Revised 05/2023

ITN 106 - Microcomputer Operating Systems (3 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches use of operating system utilities and multiple-level directory structures, creation of batch files, and configuration of microcomputer environments. May include a study of graphical user interfaces. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in understanding PC desktop operating systems. Students will learn how install, configure, troubleshoot, update and uninstall various operating systems and its components. These skills are expected from any PC desktop, helpdesk and network support technician. The covered material of this course is related to the industry certification CompTIA A+.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

College level reading and writing ability

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify various Operating Systems currently on the market for PCs
Install Operating Systems in various configurations
Identify and install/replace OS components
Select the appropriate installation type and components
Identify conflicts and suggest resolutions for OS components and applications
Install, upgrade, replace, and remove various drivers
Select and install applications
Install and configure basic networking
Setup preventive maintenance procedures
Identify and correct computer software problems

Major Topics to Be Included

Operating Systems, Drivers, Applications, Networking, AntiVirus Programs, Troubleshooting
OS components
Application compatibility
Driver compatibility
Role of BIOS/CMOS alongside drivers
Diagnosing software problems and suggesting solutions
OS updates, patches, and service packs
Overview of networking with emphasis on TCP/IP
System backup and restoration
Data protection
Automating system tasks using various Operating System components and applications
Securing an OS
Preventing and responding to virus threats

Student Learning Outcomes

Operating Systems, Drivers, Applications, Networking, Antivirus Programs, Troubleshooting

Identify Operating Systems on the market
Define drivers, their use, and configuration options
Define applications, their categories, installation and configuration requirements
Define basic networking terminology
Define viruses and virus prevention
Identify OS and application problems and recommend solutions

OS components

Define core components of an OS
Understand the graphical shells on the market
Identify command-line shells on the market
Add and remove OS components

Application compatibility

Understand application compatibility issues depending on the application and the designated OS, application version, and OS version
Work with legacy applications

Driver compatibility

Pick proper driver based on the OS type and version as well as the device type and version
Upgrade and downgrade drivers
Disable drivers
Remove drivers
Configure drivers

Role of BIOS/CMOS alongside drivers

Understand CMOS and BIOS
Upgrade the BIOS
Troubleshoot the BIOS
Configure the CMOS and the BIOS

Diagnosing software problems and suggesting solutions

Locate application problems and suggest solutions
Troubleshoot legacy applications
Troubleshoot application compatibility issues

OS updates, patches, and service packs

Understand updates, patches, and service packs
Learn when and how to update an OS or an application

Overview of networking with emphasis on TCP/IP

Identify and configure basic networking with today’s OS
Be comfortable with basic networking terminology

System backup and restoration

Backup data
Restore data
Backup an OS
Restore and OS

Data protection

Securing data against tampering and theft

Automating system tasks using various Operating System components and applications

Learn to use automation tools to speed up day to day jobs and reduce errors
Identify built-in and third party automation tools for various OS and applications

Securing an OS

Identify security level of various OS on the market
Understand basic OS security

Preventing and responding to virus threats

Identify virus categories
Identify antivirus software on the market
Identify proper application of antivirus software

Required Time Allocation per Topic

In order to standardize the core topics of ITN 106 so that a course taught at one campus is equivalent to the same course taught at another campus, the following student contact hours per topic are required. Each syllabus should be created to adhere as closely as possible to these allocations. Of course, the topics cannot be followed sequentially. Many topics are taught best as an integrated whole, often revisiting the topic several times, each time at a higher level. There are normally 45 student-contact-hours per semester for a three credit course. (This includes 15 weeks of instruction and does not include the final exam week so 15* 3 = 45 hours. Sections of the course that are given in alternative formats from the standard 16 week section still meet for the same number of contact hours.) The final exam time is not included in the time table. The category, Other Optional Content, leaves ample time for an instructor to tailor the course to special needs or resources.

Topic	Time in Hours	Percentages
Operating Systems, Drivers, Applications, Networking, Antivirus Programs, Troubleshooting	4	9%
OS components	2	4%
Application compatibility	3	7%
Driver compatibility	2	4%
Role of BIOS/CMOS alongside drivers	2	4%
Diagnosing software problems and suggesting solutions	4	9%
OS updates, patches, and service packs	3	7%
Overview of networking with emphasis on TCP/IP	3	7%
System backup and restoration	3	7%
Data protection	3	7%
Automating system tasks using various Operating System components and applications	3	7%
Securing an OS	3	7%
Preventing and responding to virus threats	3	7%
Other Optional Content	3	7%
Testing to include quizzes, tests, and exams (not including final exam)	4	9%
Total	45	100%