Combination of lecture and laboratory sessions. Lectures will provide traditional theory. Laboratory sessions will employ formative practical/assessment sheets.
Module Aim:
To familiarize the student with the PC computing platform
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Identify the purpose of, configure, troubleshoot and replace the principal components/accessories of a PC
LO2
Select appropriate PC specifications for various applications
LO3
Understand the basic operation of a computer system
LO4
Describe and connect commonly used devices
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Introduction and Fundamentals
What is a computer? Computer types; What is a program? Basic components; Buses; Program execution; Data considerations; PC components/technologies; System resources; Buying/building/upgrading a PC; Things to do with old PCs
Intel and AMD processors; Choosing a processor; Forthcoming processors; Installing a processor
Memory
Understanding memory; Putting CPU registers, primary and secondary storage into context; Cache; Access; Packaging; How much is enough?; Selection guide; Installing; Troubleshooting;
Removable Disks
Overview - floppy, zip, CD, DVD, Flash, etc
Hard Disks
Interface types; Drives: How hard disks work; Choosing a hard disk; Installing hard disks; Preparing for use
Tape Drives
Tape technologies; Choosing, installing and configuring; Care; Troubleshooting; Long filenames; Backups
Video Adapters and Displays
Characteristics; Choosing and installing adapters; Configuring; Troubleshooting; CRT and flat-panel displays; Installing and configuring; Troubleshooting; Touch screens
Keyboards
Switch Types; Styles; Interfaces; Choosing; Configuring; Cleaning; Troubleshooting and Repairing
Overview; Serial Ports; Serial Cables; Installing and Configuring Serial Port Hardware; Troubleshooting Serial Port Problems; Mapping Parallel Ports to LPTs