CIS 191A, UNIX/Linux Installation and Configuration

Course Policy

This course is a 6-week course covering 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. As well, this course helps prepare the student for taking a certification exam on Linux System Administration, such as offered by
Red Hat, Sair Linux, Linux Professional Institute, or CompTIA Linux+.
You will learn a lot in this course about installing and configuring a Linux system. I invite you to follow up this course with UNIX/Linux System administration, (191B) in the Fall.

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 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.

Some students like to read the textbook chapters relating to a particular lesson before class; others wait 'till after. I think you get more out of the class lectures if you have done the reading in preparation; that way you can be ready to ask questions and pay closer attention to those areas that were confusing.

You'll notice that room 2501 has one computer per table. That means when we use the computers, you will be working in pairs - sometimes teaming up with the pair sitting next to you. The idea is that one drives, while the other steers. 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 and by not surfing the web or playing games from your workstation which may distract students sitting next to or near you.

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:

Red Hat Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide, by Shah et.al.
Earlier editions of this book have been used in previous semesters, so there may be used copies around at the bookstore and Amazon.com Its organization closely follows the objectives of this course. It contains clear objectives and exercises for each chapter. ISBN: 0-07-222631-5

 

Other Book Suggestions:

Linux+ Guide to Linux Certification, by Jason Eckert and John Schitka
This book, also by Course Technology, comes with RedHat 7.2 and is geared for those interested in CompTIA's Linux+ certification. ISBN: 0-619-13004-0

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

Grades will be posted on the Internet using an assigned secret word later in the semester.

• 4 Lab Assignments 50%
• 2 Quizzes 15%
• A Project 20%
• Final Exam 15%
• Total 100%

Labs

Lab assignments are posted weekly on the website along with their due date. Most of your learning will take place by doing these labs. It's very important that you stay current in the course be doing all these assignments; that is why they are 50% of your grade.

Quizzes

Quizzes will follow the completion of major topics. They will typically be multiple choice or short answer qustions, but may also require some task performance. Quizzes must be taken on the day they are scheduled.

The Project

Your project will be building your own personal distribution of Linux. Minimally, it will serve as an emergency bootable Linux for repairing a failed system, but beyond the minimum requirements, you will be free to customize it to your choosing.

Final

The final exam will be comprehensive over the 6-week lessons. You will have to demonstrate that you can carry out basic system administration tasks on a Linux computer.

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.