Computer Service & Support: PC Systems I

Course Description

CET1171C — Computer Service & Support: PC Systems I is an introductory hands-on course in the Computer Engineering Technology taxonomy that prepares students for entry-level PC technician roles. The course provides the individual with an understanding of the logical architecture of computing devices and associated peripherals, covering topics of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and security, while students receive laboratory and hands-on experience with troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance. Computers are disassembled and reassembled, operating systems are installed, configured, diagnosed, and networked within a peer-to-peer configuration, diagnostic software is used to analyze hardware and peripheral devices, and the course also addresses lab safety, environmental issues, communication skills, central processing units (CPU), memory, and removable storage devices.

This is the first course in a typical two-course PC service sequence and is commonly aligned with industry-standard certification preparation. Students completing the Computer Hardware/Software sequence are prepared to take the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the major internal and external components of a personal computer and explain their functions.
• Disassemble and reassemble a personal computer following established lab safety and ESD-protection procedures.
• Install, configure, and upgrade CPUs, memory (RAM/DIMM), motherboards, power supplies, and storage devices (HDD, SSD, optical, removable media).
• Install and configure a desktop operating system and apply updates, drivers, and patches.
• Troubleshoot common hardware, peripheral, and operating system problems using a logical, documented methodology.
• Use diagnostic software and tools (multimeters, POST utilities, system utilities) to analyze hardware and peripheral devices.
• Configure a basic peer-to-peer network and verify connectivity between PCs.
• Apply fundamental PC security concepts, including malware awareness, user accounts, and data protection.
• Demonstrate professional customer-service and communication skills in face-to-face and online support scenarios.
• Observe safety and environmental practices related to electricity, batteries, toner, and electronic-waste disposal.

Optional Outcomes

• Prepare for and pass one or both CompTIA A+ certification exams.
• Configure dual-boot or virtualized operating-system environments.
• Install and troubleshoot mobile device hardware (laptops, tablets) and their components.
• Build and document a custom PC to a stated customer specification.
• Use ticketing / help-desk software to log and track support cases.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Lab Safety, ESD, and Environmental Practices
• PC Architecture & Binary Fundamentals — input/output/processing/storage model, bits and bytes, buses
• Motherboards, Chipsets, and Expansion Slots
• CPUs — Intel and AMD families, sockets, cooling
• Memory — DIMM types, DDR generations, channels, CAS latency, volatile vs. non-volatile
• Power Supplies — wattage, connectors, testing
• Storage Devices — HDD, SSD, SATA/eSATA, optical, removable media
• Ports and Interfaces — USB, FireWire, eSATA, S/PDIF, video connectors
• BIOS/UEFI Configuration and POST
• Operating System Installation & Configuration (Windows desktop OS focus)
• Peripheral Devices — printers, displays, input devices
• Basic Networking — cabling (T568A/T568B), RJ-45, peer-to-peer setup, IP basics
• Troubleshooting Methodology and Documentation
• PC Security Fundamentals
• Customer Service & Technical Communication

Optional Topics

• Mobile devices and laptop-specific service procedures
• Virtualization basics (VirtualBox, Hyper-V, VMware Workstation)
• Introduction to Linux/macOS as alternative operating systems
• Cloud storage and remote-support tools
• CompTIA A+ exam-objective review and practice testing

Resources & Tools

• Textbook (typical): Jean Andrews, CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support (Cengage) or equivalent A+-aligned text
• Hardware lab kit: teardown PC, spare RAM/HDD/SSD, motherboard, power-supply tester, anti-static wrist strap
• Tools: precision screwdriver set, multimeter, cable tester, crimper, RJ-45 connectors, Cat 5e/6 cable
• Software: Windows installation media, CPU-Z, diagnostic/POST utilities, antivirus tools, virtualization platform
• Reference standards: TIA/EIA-568A and 568B wiring standards; CompTIA A+ exam objectives

Career Pathways

This course supports A.S. degrees in Computer Information Technology / Network Systems Technology and stackable technical certificates such as the Information Technology Support Specialist credential. IT support specialists work in customer support operations, providing technical support and business tool usage advice for computers, computer systems, software, and peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot and solve routine technical service and equipment problems by analyzing, identifying, and diagnosing errors using established processes.

Typical entry-level roles include: IT support specialist, IT technician, and help-desk entry positions, as well as Computer/Network Support Assistant and Field Service Technician.

Special Information — Certification Preparation

This course is widely used as the first half of CompTIA A+ certification preparation. A+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of entry-level computer service technicians and demonstrates the computer technician knowledge and skills defined by companies across the industry. Topics emphasized include installing PC hardware and operating systems, system configuration, and maintaining computer systems.

Completing the course does not by itself confer certification — students must take and pass the A+ certification exams, which can be scheduled at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.