Updated: February 27, 2012
CSIS 3720

Spring Semester 2012

Course Syllabus

System Configuration & Maintenance
Course Code 21553
Monday & Wednesday
6:35 PM - 7:50 PM
Meshel Hall
Lecture, Room 103 - Monday
Lab, Room 101 - Wednesday


William D. Parisi
Phone: 330-507-8843
E-Mail: wparisi@cis.ysu.edu
Web Site: www.cis.ysu.edu/~wparisi/

Office Hours: Prior to or after class - Call for appointment


Course Description:
  • Theory and practice of installing and maintaining hardware and software for complex systems. Installation of applications software, with emphasis on Windows applications. Essential DOS utilities: formatting, data recovery, protecting data. Printing problems, Windows environment problems, and problems with booting the machine. Small laboratory management.
    Prereq: CSIS 1590 or equivalent. 3 s.h.
Required Textbooks:
  • A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 7th Edition, Comprehensive, Jean Andrews
Objectives:
  • The intent of this class is to provide the student with the information necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware and software components in computer systems.
  • The student will be required to disassemble and reassemble a computer system.
  • The installation of selected applications will be required.
  • The student will install a simple "peer-to-peer" wired LAN and demonstrate connectivity and print files as directed by the instructor.
  • The student will be expected to troubleshoot any problems encountered during these activities.
  • This course will require the student to research journals and the Internet on topics discussed.
Class Atttendance:
  • Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class session.
  • Labs will be held on each Wednesday (unless otherwise notified) during the semester in accordance with the posted "Course Outline" listed below. The first rule in performing all labs is "SAFETY FIRST". The student should note all precautions given by the instructor and adhere to them. Should you have any questions concerning safety, contact the instructor before proceeding. The first six (6) labs require MANDATORY attendance. Labs are performed in groups of 3-5 students each and students are required to participate within the group. Each lab must be completed in a prescribed order, therefore it is not possible for a student to make up a missed lab. Failure to attend a lab will result in "0" points being issued for that lab. If the lab extends over two (2) sessions, and the student fails to attend one (1) of the sessions, then partial credit will be given for the lab.
    • If the student feels that he/she cannot attend each lab then the student is recommended to drop the course.
    • The student must submit a letter of excuse from a doctor, or supervisor (on company stationary) in order for a missed lab to be excused. In place of the lab the instructor will assign an outside assignment for the student to complete.
  • It is the student's responsibility to obtain any class notes and assignments from another student.
Testing:
  • Exams will only be given on the date scheduled.
  • Should an emergency occur, please notify me via e-mail prior to the day of the exam.
  • Notification after the date of the exam will not be accepted without proper documentation.
  • Exam questions will be generated from material in the textbook, assignments, handouts, and additional material covered in class.
  • The student is responsible for all material contained in the text, classroom discussions, labs, and outside assignments.
Software Installation:
  • The instructor may recommend software that you should install on your personal computer system. There is no obligation for you to do so. Should you chose to install software recommended by the instructor, neither YSU or the CSIS department agree to warranty or provide support for the installation or operation of the software product. You also agree to hold YSU and the CSIS department harmless for any damage that may occur during or as a result of the software being installed on your personal computer system. Support for the installation or maintenance of any software you install should be directed to the software's publisher.
Academic Honesty:
  • The college experience is founded on the concepts of honesty and integrity. Dishonest, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college is regarded as serious offenses. Cases of dishonesty will be handled by levying penalties.
Classroom Etiquette:
  • Pagers and cell phones will be turned off or set to vibrate mode during class. Please show courtesy to the class by restricting conversations to in-class topics. Participation is encouraged as long as the discussion is within the topics being presented. Surfing the Internet, instant messaging, or playing games on computer systems while the class is being conducted is not permitted.
Activities:
  • Read chapters from the book which are listed on this page, whether covered in class or not.
  • Read supplemental material.
  • Complete all assignments as specified.
  • Participate as a group member in lab assignments and projects.
Grading:
Midterm Exam 100 points A = 450-500 points
Final Exam 100 points B = 400-449 points
Homework Assignments   75 points C = 350-399 points
Labs 225 points D = 300-349 points

  • NOTE: Assignments are due on the date posted on this web site or as listed on assignment handouts.
    • Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the date due, otherwise it will be considered late.
    • Last submission of an assignment will result in a reduction of points as follows:
      • Next class session - 50%
      • If not turned in by the next class session then a grade of "0" will be given for the assignment.
    • If you are going to miss class on the day an assignment is due, make arrangements to get it to your instructor.
      • Turn in the assignment prior to due date/time at the CSIS Office (Meshel Hall, 3rd Floor).
Course Outline (Tentative):

Week Lecture
(Monday)		 Lab
(Wednesday)
01/18   Introduction to course (syllabus) and facilities. Lab Room 101 safety and rules
01/23
01/25		 Chapter 1 - Introducing Hardware Chapter 5 - All About Motherboards;
Lab 1 - Guided Tour of a Motherboard
01/30
02/01		        Instructor Out of Town
Read Chapter 2 - Introducing Operating Systems		 Lab 1 (continue) - Disassemble Computer System
02/06
02/08		 Chapter 4 - Form Factors, Power Supplies, and Working Inside a Computer Lab 2 - Assemble Computer System
02/13
02/15		 Chapter 6 - Supporting Processors Lab 2 (continue) - Install Windows Operating System
02/20
02/22		 Chapter 11 - PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting Strategies Lab 3 - Software Installation - Microsoft Office
02/27
02/29		 Chapter 7 - Upgrading Memory
Lab 4 - Networking;
Review for Midterm Exam
03/05
03/07		 Midterm Exam Chapter 8 - Supporting Hard Drives
03/12
03/14		 Spring Break
03/19
03/21		 Chapter 9 - Installing and Supporting I/O Devices Lab 5 - Installation of Unix Operating System
03/26
03/28		 Chapter 10 - Multimedia Devices
and Mass Storage		 Lab 6 - Electrical
04/02
04/04		 Chapter 17 - Networking Essentials Lab 6 (continue)
04/09
04/11		 Chapter 18 - Networking Practices Lab 7 - Troubleshooting
04/16
04/18		 Chapter 19 - Security Essentials Lab 7 (continue)
04/23
04/25		 Chapter 20 - Security Practices Lab 7 (continue)
04/30
05/02		 Troubleshooting Review;
Review for Final Exam 		Reformat Hard Drives
05/09 Final Exam: 6:00 PM

Homework Assignments: Lab Assignments: Social & Academic Success:
  • The Marion G. Resch Center for Student Progress is a source on Campus established to help students successfully complete their university experience. Please phone (330) 941-3538 or visit the Center for assistance in tutoring or for individualized assistance with social and academic success. The main Center is located in Kilcawley West below the bookstore. CSP Disability Services is located at 275 Fifth Ave.
Students with Disabilities:
  • In accordance with University procedures, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You must be registered with the Center for Student Progress Services, located at 275 Fifth Avenue, and provide a letter of accommodation to verify your eligibility. You can reach CSP Disability Services at 330-941-1372.

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