CIS 191AB, UNIX/Linux System Administration

Course Policy

This course is designed as two 8-week courses run back-to-back. The first 8 weeks covers Linux installation and configuration issues, with the primary outcome being to install and configure a Linux Distribution on an Intel-based personal computer. A secondary outcome is to design and build your own personal Linux Distribution.

The second 8-weeks will cover the System Administration tasks required to maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot a running Linux system. The primary outcome is to perform the tasks required of a Linux System Administrator in a small-to-medium sized company. A secondary goal is to pass an industry certification exam on Linux System Administration, such as offered by Red Hat, Novell (SUSE), SAIR Linux, Linux Professional Institute, or CompTIA Linux+.
You will learn a lot in this course about installing and administering a Linux system. I invite you to follow up this course with Network and Security administration, and to then obtain your RHCT or Linux+ certification.

To aid you in studying for this course, this web site will contain the objectives of each lesson. Keep these objectives in mind during class to help you stay focused on what is important. In class, you will be introduced to concepts and topics related to UNIX; it will be in your performing the labs and exercises that you actually learn these concepts. When we are done with a lesson, make sure you can answer the review questions posted under the Review link on the Calendar page.

Room 2501 now has new lighting, carpeting and new computers. The computers have multiple operating systems on them and will be used only for conducting class exercises. If you wish to use a computer for the purpose of taking lecture notes, you'll need to bring in your personal laptop for such pruposes.
In providing an environment conducive to learning, I will do what I can to keep the room comfortable temperature- wise and with minimal distractions. Towards that end, you can help me by turning off your pagers and cell phones when you enter the classroom.

Most of the course materials (including this syllabus) are located on my website. You are responsible for reviewing these documents as necessary throughout the semester.

Textbook Information

Required Textbook:

Linux Administration Handbook, 2nd Edition by Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder and Trent Hein
This book by Prentice Hall includes the major distributions of Linux in use today.
ISBN: 0-13-148004-9
 

Optional:

Running Linux, Fourth Edition by Matt Welsh
This is a great general-purpose book put out by O'Reilly for curious computer users who want to install, use, and enjoy Linux. ISBN: 0-596-00272-6

Grading Policy

The new Accreditation Standards state that "Success" is determined by students emerging from courses with integrated, higher learning skills that they can demonstrate to others. Those demonstrations are the proof that they have truly learned.

Another keystone of the Student Learner Outcome theory is the belief that students perform better when they know exactly what is expected of them, including what they will be required to do and how it will be evaluated. What defines an A, B or C paper or project should be public knowledge. This concept of transparency is key to using SLO’s successfully in the classroom.

The final key concept is practice. Before being evaluated on an SLO, students should have the opportunity to practice the skill or tasks that compose it.

• In-class Exercises 50%
• Final Project 50%

In-class Exercises

Final Project

The Credit / No Credit Option
By default you will get a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) for this class. However, you may choose to take the class for Credit / No Credit instead. If you take this class with the Credit / No Credit option, to receive a Credit you must complete this class with an average of 70% or more A No Credit grade is not included on transcripts and is not factored into determining a student's GPA.

Missing Classes
From page 28 of the Cabrillo Catalog:

Absence from class in excess of two weeks will constitute reason for an instructor to withdraw a student from a full-term course. It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from classes.

Make a commitment to yourself to attend every class. The worst thing about missing a class is falling behind because you missed a week's worth of material. Missing class is not an acceptable excuse for missing any lecture material or assignments given during that time. Any work missed, must be made up on your time and within one week from the day that you missed. If you know you will be missing more than one class, I suggest you take the course for Credit/NoCredit. If you miss more than two classes, I will drop you from the course enrollment unless prior arrangements have been made and agreed to.

Help

We all have different study habits. Let me know if there is something I can do regarding the organization of this course that would help you learn the material better.
Please don't hesitate to see me if you need some help, have some questions, or just want to talk. You can speak with me after class or during my office hours. If you can't come during my scheduled hours I am happy to try to arrange another time for us to meet. You can call me at any time, my number is 477-3539. If I am not in, please leave a message letting me know what are the best times to call you back.

I encourage students with disabilities, including "invisible" disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning, and psychological disabilities, to explain their needs and appropriate accommodations to me during my office hours. Please bring a verification of your disability from the Learning Skills or DSP&S offices and a counselor or specialist's recommendations for accommodating your needs.
 

Other Places for Help

The Writing Center
A student who needs assistance in solving specific writing problems may drop in to receive individual help. Students should bring the paper or assignment with them. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, building 1000 (enter on opposite side of library), or by calling 479-6319.

Tutorial Center
The Tutorial Program offers individual and group assistance to students served by EOPS, Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS), Migrant Education Teacher Preparation Program (METPP) or who are enrolled in certain vocational majors and have academic disadvantages. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, building 1000 (enter on opposite side of library), or by calling 479-6470 or 479-6126.

Disabled Students Program and Services
The Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) offers a variety of services to enable students with disabilities to function independently in the educational environment. The objective of DSPS services is integrate students with disabilities into general campus programs and activities. Interested persons may receive more information at the center, room 800, or by calling 479-6379 or 479-6370.

COOP Work Experience
The Cooperative Work Experience is designed to combine work experience with classroom instruction to assist students in acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in a chosen occupation. Interested persons may receive more information by calling 477-5650.

Counseling
Counselors are committed to providing students with up-to-date information and informed advice regarding their educational and career goals. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 479-6274.