Computer Systems Technician - CTEC (Year 2)

The CTEC program is composed of theory and lab courses designed to prepare the student to perform the installation and various maintenance tasks on a variety of computer equipment. This includes microprocessor-based trainers, microcomputers (PC's), workstation computers, terminals and computer peripherals. The CTEC student will interconnect computers into a variety of networks (modem, internet, LAN's). Practical aspects of troubleshooting and the use of advanced test equipment are stressed during the lab periods. The student will also gain a working knowledge of operating systems, major applications, various assemblers and compilers as well as major programming languages such as, Visual Basic, C, and C++. The student will be introduced to object-oriented programming principles.

The 3^rd semester consists of the study of microprocessor-based systems (PC's) with an emphasis on all aspects of maintenance. 8, 16, 32 and 64-bit microprocessor-based systems, computer peripherals and storage devices, major operating systems, major applications as well as 80X86 machine language and assemblers are studied. Advanced test equipment and troubleshooting techniques are used to perform configuration, installation, maintenance and repairs of current technology PC's and their common peripherals.

The 4^th semester consists of the study of interfacing and the programming techniques necessary to implement custom I/O devices such as data-acquisition systems: assemblers, Visual Basic and C/C++ are studied for that purpose. A strong emphasis is placed on data communications and networking (LAN). The courses allow the student hands-on experience with state-of-the-art computing equipment to design and test simple I/O devices as well as complex applications. The student learns to troubleshoot to the component level and perform board repairs.

During the 3^rd and 4^th semesters, students operate the CTEC Computer Shop. The Computer Shop performs a variety of maintenance tasks on UCC students and staff PC's, providing the CTEC students with invaluable real-world experience.