A+ computer curriculum by Ravi, 2009
minutes
30 attendence, yesterday quiz, theory each class period is 3 hours. First 30 mins is on theory, then 50mins lab work
50 lab work. Hands on experience
15 break 15 mins break time, 
20 theory #2 details, mistakes 20 mins theory wrap up and 50 mins lab work
50 lab work. Hands on experience
15 quiz or questions and discussions ending with 15 mins for Quiz where appropriate, or questions and discussions.
180 minutes total per class 180 hrs total, 100 mins actual hands on (75-80%), excluding breaks
Below is the breakdown of Hardware and OS lessons using CompTIA A+ guidelines
module
m1.1 PC hardware and assembly introduction - cases, AT, ATX
m1.2 Back panel ps2 keyboard, mouse, serial, parallel, usb, audio, video
m1.3 Front panel power switch, reset switch, Power and HDD LED
m1.4 Motherboard Slots, power, north/south bridge, super i/o, 
m1.5 Powersupply wattage, P20 pinouts, P20+4, molex, mate/lock, sata
m1.6 assembly 1 remove all components, write down component details
m1.7 assembly 2 remove and reinstall all components.
m1.8 cmos/bios/firmware, flash entering bios, setting and removing passwords
total hours 24
m2.1 Windows XP installation windows XP, difference of home and professional
m2.2 partitioning/formating partition 2,3. install os and data partitions
m2.3 installing os Full install of OS, computer name, user name
m2.4 drivers installing and finding drivers, ZIP files
m2.5 setup dialup, broadband, wifi modem, network, usb wifi adaptors, 
m2.6 Applications/utilities Antivirus, messengers, outlook express, alt. browsers
total hours 18
m3.1 PC Hardware troubleshooting Indentify hardware problems and solutions
m3.2 BIOS , Power Supply Testing loads on powersupply, BIOS issues
m3.3 cdrom drives speeds, read, write, rewrite, cd vs. dvd
m3.4 hard drives speeds, technology, tracks, sectors, clusters
m3.5 keyboard, mouse,  AT, (serial), PS/2, USB, (mechanical/optical)
m3.6 case study Indentify hardware problems and solutions
total hours 18
m4.1 Windows XP troubleshooting Starting up XP, before the desktop appears
m4.2 Case Study - Recovery console booting from cd, using recovery console
m4.3 Case Study - Repair booting from cd, repairing XP core files.
m4.4 5 hives, S S S S D windows/repair folder, system info folder
m4.5 Case Study - Safe Mode entering safe mode, removing drivers and passwords
m4.6 Case Study - Reinstall 2nd copy boot from cd, install another clean copy of windows
m4.7 File And Setting Transfer Wizard backing up data to ext.drive or cd/dvd
m4.8 VISTA? Virus, Infection, Spyware, Trojans, Adware
total hours 24
m5.1 Other Operating Systems ISO files, OS file formats
m5.2 windows 95 / 98 / 98se Fdisk, partitions, FAT32, 
m5.3 DOS commands, Int/Ext Syntax of DOS commands, switches, parameters
m5.4 windows 2000 w/SP4 Partitioning/ Formatting, using NTFS
m5.5 windows vista Intro to WinFS, AERO, setting for Classic look
m5.6 windows 7 beta Beta Exposed!. Pros and cons, 
m5.7 ubuntu / GOS Partitioning/ Formatting, using EXT3
m5.8 linspire / Iinpus MutilBoot, fat32, ntfs (XP), unix
total hours 24
m6.1 Windows 2003 server what is server and roles it plays
m6.2 Installation and support installing, understanding CAL, 
m6.3 DHCP & DNS router functions, using switch
m6.4 Active Directory, add user adding uses and groups, 
m6.5 Permissions permissions to user folders and groups
m6.6 File & Printer sharing sharing public folders, files and printers
m6.7 Running a Game server running  a game server, cyber café
m6.8 Network 2 servers how to attach to multiple servers using xp home, 2000, 98, unix
total hours 24
m7.1 Laptop Troubleshooting removable laptop parts, power adaptors, voltages, amps
m7.2 Beginer laptop assembly removing/replacing HDD, CDROM, memory, battery
m7.3 Intermediate laptop removing/replacing screen, hinges, frame
m7.4 Battery, memory, hdd battery, memory, hdd techology
m7.5 Advanced - motherboard removing and installing motherboard, resetting bios
m7.6 LCD screen Screen technology, layers, backlight, inverter
total hours 18
m8.1 Network Fundementals what is a network? Client/server based
m8.2 OSDI model, topology 7 layers, bus, ring, star, mesh
m8.3 Hub, Router, Switch, Repeater, Transeiver what are the functions, pros and cons.
m8.4 CAT5 cable assembly indentifing cables, and crimping tools
m8.5 X cross over cables using xover from pc2pc, static ip vs. APIPA
m8.6 remote access using remote control to fix issues
m8.7 teamviewer, VNC download client/host programs
m8.8 logmein taking control over the web
total hours 24
m9.1 Printer Troubleshooting printer usages, functions
m9.2 dot matrix dot matrix 9/24 pin, serial, parallel.
m9.3 dot matrix consumables.. Ribbon, print head.
m9.4 ink jet technology, inkjet, bubble jet, thermal, gel
m9.5 inkjet gears, sensors, belts
m9.6 lazer lazer vs. LED
m9.7 lazer toners, fuser (maintenance kits), rollers, pickup pads
m9.8 wrap up Questions, and handing out certifications
total hours 24
66 days totalling ========== hours ===== 198 20 days /month = 3 months