Chapter 1-12 Outlines

Outline:

Chapter 1: Information Technology Basics
Chapter Overview
1.1 Getting Started in IT
1.1.1 Computer systems and programs
1.1.2 Computer types
1.1.3 Connecting computer systems
1.1.4 Birth of the Internet
1.1.5 The cost of technology
1.2 Windows Desktop Environment
1.2.1 Starting, shutting down, and restarting Microsoft Windows
1.2.2 The desktop
1.2.3 Working with icons
1.2.4 Recognizing an application window
1.2.5 Resizing a desktop window
1.2.6 Switching between windows
1.3 Basic Features of Windows
1.3.1 Viewing a computer's basic system information
1.3.2 Setting the clock and date
1.3.3 Minimizing, maximizing, and exiting
1.3.4 Adjusting the screen display
1.3.5 Desktop settings
1.3.6 Adjusting audio volume
1.3.7 Start menu options
1.3.8 Recycle Bin
1.4 Overview of Software Applications
1.4.1 Word processors
1.4.2 Spreadsheets
1.4.3 Databases
1.4.4 Graphics applications
1.4.5 Presentation applications
1.4.6 Web browser and e-mail
1.5 Math for a Digital Age
1.5.1 Measurement-related terminology
1.5.2 Analog and digital systems
1.5.3 Boolean logic gates
1.5.4 Decimal and binary number systems
1.5.5 Decimal to binary conversion
1.5.6 The base 16 (hexadecimal) number system
1.5.7 Binary to hexadecimal conversion
1.5.8 Hexadecimal to binary conversion
1.5.9 Converting to any base
1.5.10 Introduction to algorithms
1.6 Laboratory Safety and Tools
1.6.1 Basic lab safety principles
1.6.2 Workspace practices that help reduce ESD potential
1.6.3 When should a wrist strap not be used for grounding?
1.6.4 Tools of the trade
1.6.5 Workspace cleaning supplies
1.6.6 Workplace testing equipment
1.6.7 Lab safety agreement
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 2: How Computers Work
Chapter Overview
2.1 System Overview
2.1.1 Input, process, output, and storage
2.2 The Boot Process
2.2.1 Initializing and testing the system hardware
2.2.2 Loading the operating system and hardware configuration
2.2.3 The boot sequence
2.3 Hardware Components
2.3.1 Power supplies and computer cases
2.3.2 The motherboard
2.3.3 The CPU
2.3.4 BIOS, EPROM, EEPROM, and Flash ROM
2.3.5 Bus types and expansion slots
2.3.6 RAM and cache/COAST memory
2.3.7 Video cards and monitors
2.3.8 I/O ports
2.3.9 EIDE and SCSI controllers
2.3.10 Floppy drives
2.3.11 The hard drive
2.3.12 CD-ROMs
2.3.13 Modems and network interface cards (NICs)
2.4 Portables
2.4.1 Why portables can be portable
2.4.2 Portable hardware
2.4.3 Portable computer displays
2.4.4 Docking station
2.5 System Resources
2.5.1 What are system resources?
2.5.2 Interrupt Requests (IRQ's)
2.5.3 Direct Memory Access (DMA)
2.5.4 Input/Output (I/O) addresses
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 3: Assembling a Computer
Chapter Overview
3.1 Overview of the Assembly Process and Safety Issues
3.1.1 Overview of general safety issues
3.1.2 ESD precautions
3.1.3 Process demonstration
3.2 Creating a Computer Inventory
3.2.1 Importance of an inventory
3.2.2 Inventory checklist
3.3 The Computer Case and Power Supply
3.3.1 Computer cases and system units
3.3.2 Desktops
3.3.3 Towers
3.3.4 Power supplies
3.4 Preparing the Motherboard for Installation
3.4.1 Motherboard location map
3.4.2 Motherboard configuration
3.4.3 Motherboard jumpers
3.4.4 Installing the CPU
3.4.5 Installing the heat sink and fan
3.4.6 Installing RAM
3.5 Installing the Motherboard
3.5.1 Installing the motherboard into the case
3.5.2 Attaching the LEDs, keylock, and speaker
3.5.3 Connecting power supply cables to the motherboard
3.6 Installing the Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, and CD-ROM

