Intro to PC Hardware Fall 2006

Catalog Number: DG-211U-ICF01 Intro to PC Hardware
Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Classroom: Rm. 258

Instructor: Joe DeMaria
Office: 246
Phone: 887-3643
Email: joe.demaria@kirkwood.edu
Office Hours: 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Mon Thurs

Course Description:
Covers topics needed by PC/LAN technicians to resolve problems associated with PC hardware. Includes motherboards, computer displays, drives, and computer memory. PC operating systems (MS-DOS 6.22, Windows 98, Windows 2000) and the manner in which they interact with the hardware are introduced. Lab experiences with hardware and software help the student gain competence in PC theory.

Course Materials:
Textbook: Enhanced A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, enhanced 5^th edition (2005), by Jean Andrews, published by Course Technologies, ISBN # 1-4188-3557-9
Tools: (suggested but not required) small computer maintenance tool kit, for under $15
Miscellaneous: Three ring binder (at least 1"), three CLEAN 3.5" high density floppy disks

Attendance:
Attendance is important on the job and in the classroom. Being on time is also a critical life skill. If a student needs to miss a class, he or she must inform the instructor in advance if possible, or as soon as practical after the absence. Poor attendance and/or habitual tardiness will affect a student’s grade in a negative way, with only excused absences considered as exceptions. Students may be asked to sign a waiver, wherein the instructor is held legally harmless if he provides information when asked by potential employers, or reference check agencies, about students’ attendance habits.

Evaluation:
Each student’s final grade will be determined by averaging the percentage scores of the unit exams, midterm exam and final exam. Completion of labs and project assignments will be graded, and the student is responsible for their contents on examinations. The final grade percentage will be reduced for poor attendance, with the amount of the reduction at the instructor’s discretion. Letter grades will be assigned as follows

:

94-100% A, 90-93% A-, 87-89% B+, 83-86% B, 80-82% B-, 77-79% C+, 73-76% C, 70-72% C-, 67-69% D+, 63-66% D, 60-62% D-, 0-59% F

All makeup exams must be taken before the next class meeting. Makeup exams will be taken in the Testing Center; a student entering the testing center will be required to provide a picture ID and his or her social security number. In no case will a makeup be given as a result of an unexcused absence.

Cheating / Plagiarism:
Kirkwood Community College’s policy on cheating and plagiarism is very clear. All students are required to read the appropriate pages in the student handbook.

Cheating on tests, or passing off work as something other than a student’s own are grounds for failure in the assignment (1^st offense), failure in the course (2^nd), or even expulsion from the college (3^rd offense). Don’t even think about cheating or plagiarizing – it’s dishonorable and just not worth it.