CNIT 1303
PC HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Course Number: CNIT 1303
Course Title: PC Hardware & Software
Credit Hours: Lecture: 3
Prerequisite: CNIT 1401 and CNIT 1302 or Instructor Approval
Corequisite: None

Catalog Description
Presents terminology and concepts and design techniques surrounding PC hardware and software. Students will learn to choose the correct computer hardware for the appropriate task for new systems as well as to improve the design of existing systems. Hardware and software problem solving are key issues requiring creative thinking and reasoning. Interpretation of technical manuals, verbal and written communications, cost estimation and efficient uyse of material will also be covered. Fall only. Lab fee required. (SCANS 1,2,3,4,7,8,9) Prerequisite: CNIT 1401 and CNIT 1302 or instructor approval.

Textbook

Supplies

Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate competency in background of PCs, motherboards, microprocessors, coprocessor and memory;
2. Demonstrate competency in PC BUS structure, BIOS, support circuitry, power supply, and input devices;
3. Demonstrate competency in display systems;
4. Demonstrate competency in mass storage systems, floppy drives, hard drives, optical drives and tape systems;
5. Demonstrate competency in input/output systems, serial and parallel ports, modems and printers.

Course Requirements
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific course requirements.

Method of Evaluation
The general weighting of exams, assignments and final exam for the Final grade in this particular course are:
Major Exams: 55%
Assignments:30%
Final Exam: 15%

Grading Scale
A - 90-100
B - 80-89
C - 70-79
F - below 70
NOTICE: There will not be a Final grade of "D" given in this course!
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific method of evaluation.

Retake Tests
See the Instructor Information Sheet for specific details.

Attendance Policy
YOUR attendance is the single greatest predictor of your success. Student attendance in EVERY class is expected. You should expect that each absence will adversely affect your course grade. Please see the instructor regarding absences or conflicts.

Academic Ethics
You are expected to create, edit format and print out your own assignments, take tests without notes or other outside assistance. ALL WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE YOUR OWN. If unethical behavior is detected The questioned material and a report of the ethics violation will be submitted to the department chair for further action as deemed necessary by the department chair.

Student Assistance
The following resources are available to assist you in successful completion of this course:

A. Conferences: Instructors are available during posted office hours or by appointment. Part time faculty members are available by appointment only.

B. LRC - large selection of books and articles about computers and information processing.

C. Tutoring Center Services - call 335-6612 or stop by LRC 200A

D. Student assistants - are usually available in the labs (CT-119, CT-121 or CT-123) to assist on first come basis.

Scheduled classes have priority,

D. Computer Availability - Computers in the CNIT COSC labs are available (on a space available basis) for your use outside of regularly scheduled class or lab time. Lab hours: 8am - 10pm Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm Friday. If classes are being conducted in a lab during the time you would like use a computer, see the instructor permission to use the lab before the class starts. As you would expect, scheduled labs take precedence over other computer use and you will be asked to log off the computer if space is not available. DO NOT interrupt a class!