Operating Systems Syllabus
Columbia College Chicago - 600 South Michigan Avenue - Chicago, Illinois 60605 Operating Systems Course Syllabus
Instructor: Andrew Oleksiuk E-Mail Address: aoleksiuk@colum.edu Office: 400H, 623 S. Wabash Building Phone: 312 344-7528 Semester: Spring 2007 Class Hours: Tuesday 3:30-6:20 Class Location: Room 409, 623 S. Wabash
Course Description: 35-2201-01 Operating Systems Interactive Arts and Media Department, School of Media Arts Course explores the software and hardware aspects of current computer operating systems. A hands-on approach will be used in acquiring an overall understanding of the basic tasks performed by operating systems, especially in dealing with issues of performance, portability, and robustness. Course covers MS-DOS, Mac OS X, UNIX, and Windows XP/NT. Instruction includes component-level understanding and identification of IBM PC-compatable architecture, file systems, OS commands, and system configuration. Students will participate in the practical application of Operating System theory in a real world setting. Identification of system configuration error messages and recommended solutions will be discussed for the above Operating Systems. Additionally, discussions regarding network systems administration and engineering will provide insight into the field of networking. The fundamentals of Mac OS, Linux, and Unix operating systems will be discussed.
Course Rationale: It is essential for students interested in enhancing their basic knowledge of computer applications to understand the nature and evolution of operating systems. This course will provide insights into the science of the manipulation of computers using a variety of distinct platforms. This class is designed to describe and define operating system theory as well as its relationship to Internet and Network computer function. Concepts associated with the A+ certification program will be reviewed.
Course Objectives: The specific objectives and skills that will be learned in each operating system are listed as follows: · Each student will demonstrate an understanding of the terminology and theory of MS-DOS, MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Unix (basics). · Students will be able to identify and explain the purposes of computer components as they relate to normal system operation and interconnectivity. · Students will display an understanding of key developments in the history of computer operating systems. · Students will become familiar with terms and vocabulary as defined during the course. · Students will demonstrate an understanding of the impact these operating systems will have on their chosen field of study and/or endeavor. · Students should be able to identify/discuss issues involving computer technology and its affect on today’s society.
Prerequisite(s): 35-1200 Computer Technology
Course Materials: Handouts will be provided as needed. There is currently no textbook available for this course. Internet use will be an important part of the course.
GRADING AND EVALUATION: A MINIMUM grade of ‘C’ is required in order for this course to count toward your major in Interactive Arts and Media. If you do not complete the course with a ‘C’ or better, you will be required to re-enroll in the course until you reach this benchmark. Be advised that if this course is a prerequisite for other courses, that the failure to achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better WILL impede the progress of your studies.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance and participation in class are required and expected. Three unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the class.
Grades: Grading will be based on homework assignments, exams, quizzes, lab exercises, and attendance. Although the policy of giving +/- grades are considered appropriate for in-class purposes, your grades will be submitted in the standard letter-grade format unless notification is given to the contrary.
Assignment 1 5 Assignment 2 5 Assignment 3 5 Assignment 4 10 Midterm Exam 20 Assignment 5 5 Assignment 6 10 Assignment 7 10 Assignment 8 10 Final Exam 20
Total 100
Grade
Points A Excellent 93-100 A-
90-92 B+
87-89 B Good 83-86 B-
80-82 C+
77-79 C Fair 73-76 C-
70-72 D Poor/Passing 60-69 F Failing 59 or less
Course Schedule
Contents
- 1 Week 1 - January 23
- 2 Week 2 - January 30
- 3 Week 3 - February 6
- 4 Week 4 February 13
- 5 Week 5 - February 20
- 6 Week 6 - February 27
- 7 Week 7 - March 6
- 8 Week 8 - March 13
- 9 ~spring break ~ March 20 ~ no class
- 10 Week 9 - March 27
- 11 Week 10 - April 3
- 12 Week 11 - April 10
- 13 Week 12 - April 17
- 14 Week 13 - April 24
- 15 Week 14 - May 1
- 16 Week 15 - May 8
Week 1 - January 23
Operating Systems
Week 2 - January 30
Week 3 - February 6
Week 4 February 13
Week 5 - February 20
Early Macintosh through System 7
Week 6 - February 27
Week 7 - March 6
Midterm Exam
Week 8 - March 13
Review Midterm
UNIX and Linux
Free Software Movement
~spring break ~ March 20 ~ no class
Week 9 - March 27
Ubuntu Linux
Assignment 5 DUE
Week 10 - April 3
Field Trip
Week 11 - April 10
Windows NT, 2000
Assignment 6 DUE
Week 12 - April 17
Windows XP, Vista Business
Assignment 7 DUE
Week 13 - April 24
MacOS X
Assignment 8 DUE
Week 14 - May 1
MacOS X 10.4.8
Week 15 - May 8
Final Exam
This syllabus may be amended as the course proceeds. You will be notified of all changes.
