ITE 126 OPERATING SYSTEMS FUNDAMENTALS
Spring 2012 (Saturdays)
(1 Semester Credit)
 

Instructor:

Mr. Charles Kellermann, Professor 

Credentials:

M.A.         Management                           Central Michigan University
M.S.          International Relations           Troy State University
B.S.           Mathematics                           University of Dayton
A.A.S.       CIS (4 majors)                        NVCC 

Phone:

703-680-7796 (Home); 703-878-5628 (Office)

E-Mail:

ckellermann@nvcc.edu

WebPage:

http://www.nvcc.edu/home/ckellermann

Office Hours: 

Before/After Class, by appointment, or during posted office hour schedule

Textbook:


Main - Dan Gookin, DOS for Dummies, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998, ISBN:    9-780-7645-03610


Supplement – various


Course Purpose:  This introductory course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of microcomputer operating systems and various utility programs.  It prepares for more advanced operating systems courses that use MS-Windows, Linux, UNIX (CDE/KDE), or similar graphical user interfaces.

Course Description: This course provides a working knowledge of operating systems software, primarily UNIX/Windows.  This course will cover the basic fundamentals and basic commands of DOS and UNIX (using the MS-DOS and Linux/INIX operating system command software during the class presentation).  The main topics covered during this course are

·        Explain how microcomputer hardware components including monitors, keyboards, disk drives, printers, modems, microprocessors, RAM, ROM, BIOS, and software components including operating environments, applications software, and device drivers relate to the operating system

·        Describe the purpose and functions of a microcomputer operating system

·        Describe the difference between an operating environment and an operating system

·        Use the basic commands of an operating system to perform common tasks related to file management, for example, copy and rename

·        Use the basic commands of an operating system to perform common tasks related to disk management, for example, disk format, directory creation, and movement through the hierarchical structures

·        Use basic system utilities, for example, sorting and compression

·        Create a batch/script file

·        Understand the file system and file system commands

·        Use EDIT, Notepad, vi and other editors

·        Understand the role and interaction of the operating system and basic programming.

Students Served by This Course:  Majors in Information Systems (Bachelor's Degree), Associates Degree, Certificates, and all students interested in becoming computer literate.

Attendance:  Missed lectures can become a severe disadvantage!  Classes start on time. Late entry into the classroom disrupts the lecture already in progress. Students must/should attend each class. A student who is absent should contact instructor to make up any assignments, quizzes, and exams; some key information will be available on the class Webpage. If the situation warrants, students can receive a neutral grade of "W" by withdrawing themselves; otherwise, a grade of "F" will be given.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 Statement: If you have a diagnosed and documented disability which may cause you to have difficulty with any portion of the requirements of this course, please contact me as soon as possible to make compensating arrangements.

School Closings: Major radio and TV stations announce school closings because of severe weather such as ice and snow. If in doubt: check the NVCC/course Webpage; call NVCC campus security office at (703) 878-5744, the Division office at 878-5710/5712, NOVAnet at (703) 323-3770 (PWC: 330-3770), Woodbridge General Information at (703) 878-5700.

Method of Instruction: Lecture/discussions, demonstrations, hands-on work, and simple subject research.  We will be using the computers in the lab to work on material covered in the lecture/discussion sessions (but please leave the computers off except during specified times).

Method of Evaluation: Grades will be determined by in-class assignments, reading assignments, a short research project, a final exam, and participation. .

Exams: Students must take the final exam on the date specified in the Class Schedule on the class website.  Make-up exams are given only if you have a valid excuse (does not include lack of preparation or lack of knowledge) and make arrangements with the instructor prior to missing the exam. Failure to take a missed exam will/can result in a grade of "F" (zero points) for that exam.

Assignments: Students are expected to complete reading assignments before each class, attend class, participate, and submit assignments (on the due dates indicated in the course schedule). A late submission of assignment CAN result in a grade penalty. No assignments will normally be accepted after the final examination week unless prior arrangements are made.   Changes and updates to course details will be posted on course Webpage for your information. Check the course page frequently throughout the semester for any variations and/or other information of importance.

Open Computer Lab:  The open computer lab is located in Room 336. Lab assistants are usually available to help you to operate the computer equipment and may be able to help you with certain computer assignments.

Open Computer Lab Hours:

 

Grading:  Grades will be determined by the following basis:

Activity/Exam                      Points

Assignments                             200

Research Project                      300

Participation, Attendance          200

Final Exam                               300

            Total                                      1000

Letter                          Percentage Range                             Point Range

  A                                  90 – 100%                                        900 – 1000

  B                                   80 – 89.9%                                       800 – 899

  C                                  70 – 79.9%                                       700 – 799

  D                                  60 – 69.9%                                       600 – 699

  F                                   00 – 59.9%                                       000 – 599