Course code InfTB001
Credit points 4
Structure of Computers and Computer Systems
Total Hours in Course120
Number of hours for lectures24
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes0
Number of hours for laboratory classes20
Independent study hours64
Date of course confirmation13.12.2023
Responsible UnitInstitute of Computer Systems and Data Science
Course developers
Datoru sistēmu un datu zinātnes institūts
Tatjana Rubina
Dr. sc. ing.
Aleksejs Zacepins
Dr. sc. ing.
lect.
Rinalds Jānis Skudra
Bc. sc. ing.
Replaced course
InfT3045 [GINT3045] Structure of Computers and Computer Systems
Course abstract
The aim of study course is to learn the hardware types and principles of operation of the computer, as well as the operation and structure of individual electronic elements of the computer. Students acquire theoretical knowledge of the main components of a computer and computer peripherals (peripherals). Students gain insight into operating systems, working with Windows OS, installing new programs, and connecting external devices.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
As a result of mastering the study course, students:
• know the technical structure of the computer, computer elements, their structure, as well as the principles of operation of external equipment (defence of laboratory works);
• have skills to repair and upgrade computer and peripheral equipment, connect and customize additional external equipment, install and configure computer software (laboratory works);
• are able to choose the programs and components offered on the market corresponding to a certain task, to justify the purchase of computers for personal and commercial needs, to justify the purchase of computer peripherals, to justify the replacement of computer elements (laboratory works and their defence).
Course Content(Calendar)
Full-time studies:
1. Basic elements of computer architecture, main components of a computer. (1h)
2. System board. System board settings. (1h)
3. Processors and bus. (2h)
4. Video card (GPU). Video card parameters. (2h)
5. Random access memory (RAM), its types. Principles of RAM selection. (2h)
6. Hard disks. Flash. Disk drive. (2h)
7. Enclosures, main parameters, power supplies. Cooling system. (2h)
8. Computer maintenance, diagnostics. The main and integral components of a modern computer, accessories. (2h)
9. Peripherals: computer mouse and keyboard. Monitors. (1h)
10. Printers and scanners. (1h)
11. Insight into operating systems (Windows, Linux, MAC). OS concepts. Common features of operating systems. Windows OS file system, the principle of storing files. (2h)
12. Major applications for computer users included in Windows 10 or later. (1h)
13. Changing the basic computer configurations (Control panel). Setting the language, changing regional settings, etc. (1h)
14. Installation of new programs. Principle of software installation and removal. (1h)
15. Connecting new devices. Principle of hardware connection (scanners, printers, flash memory, headphones, microphone, webcam, etc.) (2h)
16. Closing lesson. (1h)
Laboratory works:
1. Computer technical description (4h)
2. Computer disassembly and assembly (4h)
3. Completing the computer according to the requirements (4h)
4. Working with Windows operating system. Applications for beginners. (3h)
5. Changing the basic configurations of the computer. (3h)
6. Installation of new programs. Connecting new devices. (2h)
Part-time studies: All topics specified for full-time studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is 1/2 of the specified number of hours
Requirements for awarding credit points
All laboratory works must be developed and defended.
Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work
6 laboratory works must be developed and defended.
The student must independently read literature sources and study online teaching tutorials to strengthen knowledge.
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
The defense of the laboratory work is evaluated in a 10-point system. The final grade is formed from:
• the arithmetic mean of all laboratory works (60%);
• exam (40%).
Compulsory reading
Mueller S. Upgrading and Repairing PCs. 22st revised edition. Indianapolis, IN: Que, 2015. 1162 p.
Gookin D. Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies. 2017. 456 p.
Further reading
Rathbone A. Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-it-Yourself For Dummies. 2010. 340 p. 3.
Datortermini Latvijas Nacionālais terminoloģijas portāls [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://termini.lza.lv - datortermini Computer [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.tomshardware.com/
Notes
Professional higher education bachelor study program “Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing” in full-time and part-time studies