Hardware and 
System Software
Term 3, 2004
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In this class, you are going to take apart computers.  You are going to learn about what's going on inside of them, both the software and the hardware.

In addition, this class will prepare you to take the A+ Computer Technian Exam.  For more information, see the link Certification in Korea, or visit the COMPTIA website. 

You are required to take IFSM 201 and MATH 102.
 

NEWS
That was it.. the class is over.
I've shut down the mailing list.
Email me if you want to know your grade.

 
Exam
Passing
A+ Hardware
5
A+ Operating System
2
A+ Certified
2

Class Photo is online!
Make sure you sign up for the mailing list!

Homework 
 
Date
#
Assignments
Jan 23
01
  • Register for the class
  • Buy the book
  • Sign up for the mailing list!
  • Read Chapter 1, 2
  • Jan 25
    02
  • A+ Domain 1
  • Feb 01
    03
  • Read Chapter 3
  • Build or Buy homework due - send email, bring printed copy.
  • Bring Small Screwdrivers to class
  • Feb 03
    04
  • Friday Class
  • A+ Domain 2
  • Bring in a Computer
  • Feb 06
    05
  • Exam - 30 Questions, 30 Minutes - Covers Classes 1-4
  • Read Chapter 4
  • Feb 08
    06
  • Read Chapter 4
  • A+ Domain 2 and 3
  • Homework - create a littleman program to read in 3 numbers and print the total.  Save the program as yourname.lm, and email it to submit.homework@gmail.com
  • Feb 13
    07
  • Read Chapter 5
  • A+ Domain 4 and 5
  • Feb 15
    08
  • A+ Domain 6
  • Feb 22
    09
  • Read Chapter 6
  • Read Chapter 7
  • Feb 24
    10
  • Friday Class
  • Read Chapter 8
  • Feb 27
    11
  • Exam - 30 Questions, 30 Minutes - Covers Classes 5-10
  • Read Chapter 11
  • Mar 01
    12
  • Bring laptops to install Windows 95 in VMWare
  • Mar 06
    13
  • Read Chapter 12
  • Mar 08
    14
  • Read Chapter 9
  • Mar 13
    15
  • Introduction to Computer Security
  • Mar 15
    16
  • Final Exam - Comprehensive
  • Class Photos 
     
     
    Click here to see the class photo!
    Note: Those people who hid their faces got a 0 for this assignment!
    Click here to see us building computers!
    Course Information
    Textbooks

     
     
    Certification

     
     

     

    Mailing List

     
     

     

    I have set up a mailing list for all the students in the class.  We can use this list to discuss class topics, assignments, problems, tips, etc...  I require all the students to sign up for this list.
     
    To subscribe to the list, send mail to ifsm310-063-subscribe@thinairlabs.com
    In the subject line enter: subscribe

    Note: It is best if you cut and paste this information.  You are sending email to an automated program, not a person.  Follow the directons exactly, and you will be added to the list.  You will have to reply to the confirmation message that is sent.  Students have reported problems with Hotmail.  Gmail is recommended.  If you don't have a gmail account, and want one, email me. 

    Remember, everyone can read all messages sent to the mailing list.  Send personal email to , but any and all class related messages need to be sent to the mailing list.

    Class Notes

     
     

     

    You should download and read the lecture notes before class.  The lecture notes are in PDF format, you might have to download a reader for your machine.  Note: You need Version 4.0 or better.  You should visit the websites, and download the programs and run them (many of them are already installed in the lab.) Note: the lecture notes may not be complete, and should not serve as a substitute for attending class.
     
