Vanier College

Faculty of Science & Technology

Computer Science Department

Course Title: Computer Environments Teacher: Alex S. Steinheuser Vilvert

Course #: 420-221-VA E-mail: through MIO
Section: 0003/00004 Office : D 226
Semester: W-2024 Availability: by appointment
Ponderation: 2 (theory) -3 (laboratory) -2 (homework)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science

Course Description

This course addresses the various types of computer hardware components, the computer
system's architecture, as well as its setup and configuration. Working in teams, the students will
have the experience of configuring a PC, to make it fully functional and secure, respecting the
end-user's requirements. Finally, students will need to think critically while exploring a variety
of technical problems and the relevant strategies and tools to solve challenging computer issues.

Course’s Role in the Program

 This is a key course for all Computer Science Technology students: The knowledge and
abilities acquired in this course take the student from computer end-user level to “I can
fix this” level for PC hardware and software problems.

 This course is a perquisite to the UNIX course in the 3 rd semester and is indirectly
involved in the Networks and Ethical Hacking courses taught in later semesters of the
program.

 The skills acquired throughout the course such as communication, research,

organization, planning, and critical thinking are excellent assets required for a successful
learning experience in students’ later program courses.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the student should:

1. Identify and install computer components
2. Install software - OS and applications
3. Provide technical support - solve hardware and software computer issues
4. Design, in collaboration with teammates, a customized PC

Competencies Related to this Course

00Q1 Install and manage computers for Windows and finalized in UNIX.
00SF Evaluate software and hardware components-finalized.
00SG Provide users with technical support-finalized.
Textbooks and materials

The following textbooks are recommended for this course. The written exams will be largely
based on these books.

Title: A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 10th Edition; Author: Jean Andrews, Joy Dark, Jill West
ISBN‐13: 978-0-357-10829-1; Publisher: Cengage Learning

To get the digital version of the book and save money, use the following link:

https://www.cengage.ca/c/comptia-a-guide-to-it-technical-support-44-10e-andrews-shelton-
west/9780357108291/

Additional Material (Required in the Lab)

An SSD of 2.5”, with a capacity of at least 250GB is required to work in the lab. It can be
bought from www.amazon.ca, www.newegg.com etc.

Silicon Power 256GB SSD 3D NAND A58 Performance Boost SATA III 2.5" 7mm
(0.28") Internal Solid State Drive (SU256GBSS3A58A25CA) : Amazon.ca: Electronics

From the same site, you should buy a case for the SSD, with an eSATA connection OR a cable
SATA to eSATA for connecting the SSD is required.

SinLoon 2.5'' Hard Disk Drive SATA 22Pin to eSATA Data USB Powered Cable
Adapter for Optimized for SSD, Support UASP SATA IIIEC-SSHD : Amazon.ca:
Electronics

Bringing your Solid State Drive (SSD) and its case to each lab session is mandatory, as the
computers will not work without it.

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Course Content

Chapter # Lecture Topics

1 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together

2 All About Motherboards

3 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory

4 Supporting the Power System and Troubleshooting Computers

5 Supporting Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices

6 Supporting I/O Devices

11 Windows Versions and Customer Service

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 Chapter # Lecture Topics

12 Installing Windows

13 Maintaining Windows

14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup

15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup

7 Setting Up a Local Network

Learning Integration Assessment

In Week 10, students will be assigned to teams of two, to research and design a customized
system to meet customer needs. The teacher will give the specific computer system to build at
the appropriate time. The project will be presented in the last week of classes.

LIA Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be considered in the evaluation of the project:

 Meeting the system requirements
 Balancing functionality and budget
 Considering hardware and software compatibility

Teaching Methods

Class time will be divided between lectures and laboratory activities. Lectures will be used to
introduce new concepts, which will then be further explored during hands-on activities.
 You will normally use the lab periods to put concepts into practice through work on
assignments and exercises.
 Assignments and handouts will be available on the college’s Omnivox system:
https://vaniercollege.omnivox.ca.

Evaluation

Project 15%
Lab Exercises 20%
First exam 20%
Second Exam 20%
Third Exam 25%

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You will be informed of the exact date of each test at least one week in advance.

If you miss a test and provide a doctor’s note that clearly states that you were too ill to write the
test then you will be allowed to take a makeup test.
An unexcused missed test will receive a grade of 0.

To pass the course, you must obtain (1) an overall passing grade and (2) a passing grade on the
average of the tests.

No late assignments will be accepted. If you need more time for an assignment, speak with your
teacher well before the assignment is due.

Attendance

You are responsible for all material covered and all work assigned, even if you are absent from
class.

College Policies & Procedures

It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to all Vanier College Policies. A
summary of the course-level policies that apply in this and all other Vanier courses can be found
under “Course-Level Policies” in Important Vanier Links on Omnivox, or by following this link:
http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/psi/course-level-policies/.

Complete policies can be found on the Vanier College website, under Policies.

Lab Policies
Anyone caught playing games, installing, or using illegal software in the labs may be fined up to
$50. During the lab periods you are expected to work on your assignments.

It is not permitted to use the internet during lab periods outside the scope of the lab.

No video or audio recordings may be made or photographs taken in class without the specific
prior permission of the instructor.

Professionalism

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during lab and class
periods. This includes arriving at their scheduled labs and classes on time and prepared.
Students are to remove headphones and to turn off cell phones in labs and classes. Students
who are consistently late for class or lab may be refused entry.

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Mediation and Grade Review

There are two committees available to the student for the resolution of academic complaints:
 The Grades Review Committee to review complaints concerning the grading of a
student’s work
 The Faculty Mediation Committee to review academic complaints other than those
dealing with student grades

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Week Lecture Topics Lab Activities
#
1 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Installing Windows -
Back Together Installing Windows 10 on SSD
2 All About Motherboards Using Device Manager

3 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Research a RAM Upgrade on Internet

Memory

4 Supporting the Power System and Choose the Right Power Supply
Troubleshooting Computers
5 Test 1 Commands to Manage Files and Folders
on Drives (MD, CD ,RD, DEL..)
6 Supporting Hard Drives and Other Commands : DIR , XCOPY, ROBOCOPY
Storage Devices

7 Supporting I/O Devices Redirection operators

8 Windows Versions and Customer Batch Files

Service
9 Installing Windows IF and FOR commands in Batch Files

10 Maintaining Windows Planning for Disaster Recovery

Back Up Windows System Files
Group policies
11 Test 2 Registry Editor

12 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup Performance Monitor

13 Troubleshooting Windows Startup The Boot Process

Use Diagnostics Software
14 Setting Up a Local Network PING, IPCONFIG, NET commands
Windows Firewall and Inbound rules
15 Test 3 Project Presentation

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