Course image ISY2163: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND MAINTENANCE
Trimester 1
ISY2163: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND MAINTENANCE

1.      Brief description of aims and content

This course introduces the logical architecture and organization of computer systems. It highlights the lower end operations in a typical computer as well as the way computers manage their resources during operation. Students are introduced to the basics of personal computer maintenance as well as maintenance of computers in a corporate setting. It covers maintenance of software and hardware, a little of networks, the Internet, computer security, and basic maintenance of peripheral devices.2.      Learning Outcomes

2.1  Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  1. Logical architecture and organization, PC assembly and hardware maintenance, software installation and upgrading, peripheral maintenance and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and safety and green IT issues. (A1)

 2.2 Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

  1. Identify technology and computer hardware basics, (B1)
  2. Understand and advise on compatibility issues  (B2)
  3. Identifycommonerrors, (B3)
  4. Perform software installation and functions,(B4)
  5. Assess security risks and prevention, (B5)
  6. Comprehend and practice Green IT and preventative maintenance practices. (B6)

2.3 Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

  1. Know the functional elements of computers (C1)
  2. Know the common  computer peripheral devices and their connectivity (C2)
  3. Carry out troubleshooting of hardware and software failures. (C3)
  4. Play an advisory role in a company setting on matters relating to computer technologies. (C4)

2.4 General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

  1. Have a thorough and practical understanding of computer organization, maintenance of PCs and corporate computing environments. The student should be able to carry out routine troubleshooting of common computer hardware and software errors.(D1)
  2. 3.      Indicative Content

 Unit 1: Computer Architecture

(i)  Micro Computer Architecture:

CPU, Memory, I/O Devices and Interfaces, System Bus, Examples of CPU Structures, The Intel / Pentium CPU, The Z-80 or Motorolla, Machine Language Instructions, Instruction Formats and Addressing Modes.

(ii)   The Processing Elements:

Macroinstruction execution, Internal Bus Transfers, Detailed Internal Architecture, Microcontrol, Hard-wired Control, Microprogrammed Control, Reduced Instruction Set Computers.

(iii)      I/O Programming:

Programmed I/O, Interrupt I/O, Polling, Priority Interrupt System, Direct Memory Access, I/O processors.      Memory Systems and Memory Management: Memory Hierarchy, Main Memory, Auxiliary Memory, Associative Memory, Cache Memory, Virtual Memory, Memory Management.

Unit 2: Computer Maintenance

(i)      PC Environment (Architecture and Components)

  • Motherboards, Processor and Hardware Organization
  • Interface adapters& Peripherals
  • Memory types and Storage devices (Identification and Installation)
  • Safety, care and handling
  • Power Supply& UPS
  • PC assembly and setup
  • Verifying the assembly procedure
  • Routine Maintenance
  • Troubleshooting

(ii)     Software Installation & Upgrades

  • Identifying pre-requisite (Hardware, File system, Partitioning, Formatting, etc..)
  • Installation of Operating System (Windows-XP and Linux-Fedora)
  • Upgrading (Service packs and Kernel)
  • Installation of Applications software and Utility software (Virus guards etc..)
  • Recovery procedures (Uninstalling, Use of recovery disk, Backup procedures)
  • Software Maintenance (Removing, Temporary files, Disk maintenance etc..)
  • Troubleshooting

(iii)  Safety and green IT

  • Safety and Hazards
  • Electrical safety
  • Green IT
  • Disposing of Computer equipment    

 4.  Learning and Teaching Strategy

The teaching and learning approaches will combine classroom lectures, structured hands-on activities, quizzes and take home assignments.

5.   Assessment Strategy

      60% of assessment is based on work during semester and 40% on final examination.         

6.   Assessment Pattern

Component

Weighing (%)

In-course Assessment: Homework,  CAT1&2, Practical

50%

Final Exam

50%

7.      Strategy for feedback and student support during module

Discussion sessions are designed to focus on student feedback and address specific needs of the students.

8.      Indicative Resources

(i) Computer Systems Architecture by M. Morris Mano, Prentice Hall

(ii) Structured Computer Organization by Andrew S. Tanebaum, Prentice Hall 1984.

(iii) Computer Systems Concepts and Design by Glenn B. Gibson, Prentice Hall, 1991

(iv) Computer Organization and Architecture by William Stallings, Prentice Hall 2003.

Core Text:

Journals:

Key websites and online resources

*  Principles of Computer Hardware, by Alan Clements

*   The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software, & Networking: An Information Technology Approach, by Irv Englander

*    Upgrading and Repairing PCs (18th  Edition), by Scott Mueller