Tag Archives: Term 3

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.6: Printing – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the installation and operation of common types of printing software and applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Open and print a document from Microsoft Word.
  • Describe Windows printing features.
  • Plug in and connect a printer to a computer.
  • Connect to a shared printer.
  • Configure the default printer.
  • Share a local printer with other users on a network.
  • Describe how 3D printing works.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Device Drivers
  • Shared Printer
  • Print Job
  • Print Queue
  • Print Server
  • 3D Printing

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a laser printer?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using an inkjet printer?
  • How has the advent of 3D printing affected the world?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.6: Printing, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.6.5 & 4.6.7 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 29th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 1st, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.5: Application Software – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to various categories of application software and gives you practice managing Windows applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify application software that increases personal productivity.
  • Identify application software that facilitates collaboration.
  • Identify some common business application software.
  • Run Windows applications.
  • Pin applications to the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Unpin applications from the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Create application shortcuts on the Windows desktop.
  • Explain how app stores are used to distribute application software.
  • Open, modify, and save a Microsoft Word document.
  • Open, modify, and run a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Productivity Software
  • Collaboration Software
  • Business Software
  • Netiquette
  • Windows Application
  • Windows 10 App
  • App Store

Topics Discussed:

  • How can software applications increase your productivity at home or at the office?
  • What software applications can assist you in collaborating with other people?
  • What makes a slideshow effective? What makes a slideshow ineffective?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.5: Application Software, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.5.11, 4.5.13 & 4.5.15 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 26th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 27th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.4: File Management – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the the features and functions of various file systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the features of various file systems.
  • Create folders in the Windows file system.
  • Copy, rename, and delete files in Windows.
  • Share a Windows folder with users and grant them specific access to files within the folder.
  • Use the Windows Recycle Bin.
  • Manage files using both a command line and a graphical user interface.
  • Explain how NTFS and share permissions work together to control access to Windows files and folders.
  • Add and remove users from access control lists.
  • Assign specific folder permissions to user groups.
  • Use the following Windows PowerShell commands.
    • Change directories.
    • View files and folders.
    • Make a directory.
    • Copy files to other folders.
    • Stop a process.
    • Map a drive to a shared folder.
  • Use the Linux command line to add, copy, rename, modify, and delete files.
  • Copy a file from a thumb drive to a folder on your hard drive.
  • Safely remove a thumb drive from a Windows system.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • File
  • File format
  • File system
  • File permissions
  • Journaling
  • NTFS
  • Command line interface

Topics Discussed:

  • How can you use a file system to organize files?
  • What is the relationship between files and directories?
  • Why is it important to limit a user’s file permissions?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.4: File Management, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.4.4, 4.4.6, 4.4.8, 4.4.11, 4.4.14 & 4.4.16 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 21st, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 23rd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.3: More System Software – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the BIOS, different types of system software, and utility software. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify and describe different types of system software.
  • Explain the purpose of a computer’s BIOS and other firmware.
  • Recognize and use utility software.
  • Use Windows Device Manager to update drivers.
  • Explain how virtualization can be used to extend the capabilities of computer systems.
  • Describe each step in the Windows boot sequence.
  • Enter the BIOS setup program on your computer.
  • Use BIOS settings to identify processor brand, installed memory, BIOS version number, number of hard drives, and NIC status.
  • Run an executable program to update the BIOS.
  • Clear CMOS settings on the motherboard.
  • Create a virtual machine with the following settings.
    • Startup memory
    • Network connection
    • Virtual hard disk
    • Minimum and maximum RAM

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Utility Software
  • Device Drivers
  • Firmware
  • Windows Settings App
  • Windows 10 App
  • Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
  • CMOS
  • Power-on Self Test (POST)
  • UEFI
  • Virtualization
  • Virtual Machine

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the relationship between the BIOS and the operating system?
  • How can I use utility software to improve the performance of my computer?
  • What are some situations where virtual machines would be helpful?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.3: More System Software, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.3.4, 4.3.8, 4.3.10, 4.3.12, 4.3.15 and 4.3.17 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 15th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 20th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.2: Operating Systems – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to operating systems and gives you practice using both the Windows and iOS interfaces. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common operating systems, including systems designed for mobile devices.
  • Describe the basic functions of different types of operating systems.
  • Identify and describe components of the Windows 10 operating system.
  • Change display settings in Windows.
  • Use the Settings app to view system information.
  • Configure a screen saver through the Settings app.
  • Describe the purpose of the configuration settings stored in the Windows registry.
  • Use iOS on a mobile device to check email account settings, Wi-Fi settings, Bluetooth settings, and the iOS version.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Operating System
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Command Line Interface
  • Disk Management
  • Application Management
  • Service Management
  • Device Management
  • Access Control/Protection
  • Windows Settings App
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Registry
  • Registry Editor

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the operating system coordinate the work of hardware and software?
  • How are mobile and desktop operating systems similar? How are they different?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.2: Operating Systems, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.2.8, 4.2.10, 4.2.12 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 13th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 14th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.7: Computer Hardware Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section explores career opportunities related to Computer Hardware. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe common careers in computer hardware, ranging from PC repair technician to electrical engineer.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for computer hardware careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • PC Repair Technician
  • Electrical Engineer

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the work of computer hardware professionals affect my daily life?
  • How can I prepare for a career in computer hardware?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.7: Computer Hardware Careers, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 9th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 9th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.6: Hardware Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces and explains hardware troubleshooting methods. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify the proper sequence of steps to follow in the troubleshooting methodology.
  • Diagnose and resolve common motherboard problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common computer memory problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common processor problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common disk storage problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common computer display problems.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Troubleshooting
  • Data Corruption
  • Power-on Self Test (POST)
  • Beep Codes

