The A+ Certification - Computer Repair & Maintenance
CNT 51A and CNT 51B
Our class meets on Fridays from 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm in Room 804.
Plus 2 hours of lab time, to be arranged with the instructor.

Course Description
An in-depth study of personal computer hardware and operating systems, this course prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Certification exams . Focus is on identification, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting field replaceable components. Topics include microprocessors, memory, BIOS and CMOS, expansion bus, motherboards, power supplies, USB drives, hard drives, SCSI devices, CD and DVD media, video, sound, portable PCs, printers, networks, the Internet, and Windows 2000/XP and Unix/Linux operating systems. Read more on the A+ Certification on the CompTIA.org website.

In order to become CompTIA A+ certified, a candidate must pass two exams.
1. The first exam is CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam number 220-701. The CNT 51A course covers the topics for the first exam and is offered during the first half of the semester. CSU.The official 2009 objectives for the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination can be found here as a pdf download.

2. The second exam is CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam 220-702. The CNT 51B - A+ Operating System Fundamentals course covers topics for the second exam and is offered during the second half of the semester. (2 Units, CSU).The official 2009 objectives for the CompTIA A+ Practical Application can be found here. (pdf file download).
You may enroll in one class only or both classes.

Obtaining the Officical A+ Certification.
You may schedule, and take a test at any time of the year by contacting Prometric www.2test.com or Vue at vue.com.
Ask the instructor about discount vouchers for the official Comptia exams.

Text for this course: No paper books are required. Students purchase an access code from the bookstore or from the publisher TestOut.com.
If you buy directly from TestOut.com,
Go to www.testout.com, enter 14-232TA in the “Enter Promotion Code” box on the bottom right corner of the home page and press enter.
The student selects the courses by name title or ISBN, these titles will then go into the shopping cart for checkout.
The school name must match exactly “Las Positas College ". Also a teacher name must be included, though it doesn't matter how this is typed in.
After the student has successfully added the school and instructor name, they will process as usual and pay for the course material. During the checkout process the default is set so that the student would receive immediate online access, an email will be provided as soon as their order has been finalized with download instructions.
14-232TA for a yearš access 24/7.

Other tools: inexpensive earphones, phillips screwdriver
Storage medium: a few writable CDs, DVDs and an inexpensive external USB drive, of any capacity. Deals can be found on newegg.com tigerdirect.com or your usual PC shop online.

HOW TO CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR
Moh Daoud email:

Expect a response to questions within 24 hours.
Phone: ____________
Paper mail: Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore, CA 94551
Website: http://lpc1.clpccd.cc.ca.us/lpc/mdaoud/
This page is located at www.laspositascollege.edu > Faculty & Staff at the top right of screen > Faculty Websites in the left column.

Your Student Email Account
If you are an enrolled student, a Google gmail account has been created for you.
It can be found at The Zone Information Page on the LPC home page. You can also bypass The Zone and get access to your email directly at http://stumail.clpccd.edu.
You may get to your school email by going to gmail.com and enter your regular Class-web username and password.
I f you prefer, your school email can be forwarded to your personal email.

**Instructor Office Hours and Class Times**
Mon.	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
		1st Wed.: Town Hall Meeting.
		3rd Wed.: Division Meeting: 2:30 - 4:30 pm.		Office Hours: 5:00 - 6:00 PM in Room 804
	Office Hours: 5:00PM - 6:00 PM in Room 804	Office Hours: 4:30 - 6:30 pm in Room 2202	Office Hours: 5:30 - 6:30 pm in Room 804	CNT 51A CRN 31298 FT1 2.00 CompTIAs A+ Essentials Cert. Fri., Jan. 20, 12 - Fri., Mar. 16, 12 06:00 PM - 09:50 PM Room 804
CNT 50 CRN 30764 Intro to Desktop Operating Systems 04:00 PM - 06:05 PM Room 804 + Lab: 06:10 PM - 07:05 PM Room 804. Cross listed as CIS 65 30763	CNT 57 CRN 22781 093 Implementing Win. Server 2008 Active Directory 06:00 PM - 08:15 PM Room 804 Lab: 08:25 PM - 09:45 PM Room 804	CNT 52 093 CRN 30762 Networking Fundamentals - Network+ - 06:30 PM - 09:20 PM Room 2202 Lab: 09:30 PM - 10:20 PM Room 804. Cross listed as CIS 66 30260	CNT 55 CRN 30879 093 Windows 2008 Server Admin. 06:30 PM - 08:45 PM Room 804 + Lab: 09:00 PM - 10:15 PM Room 804	CNT 51B CRN 31299 FT2 CompTIA A+ Practical Appl. Mar. 23 - May 18 06:00 PM - 10:15 PM in Room 804

