2019-20 Catalog (Archived Catalog)
Computer Information Systems: PC Technician
Computer Information Systems: PC Technician - Certificate (B29)
(B29) Certificate
This PC Technician certificate is available for students who are interested in entry level employment in the computer field with a specialization as a personal computer technician.
Work and Employment
PC Technicians are involved in the installation, use and maintenance of computers. They may set up the physical computer and peripherals for end users. They are proficient in operating systems and are often the first responder to end users. Click here for further career information: https://www.svcc.edu/academics/programs/individual/b29.html
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
Academic Advising, 815/835-6354
Kevin Megill, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815/835-6251
Greg Noack, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, 815/835-6434
Follow this link for career information.
Total Hours Required - 21 Hours
Major Field Requirements
CIS101 - Fund of Computer Info Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development, history, growth, and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware, systems software, storage devices, telecommunications, database theory and applications, operating systems, programming languages, software development, systems analysis and design, and management information systems. Issues of computer security, Internet, and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. The student will participate in introductory computer laboratory exercises emphasizing word processing and electronic spreadsheet. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekOR
CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take OAS 103-Keyboarding. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekCIS151 - Network Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software, and install, configure, and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N+ network certification. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 labCIS167 - A+ Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer; laptops and portable devices; current operating systems; printing & scanning techniques; basic networking; safety; and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A+ Essentials and A+ Technician exams. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekCIS194 - Windows Operating Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to Windows Operating Systems and will provide an in-depth overview of the features, functions, upgrading, and configuration of Microsoft Operating Systems. Topics will include management, networking, installing and upgrading client systems in both a stand-alone and networked environment. Additional content will cover customizing the environment, optimizing performance, managing file systems, optimizing disks, performing file and folder operations, managing devices, evaluating system performance, exploring the Windows registry, using troubleshooting tools, enhancing the computer’s security, and evaluating installation issues. This hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or 109 (may be taken concurrently), or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) 2 lec, 2 lab/weekCIS197 - Security + Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organization's electronic data will be addressed. The course will be delivered with a variety of videos, labs, text, lecture, and demonstrations. This course prepares students for the current CompTIA's Security+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 167 or CIS 151 or CIS 152 (may be taken as co-requisite) or approval from instructor. 3 credit hours 2 lec/2 lab/weekCIS250 - Beginning Linux ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is designed to enable students to install the Linux operating system. Students will become familiar with general Linux commands and directory structures. This course will include an introduction to Linux editors and programming. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167, (may be taken as co-requisites), or consent of instructor. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekCIS290 - Introduction to Servers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to servers. Topics will include server architecture, server administration, storage, security, networking, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting server hardware and software. This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Pre-requisite: CIS 194 or CIS 214, or approval from instructor. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week
Suggested Program
First Semester - 12 Hours
CIS101 - Fund of Computer Info Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer information systems through a comprehensive study of the development, history, growth, and application of the computer as a tool of information systems. The student will gain a functional understanding of computer hardware, systems software, storage devices, telecommunications, database theory and applications, operating systems, programming languages, software development, systems analysis and design, and management information systems. Issues of computer security, Internet, and ethics will be stressed throughout the course. The student will be provided with a balance of real-world applications and technical information of information systems. The student will participate in introductory computer laboratory exercises emphasizing word processing and electronic spreadsheet. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekOR
CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take OAS 103-Keyboarding. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekCIS151 - Network Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to computer networking. Students will be introduced to a variety of networking hardware and software. Students will examine the application of networking hardware and software, and install, configure, and troubleshoot end to end networks. The course will introduce the most popular and recent technologies. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA N+ network certification. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 labCIS167 - A+ Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to microcomputer maintenance. This course will introduce a history of personal computer evolution as well as the most popular and recent technologies. Students will examine the personal computer; laptops and portable devices; current operating systems; printing & scanning techniques; basic networking; safety; and professionalism. This course is designed to prepare the successful student for the CompTIA A+ Essentials and A+ Technician exams. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekCIS194 - Windows Operating Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to Windows Operating Systems and will provide an in-depth overview of the features, functions, upgrading, and configuration of Microsoft Operating Systems. Topics will include management, networking, installing and upgrading client systems in both a stand-alone and networked environment. Additional content will cover customizing the environment, optimizing performance, managing file systems, optimizing disks, performing file and folder operations, managing devices, evaluating system performance, exploring the Windows registry, using troubleshooting tools, enhancing the computer’s security, and evaluating installation issues. This hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Prerequisite: CIS 101 or 109 (may be taken concurrently), or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) 2 lec, 2 lab/week
Second Semester - 9 Hours
CIS197 - Security + Certification ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to network security principles. An in-depth overview of recognizing and protecting against risks and threats to an organization's electronic data will be addressed. The course will be delivered with a variety of videos, labs, text, lecture, and demonstrations. This course prepares students for the current CompTIA's Security+ Certification Exam. Prerequisite: CIS 167 or CIS 151 or CIS 152 (may be taken as co-requisite) or approval from instructor. 3 credit hours 2 lec/2 lab/weekCIS250 - Beginning Linux ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is designed to enable students to install the Linux operating system. Students will become familiar with general Linux commands and directory structures. This course will include an introduction to Linux editors and programming. Prerequisite: CIS 151 or CIS 152 or CIS 167, (may be taken as co-requisites), or consent of instructor. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekCIS290 - Introduction to Servers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course offers a hands-on approach to servers. Topics will include server architecture, server administration, storage, security, networking, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting server hardware and software. This accelerated, hybrid course will combine lectures, labs, videos, simulations, and group and individual assignments. Pre-requisite: CIS 194 or CIS 214, or approval from instructor. Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/2 lab/week