PC Repair Course Outline

PC Repair Module 1 Understanding the Personal Computer Terminology Evolution of Software Installing a New Computer Hardware Components Function of the CPU Memory, Input, Output, and Storage Devices Operating Systems Internet and Online Services Troubleshooting PC Problems and Errors PC Repair Module 2 An Introduction to Upgrading and Repairing PCs PC Components, Features, and System Design Microprocessor Types and Specifications Microprocessors from 1971 to the Present Processor Specifications, Features, Manufacturing, Socket and Slot Types CPU Operating Voltages Heat and Cooling Problems Math Coprocessors (Floating-point Units) Processor Generations and Multicore Processors Processor Upgrades and Troubleshooting Techniques Motherboards, Chipsets, and Buses System Bus Types, Functions, and Features System Resources Resolving Resource Conflicts Motherboard Selection Criteria PC Repair Module 3 BIOS and Memory BIOS Hardware/Software Motherboard ROM BIOS Upgrading the BIOS Preboot Environment BIOS/MBR Error Messages SDRAM, RDRAM, and other types of Memory Pinouts Memory Banks and Memory Module Speed Parity Checking and Error-correcting Code (ECC) Installing RAM Upgrades, DIMM, RIMM, and SIMM Modules Troubleshooting Memory Memory Defect Isolation Procedures The System Logical Memory Layout PC Repair Module 4 Hard Disk Drives The ATA/IDE Interface Magnetic Storage Principles Hard Disk Storage Hard Disk Drive Operation Removable and Optical Storage Physical Drive Installation and Configuration Hard Disk Installation Procedures Formatting Replacing an Existing Drive Hard Disk Drive Troubleshooting and Repair Installing an Optical Drive Internal Floppy Drive Installation

PC Repair Module 5 Video and Audio Video Hardware Maintaining Your Monitor Video Display Adapters and 3D Graphics Accelerators Upgrading or Replacing Your Video Card Adapter and Display Troubleshooting Audio Hardware Early PC Audio Adapters PC Multimedia History Audio Adapter Features, Concepts and Terms Installing the Sound Card Troubleshooting Sound Card Problems Speakers and Microphones I/O Interfaces from Serial and Parallel to IEEE 1394 and USB PC Repair Module 6 Internet and Networking Input Devices Internet Connectivity Securing and Sharing Your Internet Connection Internet Troubleshooting Local Area Networking Network Protocols Installing Networking Software Troubleshooting a Network Power Supplies, Troubleshooting, and Repair Building or Upgrading Systems Overclocking and Cooling PC Diagnostics, Testing, and Maintenance

PC Maintenance and Repair

Program Outline
Here's how it works Your program consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career as a PC Maintenance and Repair Technician. Your first course will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. We recommend that you have a PC to be used for the hands-on exercises and also for software studies in the program. You will need access to a Microsoft Windows-based computer (running Windows Vista or later) and the Internet in order to complete your program with Penn Foster. Note: Graduates of this program also earn 15 college credits toward an A.S. degree in PC Maintenance Technology at Penn Foster College. PCM101 The Information Age (Delivered Online Only) This course is a brief introduction to the constantly changing world of computer technology in the Information Age. The course introduces the technology student to the social and professional importance of technology, some basics of the language of technology, and career opportunities related to technology. PCM103 Introduction to PC Maintenance and Repair This course provides the student with a broad view of PC Maintenance and Repair, focusing on the essential elements of hardware and software, as well as the importance of safety. It also explains the essential characteristics of a PC maintenance technician and the various types of employment available.

PCM105 PC Hardware 1 Defines and describes the elements and function of hardware devices which are part of a modern personal computer system. Prerequisite: Introduction to PC Maintenance and Repair PCM106 PC Hardware 2 This course provides the student with more sophisticated techniques in PC Maintenance and Repair, including external I/O devices, printers, notebooks/laptops/PDAs, purchasing and building PCs, troubleshooting, support, virus protection, data protection, and recovery. Prerequisite: PC Hardware 1 PCM107 PC Operating Systems Describes the use of software for virus protection, data protection and recovery, and gives a systematic overview of operating systems, including an array of Windows systems, such as 9x, ME, NT, 2000, and XP, and Apple Computers. Prerequisite: PC Hardware 2 INT128 Network Protocols and Internetworking Network Protocols and Internetworking covers topics related to how computers communicate with each other, how computers are grouped together to form networks, networking concepts and issues that are key to the successful implementation of computer networks, and the different networking implementation strategies and technologies currently available. (Required textbook provided with course.) Prerequisite: PC Operating Systems