Computer Repair and Maintenance

Course Description

This course provides the individual with an understanding of the logical architecture of computing devices and associated peripherals. Topics of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and security are covered. Students will receive online laboratory and hands-on experience with troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance. Computers are disassembled and/or reassembled and operating system(s) are installed. Diagnostic software is used to analyze the hardware and peripheral devices. Operating systems are installed, configured, diagnosed, and networked within a peer-to-peer configuration. The course also covers lab safety, environmental issues, face-to-face and online communication skills, central processing units (CPU), memory, and removable storage devices.

The "C" suffix in the course number indicates a combined lecture and laboratory within a course, meaning students engage in both classroom theory and hands-on lab practice.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Identify and describe the logical architecture of computing devices, including motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage, and peripherals.
• Disassemble and reassemble a personal computer following proper procedures and electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety practices.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot common operating systems on desktop and laptop hardware.
• Use diagnostic software to analyze hardware components and peripheral devices and to isolate faults.
• Perform preventive maintenance on PC hardware and operating systems, including cleaning, updates, and backups.
• Configure basic networking in a peer-to-peer environment, including IP addressing, file/printer sharing, and connectivity testing.
• Apply lab safety procedures and identify environmental issues related to electronic waste, batteries, and recycling.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in face-to-face and online technical support contexts, including documentation and customer service.

Optional Outcomes

• Prepare for industry certification, particularly the CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) Certification exams.
• Install and configure mobile devices and tablet operating systems.
• Implement basic security measures such as malware removal, user account management, and data encryption.
• Build a custom PC from individual components for a specified use case.
• Configure virtualization environments for testing and training purposes.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Computer Architecture and Logic — internal organization of computing devices and data flow
• PC Hardware Components — motherboards, CPUs, RAM, power supplies, expansion cards, storage devices
• Removable Storage and Peripherals — USB devices, optical drives, printers, displays, input devices
• Operating System Installation and Configuration — Windows (and optionally Linux/macOS) installs, drivers, updates
• Hardware and Software Troubleshooting — symptom identification, diagnostic tools, repair procedures
• Preventive Maintenance — scheduled cleaning, updates, monitoring, and reliability practices
• Basic Networking — peer-to-peer configuration, cabling, wireless setup, TCP/IP fundamentals
• Security Fundamentals — malware, authentication, access control, data protection
• Lab Safety and Environmental Practices — ESD protection, proper disposal of e-waste and batteries
• Professional Communication — documentation, ticketing, and customer interaction skills

Optional Topics

• Mobile device hardware and operating systems (smartphones, tablets, laptops)
• Virtualization and cloud computing basics
• Advanced networking (small office/home office routers, VLANs, remote access)
• Scripting and command-line administration
• CompTIA A+ exam objectives review and practice testing
• Printer and multifunction device maintenance

Resources & Tools

• Hardware lab kit: anti-static wrist strap, screwdriver set, multimeter, cable tester, thermal paste
• Practice PCs for disassembly/reassembly exercises
• Operating system installation media (Windows, optional Linux distributions)
• Diagnostic software for hardware and peripheral analysis
• Virtualization platforms such as VMware Workstation Player, Oracle VirtualBox, or Hyper-V
• Networking equipment: switches, routers, patch cables for peer-to-peer labs
• Reference materials aligned to CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) objectives

Career Pathways

This course prepares students for entry-level information technology roles. The CompTIA A+ Preparatory Certification course is the first step in preparation for a career as an entry-level IT professional or PC service technician. Typical job titles include:

• PC Support Technician / Computer Repair Technician
• Help Desk Analyst / Technical Support Specialist
• Field Service Technician
• Desktop Support Technician
• IT Support Associate

Credits earned in this course typically apply toward an A.S. degree in Computer Engineering Technology or Network Systems Technology, as well as related College Credit Certificates such as the Computer Repair and Installation College Credit Certificate offered at Florida colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: This course is commonly aligned with the CompTIA A+ certification. Upon completing this course, students will gain the essential skills and technical expertise necessary to install, upgrade, configure, troubleshoot, optimize, repair and perform preventative maintenance on basic personal computer hardware and operating systems. Students are typically encouraged to sit for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams upon completion.

Hands-On Component: Because of the "C" suffix, this course includes a required laboratory component. Expect significant hands-on time disassembling, reassembling, configuring, and troubleshooting real hardware and operating systems.

Articulation: As an SCNS-numbered course, CET2179C is guaranteed to transfer between participating Florida public postsecondary institutions that offer an equivalent course.