CIT 23300
Hardware/Software Architecture
Course Instructional Objectives
Hardware/Software Architecture
Course Instructional Objectives
CPUs and Assembly language
- Describe the internal functions and I/O capabilities of a CPU
- Understand how Assembly language interfaces with a CPU's registers
- Be able to write a simple program in Assembly language
- Identify the common CPUs in use today and their specifications
- Identify the CPU installed on a motherboard both via visual inspection and via OS commands
- Choose appropriate cooling methods for CPUs
- Troubleshoot common problems with motherboards and CPUs
Memory
- Describe and differentiate between types of memory (static/dynamic, RAM/ROM, SIMM/DIMM, etc.)
- Explain error detection and correction technologies for RAM
- Identify the amount and type of RAM installed on a motherboard both via visual inspection and via OS commands
- Troubleshoot common problems with memory
Storage devices
- Differentiate between primary and secondary storage
- Identify magnetic and optical storage technologies
- Troubleshoot common problems with storage devices
- Determine a drive's capacity
- Examine a drive's properties and status via OS commands
- Partition and format hard disk drives
- Identify and differentiate between disk drive technologies and interfaces
- Select appropriate storage devices for various situations
I/O and multimedia devices
- Identify common input devices
- Install and remove input devices
- Troubleshoot common problems with input devices
- Differentiate between LCD and CRT monitor technologies
- Install and replace display adapters
- Select an appropriate display adapter for various situations
- Troubleshoot common problems with display adapters
- Get information about the display adapter via OS commands
- Select appropriate printer technologies for various situations
- Install and troubleshoot printer drivers and connectivity problems
- Understand sound card specifications and I/O ports
- Select and install sound cards and speakers
- Troubleshoot common problems with sound
Installing new hardware
- Select and install:
- Disk drives (hard disks, floppy disks, CD/DVD)
- Display adapters
- I/O devices
- sound cards
- Network adapters
- Modems
- RAM
Boot processes and command line usage
- Describe the boot sequence for Windows XP including key system files
- Troubleshoot common problems with booting Windows XP
- Troubleshoot startup problems involving the system BIOS
- Display a command prompt shell from within Windows XP
- Manage files using the command-line interface
- Run common DOS-based commands at a command-line interface
Managing and supporting Windows XP
- Manage files and run programs under Windows XP
- Browse network resources
- Configure basic security settings (Defender, Firewall)
- Add and remove programs
- Configure power management
- Perform system maintenance tasks (Defrag, Disk Cleanup)
Troubleshooting common hardware and OS errors
- Troubleshoot device driver issues under Windows XP
- Troubleshoot application errors
- Check a disk for file system errors
- Check for driver signing problems
- Control what programs load at startup
- Identify signs of virus infection and recommend removal method
