections
sections
to:
Install and configure I/O
devices including internal
components
with I/O devices
Install and configure
multimedia and mass
storage devices
with multimedia and mass
storage devices
Use Device Manager to
investigate and solve
problems with hardware
Troubleshoot and solve
problems with the video
subsystem
Install a sound card and
drivers and test the card
Install a second display
adapter and configure the
system for dual monitors
Chapter 9: Installing and
Supporting I/O Devices,
sections, Pages 435 to end
of chapter.
Chapter 10: Multimedia
Devices and Mass
Storage, Practical
Pages 502 to end of
chapter.
Lab 9.2: Identify
Hardware Conflicts using
Device Manager
Lab 9.5: Critical
Thinking: Troubleshoot
Video Problems
Lab 10.1: Install a Sound
Card
Lab10.4: Install Dual
Displays in Windows
Multimedia Devices and
Mass Storage, Practical
Application sections, Pages
502 to end of chapter.
through the end of the
chapter, and answer
all Thinking Critically
Projects 10-1 questions.
Installing and Supporting
I/O Devices, Practical
Application sections, Pages
435 to end of chapter.
through the end of the
chapter, and answer
4. Answer Hands-on Projects
10-1 questions and Real
1 questions.
10.1, and 10.4
class
10
Apr 6
to 12
sections
sections
to:
Identify the directory
Chapter 13: Maintaining
Windows, Practical
Pages 642 to end of
chapter
Chapter 14: Optimizing
Windows, Practical
Pages 710 to end of
chapter
Maintaining Windows,
chapter
beginning with page 642 to
the end of the chapter.
Answer Reviewing the Basics

structures used by
Windows for system files
and user data
Use Windows utilities to
manage a hard drive
Optimize Windows to
improve performance
Use various commands at
the command prompt to
manage files and folders
Use the Xcopy and
Robocopy commands
Use Windows tools to
identify processes slowing
down Windows, clean up
startup, and configure the
system to stay optimized
Lab 13.7: Learn to Work
from the Command Line
Lab 13.8: Use the Xcopy
and Robocopy Commands
Lab 14.6: Critical
Thinking: Use Windows
Utilities to Speed Up a
System
(Note the first heading, How
Printers and Scanners Work,
was covered in the Essentials
semester.)
Note: Students are
encouraged to take the
A+ Essentials 2009
exam during the next
two weeks.
1. Answer Real Problems,
Real Solutions 13-1, 13-2,
and 13-3 questions.
Optimizing Windows,
chapter
beginning with page 710 to
the end of the chapter.
Answer Reviewing the Basics
3-5. Answer questions for
2, 14-3, 14-4 questions.
Answer Real Problems, Real
Solutions 14-1 and 14-2
questions.
13.8, and 14.6
class
11
Apr
14 to
20
Know what to do when a
hardware device,
application, or Windows
component gives
problems
Know what to do when
Windows Vista won’t
boot or starts with errors
Know what to do when
Windows 2000/XP won’t
boot or starts with errors
Research problems with
Windows installations,
transfer user data and
preferences, modify an
Chapter 16, Fixing
Windows Problems
Failed Windows
Installations
Lab 16.2: Recover Data
from a Computer That
Will Not Boot
Lab 16.3: Finding a
Driver for an Unknown
Device
Lab 16.5: Critical
Repair Windows XP
Lab 16.6: Critical
Repair Windows Vista
Fixing Windows Problems
Basics and Thinking
2, 16-3, 16-4, and 16-5
questions, and answer Real
1 questions
16.2, 16.3, 16.5, and 16.6
class

answer file, and share an
external drive with a PC
and a MAC.
Copy data from a non-
booting computer and use
data recovery software
Use third-party software
to identify an unknown
device and use the
Internet to find and
download a driver
Sabotage a system and
troubleshoot and repair a
Windows XP or Vista
system that is not working
12
Apr
22 to
28
Connect a computer or
small network to the
Internet using a
broadband, satellite, or
dial-up connection
Set up a SOHO wired or
wireless network
Use tools and utilities to
solve networking
problems
Troubleshoot network
connections and problems
with client applications
Use FTP commands to
download a browser via
FTP
Configure and use
Remote Access Service
for a dial-up connection
Configure and use
Remote Desktop
Configure and use a
wireless router to connect
to the Internet
Troubleshoot a network
connection using the
Ipconfig, Ping, and
Tracert utilities
Chapter 18: Networking
Practices
Lab 18.2: Use FTP to
Download a Browser
Lab 18.3: Configure and
Use Remote Access
Service
Lab 18.4: Use Remote
Desktop
Lab 18.6: Set up a
Wireless Router
TCP/IP Utilities
Lab 18.8: Solve Network
Connectivity Problems
Networking Practices
Basics and Thinking
questions for Hands-on
Projects 18-1, 18-2, and 18-4
18.3, 18.4, 18.6, 18.7, and
18.8
class

Solve network
connectivity problems and
document the process
13
May 3
to 9
Protect against and
remove malware from a
system
Implement security using
Windows
Use BIOS security
features
Install AV software and
scan the system
Encrypt a folder and use a
different user account to
access a file in the folder
Use a router manual to
explain how to implement
security on a wireless
LAN
Identify all startup
processes on a computer
and use the Internet to
research these processes
Download, install and run
anti-rootkit software to
scan for rootkits
Chapter 20: Security
Practices
Lab 20.1: Protect Your
Computer from Viruses
and Adware
Lab 20.2: Use Encryption
Lab 20.3: Secure a
Wireless LAN
Lab 20.4: Investigate
Startup Processes
Lab 20.5: Deal with a
Rootkit
Security Practices
Basics and Thinking
questions for Hands-on
Projects 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, and
20-5 questions. Answer Real
20.2, 20.3, 20.4, and 20.5
class
14
May
11 to
17
sections
sections
to:
Troubleshoot, upgrade,
and replace internal
notebook components
Perform routine printer
maintenance tasks
with printers
Notebooks, Practical
Pages 1128 to end of
chapter
Printers, Practical
Pages 1191 to end of
chapter
Lab 21.6: Replace a
Notebook Hard Drive
Lab 21.7: Critical
Thinking: Replace a
Notebook LCD Panel
of chapter
1128 through the end of the
chapter and answer Reviewing
the Basics questions 17-20.
Question 3. Answer Hands-
on Project 21-3, 21-4, 21-5
questions. Answer questions
for Real Problems, Real
Solutions 21-1, 21-2, and 21-

Remove and replace a
notebook hard drive
Identify hardware
problems with LCD
components and replace
these components
Research printer
maintenance information
on the Internet and solve
common printer problems
Introduce a problem with
a printer, and solve printer
problems introduced by
others
Lab 22.4: Maintain and
Troubleshoot a Printer
Lab 22.5: Critical
Repair a Network Printer
Note: Students are
encouraged to take the
A+ Practical
Application exam
during the next two
weeks.
3.
Supporting Printers,
of chapter
1128 through the end of the
chapter and answer Reviewing
the Basics questions 14-20.
Question 3. Answer Hands-
on Project 22-1 and 22-4
questions.
21.7, 22.4, and 22.5
class
15
May
19 to
27
Finish up and testing May 23 is the last day to turn
in any work from Weeks 9 to
14. The final exam is on
either May 25 or May 27 and
will be comprehensive over
the entire course of study for
both semesters.

A computer maintenance_course_syllabus_2010

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