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.
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:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
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
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.
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.
This section introduces and explains common internal PC components. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Describe the most common internal components of a typical computer system, including processor, RAM, motherboard, power supply, GPU, NIC, and cooling system.
Distinguish between the two main types of consumer-level CPUs.
Describe how computer processors execute instructions.
Follow guidelines to reduce electrostatic discharge when working with computers.
Identify various types of expansion slots on a motherboard.
Install a single memory module on the motherboard.
Disconnect a monitor from the video card and remove the card from the computer.
Install a video card with an HDMI connection and connect the PCIe power connector to the video card.
Connect a computer to a monitor using an HDMI cable.
Configure a monitor’s display resolution for full HD content
This section describes different types of computing devices. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Compare and contrast the features of various computing devices, including cost, screen size, computing power, portability, storage capacity, cases and form factors, and digital cameras. • Recommend computing devices based on user requirements.
This section explains how digital media is encoded, compressed, and stored in different file formats. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Describe how audio and video are stored digitally. • Distinguish between raster and vector images. • Select the best format for digital images. • Describe how RGB values determine pixel color. • Compare common image file types. • Describe the most common digital audio and video file formats. • Describe how 3D modeling is used for computer graphics. • Describe the difference between lossless and lossy compression algorithms. • Discuss how sampling rate and bit depth impact the quality of digital audio. • Discuss how file compression and image resolution impact the quality of digital images.
This section explains the basics of how computers work, including their use of the binary number system and the translation of physical signals into digital information. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Describe the binary number system used by computers to process data. • Describe how binary numbers can be translated into hexadecimal form. • Define bits and bytes. • Explain how physical signals are translated into digital information. • Describe the most common character encoding standards, including ASCII and Unicode. • Describe the most common units of measurement used for storage, throughput, and processing speed.
