Certificate in PC Maintenance

Content:
The course is organised into a series of individual lessons, each with its own practical exercises and assignments, which are briefly described as follows.

Lesson 1 - Introduction to PC Hardware

This lesson is designed to provide you with an overview of the development of computer technology from its inception more than 50 years ago to today s powerful desktop systems. You will learn the basics about the major components of a computer system and how they combine to provide a cohesive system capable of processing millions of instructions per second. You will also learn about the main components of Microsoft s Windows operating system.

The following topics are covered by this lesson:

A short history of the computer
Computer numbering Systems
PC hardware components overview
The role of computer operating systems
Introducing the Windows operating system
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 2 - Operating System
This lesson introduces you to the major Windows Operating System functions (including Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP) and is suitable for novices and experienced users alike.

The main topics covered are:
The function of an Operating System
A History of Windows, Installing the Windows Operating System
Windows overview and glossary
The Start Menu and Task Bar
The Desktop and Clipboard, Windows Explore
The Programs Menu
The Windows Control Panel
Windows Accessories
the Microsoft Network and Dial-up Networking
Setting up Printers
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 3 An Introduction to the Internet
On completion of this lesson, you will understand the terminology of the Net and be aware of both its history and its current status; you will learn about some of the basic web page design principles and be introduced to HTML, the language of the Internet.

The main topics covered include:
Getting started and installing your software
Getting connected to the Internet
Choosing the right Internet Service Provider
Setting up and registering your own Website
A guided tour of the Internet
An Introduction to Internet Explorer
Email with Outlook Express
An Introduction to HTML
An Introduction to Microsoft s FrontPage
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 4 PC Hardware Components
This lesson describes the individual components of a Personal Computer, identifying each component and discussing its function and connections in a precise but simple style avoiding the usual jargon found in most textbooks and hardware manuals.

The following components are described in detail:
The power supply
The motherboard and its on-board components
Processors, RAM (Memory)
Data Storage Devices
Parallel and serial interfaces
Video, Graphics and Sound Cards
Lesson Review/Assignments

. Lesson 5 Input/Output Devices
This lesson is designed to provide you with a thorough briefing on the principles of Input and Output Devices and Other External Devices

.The following topics are covered:
Modems
Monitors
The Keyboard and Mouse
Other Peripheral Devices
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 6 Diagnostics and Fault Finding
This lesson takes you step-by-step through the fault finding procedures required to diagnose a range of problems and solutions connected with a faulty PC; all you need is a screwdriver and perhaps a little help from your Course Director! The detailed yet simple instructions, together with close-up photographs and drawings take you through each procedure.

The following topics are covered:
Important safety information
PC case layout and I/O device connections
Identifying the key Motherboard components
Dealing with boot failure
Diagnosing hard disk drive problems
Diagnosing floppy disk drive problems
Creating a boot disk
Diagnosing CD-ROM problems
Windows operating system problems
System diagnostic tools
The Snooper System Information Utility
Diagnosing printer problems
Other useful diagnostic tools
Hardware and software conflicts
Preventative maintenance procedures
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 7: Data Communications & an Introduction to Networks
This lesson will look at how different data types (voice, data, image and video) is transmitted using technology and the various transmission media required to perform the data transfer, as well as the fundamentals to data communication and cost.

The main topics covered include:
Data transmission
Fundamentals of Data Communications
Asynchronous and Synchronous Communications
Transmission Efficiency
An Introduction to Networks
Ethernet Alternative Network Technologies
Lesson Review/Assignments

.Lesson 8: Case Study
This lesson comprises of a practical assignment designed to test your understanding of the entire course.

The PCmasterclass course comes with a comprehensive software library which includes:Anti Virus Personal Edition, Acrobat Reader 5.05, Internet Explorer 6, Winzip 8.1, Photoshop 6.0 (Trial), Ultimate Paint 1.91, Modem Booster 3.0, Modem Doctor 2.0, Active Backup Expert Pro, Bonzai System Checker, File Revival 1.0, Registry First Aid 2.5, Tweak UI, Advanced Startup Manager 1.4 + Much Much More.
Format: The course is designed for study by distance learning at work or at home. Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by mail and email. You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration. Each element is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted and marked by your tutor. There is no external examination required.

Award: ASET