Discipline: Computer Information Systems Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Computer Information Systems 21


COURSE DESCRIPTION
21 Introduction to Operating Systems Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): CIS 1A: Introduction to Computer Information Systems
An introduction to operating system concepts, structure, functions, performance, and management is covered. A current operating system, such as DOS, OS/2, UNIX, NT, or Windows, is used as a case study. File multi-processing, system security, device management, network operating systems, and utilities are introduced. 54 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
An introduction to operating systems.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify the fundamental computer concepts and terminology used for input, processing, output, and storage.

  2. Identify the key features of a variety of software such as operating systems, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, communications and graphics.

  3. Use the Internet to send electronic messages.

  4. Understand and apply the principles of distance education software.

  5. Enroll in CIS-96/97, which are self-paced, competency-based, skill development computer labs. They provide the computer practice times to master the skills taught in the lecture classes. There is one-on-one instructor assistance available with additional help provided by student aides. Basically, the skills that are presented in the lecture classes have to be practiced to be mastered and that is the purpose of CIS-96/97.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Describe the overall role of an operating system in the functioning
      of a typical computer system.

2.   Demonstrate the usage and administration of a variety of
      operating systems.

3.   Identify the particular responsibilities and features of an operating
      system, particularly as they pertain to system performance.

4.   Apply the theory behind operating systems and some the
      components of each operating system.

5.   Identify current hardware and how it interacts with operating
      systems.

6.   Demonstrate the basic functions and design of file systems found
      in Windows, UNIX, and Macintosh operating systems.

7.   Demonstrate how various operating systems interface with input,
      output, and storage devices.

8.   Apply basic network theory and how to setup network resources
      through the multiple versions of software.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

1.  Operating System Theory
      a.   Understand how an operating system works
      b.   Describe the types of operating systems
      c.    Understand the history of operating system development
      d.   Discuss single tasking versus multitasking
      e.   Differentiate between single-user and multi-user operating
            systems
      f.    List and briefly describe current operating systems

2.  PC Operating System Hardware
      a.   Explain operating system hardware components, which will
            include design type, speed, cache, address bus, data bus,
            control bus, and CPU scheduling
      b.   Describe the basic features and system architecture of popular
            PC processors
      c.    Identify the basic features and characteristics of popular PC
            processors
      d.   Understand how hardware components interact with operating
            systems

3.  File Systems
      a.   Understand the basic functions common to all file systems
      b.   Explain the file systems used by Windows 2000, Windows XP,
            and Windows Server 2003 (FAT15, FAT32, and NTFS)
      c.    Describe the file systems used by UNIX and Linux systems,   
            including ufs and ext
      d.   Discuss the NetWare file system and NSS
      e.   Explain the Mac OS X Extended (HFS+) file system including
            new features added in Mac OS X version 10.3
4.  Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems
      a.   Understand the overall process of operating system
            installation and upgrading
      b.   Prepare for operating system installation and understand the
            factors involved in making the decision to upgrade
      c.    Install and upgrade the following operating systems and
            understand the various options presented in:
      d.   Windows 2000 Server and Professional
      e.   Windows XP
      f.    Microsoft Vista
      g.   Windows Server 2003
      h.   NetWare 6.0 and 6.5
      i.    Mac OS X
      j.    Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 and understand the basic
            differences between UNIX-type  installations and those of the
            other operating systems covered in this chapter
      k.   Demonstrate the process of upgrading from one version to
            the next

5.  Configuring Input and Output Devices
      a.   Understand how operating systems interface with input and
            output devices
      b.   Explain the need for device drivers and install devices and
            drivers
      c.    Describe the popular input device technologies
      d.   Discuss the types of printers and install printers
      e.   Explain display adapter technologies
      f.    Install circuit boards for new devices
      g.   Explain the use of sound cards and other input devices

6.  Using and Configuring Storage Devices
      a.   Understand basic disk drive interface technologies
      b.   Compare the different types of CD-ROM and DVD storage
      c.    Explain the differences between a storage area network (SAN)
            and network attached storage (NAS)
      d.   Discuss various removable storage options
      e.   Describe tape drive options and their advantages and
            disadvantages
      f.    Briefly discuss storage management options in different
            operating systems 

7.  Modems and Other Communication Devices
      a.   Explain analog modem architecture
      b.   Use the classic Hayes AT modem command set with
            computer communications applications
      c.    Describe digital modem architecture for high speed
            communications through ISDN, cable, DSL, and satellites
      d.   Explain the basics of telephone-line data communications
      e.   Configure modern and Internet communications in different
            operating systems

8.  Network Connectivity
      a.   Explain networking basics, such as network topologies,
            network hardware, packaging data to transport, and how
            devices connect to a network
      b.   Describe network transport and communication protocols, and
            determine which protocols are used in specific computer
            operating systems
      c.    Explain how to integrate different operating systems on the
            same network
      d.   Describe how network and workstation operating systems are
            used for remote networking

9.  Resource Sharing Over a Network
      a.   Explain the principles behind sharing disks, files, and printers
            on a network
      b.   Set up accounts, groups, security, and disk and file sharing on
            network server operating systems
      c.    Set up disks and file sharing on client operating systems
      d.   Set up printer sharing on server and client operating systems
      e.   Discuss how network and Internet servers are used for vast
            information-sharing networks

10.  Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures
      a.   Explain file system maintenance techniques for different
            operating systems
      b.   Perform regular file system maintenance by finding and
            deleting unused files and directories
      c.    Perform disk maintenance that includes defragmenting,
            relocating files and folders, running disk and file repair
            utilities, and selecting RAID options
      d.   Set up and perform disk, directory, and file backups
      e.   Explain how to install software for best performance
      f.    Tune operating systems for optimal performance

 
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Presentation of class lectures/discussions/demonstrations in order to clarify operating system concepts and theory
  • Presentation of class lectures/discussions/demonstrations in order to clarify the principles of the usage and administration of a variety of operating systems
  • Web-based/web-enhanced/online/distance learning tasks/activities to reinforce understanding of concepts related to operating system concepts and theory
  • Online and Laboratory activities and application assignments in order to address areas of improvement in DirectX, OpenGL, computer problem solving, and software design
  • Projects in order to facilitate and demonstrate the acquisition of skills required to administrate, install, and maintain a variety of operating systems
  • Collaborative projects/cooperative learning tasks in order to encourage students to develop and apply the theory and concepts of operating systems, problem solving and team work skills
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Computer assignment designed to demonstrate the acquisition of operating system concepts and skills
  • Quizzes/examinations designed to measure students’ degree of mastery of operating system concepts and terminology
  • Collaborative projects designed to demonstrate successful understanding and application of operating systems
  • Computer Laboratory assignments/projects designed to clarify students’ individual strengths and areas of improvement related to operating system concepts and application skills
  • Final examination designed to evaluate students’ overall achievement of course objectives in operating systems
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Palmer, Michael, and Michael Walters. Guide to Operating Systems. Enhanced ed. Cambridge, MA: Course Technology, 2007.
  • Watson, Ruth A.. Introduction to Operating Systems and Networks. Prentice Hall, 2004.
  • Deitel, Harvey M, Paul J. Deitel, and David R. Choffnes. Operating Systems. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, 2004.
  • Stallings,William. Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles. 5th ed. Prentice Hall, 2005.
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