PC Hardware — Open & Free

Learning objectives by module

Unit 2: Hardware Basics

• PCH 1: The Basics
  • Connect common peripherals to standard ports.
  • Describe a computer’s basic components.
  • Identify a computer’s hardware, software, and firmware.
  • Identify and categorize inputs and outputs. Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and cables and explain their purposes.
• PCH 2: Procedures and Safety
  • Describe effective ways to reduce the risk of injury or damage while working with computer systems.
  • Explain appropriate safety measures and procedures while demonstrating basic computer assembly.
  • Identify common hazards that may be encountered while working with computer systems and tools.
• PCH 3: Customer Relations
  • Recognize and explain the general principles of professional customer service.
  • Set up a computer system and demonstrate operation for the customer.

Unit 3: Hardware Components

• PCH 4: Cases, Form Factors, and Power Supplies
  • Describe common computer case designs and features.
  • Describe common motherboard form factors and suitable cases for each.
  • Disassemble and reassemble computers in the most common case designs.
  • Identify power supply connectors.
  • Recommend and install an appropriate power supply given specific hardware to bepowered.
  • Test power supplies to ascertain proper functioning.
• PCH 5: Motherboards, Expansion Buses, and Processors
  • Compare current microprocessor speeds and capabilities with those of 10 and 20 years ago, and describe the effect of processing capabilities.
  • Identify motherboard components and describe their basic functions.
  • Place an array of microprocessors in approximate date or performance order.
• PCH 6: Memory and BIOS
  • Configure and apply BIOS settings.
  • Remove and Install RAM.
• PCH 7: Expansion Cards, Audio, Video, and Storage
  • Explain the differences between processors.
  • Explain the various types of expansion slots.
  • Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices.
  • Install and configure expansion cards.
  • Install and configure storage devices.
• PCH 8: Cooling
  • Install, upgrade, and test cooling performance.
  • Select the appropriate cooling method for a given CPU and system.

Unit 4: Networking and Internet

• PCH 9: Networking Overview
  • Identify various types of networks, topologies, and network security issues.
• PCH 10: Networking Hardware
  • Check the documentation to verify that the adapter will work with the motherboard.
  • Close the side cover of the computer.
  • Identify and describe network devices and their functions.
  • Install a network adapter.
  • Line up the connector of the NIC to the expansion slot and seat it firmly.
  • Match the connector/pinouts of the new NIC and verify it matches the proposed slot.
  • Open the side cover of the computer to inspect the available expansion slots.
  • Power down the computer and disconnect the main power cord from the machine.
  • Power up the machine.
  • Reconnect the main power cord.
  • Remove the corresponding computer PCI option slot cover from the back panel.
• PCH 11: Networking Media
  • Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling.
  • Identify types of network cables and connectors.
• PCH 12: Ethernet Standards
  • Differentiate between Ethernet and TCP/IP.
  • Plan a basic network connection using 100BaseT.
  • Recognize the typical network standards.
• PCH 13: IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses
  • Describe the properties of IPv4 and IPv6.
  • Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
  • Set up Windows networking and illustrate subnetworking.
• PCH 14: TCP and UDP Protocols
  • A single segment (segment 1) is sent over the network.
  • Identify and demonstrate use of FTP.
  • Identify SSL in use.
  • Segment one is acknowledged.
  • Segments two and three are acknowledged.
  • Segments two and three are sent over the network.
  • Three-way handshake.
  • Window size 1 is established.
  • Window size 2 is established.
• PCH 15: Introduction to Wireless Networking
  • Compare wireless network standards, encryption, and interfaces.
  • Configure a wireless connection.
  • Identify major wireless security measures.
• PCH 16: Internet Connectivity
  • Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features.
  • Configure each client to be part of the same workgroup.
  • Configure the router and set up the wireless settings.
  • Connect each client to the router, and verify each is working.
  • Decide on the type of Internet connection to be used.
  • Determine the method of network connection for users.
  • Have your ISP install the modem or use a self-install kit.
  • Install, configure, deploy, and test a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings.
  • Physically connect the router and modem together.
  • Select the modem and router to use.
  • Set up file and printer sharing on each client and designate which resources to share.
  • Test each client’s ability to access shared resources (files/printers).
  • Test the Internet connection on each client.

Unit 5: Notebooks and Laptops

• PCH 17: Notebook Features and Components
  • Compare and contrast notebook features.
  • Identify the components within the display of a notebook.
  • Install and configure laptop and netbook hardware and components.
• PCH 18: Laptop and Notebook Component Replacement
  • Determine type and capacity of laptop components.
  • Locate, identify, disconnect, and replace laptop components.
  • Troubleshoot notebook components.
• PCH 19: Notebook Power and Physical Security
  • Describe battery care and proper battery disposal.
  • Determine a notebook’s source of power and state of battery.
  • Secure a notebook through use of a security cable and other measures.

Unit 6: Printers

• PCH 20: Printer Types and Interfaces
  • Charging (conditioning)
  • Choose a printer to fulfill the requirements for a given situation.
  • Cleaning
  • Developing
  • Explain the four types of photo-imaging processes.
  • Exposing
  • Fusing
  • Processing
  • Transferring
• PCH 21: Printer Configuration and Installation
  • Connect a PC to a network printer.
  • Connect the printer to the network.
  • Follow the prompts to install the driver.
  • Install and configure a shared printer.
  • Install printer drivers on each network workstation.
  • Make sure the printer receives an IP address.
  • Select the correct printer from the list of found printers and click “next.”
  • Use Add Printer Wizard to scan for and install printer drivers.
• PCH 22: Printer Management and Maintenance
  • Left click “devices and printers”
  • Left click “printers and faxes.”
  • Left click “start.”
  • Left click properties.
  • Locate the desired printer in the list.
  • Manage a print server and print spoolers.
  • Modify printer properties and permissions.
  • Right click on the desired printer.

Unit 7: Assembly, Management, and Maintenance

• PCH 23: Computer Assembly
  • Demonstrate professional behavior and communications while working with a client.
  • Document findings, actions and outcomes for the customer.
  • Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
  • Establish a theory of probable cause. In establishing your theory, question the obvious.
  • Identify the problem.
  • Perform and explain computer maintenance, repair, and assembly.
  • Test your theory to determine the cause.
  • Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventative measures.
• PCH 24: Prohibited Content
  • Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content.
• PCH 25: Wired Network Maintenance
  • Perform wired network maintenance.