This course is designed to acquaint students with the structure and function of windows-based operating systems and to provide the skills required to install, configure and maintain them. Topics include system concepts, system level commands, and commands relating to program, file and applications management. Students perform a variety of functions, including OS installation and configuration, application program installation and management, creation and management of directories and file structures, and partitioning and preparation of storage media.

This course will explore the unique computer and data security issues encountered by computer technicians. Using current computer security tools and procedures, students will develop more advanced skills in finding and eliminating security weaknesses, breaches, and malware programs. Computer security incident response procedures will also be introduced in this course. Hands-on lab activities will be used to reinforce concepts and to provide real-life situations that give students experience in handling suspected security breaches.

This course will prepare students to pass the two certification tests necessary to earn CompTIA's A+ Certification. Students will review material from previous courses and complete practice exams and troubleshooting exercises in preparation for the exam. In addition to text book(s), students will be required to purchase two certification exam vouchers for this course. To pass the course, students must pass both certification exams.

The description for each Special Topics course will be specified in each course proposal.