Faculty Focus

ROP Computer Repair & Maintenance. Texts: A+ Certification Concepts & Practice, Second Edition, and Lab Guide. Room: LOHS Library Conference Room. First Period: 0745-0840. This class provides the fundamental knowledge base required to establish a career in this rapidly-changing industry: - Hardware troubleshooting - Software troubleshooting - Programming In the past, computer repair was performed by electronic technicians and engineers. Training courses were therefore very hardware-intensive and focused on chip-level isolation and repair techniques. Schematic diagrams and electronic test equipment were key considerations in these courses. Times have changed, and so has computer repair. The tasks performed by computer repair technicians have changed considerably since the first training courses were introduced. Computer hardware has become relatively inexpensive, and software has become much more complex. Today's computer technicians spend much more time dealing with software-related problems, configuration problems, and compatibility problems than with hardware problems. As a matter of fact, hardware problems in microcomputers are typically solved at the board level these days. The time and expense of a chip-level repair quickly goes beyond the value of the board, making it unprofitable to do these kinds of repairs. This class provides provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the A+ exam required to become a certified computer service technician. A+ certification is recognized nationwide and is a hiring criterion used by companies large and small. Becoming A+ certified will enhance your job opportunities and career advancement potential. Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the organization that establishes certification criteria for service technicians in the computer industry. This organization has created and sponsors the A+ certification exam. A+ certification is a two-step process: you must pass a core exam and either a Microsoft Windows/DOS or a Macintosh specialty exam. The specialty exam must be passed within 90 days of the core exam. More information on CompTIA and the A+ exam is available by visiting their web site: http://www.comptia.org This class is open to the public.