SYLLABUS

Computer Service and RepairCareer Diploma

Program Code: JJ
Prerequisites: None

CONTACT INFORMATION
Student Support Services
Student Service Phone: 1-800-224-7234
Student Service Email: education@ashworthcollege.edu

MAIL
Ashworth College
6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500
Norcross, GA 30092

Instructor Name: TBD

Our Academic Advisors are also available to help you when you need it. They are trained to provide
answers to your questions about the course or program.
Phone: 1-800-224-7234
Email: tutors@ashworthcollege.edu
Hours: 8:30AM 8:30PM (Eastern Standard Time), Monday-Friday

REQUIRED TEXTS
This program requires the following textbooks. The textbooks are supplied as part of your program and
will be sent to you at the appropriate point in your studies.
Andrews, J, (2014) A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting (6th ed.).
Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning.
Andrews, J, (2013) A+ Guide to Software: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting (6th ed.). Boston,
MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program provides students with the fundamental knowledge, theory, and industry-acknowledge
practices used to install, manage, and maintain various types of personal computing devices. Students
will also learn diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques needed to identify and correct common
malfunctions and system errors. The program covers all major hardware systems and common peripheral
devices, as well as detailed coverage of Windows-based operating systems, and introductory coverage of
basic networking practices. The program content is aligned to the CompTIA, 2012 A+ 220-801 and 220802 Certification exams.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
After completing the Computer Service and Repair program, students will be able to
Explain how to use and apply standard tools and essential electrical/electronic theory to service
computer hardware in a manner that is safe for both the device and the technician.
Identify the primary hardware components of a personal computer and describe the connection
devicesboth internal and external to the CPUthat integrate the components and allow for
the proper function of the computer and its peripherals.
Describe the methods by which personal computers connect and communicate with networks
and Internet-based communication systems, both within and external to private user and
business systems.
Identify the many types of data storage devices used in personal computer technology, both for
primary and secondary storage purposes, and determine the best methods and specifications for
the application of memory based on user need.
Identify and describe common problems that cause personal computers to malfunction or to
function below optimum performance levels and determine the repair solutions that will allow
the restoration of proper operating conditions and maintenance techniques that will maintain
those conditions.
Identify and describe the critical user and administrator functions and commands of Windows
operating systems.
Interpret a variety of user service requests; choose effective corrective actions that resolve the
users issues, and communicate those actions appropriately to the user.
Select both Windows-based administrative tools and utilities and third-party solutions to
effectively troubleshoot and correct common operating system malfunctions and as part of a
regular maintenance routine to maintain peak system performance levels.
Identify and explain the processes and commands used to connect personal computers to
various networks and Internet systems.
Identify common viruses, malware, and other security threats and choose appropriate courses
of action to prevent such attacks and remove threats that have already accessed a computer or
computer network.

PROGRAM OUTLINE
Lesson Group 1Orientation: Ashworth College Career Program
Lesson: Learning at Ashworth
The goals and values of Ashworth College; time management; creating a realistic weekly and monthly
study schedule; the nature and purpose of assessments; how to study effectively to prepare for and
take an online examination; developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century.
Lesson Group 2Introduction to Computer Hardware
Textbook: A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting
Lesson: Tools, Repair Devices, and the Internal Parts of the PC
Summary introduction to the standard hardware components of a personal computer, the tools and
test equipment commonly used to execute basic troubleshooting and repairs and the safety practices
used to protect both the technician and equipment from harm. This lesson also provides an overview
of the disassembly and reassembly of a common desktop PC.
Lesson: Motherboards
Students will learn the specific parts and features of motherboards found in personal computers. The
lesson provides instruction on the support, maintenance, installation and replacement of this major
computer subsystem.
Lesson Group 3Hardware Essentials: Installation and Troubleshooting Practices
Lesson: Processors and Memory Upgrade
Topics for this lesson are focused on processors and memory. Students will learn specifications for
popular Intel and AMD processors, as well as the specifications and configurations for DIMM and
RIMM memory modules. Instruction includes details on selection criteria used to match processor
and memory to the motherboard used in the system.
Lesson: Troubleshooting Strategy: Hardware
Coverage in this lesson includes standard troubleshooting logic used to evaluate and correct
malfunctions that occur in hardware installations when replacing or upgrading system components.
Examples are provided for each primary hardware system and many individual components.
Lesson: Understanding Computer Storage
Students learn about the various technologies employed inside common hard drives and the basic
theory of how computer storage works. The lesson covers the configurations or hard drives, the
hardware and cables used for installation, as well as the criteria used to select hard drives for multiple
applications.
Lesson Group 4Input/Output Devices, Networks, Portables, and Printers
Lesson: Computer Devices, Media Tools, and External Storage
Coverage of the basic skills required to install the hardware and software components of common
I/O devices, as well as the use of Windows elements to manage all installed devices connected to a
system. Specific instruction is provided for common I/O peripherals, adapter cards, video subsystems,
and various storage devices.

