PC Hardware Basics

Course Description

Preparation for PC hardware support: Students learn data recovery and how to build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PC’s. IST 225 PC Hardware Basics (3) IST 225 covers materials needed to prepare students to function as PC support technicians in business and industry. In a hands-on laboratory environment, students learn to build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PC hardware. Course modules cover all the basic hardware components of the PC – their functions, interactions, installation, configuration, upgrading, repair, and replacement. Detailed coverage of system BIOS, CMOS setup, and the boot process is also included. Preventive maintenance and data recovery procedures are also studied. IST 225 is one of four courses required for the Networking Option in the Associate degree in Information Sciences and Technology (IST).The IST 225 is designed to help the student to thoroughly understand all the basic hardware and firmware PC components, from PC resources, their function (BIOS and CMOS setup) and interaction, to diagnosing and resolving resource conflicts. The IST student should be able to install, configure, troubleshoot, repair, recover data, correct errors or replace all basic hardware components. The student should also be able to make appropriate hardware recommendations, purchases and upgrade decisions, as well as, determine appropriate preventive maintenance procedures. Finally, the Information Sciences and Technology major will learn how to foster communications, interpersonal, and group interaction skills through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects, laboratory exercises, and related experiences.Achievement of knowledge objectives will be evaluated by examinations. Ability to perform hands-on support activities will be evaluated by grading appropriate group and individual hands-on laboratory projects, scenarios, and case studies.The majority of campuses offering the Associate degree in Information Sciences and Technology will have 20-30 students enrolled in the course. The course will be offered one semester each academic year.