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PC Software — Open & Free

PC Software helps students prepare for CompTIA A+ Software Exam 220-902.
Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below.

Description

PC Software is a study of Windows operating systems, security and mobile devices, and troubleshooting theory and application. Divided into seven (7) units, topics include installation and maintenance of Windows operating systems; implementation of security features on microcomputer systems and mobile devices; installation and configuration of PC operating systems; and configuration and troubleshooting techniques for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS. This course provides 26 content modules and simulated exercises aligned with the current version of CompTIA A+ Software Exam 220-902.

Related course: Cyber Pathways Across Maryland (CPAM): PC Software

The CPAM Consortium is a TAACCCT grant-funded project modeled after the NSC Cyber Technology program, created to “close the skills gap and connect more Maryland residents to high-quality employment in the cybersecurity industry.”

CPAM is a collaboration of fourteen Maryland Community Colleges connecting students with employer partners through internships and job placement at the conclusion of the Cyber Security coursework.  PC Hardware and PC Software are typically the gateway courses leading to the remainder of Cyber Pathway.  These two courses are aligned with CompTIA’s A+ certification exams 220-901 and 220-902.  CPAM completers are prepared for entry-level Cyber positions across various technology industries and in government, as well as have an opportunity to sit for nationally recognized certifications from Cisco and CompTIA.

What students will learn

Coming soon.

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.

Course outline

UNIT 1: Succeeding in PC Software

UNIT 2: Windows Operating Systems

PCS 1: Windows Operating System

PCS 2: Installing Windows

PCS 3: Operating System Comparison

PCS 4: Other Operating Systems

UNIT 3: Software Utilities

PCS 5: The Command Line

PCS 6: Task Manager

PCS 7: Disk Management

PCS 8: Introduction to Control Panel Utilities

PCS 9: Windows Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10 Control Panel Utilities

UNIT 4: Networking, Maintenance, and Security

PCS 10: Networking Setup

PCS 11: Preventative Maintenance

PCS 12: Security Settings

PCS 13: Virtualization

PCS 14: Prevention Methods

PCS 15: Threats and Practices

PCS 16: Data Destruction and Disposal

PCS 17: Wireless Networks

PCS 18: Wired Network Security

PCS 19: Malware

UNIT 5: Mobile Systems

PCS 20: Mobile Operating Systems

PCS 21: Mobile Connectivity and Security

PCS 22: Mobile Hardware and Synchronization

UNIT 6: Troubleshooting

PCS 23: Application of Troubleshooting Theory

PCS 24: Troubleshooting Wired Networks

PCS 25: Troubleshooting Wireless Networks

PCS 26: Troubleshooting Operating Systems

PCS 27: Troubleshooting Security Issues

UNIT 7: Capstone

PCS 28: PC Software Capstone

Other course details

PC Software is a one-semester equivalent course.

Fall, 2017

This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warrantees, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

Creative Commons License

©2016 Cyber Pathways Across Maryland.

Unless otherwise specified, CPAM materials are licensed under a CreativeCommons Attribution 4.0 International License.

System requirements

OLI system requirements, regardless of course:

  • internet access
  • an operating system that supports the latest browser update
  • the latest browser update (Chrome recommended; Firefox, Safari supported; Edge and Internet Explorer are supported but not recommended)
  • pop-ups enabled
  • cookies enabled

Some courses include exercises with exceptions to these requirements, such as technology that cannot be used on mobile devices.

This course’s system requirements:

  • none listed (subject to change)

Open & Free features

Open & Free Courses

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  • Open & Free OLI courses enable independent learners to study a subject on their own terms, at their leisure. Courses are:

    • Self-guided.
    • Self-paced.
    • Self-supported.
  • Open & Free courses include only the learning materials:

    • No teacher.
    • No tests.
    • No college credit.
    • No certificate of completion.
  • *If your teacher gave you a Course Key, do not use an Open & Free course because your teacher will never see your work.

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