Books:

• Enhanced Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC (Comprehensive); 6th Edition - Jean Andrews with Resource Pak CD
• Corresponding Lab Manual for the above book.

Supplies:

• PC Repair Toolkit or equivalent
• CD with troubleshooting utilties, which I will provide

Reading:

Since much of our coursework will be hands-on, I expect you to read and refer to the book and other sources as needed, not just as assigned. This book also serves as a comprehensive technical reference and troubleshooting manual should you have trouble with your home computer

Projects:

In-Class Labs: (points vary)

Most of our work will be done in class. We'll have some kind of in-class lab about 2/3 of the time. If you miss an exercise, you’re responsible to make it up before the end of the semester, usually 1) if you finish a lab early, 2) if you want to come in during my Tuesday or Thursday night classes or 3) on a scheduled lab make-up day.

If you miss a class, you can download the exercise sheet from Blackboard. I will upload them as we go along.

Outside Reading: (100 points)

Outside reading is a must in order to keep up with the latest developments in Information Technology. There are publications available in several areas: the library, computer lab, showcase, my cube or any number of internet publications. Summaries of shows on TechTV are also acceptable. Summarize, submit and/or discuss 5 articles or internet postings on IT related issues. There are no specific due dates, but I expect them turned in before the last week of class. As an alternative, you may post them to the mailing list to be shared with my other classes. Note: I won't ask for these... I expect you to turn them in as you go along.

Support Blog / Journal: (100 points)

Keep a record of all the computer-related troubleshooting and support information you come across over the course of the semester, whether in-class or outside of class. This can include any computer you work with at home, in a classroom (including ours), a computer lab or anywhere else you happen to be. It should include, but is not limited to the following:

• A detailed description of the problem or situation
• Any information that relates to the problems you encounter: OS, software programs, error messages and the like.
• The resources you used to troubleshoot the problem
• Ultimately, how did you solve the problem. If you didn't solve the problem, mention that, too.

You need not write an actual blog; you may keep the log in any format you like, including spreadsheet, database, word processor file or even paperware, as long as you organize it and keep it readable. I will review them twice: once at midterm, the second late in the semester, looking for detail, organization and overall quality.

Practice Test: (100 points)

Toward the end of the semester, I'll give you a practice test to complete on your own time. I will award 100 points for completing the practice test, regardless of your score.

Final Project: 100 points

Develop specifications for a computer that you would build from parts. Start by defining the needs of the user, then list the parts you would use to build the system. Details to follow.

Grading:

Grades will be based on the combined point total of all projects and exercises and will be calculated based on a curve derived from the average grade of the class. I reserve the right to raise your grade by a + if you make a substantially positive contribution to the class outside of the standard course of class activities.

Attendance Policy: As stated in the syllabus supplement with the following addition:

A significant portion of your grade is comprised of in-class activities. If you miss any activity in class, you are expected to arrange to complete the activity on your own time, subject to availability of the classroom and someone to supervise (faculty, IA or me).