Delivery: Online
College Credit: 3 credit hours
Estimated Length: 38 seat hours
Price: $705
Computers and Broadband Modems introduces the fundamentals of personal computer (PC) hardware and software in connection with DOCSIS® cable modems. Students completing this course gain a thorough understanding of how the PC and modem interface with the broadband cable network. Topics of study include a detailed description of the major components in a PC and how they interact in the computer system; a review of Microsoft Windows, Apple and Linux operating systems with explanations of their respective features and vulnerabilities; an overview of mobile devices and their operating systems; wireless networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; computer security and an introduction to DOCSIS cable mobiles and their installation. Delivered online, the course includes videos and activities that are intended to help the student retain key points of information. The videos are hosted by Mike Meyers, author and holder of multiple IT industry certifications, whose colorful and humorous teaching make the course both entertaining and effective. The Computers and Broadband Modems course is an excellent reference for the student learning about computer concepts and terminology. However, the cable modem lessons assume prior technical knowledge.
Completion Time:
The estimated completion time for this course is 38 hours. The maximum allotted time is four months from enrollment.
Benefits:
- effectively troubleshoot basic personal computer problems
- recognize the capabilities and limitations of the different Windows, Apple and Linux operating systems
- thoroughly educate new high-speed data customers on their wired and wireless connected equipment’s operation
- understand the functions of the different computer modules and how they interact together
- educate high speed data customers on options to protect their equipment from malware and other security related concerns
- prepare students for customer questions that arise with respect to the different computer and mobile device operating systems.
- have a more complete understanding of DOCSIS modems
- understand how to complete advanced, high-speed data installations
- earn three hours of college credit
- receive an industry-recognized NCTI certificate of graduation
- receive credit toward NCTI Master Technician Customer Premises Certification
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
- identify the main components of a computer system
- describe how to maneuver in the different Windows operating systems to perform common tasks
- explain the meaning of 32- and 64-bit processing
- explain the labeling of the different types of random access memory (RAM)
- describe the basic input/output services (BIOS) in a computer system
- describe the computer motherboard and the different available form factors
- list important considerations when choosing a computer power supply
- describe a traditional hard drive and a solid state drive
- identify different types of media for storing and playing back data
- explain how to configure common input devices in a computer system
- understand the terms resolution, refresh rate and color depth as they relate to a computer’s video configurations
- describe the terms Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and ports in reference to Internet applications
- describe the waveform audio file format (WAV) and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) file formats
- identify different laptop types and features that make laptops versatile
- describe mobile device operating systems
- identify how to keep computer systems in an optimal operating condition
- connect and troubleshoot Wi-Fi networks
- describe the DOCSIS standard and how it originated
- describe the initialization and authorization process of a DOCSIS cable modem
Outline:
Operational Procedures
Discuss professionalism in appearance and communications, identify the biggest hazards to a computer and discuss safety for those working on a computer and for the computer while being worked on
The Visible PC
Review how computers work, identify and explain the function of the main components inside a computer and describe the different computer interfaces to peripheral devices
Visible Windows
Introduction to operating systems and touring operating systems
Microprocessors
Understanding central processing units (CPU), investigating CPU speeds and cores, exploring CPU caches, understanding 32-bit and 64-bit processors, installing a CPU and cooling a CPU
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Understanding RAM, looking at types of RAM, adding RAM to a system, troubleshooting RAM and understanding virtual memory
Basic Input/Output Services (BIOS)
Defining the purpose of BIOS, describing the poweron self-test (POST) and troubleshooting BIOS
Motherboards
Understanding form factor, ATX and ITX form factors, chipsets, the expansion bus, installing a motherboard and configuring for two CPUs
Power Supplies
Electricity basics, describing the power supply and connections, choosing a power supply, power protection and troubleshooting the power supply
Hard Drive Technologies
Introduction to hard drive technologies including solid state drives
Removable Media
Remembering floppy discs and drives, investigating optical drives and flash media
Input Devices
Supporting common ports and connecting input devices
Video
Investigating video displays, connectors and video settings, working with projectors, setting up multiple monitors, installing graphics cards and troubleshooting video issues
The Internet
Understanding Internet tier structures, connecting to the Internet, investigating Internet application protocols and analyzing Internet issues
Multimedia
Recognizing sound formats, working with volume, and using tuners and video cards
Wireless Networking
Introduction to wireless networking.
Portable Computing
Looking at laptop computers, managing and maintain portable computers and troubleshooting laptop computers
Mobile Devices
Comparing smartphones and tablets, describe mobile operating systems, syncing mobile devices, connecting mobile devices to a network, connecting mobile devices to email and securing mobile devices
Securing Computers
Exploring physical security, securing the environment against unauthorized use and against software threats, using firewalls, destroying data and complying with acceptable use policies
Introduction to DOCSIS
An overview of the origins of DOCSIS modems, the DOCSIS architecture, the different versions of DOCSIS including DOCSIS 3.1 and the initialization and authorization of a DOCSIS modem
Installing a DOCSIS Modem
Qualification of the cable drop for cable modem service, suggestions to reduce upstream noise, locating and activating the cable modem and educating the customer