Computer Support Assistant

Course Description

EEV0504 — Computer Support Assistant is a 150-contact-hour vocational course in the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This course provides training in the basics of installation, support, and troubleshooting of computer and printer hardware and operating systems. An overview of network concepts and terminology is also included, especially as it relates to the practices of computer configuration, management, and support. The mission of this course is to provide students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and technical skill proficiency necessary to prepare them for further education and careers in network support services and related fields of Information Technology.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Install, configure, and support computer hardware components including desktops, laptops, and peripherals such as printers.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software problems across common operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
• Identify and apply basic network concepts, terminology, and protocols relevant to computer configuration and support.
• Perform operating system installation, configuration, and maintenance tasks.
• Apply safe and professional workplace practices when handling computer equipment and interacting with end users.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of IT security principles as they apply to desktop and endpoint support.

Optional Outcomes

• Configure and troubleshoot mobile devices and their connectivity to enterprise systems.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency with cloud computing and virtualization concepts.
• Apply ticketing, documentation, and help desk communication best practices.
• Recognize and respond to common cybersecurity threats at the endpoint level.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Computer Hardware Fundamentals — Desktop and laptop assembly, motherboards, processors, memory (RAM), storage devices, and power supplies.
• Peripheral Devices & Printers — Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
• Operating Systems — Installation, configuration, and maintenance of Windows OS; introduction to macOS and Linux.
• Hardware & Software Troubleshooting — Systematic troubleshooting methodologies, boot process errors, startup issues, and software conflicts.
• Networking Fundamentals — Network terminology, basic TCP/IP concepts, IP addressing, common network devices (routers, switches, access points), and LAN/WAN concepts.
• Computer Configuration & Management — System settings, user account management, device drivers, and system utilities.
• IT Safety & Professionalism — Electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions, workplace safety, professional communication, and customer service skills.

Optional Topics

• Mobile Devices — Configuration, synchronization, and troubleshooting of smartphones and tablets.
• Virtualization & Cloud Computing — Introduction to virtual machines, cloud service models, and remote access technologies.
• Basic IT Security — Password policies, malware awareness, physical security, and basic endpoint protection measures.
• Help Desk Operations — Ticketing systems, incident documentation, escalation procedures, and user communication.
• Command-Line Tools — Basic use of Windows command prompt and PowerShell for diagnostics and system management.

Resources & Tools

• CompTIA A+ Study Guide (Core 1: 220-1101 and Core 2: 220-1102) — primary certification reference aligned to course content.
• Lab Equipment — Desktop and laptop computers, printers, network switches, cables, and hand tools for hardware disassembly and reassembly.
• Operating System Media — Windows installation media; access to Linux distributions for hands-on OS practice.
• Virtualization Software — VirtualBox or VMware for creating sandbox environments (optional topic support).
• Online Practice Exams — CompTIA CertMaster Practice or equivalent for CompTIA A+ exam preparation.
• Manufacturer Documentation — Hardware and peripheral manuals from vendors such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Career Pathways

Completion of EEV0504 prepares students for entry-level IT support roles and serves as a foundational course within the Network Support Services program (Program B078000) at Florida technical colleges. Graduates may seek employment in positions such as:

• IT Support Assistant / IT Assistant
• Help Desk Technician
• Desktop Support Administrator
• Service Desk Analyst
• Field Service Technician
• Technical Support Specialist
• Computer / Network Support Assistant

This course is typically the second course in the Network Support Services program sequence, following OTA0040 — Information Technology Assistant, and leads into CTS0022 — Network Support Help Desk Assistant and CTS0023 — Network Support Administrator for students pursuing the full certificate.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

EEV0504 is directly aligned with the CompTIA A+ certification (exam codes 220-1101 and 220-1102), the industry-standard entry-level IT credential. Students completing this course are strongly encouraged to sit for the CompTIA A+ exams. The Network Support Services program at Florida technical colleges is designed to provide students with resources and knowledge to pursue multiple CompTIA and Cisco certifications, using this course as a critical stepping stone.

CompTIA recommends that A+ exam candidates have up to 12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field environment prior to sitting for the certification exam, making the lab components of this 150-hour course especially important for exam readiness.

Basic Skills Requirements

Per Florida technical college standards, students must demonstrate minimum basic skills competency for program completion: Computation (Mathematics) — Grade Level 9 and Communication (Reading/Language Arts) — Grade Level 9. A minimum satisfactory academic progress of 70% is required.