3.6.1

 Attaching the floppy drive to the case
3.6.2 Attaching the hard drive and CD-ROM to the case
3.6.3 Connecting the floppy drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM to the system
3.6.4 Connecting power cables to the floppy drive, hard drive, and CD-ROM
3.7 Video Card Installation
3.7.1 Step-by-step installation of the video card
3.8 Final Steps
3.8.1 Fitting the case together
3.8.2 Connecting the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cord
3.9 Booting the System for the First Time
3.9.1 What is BIOS?
3.9.2 Entering the BIOS configuration
3.9.3 Standard CMOS setup screen
3.9.4 BIOS features and chipset features setup screens
3.9.5 Power management and Plug and Play screens
3.9.6 Integrated peripherals and fixed disk detection screens
3.9.7 Password screens and the load setup defaults screen
3.9.8 BIOS exit options
3.9.9 Startup sequence
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 4: Operating System Fundamentals
Chapter Overview
4.1 The Operating System
4.1.1 Components of an operating system
4.1.2 Operating system functions
4.1.3 Operating system types - basic terminology
4.2 Disk Operating System (DOS)
4.2.1 What is DOS, and why learn about it?
4.2.2 DOS file structure
4.2.3 Overview of basic DOS commands
4.2.4 Creating a DOS boot disk
4.2.5 Booting the system with a DOS disk
4.2.6 DOS configuration files
4.2.7 Editing system configuration files
4.3 Memory Management
4.3.1 Memory types
4.3.2 Memory management tools
4.3.3 Other types of memory
4.3.4 Memory conflicts
4.3.5 Real versus protected mode memory addressing
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 5: Windows 9x Operating Systems
Chapter Overview  
5.1 The Windows 9x File Structure and File Management System
5.1.1 Naming files in Windows
5.1.2 Directories and folders
5.1.3 Using a text editing application to create a file (document)
5.1.4 Copy or create shortcuts
5.1.5 Viewing document details
5.1.6 Recognizing file types in Windows
5.1.7 Selecting, copying, and moving files
5.1.8 Searching for a file, folder, or directory
5.1.9 Make backup copies of files onto a diskette
5.1.10 Using the Recycle Bin
5.2 Windows Management with Control Panel
5.2.1 System applet
5.2.2 Printer
5.2.3 Add/Remove Programs
5.2.4 Add/Remove Hardware
5.2.5 Display and Sounds
5.3 System Tools
5.3.1 The Registry
5.3.2 REGEDIT and SCANREG
5.3.3 MSCONFIG, Startup menu, Safe Mode
5.3.4 WSCRIPT.EXE, HWINFO.EXE, ASD.EXE
5.4 Preparing a Hard Drive for OS Installation
5.4.1 Partitioning a hard drive
5.4.2 Formatting a hard drive
5.5 Installing Windows 9x
5.5.1 Windows 9x versions overview
5.5.2 Requirements for installing Windows 98
5.5.3 Understanding the steps in Windows 98 installation
5.5.4 Windows 98 setup options
5.5.5 Upgrade installation
5.6 Troubleshooting the Installation Process
5.6.1 Systematic troubleshooting techniques and finding help
5.6.2 Windows 98 setup errors
5.6.3 System properties, identifying icon symbols
5.6.4 Adding software drivers
5.6.5 Making a backup Windows startup disk
5.6.6 Uninstalling Windows 98

Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz

Chapter 6: Multimedia Capabilities
Chapter Overview
6.1 Introduction to Multimedia
6.1.1 Basic hardware required for multimedia upgrades
6.1.2 The video card
6.1.3 Characterizing computer displays
6.1.4 Sound cards and speaker systems
6.1.5 Common media file formats used in multimedia applications
6.1.6 MPEG hardware versus software
6.2 Upgrading Video with a Video Acceleration Board
6.2.1 PCI and AGP types examined
6.2.2 All in One
6.2.3 Installing and configuring the video card driver and software
6.2.4 Understanding RAMDAC and video memory
6.2.5 Flashing the video board with BIOS updates
6.3 Adding Audio Capabilities with a Sound Card
6.3.1 Sound card operation
6.3.2 USB, PCI, and built-in sound
6.3.3 Removing or disabling outdated sound cards
6.3.4 Physical installation of sound cards
6.3.5 Connecting the CD-ROM or DVD player to the sound card for digital audio
6.3.6 Sound card driver and software installation and configuration
6.3.7 MIDI and external-audio source connection
6.4 Overview of CD-RW and DVD
6.4.1 Drive
6.4.2 Recording CDs with CD-R and CD-RW
6.4.3 Digital audio extraction explained
6.4.4 DVD Players
6.4.5 Recordable DVD
6.4.6 CD recording formats
6.4.7 DVD layering and formats
6.5 Digitizing Video
6.5.1 Hardware and software video capture
6.5.2 Installing and configuring a video capture board
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 7: Windows NT/2000/XP Operating Systems
Chapter Overview
7.1 Windows 9x Contrasts
7.1.1 NTFS versus FAT
7.1.2 Security and permissions
7.1.3 Windows 2000 boot process
7.1.4 Plug-n-Play/drivers
7.2 System Tools
7.2.1 Administrative tools
7.2.2 Windows 2K registry
7.2.3 Startup Menu, Safe Mode

