CTS 120 Hardware/Software Support
Fall 2007
Class Meets: T-F 11:30-12:35
Instructor: Nicole Thompson Office: Williams Cisco Lab Phone: 296-1563
Prerequisite: CIS 110 Office Hours: M 10:25-12:25; T-Th 10:25-11:25
E-Mail: nthompson@jamessprunt.edu
Instructor Website: http://www.sprunt.com/VoTech/nicole/nicole.htm
Text: A+ Guide to Hardware Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting by Jean Andrews
A+ Guide to Hardware Lab Manual
LabSim for A+ Essentials
These books are bundled together in the bookstore
Other Materials: Flash drive
Course Description: This course covers the basic hardware of a personal computer, including installation, operations and interactions with software. Topics include component identification, memory-system, peripheral installation and configuration, preventive maintenance, hardware diagnostics/repair, installation and optimization of system software, commercial programs, system configuration, and device-drivers. Upon completion, students should be able to select appropriate computer equipment and software, upgrade/maintain existing equipment and software, and troubleshoot/repair non-functioning personal computers.
Course Competencies:
The student will:
- Be able to identify the components of the computer
- Understand the memory system
- Be able to upgrade the memory system
- Be able to install and configure peripheral devices
- Be able to perform preventative maintenance
- Be able to diagnose and repair faulty systems
Course Methodology:
Lecture: The instructor will present information relevant to the course at all class meetings except for test days. Functions and proper procedures for equipment and software will be explained. Students will take notes to use when completing lab assignments.
Tests: Tests will be given on material relevant to class discussion and reading assignments at times deemed appropriate by the instructor. Several tests will be given during the semester. These tests will be objective (true/false, multiple choice) and hands on. All tests will normally be announced at least one week in advance. Therefore, no makeup tests will be given. A student who is absent on a test day will be given a zero (0) for that test. However, when determining the course grade, the lowest test grade will be dropped before averaging the test grades. If more than one test is missed, zeroes (0) will be averaged for those tests. For extenuating circumstances a test may be taken at a time other than the class time only if arrangements are made in advance with the instructor. Missed tests MUST be taken before the class reviews the tests, which will normally be the next class day after the test.
Lab: Students will complete exercises to increase understanding of discussion topics. Completion of lab assignments may require time outside of class. The instructor will be available to provide assistance during lab time.
Course Evaluation:
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Tests 50%
Labs (including Labsim) 45%
Class Participation 5%
Class Participation: Your participation in class is a necessity. In order to comprehend computer concepts, it requires participation and practice in and outside of class.
Attendance: You are expected to attend each scheduled class. Attendance is considered in the 5% class participation grade. You are permitted 6 absences (10% of class) for any reason without penalty. Any absences beyond 6, regardless of the reason, will result in a one-point penalty in the 5% class participation portion of your grade. The instructor reserves the right to drop, or lower the final grade, of any student who misses more than (6 days) of the scheduled classes. Be aware that coming to class late disrupts the discussion and is unfair to other students. Being tardy twice will be equivalent to one absence in determining the 5% class participation grade.
Classroom Etiquette: Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before coming to class. Phones and pagers ringing are very disruptive. If you need to be contacted in an emergency, you can be reached through our department Administrative Assistant at
296-2532. No text messaging is allowed during class. If you are caught text messaging during a test, it will be assumed you are cheating and a zero (0) will be given on that test.
Grading:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60
