Spring 2009 Syllabus
CIS 172 : Current Microcomputer Operating Systems
Instructor: Will Holt
Email: wiholt@cabrillo.edu
Time: Tuesday 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM Room 2501
Section: CIS-172-60573
Office Hours: After Class 1:15 PM to 2:30 PM or by appointment - please contact me via email for an appointment
Course Description: Operating Systems are an essential part of current desktop microcomputer systems. This course will survey the most popular of these desktop operating systems, including Windows VIsta, XP, and 98, Mac OS, and Unix. We will cover basic operating system concepts, file systems, virtual memory, and security. In the lab we will study installation and configuration, troubleshooting techniques, network configuration, and shell programming. At the end of the course, the student should be able to see which operating system is most useful for a particular application, and be proficient in installing, upgrading, and troubleshooting these current operating systems.
Additional Goals: While the above description is based on the description in the Cabrillo Catalog, I realize that this is a beginning course, and there are many fundamental skills that we need to develop in order to successfully proceed to more advanced classes. These skills include: (1) how to use the online help to answer questions and fix problems, (2) moving, copying, and finding files, and (3) using a command line system. This third skill, using a command line, has application to both Windows and UNIX systems, and includes such things as running a text editor and understanding and using wild cards and pipes. Much of the lab work will concentrate on learning and developing these skills.
Operating systems and a modern desktop computer among the most complex humanly engineered objects on the planet today. This class is a survey of current operating systems, and as such, we will have time to do little more than introduce and briefly study each one. Cabrillo offers additional courses that will teach you detailed configuration and maintenance procedures for specific operating systems.
OS Lab requirements: In addition to the lecture and group lab time, from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM, you should expect this class to require an additional 4 hours of lab time per week. Our lab is located in Room 2504, with the needed equipment for performing OS installations and teaching assistants that can help you. Lab work can sometimes be done from home, assuming you have a suitable computer that you are willing to reformat and install new operating systems on.
Required Textbook: Jean Andrews, A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, Course Technology ISBN 13: 978-1-4188-3557-6 © 2006
Prerequisites: CS1 or equivalent knowledge.
Units: 4.00
Exams: There will be one midterm, a report / presentation on a subject of your choice, and about four multiple choice quizzes.
The midterm will consist of multiple choice, true or false, and short answer.
Grading: Midterm 35%, Homework 25%, Quizzes 15%, Final Project 25%
Late Homework: Homework is collected using the Blackboard website. Late homework will not be accepted unless class is missed due to excused absence. Quizzes missed due to excused absence will not be included in the student's average - if a valid excuse is not made, the quiz will be counted as a zero.
Special Needs: 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 hour. 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. Students needing accommodations should contact the instructor ASAP. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accommodations are provided to insure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities. If you need assistance with an accommodation, please contact Disabled Student services, Room 810, 479-6379, or Learning Skills Program Room 1073, 479-6220.