Lesson: Networking
Students learn the theory of TCP/IP protocols and associated standards that apply to building
and managing networks. The steps required to connect computers to a network using different
connection technologies are reviewed, as well as hardware for connection and cabling, and tools
for installation and troubleshooting. Students will also learn about common Internet connection
methods.
Lesson: Portable Computers
In this lesson, students will learn the unique practices required for support, upgrades,
troubleshooting and repair of notebook and all-in-one computers. Topics include the ports and
peripherals used with notebooks and specific techniques used for replacing the internal components
in notebooks.
Lesson: Local and Networked Printers
Instruction on popular types of printers and the features that are unique to each style is provided, as
well as practices for installation and management of printers in local or networked environments. The
lesson includes tasks required for routine maintenance and troubleshooting techniques for printing
problems.
Lesson Group 5Introduction to Operating Systems
Textbook: A+ Guide to Software: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting
Lesson: OS Fundamentals
This lesson provides fundamental instruction on the Windows operating system (OS) including
the basic navigation of Windows, settings for personalization and the functionality of Windows
explorer as a tool for structuring and navigating folder configuration and file storage. Students are
also introduced to Windows support tools that can be used to obtain information about system
configuration and user preference. Windows content is aligned to the current version of the
CompTIA, A+ Certification exam.
Lesson: Working with Customers (Uses hardware text)
Students will learn about the professional practices required for PC support technicians to manage
customer expectations and the technicians career. The lesson provides focus on the interpersonal
skills required to provide good service when dealing with a variety of clients.
Lesson: The Installation Process
Students will learn how to plan and execute a typical Windows OS installation from version selection
to activation. Instruction is provided for both upgrade and clean installations and for both individual
user and enterprise installations.
Lesson Group 6OS Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Lesson: Maintaining the OS
Lesson coverage is provided on the knowledge required to establish and execute a maintenance
plan that provides optimum performance from a Windows OS installation. Students will learn about
preventive maintenance, data and systems backup techniques and routines, and to employ Windows
features to manage files folders, and drives.