Topics Discussed:

  • How does a malfunction in one part of the computer affect the rest of the system?
  • What is the most effective way to troubleshoot a problem?
  • Why should I troubleshoot a problem before implementing a potential solution?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.6: Hardware Troubleshooting, and complete the 3.6.8, 3.6.10, 3.6.12, and 3.6.14 Lab Activities, as well as the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 7th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 8th, 2024

AZ CS Standards: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1, Troubleshooting – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.5: Storage – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces and explains storage devices and file systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the features of different external storage devices, including hard disk drives, optical drives, flash storage, and solid state drives.
  • Describe common file system features, including compression, encryption, permissions, journaling, and file naming rules.
  • Compare and contrast common file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32, HFS, and Ext4.
  • Describe disk partitioning and formatting methods.
  • Describe disk maintenance procedures, including defragmentation, repair, and cleanup.
  • Describe emerging storage technologies.
  • Install SATA hard drives in a computer.
    • Connect drives to the motherboard.
    • Plug in the power connector from the power supply.
  • Install an eSATA port connector to a computer by connecting the cable to an available motherboard port.
  • Boot a computer into the BIOS and verify that newly installed hard drives are detected.
  • Initialize new disks using the MBR partition style.
  • Create a volume on a disk with a specific volume size, drive letter, file system, and volume label.
  • Format a flash drive with the FAT32 file system.
  • Convert a drive to use NTFS instead of FAT32 without destroying any existing data on the disk.
  • Run Disk Cleanup on a local hard drive.
  • Configure disk defragmentation to run on a schedule.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Optical Drive
  • Flash Storage
  • Solid State Devices (SSD)
  • External Hard Disk Drives
  • Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording
  • 3D Flash Memory
  • Synthesized DNA Strands
  • File
  • File Format
  • File System
  • Compression
  • Encryption
  • File Permissions
  • Journaling
  • Drive
  • Partitioning
  • Fragmentation
  • Defragmentation

Topics Discussed:

  • How is storage different than memory? How are they similar?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of each storage medium?
  • How does storage relate to input, output, and processing?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.5: Storage, and complete the 3.5.5, 3.5.12, 3.5.14 and 3.5.16 Lab Activities, as well as the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 5th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 6th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

Section 3.3 Lab – PC Hardware Disassembly, Inventory & Reassembly

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of PC Hardware fundamentals by disassembling a PC, inventorying the parts and successfully reassembling the PC so that I can better understand the internal hardware architecture of a common PC.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Introduction to Information Technology
  • PC Hardware Fundamentals

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will visit the lab, where each student will be allowed to pick out a PC to use in their lab activities throughout the year.
  2. Each student should first assemble their PC, connect it to power, boot to the Windows operating system and confirm that it is in working order.
  3. Examine the computer and peripheral components, front and back.
    • In a Google Doc or Form, create an inventory list of the external components. Provide the component name, manufacturer, description, characteristics and any identification numbers available (serial #, part #, model #).
  4. Observe the boot process and determine the following information:
    • What is the speed of the CPU?
    • How much RAM is installed?
  5. Next, each student will open up their PC, and remove and inventory (record any available information such as manufacturer, model, serial # and capacity) all easily removable components:
    • Hard Drive
    • Optical Drive (DVD-Rom)
    • RAM sticks
    • Power Supply Unit
    • Motherboard
  6. Acquire a philips head screwdriver from the tool cabinet and proceed to carefully remove the heatsink assembly, exposing the CPU.
  7. Use the cleaning equipment provided to remove the old thermal paste from the CPU and the heatsink assembly, and will acquire a tube of thermal paste to apply fresh thermal paste to the CPU. Use the How to Apply Thermal Paste video as a guide on the correct method for the application of thermal paste, and take care not to waste the provided materials.
  8. Proceed to carefully remove the motherboard and power supply.
  9. Use canned air to clean the PC case of lint and debris to ensure optimal airflow.
  10. Reassemble the PC and its external peripherals, and reboot it to test its operation.
  11. Submit the completed PC Inventory document to the Google Classroom assignment labeled “Section 3.3 Lab” by Friday, February. 2nd.

Assigned: January 30th, 2024
Due Date: February 2nd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.4: Input and Output – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces and explains common input and output devices. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common peripheral devices by sight.
  • Identify common ports and connectors by sight.
  • Connect cables and peripherals to a computer system.
  • Select appropriate cables and hardware devices for a given scenario.
  • Troubleshoot common problems when installing external devices to a computer system.
  • Identify the proper cable to connect a computer to an Ethernet port.
  • Set up a desktop computer system, including peripherals, power cables, and networking cable.
  • Describe how touchscreens are used as input devices.
  • Choose the most appropriate printer for a given scenario.
  • Describe how a camera works.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Peripheral
  • Touch screen
  • Inkjet printer
  • Laser printer
  • Scanner
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB)
  • FireWire
  • Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector
  • Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector
  • High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector
  • Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector
  • Thunderbolt
  • Infrared
  • Bluetooth
  • Camera lens
  • Photosensitive material
  • Camera shutter

Topics Discussed:

  • How are input and output similar on desktop computers and mobile devices? How are they different?
  • How many ways can you input information into your computer?
  • How many ways can you output information from your computer?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.4: Input and Output, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: January 25th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 26th, 2024