     
    Date # Notes Topic / Links
    060123
    01
    PDF
  • Topic: [1] Computer Technology - You need to know
  • Topic: [2] Introduction to System Architecture
  • Demo: Experimental Machine
  • A Complete Illustrated Guide to the PC Hardware - Good Reference
  • Who was Babbage?
  • Babbage Difference Engine 2 (1991)
  • First Computer Bug
  • Old Computers
  • Limitations of the IBM PC Architecture or Why I Hate IBM
  • Google.com
  • Google Labs Aptitude Test - think you are smart - try this
  • Mathematica's Google Aptitude - even harder
  • Peeking Into Google - the technology behind Google
  • Web Search for a Planet: The Google Cluster Architecture
  • bootdisk.com - Collection of boot disk for many OSs
  • CNN - Study: College students lack literacy for complex tasks
  • techdirt.com - a slightly twisted view of the tech news
  • news.com - current computer events
  • South Korea to Promote Linux Use in Public Sector
  • 060125
    02
    PDF
  • Topic: A+ Domain 1.0
  • Demo: Ubuntu Linux
  • Microprocessor Data
  • 5 Ghz PC
  • Cooling a PC with cooking oil
  • Evolution of Intel Processors
  • Intel Processor Product List
  • Best Selling Processors
  • Information about the computer CPU
  • PC Processors Guide 
  • Processor benchmarks: Intel versus AMD
  • Guide to Intel Processor Numbers
  • AMD & Intel Processor Lineups
  • What is the difference between a Pentium and a Celeron processor?
  • How Microprocessors Work
  • The CPU Index
  • PC Tech Reference Manual
  • Segment and Offset Memory Addressing
  • The PC Guide - with A+ study guides
  • Pipelining
  • Hyper-threading
  • BatteryRefill - Repare almost any battery for $80.00
  • CPU-z - Learn about your machine
  • PCWizard 2006 - Learn even more about your machine
  • Top 500 Supercomputer Sites
  • A Super Computer built out of Macintosh computers
  • 060201
    03
    PDF
  • Topic: [3] Data Representation
  • Digital System Tutorial - Read Chapters 1 and 2
  • How Bits and Bytes Work
  • ASCII Table - online guide to the character set
  • Binary Clock - show the world how geeky you are
  • GTAsciilator - see what keys generate what ASCII values
  • Bases - BASES program used in class.  (1.4MB)
  • The Guy who created Ctrl-Alt-Delete 
  • Hard Drive Installation Guide
  • PCMCIA Home Page
  • 060203
    04
    PDF
  • Topic: [3] Data Representation (cont.)
  • Demo: Field Stripping Computers
  • H-ITT Classroom Response System
  • Tutorial: Floating-Point Binary
  • Binary Fractions
  • How to repair a PC - Not really
  • The Illustrated Guide to Breaking Your Computer
  • 060206
    05
    PDF
    EXAM
    Topic: [4] Processor Technology and Architecture
  • LittleMan - Little Man CPU - Download, unzip, run setup. Bring to class.
  • 060208
    06
    PDF
    Topic: [4] Processor Technology and Architecture
    Topic: A+ Domain 2.0 & 3.0
  • Free A+ Tutorial
  • John von Neumann
  • Central processing unit
  • Gate Simulator - download, install, bring to class (if you have a laptop)
  • LittleMan - Little Man CPU (version 1.3 - minor bug fix)
  • Logic Gates
  • 060213
    07
    PDF
    Topic: [5] Data Storage Technology
    Topic: A+ Domain 4.0 & 5.0
  • Forbes - Holy Chip - Putting a Supercomputer in the livingroom
  • IBM's CELL Processor: Preview to Greatness?
  • The Cell project at IBM Research 
  • Introducing the IBM/Sony/Toshiba Cell Processor - Part 1
  • Introducing the IBM/Sony/Toshiba Cell Processor - Part 2
  • Perpendicular Recording
  • Motherboard Form Factors
  • Intro to PC Hardware 
  • Hardware Fundamentals
  • How Laser Printers Work
  • How Inkjet Printers Work
  • PCTech Guides: Lasers
  • PCTech Guides: Inkjets
  • CompTIA A+ Core Hardware Service Technician - good notes
  • Intel Hyperthreading Technology
  • 060215
    08
    PDF
    Topic: A+ Domain 6.0 - Networking
  • Free A+ Network Training Course
  • How Cable Modems Work 
  • How DSL Works
  • How Ethernet Works 
  • How Home Networking Works 
  • How WiFi Works
  • How Modems Work
  • 060222
    09
    PDF
    Topic: [6] System Integration and Performance
    Topic: [7] Input / Output Technology
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Home Page
  • QWERTY
  • How Computer Keyboards Work
  • How Computer Mice mouse work
  • How Scanners Work
  • 060224
    10
    PDF
    Topic: [8] System Integration and Performance
  • Demo: Windows NT
  • Windows NT Workstation Homepage
  • Beowulf.Org The Beowulf Cluster Site
  • SerialATA.Org - Your Source for Serial ATA Information
  • Serial ATA Arrives At Last
  • RoadNews.com - Tips for the computer traveller
  • How Laptops Work
  • How Batteries Work
  • 060227
    11
    PDF
    EXAM
    Topic: [11] Operating Systems
  • Kernel (software engineering)
  • Operating Systems
  • History of Operating Systems
  • List of Operating Systems
  • Operating systems timeline
  • In the Beginning, There Was The Command Line
  • 060301
    12
    PDF
    Topic: A+ OS Domain 1.0
  • CompTIA A+ OS Technologies - notes and links
  • The GUI Guide
  • Windows Products and Technologies History
  • Vintage OS
  • The History Of Computers During My Lifetime
  • GUIdebook - dedicated to preserving and showcasing GUIs
  • OS Shootout: Mac OS X vs. Windows XP
  • The Xerox Alto
  • 060306
    13
    PDF
    Topic: A+ OS Domain 2.0
  • Topic: [12] File and Secondary Storage Management
  • Windows HCL
  • Windows XP
  • 060308
    14
    PDF
    Topic: A+ OS Domains 3.0, 4.0
  • European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR)
  • Symantec Security Response
  • 060313
    15
    PDF
    Topic: Introduction to Computer Security
  • ThinAirLabs.com Security Page
  • 060315
    16
      Final Exam