Lesson: Expanding Your Windows Skills Set

This lesson expands on the students Windows skill sets with instruction on the tools and utilities
available in Windows to diagnose and correct system errors and related problems and to optimize
the performance of systems that are not functioning at peak levels. Students will also learn the steps
required to manually remove software when uninstall applications fail to provide complete removal.
Lesson: Troubleshooting Strategy: OS and Software Applications
Coverage in this lesson is specific to Windows troubleshooting tools and the strategies technicians
use to solve system and application errors that occur after system startup that cause system freezes,
improper shut down, and blue screen errors.
Lesson: Addressing Windows Startup Problems
This final lesson specific to the Windows OS, provides detailed instruction on the Windows boot
process, followed by the tools and procedures used to identify and correct problems that prevent
Windows for successfully starting. Students learn about system recovery tools and techniques, as well
as strategies for the recovery of critical data should a startup problem is not correctable.
Lesson Group 7Software for Networking and Security
Lesson: Support for Network Applications
Students will learn about the practices required to support multiple client/server applications in a
network environment. The lesson covers tools used for remote access evaluation and troubleshooting
and for network control of files and folders, through user controls and accounts. Students will also
learn to evaluate and correct problems related to network and Internet connectivity.
Lesson: Workstation Security and Malware Strategies
Lesson coverage includes standard techniques use to secure Windows workstations, including login
and password policies, firewall installations, encryption techniques, and physical tokens. The lesson
also provides instruction on the importance of user education, intentional data destruction, and the
identification and removal of malicious software and other security attacks.
Lesson: Mobile Applications and Virtualization
Instruction is provided about popular operating systems that are used by mobile devices, how
they integrate with the traditional computing devices, and how they are managed and secured in
a typical network structure. This lesson also provides an introduction to server-side and client-side
virtualization and their implementation of virtualization strategies in the workplace.
Project: Career Investigation
This project-based assignment is designed to help students define and communicate their goals
related to their fields of study. This project will help them to understand the process of locating
potential employers who might want to hire graduates with formal instruction in this career field.
Theyll focus on the skills, training, and personal traits that those employers look for when recruiting
job applicants. Students wont need to address this project until the last lesson group. All relevant
project information will be provided in the last lesson.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Exams
Exams are designed to measure understanding of the topics covered in each lesson in an objective
manner. They consist of multiple-choice questions. They are open book and timed. Once the exam is
begun, it must be completed and submitted for grading. Exam grades count as a percentage of the final
grade earned in the program. See the Lesson and Assessment Schedule provided below.
Pretest and Posttest
The pretest and posttest are multiple-choice exams designed to determine the knowledge students
gain as a result of their studies at Ashworth College. The pretest and posttest are constructed from
exam questions for lessons throughout the complete program of study. The pretest and posttest do not
count as part of the students overall grade or lesson average. See the Lesson and Assessment Schedule
provided below.
Project
Projects are designed to determine student mastery of critical programs skills and objectives or to
assist the student in the development of skills that can be applied to career development and life-long
learning. Each project is evaluated against criteria to measure a demonstrated level of mastery of specific
job-related skills or skills and techniques required to obtain and maintain employment.
Project instructions are provided at the appropriate point in the program. Each project includes a rubric
that describes how the project will be evaluated. Project grades count as a percentage of the final grade
earned in the program. See the Lesson and Assessment Schedule provided below.
Student Lesson and Assessment Schedule with Grade Values
This is a self-paced study program. Students will complete the following assessments in the order
specified when they feel they have mastered the lesson content.
Total Percentage
Assessment
Activity
Topic
Point
of Total
Type
Value
Grade
Lesson Group 1Orientation: Ashworth College Career Program
Assessment
Pretest
MC exam
0
0%
Lesson and Assessment Learning at Ashworth
MC exam
100
4.75%
Lesson Group 2Introduction to Computer Hardware
Lesson and Assessment

Tools, Repair Devices, and the

Internal Parts of the PC

MC exam

100

Lesson and Assessment Motherboards

MC exam
100
Lesson Group 3Hardware Essentials: Installation and Troubleshooting Practices
Lesson and Assessment Processors and Memory Upgrade
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Troubleshooting Strategy: Hardware
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Understanding Computer Storage
MC exam
100

4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%

Lesson Group 4Input/Output Devices, Networks, Portables, and Printers

Computer Devices, Media Tools, and
Lesson and Assessment
MC exam
100
External Storage
Lesson and Assessment Networking
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Portable Computers
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Local and Networked Printers
MC exam
100
Lesson Group 5Introduction to Operating Systems
Lesson and Assessment OS Fundamentals
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Working with Customers
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment The Installation Process
MC exam
100
Lesson Group 6OS Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Lesson and Assessment Maintaining the OS
MC exam
100
Lesson and Assessment Expanding Your Windows Skills Set
MC exam
100
Troubleshooting Strategy: OS and
Lesson and Assessment
MC exam
100
Software Applications
Addressing Windows Startup
Lesson and Assessment
MC exam
100
Problems
Lesson Group 7Software for Networking and Security
Lesson and Assessment Support for Network Applications
MC exam
100

4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%
4.75%

Lesson and Assessment

Workstation Security and Malware

Strategies

MC exam

100

4.75%

Lesson and Assessment

Mobile Applications and

Virtualization

MC exam

100

4.75%

Assessment
Assessment

Graded Project
Posttest

Project
MC exam
Total Value

100
0
2100

5.0%
0%
100%

GRADING POLICIES
Each program is graded by taking the average of the grades received for the exams and/or assignments
within the program. The following point totals correspond to the following grades:
Points
10090
8980
7970
Below 70

Grade
A
B
C
F

All exams can be retaken up to 3 times with the highest score counting towards your final program grade.