Computer Support & Networking Technology Program

 OBJECTIVE

This program is designed to prepare students to be qualified entry level Computer support technicians and Network Administrators.  Graduates are able to repair computers, install, troubleshoot, operate and administer PC based hardware and software.  The graduates will have entry level knowledge of PC repair, Windows and Network administration, and be able to provide support for office application programs. Students will learn to troubleshoot Windows systems, perform Network administration and learn about PC support tasks.

OPPORTUNITIES

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that computer support jobs will increase by 18 to 26 percent faster than the average for all jobs through 2014. Due to the business necessity of networking computers, there is a demand for qualified computer technicians with an advanced knowledge of operating systems and hardware to install, configure, service, maintain, troubleshoot, operate and modify hardware and software applications. Opportunities will exist in such diverse fields as financial, manufacturing, engineering, technical sales, medical and computer industries.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS & CLASS SIZE

Students must be high school graduates or the equivalent, obtain passing scores on the school’s entrance examination test and be interviewed by the Admissions Department. Class size is limited to one student per computer.  Average class size is 12 students.

EQUIPMENT

Students train on the latest equipment as well as the most commonly used software programs in the industry. The computer system includes a high-performance processor, and the latest display devices. Input and output devices include scanners and laser printers. Each student is assigned a computer.

PROGRAM LENGTH

This program is taught 5 hours per day, 4 days per week, or 20 hours per week. The evening classes are taught 4.5 hours per session four times a week or 18 hours per week. Students are required to attend an Employment Preparation Course and an elective seminar in Cultural Studies/Humanities or American Government, bringing the program's length to 33 semester credit hours or 720 classroom hours, for approximately 35 &40 weeks of instruction for day and evening program respectively.

Note: In accordance with the Federal Department of Education guidelines, financial-aid eligibilityfor this program is based on a total of 24.0 semester credit hours.

CP100 Introduction to Computers (No prerequisite, 3.0 Semester Credit Hours)
This course introduces students to the field of information systems and serves as an orientation to computer concepts and terminology. It includes the history of computers and the social implications of widespread use of computers. The development of computers as well as their current design is described. The concepts of data acquisition, internal representation, and processing into useful information are discussed. Additional topics include user interfaces, programming languages, and communication systems. Students will also gain experience with Web search engines and learn techniques to collect data and do research. 

CN105 PC Hardware I (CP100 prerequisite 4.0 Semester credit hours)
This course provides a basic level introduction to PC components and hardware.  The course concentrates on the major components of the PC that aren’t operating system specific. Emphasis is on hardware identification and concepts. Students will identify components normally found inside a PC. Students will learn how motherboards work, how to identify various kinds of motherboards, the importance of chipsets, and how to install and troubleshoot motherboards. Students identify various power supplies and install and test power supplies. By the end of the course students will understand the basics of electricity and will also learn how to install and upgrade Hard Drives. CRT monitors and LCD technology will also be covered. Installation and troubleshooting will be discussed. Hands on practice will be provided to clarify key concepts and ideas.

CN115 Hardware II (CN105 prerequisite 4.0 Semester credit hours)
This course will complete students understanding of PC Hardware and prepare them for the Comptia A+ exam. Students will gain knowledge which will enable them to provide support within a networked environment. Students will learn how to recognize and configure common service items on portables and laptops. How to install, use, and troubleshoot printers will be an important part of this course and students will be able to explain the laser printing process. Since PC support occurs in a networked environment, students will learn the basics of installation and configuration of networking components.

Ideas related to customer service will also be covered as they are included in the new A+ exam. 

CN130 PC Operating Systems (CP100 prerequisite 3.0 Semester credit hours)
This course will provide an Introduction to PC operating systems. A review will be provided regarding the basic operation of the PC in order to see the connections between hardware and software. Students will learn all of the elementary operations of the Windows operating system including all menus, shortcuts and options. The command line interface will be compared with the graphical user interface. A complete understanding of electronic file management will be learned. Topics will include: Partitioning Hard Drives, PC File systems (FAT32 & NTFS), troubleshooting aspects and the use of third party tools such as GHOST. Students will install & upgrade Windows systems and learn about optimizing within the context of the NT Family: 2000 and XP.

CN 140 Business Software Applications I (CP100 prerequisite 3.0 Semester credit hours)
This is an introductory course in the use of basic office software applications. Training will be provided so that students will be able to apply a wide range of each applications uses. The course will focus on the basics of word processing and spreadsheets. The Microsoft office suite of applications will be used. The course is designed to cover basic functions and operations and to prepare students for the Microsoft Office User Specialist exams.

CN141 Business Software Applications II (CN140 prerequisite 3.0 Semester credit hours)This is a continuation course in the use of more specialized office software applications. Training will be provided so that students will be able to apply a wide range of each applications uses. The course will focus on the basics of data base management software and communication and networked software such as Outlook. The Microsoft office suite of applications will be used. The topics of e-commerce and social networking may also be covered.

CN208 Networking I (CP100 prerequisite 4.0 Semester credit hours)
Students will get a basic and complete overall knowledge of PC LAN networks. Topics will include: Network media, architectures, protocols and the Internet as it connects with local area networks. Managing a local area network will be discussed as well as wide area networks. The history of computer networks will be covered. The development of computer networking and its relation with the public telephone system will be covered. Servers and clients and their use of data elements such as frames and packets will be learned. Cabling standards, Ethernet and the OSI model will be important aspects of this course.

CN218 Networking II (CN208 prerequisite 4.0 Semester credit hours)
This is a continuation course building upon basic concepts learned in Networking I.
Cabling aspects of networking such as cable types and diagnostics & repair of cabling will be covered. Other topics will include: TCP/IP, Network operating systems,  sharing resources, DNS, DHCP and remote access services. Since the Internet is integrated into most networks, students will learn about routers, proxy servers, e-mail and related web software. Server maintenance and user management will also be discussed. The Network+ and other IT certifications, and the job market will also be discussed.

CM101 Communication Skills (No prerequisite, 3.0 semester Credit Hours)This course combines technology and advanced English language skills to enable the second language learner to continue mastering the English language. By focusing on advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing, students will be prepared to use English on daily basis in the American workplace. Students will learn how to effectively communicate using the telephone, email, and word processing programs.

 

For more information please email or call our
Admissions Department at 847 324 5588 ext.23