PC Software — Open & Free

Learning objectives by module

Unit 2: Windows Operating Systems

• PCS 1: Windows Operating System
  • Describe the features and requirements of the Windows 7 operating system.
  • Describe the features and requirements of the Windows 8 operating system.
  • Describe the features and requirements of the Windows Vista operating system.
• PCS 2: Installing Windows
  • Accept the end user agreement.
  • Create or choose a partition.
  • Describe the features and requirements of the Windows 7 operating system.
  • Describe the features and requirements of the Windows Vista operating system.
  • Given a scenario, install and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.
  • Insert the Windows 7 DVD into the drive and reboot the computer.
  • Perform the installation by copying the necessary files to the hard disk.
  • Press any key.
  • Set the computer’s BIOS to have the computer boot from the optical drive before the hard disk.
• PCS 3: Operating System Comparison
  • Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft operating systems.
• PCS 4: Other Operating Systems
  • Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and Linux operating systems.

Unit 3: Software Utilities

• PCS 5: The Command Line
  • Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.
• PCS 6: Task Manager
  • Demonstrate correct use of Disk Management to create, remove, and check the status of all drives.
  • Demonstrate use of the Task Manager.
• PCS 7: Disk Management
  • Click on “computer management” in the top right.
  • Demonstrate correct use of Disk Management to create, remove, and check the status of all drives.
  • Demonstrate use of the Task Manager.
  • Navigate to “administrative tools” and click on it.
  • Navigate to the control panel.
  • Once inside “computer management,” select “disk management,” which is located under “storage.”
  • This will display a list of all of the storage devices that are connected to this particular computer.
• PCS 8: Introduction to Control Panel Utilities
  • Given a scenario, use Windows Control Panel utilities.
• PCS 9: Windows Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10 Control Panel Utilities
  • Given a scenario, use Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 Control Panel utilities.

Unit 4: Networking, Maintenance, and Security

• PCS 10: Networking Setup
  • Set up and configure a Windows network.
• PCS 11: Preventative Maintenance
  • Perform preventative maintenance procedures using appropriate tools.
• PCS 12: Security Settings
  • Click “Add an account.”
  • Click Finish.
  • Click on “Other accounts.”
  • Click the Settings icon in the Charms menu on the right of the screen.
  • Create new users and configure privileges.
  • Enter the email address associated with the Microsoft account and click Next.
  • From the PC Settings screen, choose Accounts.
  • Select “Change PC settings.”
  • Use the pull-down menu to change Standard User to Administrator.
  • When you see your new account on the accounts screen, click Edit.
• PCS 13: Virtualization
  • Set up and access a Windows virtual machine.
• PCS 14: Prevention Methods
  • Apply and use common prevention methods.
• PCS 15: Threats and Practices
  • Propose and apply an effective prevention strategy.
  • Recognize a security threat.
• PCS 16: Data Destruction and Disposal
  • Correctly overwrite a hard drive.
  • Recognize the appropriate destruction method of a hard drive.
• PCS 17: Wireless Networks
  • Access a network via Wi-Fi.
  • Access networks by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
  • Click on the name of the network to which you would like to connect.
  • Enter the password or security key for the network.
  • Set up wireless network security.
  • View the list of available wireless networks.
• PCS 18: Wired Network Security
  • Access a network via Ethernet.
  • Set up wired network security.
• PCS 19: Malware
  • Disable the system restore feature of the operating system.
  • Identify what is occurring based on the symptoms described earlier.
  • Quarantine the computer and files.
  • Reboot the computer into safe mode.
  • Reinstate system restore and remove any restore points from the time frame of suspected infection.
  • Run a full virus scan using antivirus software.
  • Troubleshoot malware issues with appropriate tools.
  • Update antivirus software.

Unit 5: Mobile Systems

• PCS 20: Mobile Operating Systems
  • Compare and contrast accessories and ports of mobile devices.
  • Explain the characteristics of various types of mobile devices.
  • Recall mobile operating system features and differences.
  • Set up and use mobile devices.
• PCS 21: Mobile Connectivity and Security
  • Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices.
  • Establish basic network connectivity and Bluetooth and configure email.
• PCS 22: Mobile Hardware and Synchronization
  • Compare and contrast accessories and ports of mobile devices.
  • Execute and configure mobile device synchronization.
  • Recognize hardware differences in tablets and laptops.

Unit 6: Troubleshooting

• PCS 23: Application of Troubleshooting Theory
  • Develop and execute a plan of action for troubleshooting PC hardware.
• PCS 24: Troubleshooting Wired Networks
  • Develop a plan of action for, resolve, and document a wired network connectivity problem.
• PCS 25: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
  • Develop a plan of action for, resolve, and document a wireless network connectivity problem.
• PCS 26: Troubleshooting Operating Systems
  • Troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools.
• PCS 27: Troubleshooting Security Issues
  • Troubleshoot security issues with appropriate tools.