Computer Repair
Mr. Karasch
William Fremd High School
mkarasch@d211.org

A. DESCRIPTION
    Computer Repair is an advanced class that prepares students to take the A+ certification exam, by teaching both hardware and software components of modern computers, in a fast-paced independent format.

B. ORGANIZATION
    This class is presented with both lecture and lab portions.  Much of the class will be devoted to hands-on lab based work.

C. COURSE TOPICS
  1. Introduction To Hardware
  2. Introduction To Software
  3. Pc Repair Fundamentals
  4. Form Factors and Power Supplies
  5. Processors and Chipsets
  6. Motherboards
  7. Memory
  8. Hard Drives
  9. Installing and Supporting I/O Devices
  10. Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
  11. Installing Windows XP
  12. Maintaining Windows XP
  13. Supporting Windows XP Users
  14. Understanding Windows XP Boot
  15. Win98 Boot
  16. Supporting Win98
  17. PC's on a Network
  18. PC's on the Internet
  19. Securing your PC and LAN
  20. Notebooks, Tablet PCs, and PDAs
  21. Supporting Printers and Scanners
  22. The Professional PC Technician
 
D. TEXT AND REQUIRED SUPPLIES
  1. Text: A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 6th Edition
  2. Supplies:Students will need a notebook specific for this class, and pens or pencils.

E. ASSESSMENTS
    Students will be evaluated in a number of ways.
    1. Weekly Journals
    2. Lab Work
    3. Quizzes
    4. Report/Presentation
    5. Final Exam
        1. WEEKLY JOURNALS
            Students will be required to keep a journal in class.  They will journal questions everyday, and reflect on knowledge             gained during activities.
        2. LAB WORK
            The overwhelming majority of this class will be based on lab work.  Students will be responsible for downloading the lab onto their classroom PC, completing the assignment, and the uploading it back to the class website.  Due to the time and material constraints, extra class time cannot be given for make-up lab work.  Lab work must be completed on the student's own time, so absences are very detrimental.  At the quarter, the two lowest lab grades will be dropped from the average, so it is in the student's best interest to be present every day.
        3.  QUIZZES
            Regular quizzes will be given in class.  At the quarter, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped from the average.
        4.  REPORT/PRESENTATION
            Students will be expected throughout the quarter to write and present a report on a subject related to computer technology.
        5.  FINAL EXAM
            Students will take a cumulative final exam at the end of each semester, accounting for 20% of their final semester grade.
    
F. CONTACT
    The Applied Technology Office phone number is (847)755-2701.  This is, however, a department-wide voicemail, and is inherently inefficient.  A much better way to contact me is via email at mkarasch@d211.org.

G. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
    1.    Ask questions.  There is no better way to tailor your learning experience to exactly what you need.  I welcome almost any question, at almost anytime, so please ask away!
    2.    Keep constant notes in your notebook, and keep your notebook in class unless you need it at home to study.
    3.    Website.  My website http://www.sciencewithmrkarasch.org has all of the notes in PowerPoint format, so that you may go over anything that you didn't fully understand in class.
    4.    Honesty.  Be honest at all times. 
    5.    This class is highly independent.  Be honest with yourself, and drive yourself to complete the tasks to the best of your ability.  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.  The pace of this class is swift, and if not careful, you may fall behind quickly.
    6.    Have fun!  The use of technology is really fun, and delving into the lab and project work will cement your understanding in the concept of electricity.