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.
This section provides a brief history of computers and explains the basic principles of human-computer interaction. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Recall significant developments in the history of modern computing. • Identify uses of computers in today’s world. • Identify the basic functions of computers. • Describe various roles for today’s supercomputers. • Describe the basic principles of human-computer interaction.
This section introduces various ethical issues associated with computer technology. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Describe ethical considerations related to evolving forms of technology, including artificial intelligence, workplace automation, personal privacy, and green computing. • Identify health and productivity issues related to technology, including ergonomics, blue light exposure, cyberloafing, and employee monitoring. • Distinguish between the legal and ethical aspects of issues such as security breaches, criminal use of data encryption, and the dark web. • Discuss the arguments for and against net neutrality.
This section defines three overlapping disciplines: Information Technology, Information Systems, and Computer Science. It then provides a detailed overview of the entire course. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
• Recall key moments in the history of information technology. • Define Information Technology, Information Systems, and Computer Science. • Describe why “systems thinking” is important in designing information systems. • Describe the main objectives of the course. • Identify new concepts and skills that you will master after completing this course. • Explain how this course will help you achieve your career goals. • Conduct online research on a career that interests you in information technology.