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CNT 51A SCHEDULE AND COURSE OUTLINE - FIRST HALF OF SEMESTER

Day	Date	Lecture/Topic	Lab	Assignment & Homework
1	Fri., Jan. 20, 12	Module 1 – Computing Overview. Basic elements and functions of computer hardware and operating systems. Module 2 – PC Technician. Roles of the PC technician; protection and safety of users and computers, acting in a professional manner, maintaining computer systems, troubleshooting systems, and utilizing Windows tools and utilities to view configuration information and manage computers.	Using the simulator Explore the Lab Interface. Set Up a Computer. Install a UPS. .	LabSim Instructions (pdf) Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
2	Fri., Jan. 27, 12	Module 3 – System Components. Components that make up computer systems. Students will explore the basics of cases, form factors, power supplies, motherboards, PC expansion buses, processors, memory, BIOS, video, and cooling devices. Module 4 – Peripheral Devices. IO interfaces, USB devices, IEEE 1394-based products, input devices, display devices, and sound devices.	Troubleshoot System Power. Connect Devices. Install USB Devices. Connect Firewire Devices. Connect a KVM Switch. Connect Monitors. Manage Devices	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
3	Fri., Feb. 03, 12	Module 5 – Storage. Storage devices, storage device interfaces, optical media, and file systems.Managing files, using RAID arrays, and optimizing hard disk performance.	Manage Files. Perform Disk Maintenance.	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
4	Fri., Feb. 10, 12	Module 6 – Networking. Components that make up a network. Network protocols, addressing, configurations, networking media (cabling), IP configuration settings, 802.11 wireless networks, Infrared (IrDA), and Bluetooth. Troubleshooting network connections.	Connect to an Ethernet Network. Configure TCP/IP Settings. Connect to a Wireless Network.	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
	Fri., Feb. 17, 12	Lincoln Holiday (No instruction)
5	Fri., Feb. 24, 12	Module 7 – Printing. Selecting, installing, configuring, and managing printers.Different types of printers, printer languages, and the components that make up network printing. Module 8 – Portable Devices. Classifications for portable devices, components in a notebook system, PC cards, batteries, and power management, and troubleshooting of a portable device.	Choose a Printer. Select and Install a Printer. Configure Network Printing. Troubleshoot Printing. Edit Power Options.	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
6	Fri., Mar. 02, 12	Module 9 – Security. Basics of securing a computer system. Protecting against malware and social engineering attacks, authenticating to validate a user, configuring BIOS security, utilizing encryption technologies, physically securing computer systems, and employing firewalls.	Enforce Password Settings. Configure BIOS Security . Encrypt Files. Require a Screen Saver Password. Configure the Windows Firewall.	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
7	Fri., Mar. 09, 12	Module 10 – System Management,.Basic concepts of system management which include; installing and managing applications, updating Windows and non-Microsoft software, protecting a system through backups, managing virtual memory, handling system errors, and providing system recovery for a system that does not work properly. Module 11 – Windows Installation. Decisions that should be made prior to installation, methods to install a Windows operating system, and post installation tasks.	Configure Windows Update. Back Up the Computer. Create a Restore Point. Configure Virtual Memory. Prepare Disks for Installation.	Do Exam Questions for today's modules on TestOut.com .
8	Fri., Mar. 16, 12	Final Exam. End of this half-semester class. Next class CNT 51B starts next week, same time, same place.

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Evaluation and Grading
Final grades are determined through a weighted average of midterm and final examinations, quizzes, laboratory assignments, homework assignments, and class attendance and participation.
The online Blackboard practice quizzes can be taken multiple times. They count towards your final grade. Your best score will be kept for final computation. The quizzes are located at http://clpccd.blackboard.com/

Late Coursework:
All assignments are to be turned in on the due date. Students may be allowed to make up any late work by prior arrangement with the instructor. I try to accommodate most students, but very few excuses are accepted.
Grading:
90%+ = A
80% to 89% = B
70% to 79% = C
60% to 69% = D
59% & below = F
Posting of Grades: Final grades will be posted on the school website; usually within two weeks of the end of semester. If you need your grade sooner, contact the instructor.