7.2.4

 The ERD and Recovery Console for Win 2K
7.3 Overview of the Installation Process
7.3.1 Differences between 2K and 9x installation
7.4 Installing the Windows 2000 OS
7.4.1 Requirements for installing Windows 2000
7.4.2 Understanding the steps in Windows 2000 installation
7.4.3 Windows 2000 setup options
7.5 Special Installations
7.5.1 Upgrading from Windows NT Workstation 4 to Windows 2000
7.5.2 Replacing Windows 9x with Windows 2000
7.5.3 Dual boot Windows 9x/Windows NT 4/Windows 2000
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 8: Networking Fundamentals
Chapter Overview
8.1 Introduction to PC Networking
8.1.1 Defining a computer network
8.1.2 File, print, and application services
8.1.3 Mail services
8.1.4 Directory and name services
8.1.5 The Internet
8.1.6 Network administration
8.1.7 Simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex transmission
8.2 Types of Networks
8.2.1 Peer-to-Peer networks
8.2.2 Client/server networks
8.2.3 Local Area Networks (LANs)
8.2.4 Wide Area Networks (WANs)
8.2.5 Circuit-switched versus packet-switched networks
8.3 Adding a Network Interface Card (NIC)
8.3.1 What is a NIC?
8.3.2 Setting the IP address
8.3.3 DHCP servers
8.3.4 Default gateway
8.3.5 Domain Name System
8.4 Physical Components of a Network
8.4.1 Network topologies
8.4.2 Physical versus logical topology
8.4.3 Networking media
8.4.4 Common networking devices
8.5 LAN Architectures
8.5.1 Ethernet
8.5.2 Token Ring
8.5.3 Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
8.6 Networking Protocols and the OSI Model
8.6.1 OSI model overview
8.6.2 What is a protocol?
8.6.3 Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
8.6.4 Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange
8.6.5 NetBEUI
8.6.6 AppleTalk
8.7 TCP/IP Utilities
8.7.1 Overview
8.7.2 Ping
8.7.3 ARP, RARP, NSLOOKUP
8.7.4 Netstat/tpcon
8.7.5 Nbtstat
8.7.6 Ipconfig, winipcfg, config, and ifconfig
8.7.7 Tracert, iptrace, and traceroute
8.8 Connecting to the Internet
8.8.1 Synchronous and asynchronous serial lines
8.8.2 Modems
8.8.3 Dial-Up networking, modem standards, AT commands
8.8.4 ISPs and Internet backbone providers
8.8.5 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
8.8.6 Cable modems
8.8.7 Cable modem versus DSL Internet technologies
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 9: Printers and Printing
Chapter Overview  
9.1 Introduction to Printers and Printing
9.1.1 Printer overview
9.1.2 Understanding dot matrix printer operation
9.1.3 Understanding inkjet printer operation
9.1.4 Understanding laser printer operation
9.2 Buying a Printer
9.2.1 Print capacity and speed
9.2.2 Print quality and resolution
9.2.3 Reliability
9.2.4 Cost of ownership
9.2.5 Laser versus inkjet printers
9.3 Connecting a Printer
9.3.1 Serial, parallel, USB, SCSI, and network communication types
9.3.2 Page Description Language
9.3.3 Installing and updating printer drivers
9.3.4 Ink and toner installation and replacement
9.3.5 Print media installation and adjustment
9.3.6 Installing additional printer memory
9.3.7 Adding a local printer
9.3.8 Printing a test page
9.4 Sharing a Printer
9.4.1 Host-based printing technology
9.4.2 Printer switches
9.4.3 Printer built-in fonts and font cards
9.4.4 Configuring printer sharing
9.4.5 Adding a network printer
9.4.6 Installing print services
9.4.7 The network print server
9.4.8 Printer network interface cards (NICs)
9.5 Managing a Printer
9.5.1 Using the printer queue to manage print jobs
9.5.2 Setting print times for large or less important documents
9.5.3 Selecting a default printer
9.5.4 Configuring individual printer options
9.6 Dealing with Paper Problems
9.6.1 Obstructions in the paper path
9.6.2 Stripped and broken drive gears
9.6.3 Stepper motor problems
9.6.4 Defective registration roller and other feed rollers
9.6.5 Wrong type paper
9.6.6 High humidity
9.6.7 Paper dusting
Chapter Summary
Chapter Quiz
Chapter 10: Preventive Maintenance
Chapter Overview  
10.1 Elements of a Preventive Maintenance Program
10.1.1 Structure
