Advanced technology has provided us with an array of time-saving, entertaining, and useful products. Of these products, none has had more impact on society at large than the personal computer. Computers require a certain amount of technical expertise to use effectively. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to act as a catalyst to expand your understanding of basic computer architecture and operation, common software packages and usage, and consumer maintenance practices. It also provides an exciting vehicle for exploring advanced computer topics and developing job-related skills.

Each portion of the 45-hour Complete Introductory Computer Course is divided into two distinct stages. First, there is a theoretical discussion of the topic to be covered. In the second stage, these topics are investigated through a hands-on exploration. These investigation portions of the course incorporate a full range of exploration exercises and practical applications.

The Complete Introductory Computer Course will help you to shorten the distance between simple information reception and actual understanding of basic computer concepts.

Hands-on KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER OBJECTIVES
Inventory Parts.

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS
Properly install, connect, and configure the power supply unit, system board, floppy-disk drive, hard-disk drive, CD-ROM drive, options adapter cards (as applicable), and modem for use.
Connect the monitor and keyboard for operation.
Correctly install the System Unit's outer cover.
Disassemble the computer system and return the parts to the storage container.

SYSTEM COMPREHENSION
Correctly identify and describe the function of a video controller card, sound card, modem, IBM-compatible expansion slot, power supply unit, floppy-disk drive unit, hard-disk drive, CD-ROM drive, parallel port connection, system board, keyboard unit, and monitor unit.
Differentiate between 8-, 16-, and 32-bit expansion slots.
Correctly identify the I/O Ports or options adapter ports on a newer system board.
Describe the functions and basic differences between hard- and floppy-disk, CD-ROM and tape drive units.
Describe the basic differences between different video-display monitor types.

CONSUMER MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
Describe proper preventive-maintenance practices associated with computer/electronic equipment.
Use a diagnostics program included with Windows XP Professional operating system to separate computer hardware problems from software problems.
Remove and replace defective components
Correctly differentiate between hardware, software, and startup problems