PC SPECIALIST / A+ CERTIFICATION


PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Upon completion of this course, graduates will qualify as a PC Technician knowledgeable in system hardware and software, including system configuration, upgrade, and repair at a component level. Students will also have the knowledge and confident to take the A+ certification developed by CompTIA.  Earning A+ certification means that the students have the technical knowledge, and customer services skills to be successful in the PC Technician profession.   Students may enter the following professions after completion: PC technician help desk support, and system administrator. 

PROGRAM OUTLINE

MODULE I                                                                             

Computer Basics
This course is a detailed presentation of microcomputer hardware and software and the Window operating system and environment. Students learn computer components and terminologies and how to operate the computer and peripherals. Students also learn how to create simple documents using word processing software and how to effectively using the internet and writing email. 

Introduction to PC Hardware and Software
 Students study microcomputer architecture, computer hardware, basic computer software (operating system and compilers), interface, and data communication including monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, cases, Power Supply, Motherboard, Expansion Card, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Memory, Disk Drive, DOS, Windows 9x, WinNT, Windows 2000.

MODULE II     
                                                                     

Hardware Disassembly, installation, and re-assembly
 IRQ, memory address, DMA, setting switches, Setups and CMOS, Installing DOS, Win9x, Creating a rescue disk under Win9x, Saving CMOS data, CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, Format and partition hard disk.

Preventive Maintenance
Optimizing Workstation Performance, Maximizing Workstations Performance, Anti-virus Protection, Surge Protector, Backup 


Troubleshooting And Diagnostics
Basic Electronics: AC/DC, Beep Error Codes, Diagnostic and Utility Software, DOS Error Message, Printer Management, Using Multi-meter to Identify Voltage and Resistant Levels, Crash Recovery. 

 

Local Area Network
Intro to Modern Telecommunications Systems, Network Technology and Architecture, Setup Peer-To-Peer Local Area Network, Remote Access Systems 
 

Internet Management and Administration
Internet & World Wide Web Services & Admin, Installing Dial Up Network, Set Up TCP/IP, Installing Modem, Installing Web Browser, Email, Search Engine 
 

Project Management
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving, Customer Interaction & Satisfaction

 A+ Exam Preparation
This course prepares students to pass the A+ exam.  The preparation covers broad range of hardware and software technologies to help student pass two parts of the exam – the Core and the Microsoft DOS/Windows portion. 

Job Search Workshop
This course covers communications skills, effective resume writing, and job hunting techniques. Students are also taught how to improve their interpersonal skills and how to promote and market their skills using effective interviewing techniques.

EQUIPMENT USED IN TRAINING

  • Personal computer with software

  • Overhead projector

  • Multimeter

  • Network cable tester

  • Hub

  • Software analyzer

ADMISSIONS POLICY

  • Completion of 9th grade or equivalent or mature students status (19 years of age).

  • Passing score on the assessment test

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student must obtain an overall average of at least 70% in order to graduate and receive a certificate.  A student may achieve a grade of less than 70% in any module provided that the overall average is at least 70% and no module mark is below 50%.   

Students may be allowed to retake a module in which the mark received was below 50% or to raise the average to 70%. 

Students must complete the hours of the Pre-Employment Readiness and Job Search modules for the program indicated on the course outline.  Once all the modules have been completed with a GPA of 2.0 or better, students will receive a PC Specialist Certificate.

JOB SEARCH WORKSHOP

All students at Au Lac Institute must learn how to effectively obtain a job in their chosen profession.   

Our Career Placement Department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as with preparing for job interviews.  Through many years of experience working with many employers, our staff knows the job market and what employers are looking for. 

Our staff will show the graduate some of the latest interviewing techniques and skills; techniques which will help the graduate to secure the job now and which will also be beneficial in their future career.  Au Lac Institute works with many headhunters, job shops, and many small to large corporations in the Silicon Valley.

Class Schedule

Call us at 408.239.5520 for more Information!

Back to Catalog