CET 1171C - Computer Repair Essentials

College of Computer & Information Technology

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2024 (630)

Course Description

This course is designed to teach the student basic technical skills needed to understand the function and operation of major elements of Personal Computer (PC) systems, and how to localize and correct common hardware problems. Students will acquire hands-on experience with stand-alone PC systems as well as those in virtualized and cloud-based environments. The course will focus on broad concepts and diagnostic tools which allow the student to determine the condition of a PC system and how to best correct a fault. Additional coverage is included on mobile devices and configuring peripheral devices. Various software tools will be used to diagnose PC problems. This course aligns with the objectives of the CompTIA A+ Certification Core 1 exam. (Note: Credit is only given for CET 1171C or CJE 1661).

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will define the essential components of a PC system, including hardware/software components, and explain their functions by:
    1. identifying the various parts inside a desktop computer case and describe how they connect together.
    2. identifying the various ports, slots, and internal components of a laptop computer.
    3. describing the purpose of various tools you will need as a computer hardware technician.
    4. explaining the special considerations when supporting laptop computers that are different than supporting desktop computers.
    5. describing and comparing various types and features of motherboards.
    6. comparing characteristics and purposes of processors and physical memory used for personal computers.
    7. discussing storage technologies used in personal computers and their communication methods.
  2. The student will optimize personal computer (PC) systems by:
    1. configuring a motherboard using Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware.
    2. selecting a power supply to meet the power needs of a system.
    3. describing the general approach technicians use to install and support Input/Output (I/O) devices.
    4. installing and configuring several I/O devices, such as barcode readers, biometric devices, digital cameras, webcams, graphic tablets, and touch screens.
    5. installing and configuring adapter cards.
    6. installing and supporting storage devices used in personal computers systems.
  3. The student will analyze and repair personal computer (PC) systems by:
    1. demonstrating an organized approach to solving any computer problem, especially hardware problems occurring during the boot.
    2. troubleshooting and resolving problems with the electrical system.
    3. troubleshooting and resolving problems with the motherboard, processor, and memory.
    4. troubleshooting and resolving problems with storage devices.
    5. troubleshooting and resolving common problems with I/O devices.
  4. The student will apply network technologies used in personal computer (PC) systems by:
    1. describing network types and the Internet connections they use.
    2. explaining the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols and standards Windows uses for networking.
    3. connecting a computer to a wired or wireless network.
    4. configuring and securing a multifunction router on a local network.
    5. comparing and contrasting hardware used to build local networks.
  5. The student will correct common problems with mobile device technology by:
    1. describing various hardware components in mobile devices and types of wired and wireless connections mobile devices can make.
    2. troubleshooting and resolving hardware problems with mobile devices.
  6. The student will summarize the need for system virtualization and cloud computing environments by:
    1. describing the process of desktop virtualization.
    2. explaining the purpose of client-side virtual machines.
    3. identifying the resource and security requirements for client-side virtualization.
    4. defining common cloud models and characteristics.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 5/27/97; DBT 6/17/97 Effective Session 19971 3-Year Review 20011. 3 Year Review 2006 (refmtd). C&I 3/24/09, BOT 4/21/09, Effective 20091(0415). C&I Approval: 09/16/2011, BOT Approval: 10/01/2011, Effective Term: Spring 2012 (450).
C&I Approval: 07/21/2023, BOT Approval: 09/19/2023, Effective Term: Spring 2024 (630)

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  4. CompTIA A + (to BMET-AS) (TIAAIC-AR) (585) (Active)
  5. CompTIA A + (to CCNA-CT) (TIAA2IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  6. CompTIA A + (to CIT-AS) (TIAA3IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  7. CompTIA A + (to ITSC-AS) (TIAA4IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  8. CompTIA A+ (to CJPSS-AS) (TIAA9IC-AR) (635) (Active)
  9. CompTIA A+ (to COMPNET-AS) (TIAA8IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  10. CompTIA A+ (to DIGFORN-AS) (TIAA5IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  11. CompTIA A+ (to HDSK-CT) (TIAA6IC-AR) (585) (Active)
  12. CompTIA A+ (to LINXSA-CT) (TIAA7IC-AR) (585) (Active)
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  14. Computer Systems and Information Technology PTC (CSITTC-AR) (605) (Active)
  15. Cybersecurity (ITSC-AS) (640) (Active)
  16. Cybersecurity (ITSC-AS) (640) (Draft)
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  18. Help Desk Support Specialist (HDSK-CT) (530) (Active)
  19. Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity (MDNC-CT) (595) (Active)
  20. Network Administration (LINXSA-CT) (610) (Active)
  21. Network Support Services Career Certificate (NETSUPSW-AR) (615) (Active)
  22. Network Support Services PTC (NETSUPTC-AR) (605) (Active)
  23. Network Systems Administration Career Certificate (NSASW-AR) (620) (Active)
  24. Networking Technologies (COMPNET-AS) (640) (Active)
  25. Public Safety (CJPSS-AS) (645) (Active)
  26. Technology Development & Management (TMGT-TR) (670) (Active)
  27. Technology Support Services PCS (TSSHS-AR) (540) (Active)