PC and Network Support Technician: Program Overview

Program Description
PC and Network Support Technician is a one-year certificate program that follows the one-year Electronics Technology program. The program prepares the student for an entry-level position in the Information Services environment. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion. An Associate of Applied Science degree is available upon completion of the general education requirements.

Program Courses
The PC and Network Support Technician program consists of the following individual courses:


CNE184
PC Hardware Support
6 Credits, 108 Hours
This course trains the student in six important areas of PC hardware support. They are: installation, configuration and upgrading, diagnosing and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, motherboard/processors/memory, printers, and basic networking.
This course maps the the competencies required for the CompTIA core A+ certification test.
CNE185
PC Operating System Support
4 Credits, 72 Hours
This course trains the student in five important areas of PC Operating System support. They are: OS fundamentals, installation, configuring and upgrading, diagnosing and troubleshooting, and networks.
This course maps the the competencies required for the CompTIA Operating Systems A+ certification test.
CNE186
Linux Fundamentals
10 Credits, 180 Hours
This course will qualify the successful student to provide basic installation, operation, administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers.
This course maps the the competencies required for the CompTIA Linux+ certification test.
CNE187
Novell Networking Concepts
6 Credits, 108 Hours
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will understand the basic function of a network and it's components. The student will also explain and perform the NetWare login procedure, access various network resources, and identify common network systems and protocols.
CNE187, CNE188, and CNE189 courses map the the competencies required for the Novell Certified NetWare Administrator (CNA) certification test.
CNE188
Novell Network Client Support
4 Credits, 72 Hours
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will implement, support, and modify various NetWare clients. The student will also perform basic PC support, solve connectivity problems and login issues, and train end-users.
CNE187, CNE188, and CNE189 courses map the the competencies required for the Novell Certified NetWare Administrator (CNA) certification test.
CNE189
Novell Network Server Administration
10 Credits, 180 Hours
This course provides the concepts, commands, and hands-on experience to enable the successful student to apply Novell NetWare in the development of local area network systems. NetWare server administrative skills include defining securing NDS objects, designing and securing file systems, managing user access, implementing network printing, developing login scripts, Z.E.N.Works, and operating the server console.
CNE187, CNE188, and CNE189 courses map the the competencies required for the Novell Certified NetWare Administrator (CNA) certification test.
CNE294
Networking Essentials
6 Credits, 108 Hours
This course prepares the student for the complexities of computer networking by building a foundation of essential networking fundamentals. Included are network hardware and components, PC fundamentals, OSI model concepts, 802 standards, topologies, and protocol suites.
CNE294, CNE295, CNE296, and CNE299 courses map the the competencies required for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification tests.
CNE295
Microsoft Network Client Support
4 Credits, 72 Hours
This course prepares the student for implementing and supporting various Microsoft clients on a network. Installation of clients, protocols, and services are included. Login and end-user support issues are covered in detail.
CNE294, CNE295, CNE296, and CNE299 courses map the the competencies required for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification tests.
CNE296
Microsoft Network Server Administration
10 Credits, 180 Hours
Support and administration of current Microsoft network server operating systems are the focus of this course. Topics include advanced TCP/IP; Active Directory; computer, user, and group management; disk management; printing; and disaster recovery.
CNE294, CNE295, CNE296, and CNE299 courses map the the competencies required for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification tests.
CNE299
Enterprise Networking Concepts
7 Credits, 120 Hours
This course prepares the student to implement and support Wide Area Networking (WAN). Included are remote access, routers and routing, Web servers, and email.
CNE294, CNE295, CNE296, and CNE299 courses map the the competencies required for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification tests.
EET192
Job Readiness
3 Credits, 60 Hours
This course helps the student develop skills necessary to research the job market and successfully gain employment. Included are skills in writing resumes, job search techniques, obtaining job interviews, and practicing successful interview techniques.

Program Prerequisites
The prospective student must have successfully completed the Electronics Technology program at Renton Technical College or possess equivalent qualifications the enter the PC and Network Support Technician program. An interview with the Dean and Instructor is recommended and is required for students with equivalent qualifications.

Course Layout and Sequence
The PC and Network Support Technician program spans over three full quarters and one summer session for a total of 1280 hours and 70 credits. Entry points are at the start of the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. There is no entry in the Summer session. Each quarter is designed to be "stand-alone" as there are new and continuing students present.

The layout and sequencing is shown below:

Fall Quarter
Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Credits Total Hours
CNE184 - PC Hardware Support
36
72
6
108
CNE185 - PC Operating System Support
24
48
4
72
CNE186 - Linux Fundamentals
60
120
10
180
Quarter Totals
120
240
20
360
Winter Quarter
Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Credits Total Hours
CNE187 - Novell Networking Concepts
36
72
6
108
CNE188 - Novell Network Client Support
24
48
4
72
CNE189 - Novell NetWare Server Administration
60
120
10
180
Quarter Totals
120
240
20
360
Spring Quarter
Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Credits Total Hours
CNE294 - Networking Essentials
36
72
6
108
CNE295 - Microsoft Network Client Support
24
48
4
72
CNE189 - Microsoft Network Server Administration
60
120
10
180
Quarter Totals
120
240
20
360
Summer Session
Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Credits Total Hours
CNE299 - Enterprise Networking Concepts
48
72
7
120
EET192 - Job Readiness
12
48
3
60
Quarter Totals
60
120
10
180


Books and Materials
Fall Quarter
A+ Guide to Hardware - Jean Andrews; Thompson/Course Technology; ISBN:0-619-12002-9
A+ Guide to Software - Jean Andrews; Thompson/Course Technology; ISBN:0-619-12003-7
Linux+ Study Guide - Roderick W. Smith; Sybex; ISBN:0-7821-2939-0
Simple PC Toolkit (screwdrivers, nutdrivers, needle-nose pliers, diagonal cutters, etc)
Winter Quarter
TBA
Spring Quarter/Summer Session
TBA

About the Instructor
James Milstid is a nineteen year instructional veteran at Renton Technical College. He began teaching in the Electronics Technology program and after six years took over the Computer Maintenance course. The Computer Maintenance course eventually evolved into the PC and Network Support Technician program. Throughout the years Mr. Milstid has continually upgraded the program and his skills to create a cutting-edge experience for students.

Prior to joining Renton Technical College, Mr. Milstid worked as an Electronic Warfare Equipment Repairman, PBX Installer, Electronics Field Service Technician, Technical Consultant, and a Programmer developing database tools for C programmers.


This web page was developed by James E. Milstid