     

    Links

     
     

     

    Trivia High Scores
     
    Just for Fun!
     
    #
    Name
    3
    Adakai, Matilda
    1
    Cancino, Loanny
    1
    Chong, Cho-Hee
    2
    Chung, Jumin
    1
    Chung, Min K.
    3
    Conn, Christopher
    1
    Crawford, Elliott
    4
    Crowley, Roger
    2
    Evans, Ronald
    3
    Fyfe, Dennis
    1
    Haase, Jason
    1
    Henderson, Bob
    4
    Jones, Douglas
    2
    Kanelos, Sheryl
    1
    Kim, Betty
    3
    Kim, Hellen
    2
    Kinzey, James
    2
    Koroki, Catherine
    1
    Lackie, Jerome
    5
    Lee, Dong
    0
    Milam, Joshua
    1
    Myatt, Tyrome
    1
    Perry, Marquette
    2
    Schouweiler, Jeffery
    0
    Trinta, Nadine
    2
    Trinta-Santos, Nivia
    4
    Tuuao, Jacob
    1
    Washington, Demonte
    Build or Buy?
     
    Click on your name for your machine.

    We will discuss this in class.  You will be given a specific computer.  You are to price out all the matching parts to build it.  Use any online supplier that will ship to APO or local Korean address (include taxes if applicable).  Specs must meet or exceed "buy" machines, but should be as close as possible.  Everything must be full copies (no upgrades) and legal - no pirated software.  Include URLs to components.  Include 2 prices - with and without shipping.

    Go to the specific machine, and accept the default configuration.  Do not modify the "buy" configuration.

    In class you will be given the email address to submit the homework.  Do not send the homework to the mailing list or to the instructor.  You can only submit the homework once.  No exceptions.  Only your first email will be accepted and graded.  There will be no confirmation. Email due by 1830 Wednesday.  Bring a printed copy to class.

     
    Name
    Adakai, Matilda
    Cancino, Loanny
    Chong, Cho-Hee
    Chung, Jumin
    Chung, Min K.
    Conn, Christopher
    Crawford, Elliott
    Crowley, Roger
    Evans, Ronald
    Fyfe, Dennis
    Haase, Jason
    Henderson, Bob
    Jones, Douglas
    Kanelos, Sheryl
    Kim, Betty
    Kim, Hellen
    Kinzey, James
    Koroki, Catherine
    Lackie, Jerome
    Lee, Dong
    Milam, Joshua
    Myatt, Tyrome
    Perry, Marquette
    Schouweiler, Jeffery
    Trinta, Nadine
    Trinta-Santos, Nivia
    Tuuao, Jacob
    Washington, Demonte