10.1.2 Tools and equipment
10.1.3 Environmental guidelines
10.2 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
10.2.1 ESD defined
10.2.2 ESD protection devices
10.2.3 Creating an ESD-free environment
10.3 Computer/Peripheral Hardware PM
10.3.1 Computer
10.3.2 Monitor
10.3.3 Mice
10.3.4 Keyboard
10.3.5 Printer
10.3.6 Scanners
10.4 Computer Software PM
10.4.1 File issues
10.4.2 Anti-virus
10.5 Power Issues
10.5.1 Identifying power issues
10.5.2 Power suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting PC Hardware
Chapter Overview
11.1 Troubleshooting Basics
11.1.1 Overview
11.1.2 Identify the problem (Step 1)
11.1.3 Gathering information (Step 2)
11.1.4 Developing a solution (Step 3)
11.1.5 Implementing the solution (Step 4)
11.1.6 Is the problem resolved? (Step 5)
11.1.7 Documenting the solution (Step 6)
11.1.8 Troubleshooting tools and aids
11.1.9 Diagnostic software
11.1.10 Power issues
11.1.11 Electrostatic issues
11.1.12 Disposal actions
11.1.13 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
11.2 Troubleshooting the Hardware Box
11.2.1 Overview of field replaceable units (FRUs)
11.2.2 POST errors
11.2.3 CMOS/BIOS errors
11.2.4 Motherboard-related errors
11.2.5 CPUs
11.2.6 RAM
11.2.7 Cable issues
11.2.8 Ports
11.2.9 The video system
11.2.10 Secondary storage devices
11.2.11 Sound cards
11.2.12 Power supply issues
11.2.13 Box cooling issues
11.3 Peripheral Devices
11.3.1 Input devices
11.3.2 Output devices
11.3.3 SCSI interface issues
11.3.4 Internet/network access devices
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz
Chapter 12: Troubleshooting Software
Chapter Overview
12.1 Overview
12.1.1 Role of the end user
12.1.2 Determining whether the problem is hardware or software related
12.1.3 Fixing the software
12.2 DOS Troubleshooting Issues
12.2.1 System boot problems
12.2.2 DOS error messages
12.2.3 Invalid directory errors
12.3 Common Windows Operating System Problems
12.3.1 Troubleshooting setup (installation) problems
12.3.2 Troubleshooting startup (booting) problems
12.3.3 Windows memory usage problems
12.3.4 Windows OS missing/corrupt .DLL or .VxD files
12.3.5 System lockup errors
12.3.6 Troubleshooting shutdown problems
12.4 Window 9x Troubleshooting Problems
12.4.1 Upgrade issues
12.4.2 Error codes and startup messages
12.4.3 Windows 9x Startup Modes
12.4.4 Windows 9x error log files
12.4.5 Windows Virtual Memory errors
12.5 Using System Tools and System Editors to Troubleshoot Windows 9x/2000
12.5.1 Using system tools
12.5.2 Using Windows Device Manager to troubleshoot
12.5.3 Using Windows system editors
12.6 Windows 9x/2000 Registry Problems
12.6.1 The Registry files
12.6.2 The Registry structure
12.6.3 Editing the Registry
12.6.4 Cleaning the Registry
12.7 Windows NT4/2000 Troubleshooting Problems
12.7.1 Windows NT/2000 installation problems (Review)
12.7.2 Windows NT/2000 upgrade issues
12.7.3 Windows NT Startup Modes
12.7.4 Windows 2000 Startup Modes
12.7.5 Windows 2000 Recovery Console
12.8 Troubleshooting Applications
12.8.1 Troubleshooting DOS applications
12.8.2 Troubleshooting NT/2000 applications
12.9 Windows Data Backup and Recovery
12.9.1 Windows registry backup and recovery tools
12.9.2 Windows data and application backup and recovery tools
12.9.3 Types of data backup procedures
12.10 Windows-Specific Printer Software Problem Troubleshooting
12.10.1 Print spoolers
12.10.2 Print queues
12.10.3 Incorrect/incompatible printer drivers
12.11 Windows-Specific Networking Software Connection Troubleshooting
12.11.1 Error messages
12.11.2 Incorrect parameter setting/switches
12.11.3 Incorrect protocols or protocol properties
12.11.4 Incorrect client or client properties
12.11.5 Missing or incorrect bindings
12.11.6 Incorrect service selection
12.11.7 Incorrect primary network logon settings
12.11.8 Incorrect computer name or workgroup name
12.11.9 Network troubleshooting software utilities
12.12 Windows 9x/NT/2000 Help
12.12.1 Help and Troubleshooting files
12.12.2 Troubleshooting and information resources
Chapter Summary

Chapter Quiz