Introduction to Computer Technology

Computer technology is an engineering course that emphasizes the practical study of computer hardware, and information technology. Students will learn the techniques of PC computer construction and repair. Students will also learn some of the science of computer technology, the business aspects of computer assembly and the ecological procedure of recycling computer parts.

  Week 1
Orientation to Computer Technology
Week 2
Inside the Chassis
Week 3
The Legacy PC
Week 4
The ATX PC
Week 5
Windows Software and Drivers
Week 6
The PC Industry and Market



M

Orientation to Computer Technology

Instructor hands out course syllabus and other course paperwork. Students get notebook then see the video, "Revenge of the Nerds Part 1."

Links for Lesson:

Inside the Chassis

Instructor demonstrates opening up the chassis then identifies the parts inside including drives, cables and cards.

Link for Lesson:

The Legacy PC

Students receive legacy PC and check to see if it works. They then open up the chassis and review parts.

Link for Lesson:

The ATX PC

Guest speaker from Mission College explains degree program.

Links for Lesson:

Windows Software and Drivers

Instructor demonstrates how to install older version of Windows.

Links for Lesson:

The PC Industry and Market

Instructor shows video highlights from "Triumph of the Nerds" and explains the origin of the PC industry.

Link for Lesson:



Tu

Orientation to Computer Technology

Instructor shows PowerPoint presentation on basics of computing. Topics include input, output, processing, storage, binary numbers. NOTE: The PowerPoint Presentation is a very large file and may take a long time to download.

Link for Lesson:

Inside the Chassis

Instructor explains the ports and slots and chip layout on a motherboard. NOTE: The PowerPoint Presentation is a very large file and may take a long time to download.

Link for Lesson:

The Legacy PC

Instructor explains about processors and clock speed as well as discusses EM radiation. NOTE: The PowerPoint Presentation is a very large file and may take a long time to download.

Link for Lesson:

The ATX PC

Power Point Presentation. Instructor explains how to build an ATX machine from parts using best practices. NOTE: The PowerPoint Presentation is a very large file and may take a long time to download.

Link for Lesson:

Windows Software and Drivers

Instructor demonstrates how to optimize Windows and update drivers.


The PC Industry and Market

Guest speaker from Intel (marketing or personnel) explains the PC business as he or she sees it.

Link for Lesson:



W

Orientation to Computer Technology

Instructor provides orientation to the lab environment including locations, tools, spare parts, lockers. Safety and cleanup rules are also stressed.

Link for Lesson:

Inside the Chassis

Students practice motherboard identification and diagramming.

Link for Lesson:

The Legacy PC

Students disassemble PC, upgrade memory and processor, and reassemble.


The ATX PC

Students assemble PC and format hard drive.


Windows Software and Drivers

Students install Windows and update drivers


The PC Industry and Market

Students research PC prices and parts on the Internet to fit provided specifications for unique computer requirements.

Link for Lesson:



Th

Orientation to Computer Technology

Continue Lab. Students practice setting up a PC and Windows navigation.


Inside the Chassis

Students' group presentation on motherboard identification and design.


The Legacy PC

Students continue reasembly and troubleshoot bugs introduced by the instructor.


The ATX PC

Students continue assembly, install Windows, and fix bugs introduced by the instructor.


Windows Software and Drivers

Students continue lab and fix bugs introduced by instructor.


The PC Industry and Market

Students prepare PowerPoint presentation on researched topic introduced earlier




F

Orientation to Computer Technology

Evaluation/ Presentation. Students take written and practical tests

Links for Lesson:

Inside the Chassis

Evaluation/ Presentation. Students take written identification test. Instructor may also administer a longer history and identification quiz.

Links for Lesson:

The Legacy PC

Evaluation/ Presentation. Students present their reports from lab.

Link for Lesson:

The ATX PC

Evaluation/ Presentation. Instructor inspects ATX build and grades based on completion and best practice.


Windows Software and Drivers

Evaluation/ Presentation. Instructor inspects Windows and introduces errors to be fixed.


The PC Industry and Market

Evaluation/ Presentation. Students present above results for final review by class and instructor.

Link for Lesson: