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NW106: Desktop Computing

This course provides an overview of computer hardware, software, and computer terminology. Topics include hardware architecture, component installation, operating system installation, desktop components, and troubleshooting methodologies. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to identify and install various computer components; build a computer; install, configure, and support desktop operating systems; and perform basic troubleshooting.


 

Hardware Architecture

Dev Hardware
Computer hardware reviews

Hardware Central
Downloads, news, tips, and tutorials

Internet Public Library: Computer Hardware
Directory of websites on computers and their subcomponents

Tom's Hardware
Latest news and other hardware resources


Operating System Installation

How Operating Systems Work
Introduction to operating systems from HowStuffWorks.com

Linux
Official site

Mac OS X
Apple's site for Mac operating system

The UNIX System
Official site

Windows XP
Microsoft's site for PC operating system


Troubleshooting Methodologies

Focus on PC Support
Troubleshooting resources from About.com

MacFixIt
Macintosh solutions

Component Installation

Computer Components
Resources on desktop and laptop components from About.com


Desktop Components

CNET
Reviews and advice on graphics cards, sound cards, speakers, and more

NetworkWorld
Desktop news and resources

PCWorld
Product reviews, how-to's, and latest desktop news


Additional Sites of Interest

ACM Queue
Developer tools, hardware, security, open source, enterprise search, and more

Builder.com
White papers, trialware, and online book library

CERT Coordination Center
Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute

CSI Blog
Blog for the Computer Security Institute

Computer User
Online security network forums

ComputerWorld
Source for information needs of IT management

DesktopLinux.com
Linux on enterprise and end user desktops

Foundstone
Free downloads of security tools

Hotscripts.com
PHP, CGI, Perl, JavaScript, and ASP script collection

IEEE Computer Society
Site includes digital library with magazines, transactions, and proceedings

IT Architect
Technology architecture for the 21st century

Information Week
News, research, and IT trends

INFOSYSSEC
Security portal for information system security professionals

Intelligent Enterprise
Strategic business applications

Journals: @Brint.com
Resources from business technology management and knowledge management

The Linux Documentation Project
Documention for Linux, including guides and FAQs

Linux Journal
Magazine of the Linux community

Linux Online
Open source code, news, Linux 101

MSDN Academic Alliance Development Center
Provides faculty and students with the latest developer tools, servers, and platforms from Microsoft at a low cost

MSDN Magazine
Microsoft journal for developers

Macworld
Resource for Mac professionals and Mac users

McAfee
Antivirus software and intrusion prevention solutions

Microsoft Windows
Windows family home page

NerdWorld
Source for "nerdly" culture, life, and work styles

Network Computing
Evaluating enterprise technology

Novell
Software for the Open Enterprise

Optimize
Business strategy and execution for CIOs

PC Magazine
Computer, software, hardware, and electronics reviews, downloads, news, and opinion

PC Support Advisor
Free computer guides

PCVirus.org
Computer virus/antivirus resources

PGP
Multiple encryption and digital-signature solutions

Programmers' Heaven
Languages, applications, and web development

Publish
Web publishing and print

Red Hat
Open source architecture

SearchNetworking.com
Security-specific information resource for enterprise IT professionals

SearchSecurity.com
Security-specific information resource for enterprise IT professionals

SecurityFocus
Comprehensive source of security information

Smart Computing
Site for magazine devoted to helping users improve their productivity with personal computers

Software Development
News, articles, and software pipelines

Symantec
Helps companies manage digital assets

TechWeb
Business technology network

Tom's Hardware Guide
Resource for PC hardware reviews and news

Trend Micro
Leader in network antivirus and Internet content security software and services

WhatIs.com
Dictionary for Internet and computer technologies

WindowsITPro
Leading source of practical, technical information to help IT professionals

Wired
Latest news in technology, culture, business, and politics

ZDNet.com
Business technology blogs

 

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