- Is this considered a hard class?
- How much work will I have to do in this class?
- What do I need to know before taking it?
- Why Windows 95?
- Why so much weight on the exams?
Back to Class Info
Some people have been surprised to find this class harder than they expected.
It covers advanced techniques in Windows, including installation and system
configuration and it deals with the theory behind the way windows works. None of
these things are that hard to learn, but they will require some effort and
concentration, even if you are already an experienced Windows user. Most people will need to spend a
reasonable amount of time outside of class to get the concepts and do the
assigned work. See the next question for the amount of work assigned.
You will be responsible for all of the techniques taught in our first textbook,
Windows 95 Comprehensive. The first three chapters are only reviewed in
the class since you should already know this material. The remainder of the book
will be covered in class. We also cover selected sections of our second
text, MCSE: The Core Exams in a Nutshell. For each class, you are
expected to read the assignments ahead of time and work your way through the
hands-on exercises. A written assignment is due in each class. There will be two
exams during the quarter in addition to the final. Quizzes can happen on any
day, so you need to be prepared for each class.
Although the class has no formal prerequisites, you should already know how
to use Windows before you take it. You should be able to start and shut down
Windows, perform basic file operations, create documents in a text editor or
word processor, send and receive mail and browse the web for information. If you have any question about your background, you should
contact the instructor.
The class covers Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. Our hands-on exercises are done
in a Windows 95 environment because that's what is available in our lab. The
differences will be pointed out in class and you will be free to do most of your
assignments on Windows 98, NT or 2000 if you have one of those systems
available.
The class is about half theory and half hands-on practice. The grades are
weighted accordingly and the theoretical portion is only covered in the exams.
Part of the final will be a take-home exam.
