Estrella Mountain Community College

Instructor: Randol L. Larson,BS,MCP+I,MCSE,A+,Network+,iNet+,Server+

E-mail Address College: Randol.Larson@emcmail.maricopa.edu

Blackboard: http://bb5.emc.maricopa.edu/

Website: http://students.estrellamountain.edu/larson

Faculty Portfolio: http://students.estrellamountain.edu/facultyportfolio/larson/biography.html

Phone number: Faculty Office 623.935.8077 Cell Phone 602.826.6824

Instructional Computing Secretary: Donna Owens 623.935.8061

Office Location: EST 237 or Classroom EST243

Office Hours: Wednesday 8:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon, or by appointment

Online Tools - Blackboard Course Cartridge available for purchase from the Campus Bookstore or order online at http://www.course.com/

Supplies - 3.5-inch diskette and a Basic PC tool kit

Suggested Study Guides for the A+ Core and Operating System Exams - CICPrep A+ CompTIA Exam Bundle $29.00 (http://www.cicprep.com/)

1. Use basic electronic tools and evaluation devices (II)

2. Use diagnostic hardware and software (III, V)

3. Install peripheral devices such as printers, disk drivers and option boards (VII)

4. Setup hardware and software in various common configurations (VII, VIII)

5. Troubleshoot problems with various hardware / software configuration (III, VIII)

6. Install and customize common applications software (VIII)

7. Describe basic PC architecture (I)

8. Install and troubleshoot basic problems with printer and modem cables (VII)

9. Use technical manuals (II, III, IV, VII, VIII)

10. Perform periodic maintenance (IV)

I. Microcomputer Architecture

A. Hardware and software interface

B. Basic hardware components

C. Operating system software

D. Peripheral devices

II. Introduction to maintenance and repair techniques

A. Basic tools

B. User maintenance

C. Board level maintenance

D. Chip level maintenance

E. Advanced maintenance

III. Introduction to computer diagnostics

A. Error detection

B. Problem-Solving

C. System boot procedures

D. Work area setup

V. Diagnostics

A. Routine diagnostics

B. Using diagnostic software

C. Troubleshooting diagnostics

VI. Configuration and Batch files

A. Disk drive concepts

B. Device drivers

C. Configuration files

D. Batch files

VII. Hardware installation and basic troubleshooting

A. Printers

B. Disk drives

C. Monitors

D. Option boards

E. Communication devices

F. Mice

G. Memory

VIII. Software installation and basic troubleshooting

A. Automated installation considerations

B. Manual installation

C. Customization

D. Configuration to hardware and peripherals

E. Printer setup

COMMUNICATION
A student who effectively communicates:
1. Responds to an audience
2. Demonstrates a clear sense of purpose
3. Organizes information
4. Delivers information using appropriate language

Assignments, Labs, Projects & Evaluation

For each assignment and project you submit to be graded, include your name and BPC170 in the filename. All electronic documents must be completed in either HTML format, or Microsoft Word. All electronic documents will be submitted by your Blackboard digital or e-mail. Any assignment handed in after the end of class on the day it is due is considered late unless prior arrangements are made. Points will be lost for late or missing work.

Course grades will be determined on a percentage of total points possible:

90% or better = A

80% to 89% = B

70% to 79% = C

60% to 69% = D

Labs and Quizzes (one quiz per chapter, 12 quizzes total) (70%)

(Quizzes are 35% and Labs are 35% for a total of 70%) At least half of the quizzes will be take-home.

Mid-term Exam (10%)

Final Exam (20%)

Some extra credit will be available

Additional Open Lab Time

In addition to the normally scheduled and supervised class labs, additional lab time will be made available. This schedule will be announced each week. Students are encouraged to attend these open sessions. Students may also bring their own personal computers or projects from home with the instructor’s permission. Please note: Estrella Mountain Community College assumes no responsibility for any personal lost or damaged equipment; nor does it assume any responsibility for any damage or loss of personal information that may result from students working on their own personal systems.

Information Commons Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7:30 am. - 9:00 P.m.

Friday - 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Course Withdrawal

To properly withdraw from a class, students must inform the Admissions and Records Office in Komatke Hall, after obtaining the instructor's signature on a Class Reschedule Change Form. Consult the schedule of classes for refund information. A student who is absent for more than four (4) consecutive class meetings will be dropped from the class, unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.

Attendance

Attendance is critical to your success - plan on attending every class. Please avoid late arrivals to and early departures from class. Your lab grades are directly related to attendance. I use an electronic method of attendance. Upon arrival to class, please sign into to Blackboard attendance quiz. If you have any problems that affect your attendance, please see me. If you miss a class, please e-mail me at Randol.Larson@emcmail.maricopa.edu for make-up work.