Free Microsoft Software
- The MSDN Academic Alliance offers free MS software to LPC students who are enrolled in computing and business classes. Ask your instructor for login information.. The list of software packages is HERE. The downloaded software will be a large ISO file that you will burn to a blank DVD. For instructions on burning DVD or CDs, go to your instructor's folder on Marvin and get the How to Burn ISO files Word document.
https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/Products.aspx
- The Microsoft developer, designer and gaming tools are available on DreamSpark.com. Not 30-day trial versions; they’re the complete and full professional grade versions. Dreamspark and MSDN AA are not the same.
- Other discounted software for students only: www.collegesoftware.org or www.journeyEd.com, both take you to the same deals. JourneyEd.com offers both Microsoft and non Microsoft products, some at an 85% discount. At JourneyEd, sign up as a Chabot student, same W number. I'm told that LPC is not found in their records.
- Windows 7 Upgrade for $29.99 for students, instead of $64.95 at www.win741.com You are eligible if you have a valid .EDU e-mail OR an e-mail address through one of the educational institutions.
- Check the Microsoft Student Store.
- If you’re a student and you don't have access to MSDN AA, you could join the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for $19. As part of the membership you get access to most of the MSDNAA catalog. You also get access to thousands of technical books.

Resources, programs, and services available to Las Positas College students

Admissions and Records
(925) 424-1500
dearney @ laspositascollege.edu
Building 700
Applications • Registration • Records

Assessment / Tutorials and Testing
(925) 424-1475
ptrummel @ laspositascollege.edu
Building 1000
Tutors • Instructors • Placement Testing

Associated Students (ASLPC)
(925) 424-1490
staff @ aslpc.com
Building 1700
Student Government • Meetings • Activities

Athletics
(925) 424-1252
snavarro @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 2115
Intramurals • Intercollegiate Sports • Classes

CalWORKs
(925) 424-1432
ktomlinson @ laspositascollege.edu
Building 900
Housing Scholarship • Child Care • CalWORKs Jobs

Campus Safety and Security
Emergency (925) 424-1699
Business (925) 424-1690
Room 1605
Parking• Student Escorts • Lost and Found

Career / Transfer Center
(925) 424-1423
lcamp @ laspositascollege.edu
Building 900
Career Testing • Career Information • Transfers

Computer Center
(925) 424-1144
gjohns @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 803

Early Childhood Education
(925) 424-1187
(925) 424-1135
Room 2136
Training • Professional Development

English Center
cahre @ laspositascollege.edu
Building 400
Developmental English • Instructors/Staff

EOPS / CARE
(925) 424-1593
dscott @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 1504
Book Grants • Priority Registration • Counseling

Financial Aid/Veteran's Office
(925) 424-1580
lpcfinaid @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 1509
Registration Fee Waivers • Grants • Loans

Library
(925) 424-1151
Building 2000
Reference • Research Skills Instruction • Internet Access • Online Databases • Print and AV Materials

LPC Distance Education Support
(925) 371-1142
LPCdistEd @ laspositascollege.edu
Login Problems • Assignment Submission Problems • General Distance Ed Info

Peer Support Network
(925) 424-1217
ejones @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 1200
Support Groups • Trained Listeners • Stress Help

Re-Entry Student Services
(925) 424-1412
bmorrissey @ laspositascollege.edu
Room 704
Transitional Classes • Counseling • Support

Student Health Center
(925) 424-1830
Building 1700
Treatment • Advice • Referrals

The LPC Learning Resource Center, or Library
You can get off-campus access to the library databases by using your Class-web login info.
Student W10.. ID + your usual first two first name initials + first two last name initials + last four digits of your student ID.
EBSCOhost: indexes and summarizes 2,700 periodicals, and includes the full-text for 1,800 of them, providing easy access to articles from hundreds of magazines, journals and other sources. Subjects covered include business, health, multicultural issues, science, and general topics.
SIRS Researcher: provides thousands of full-text articles on social, scientific, health, historic, business, economic, political, and global issues. Articles are carefully selected from approximately 1,500 newspapers, magazines, journals, and government publications. Graphics, including charts, maps, diagrams and drawings, are available for many of the articles.
CountryWatch: A political, economic, and business information country database.
NewsBank: Full-text articles from Christian Science Monitor, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post.
RAND California: Comprehensive California statistics and reports.
Brittanica.com: Free public access to the Encyclopædia Britannica.
LPC Library Works Cited: Citation examples listed will assist you in citing sources for your research.
Searching on the Internet: This interactive lesson is intended to teach you the basics of Internet searching. During the lesson, not only will you learn general information about various ways of searching, but you will also learn about searching techniques and evaluating resources. In addition, this lesson will simulate searches to give you a feel for how they work. To complete this lesson, you will need Netscape Navigator 4.06 or later or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Patch 1 or later. In addition, listed below are some other popular research tools on the Internet:
Digital Libraria Infomine
Internet Public Library