Course Syllabus

This course is a study in Personal Computer Operating Systems (PC OS).  Topics include installation and configuration, file management, memory and storage management, control of peripheral devices, networking, and the use of utilities.  Operating systems discussed in this course include DOS/MSDOS, Windows 9X, Windows XP, Windows Server, Vista / Windows 7, Windows 8, & Unix/Linux.   Assessment Levels:  R1, E1, M1.

• (1) USB Flash Drive (512KB or higher)
• (2-3) CD-RW (writable or re-writable blank CDROMs) w/cases
• Notebook to organize & maintain handouts, notes, exams, and lab work.
• Pens, Pencils, Paper, Highlighters, Term Paper presentation folders, Pocket folders for assignments, and other nominal supplies as can be expected for completion of a college course.

The student will be able to evaluate, analyze, and modify operating system software in a business environment using PC compatible hardware and software.

1. Through class discussion, reading materials, and laboratory assignments; survey examples of typical PC operating systems used in business and networking environments.
2. Identify the components of various PC operating systems and recognize terminology associated with these systems.
3. Demonstrate how to create a system disk, data disk, and bootable CD or Flash Drive.
4. Perform a typical system configuration/installation of an operating system.
5. Through class discussion, reading materials, and individual exercises demonstrate the ability to perform DOS/Windows/Linux functions at the command line prompt.
6. Explain the concepts in the management of the computer system, memory and device drivers, e.g. IRQ maps, conventional chip sets, USB functionality, etc.
7. Explain the function, and utilize the various Windows/Linux systems utilities, e.g. CHKDSK, DEFRAG, and third party (free) software to harden your PC OS.
8. Identify the hardware and software components of a networked system.
9. Through class discussion, reading manuals, and performing laboratory exercises, demonstrate the ability to write, debug and execute various batch files, shell scripts and/or similar job control programs appropriate to the operating systems examined, e.g. DOS, Win9X, Win2K, WinXP, Windows Server, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, & Linux.

To facilitate mastery of above listed competencies, the teacher will be responsible for;

1. Gaining student's attention
2. Informing student of objectives
3. Stimulating recall of prior knowledge
4. Presenting new material
5. Providing guided practice
6. Eliciting performance
7. Providing feedback
8. Assessing performance
9. Enhancing retention and transfer of knowledge.

Maintaining email communication and assignment submission via canvas  will be a major graded component of class attendance.  Class attendance is mandatory.  Absences totaling two class weeks is considered excessive and is grounds for being dropped from the course.  No make-up tests will be given except in emergency situations.  Students requesting disability accommodations or information are encouraged to contact the office of Special Services, located in the Harvin Center, (361) 698-1298.

• Part 1 — DOS Practicum
• Part 2 — Unix/Linux Practicum
• Part 3 — DOS written Exam
• Part 4 — Unix/Linux written Exam

SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) competencies are integrated into this course curriculum to improve education by helping to better define and assess the proficiency skills needed for employment. Each course competency will implement several SCANS to help you develop and reinforce employable skills. Competencies are criterion referenced (i.e. they are measured against predetermined levels of proficiency in skills for effective job performance).

The know-how identified by SCANS is made up of five competencies and a three-part foundation of skills and personal qualities that are needed for solid job performance.

WORKPLACE COMPETENCIES — Effective workers can productively use:

1. Resources — They will know how to (C1) allocate time, (C2) money, (C3) materials, and (C4) staff
2. Information — They can (C5) acquire and evaluate data, (C6) organize, and maintain files, (C7) interpret and communicate, and (C8) use computers to process information.
3. Interpersonal Skills — They can work on (C9) teams, (C10) teach others; (C11) serve customers, (C12) lead, (C13) negotiate, and (C14) work well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
4. Systems — They (C15) understand social, organizational, and technological systems; (C16) they can monitor and correct performance; and (17) they can design or improve systems.
5. Technology — They can (C18) select equipment and tools, (C19) apply technology to specific tasks, and (C20) maintain and troubleshoot equipment.

FOUNDATION SKILLS — Competent workers in the high-performance workplace need:

1. Basic Skills — (F1) reading, (F2) writing, (F3) arithmetic and (F4) mathematics, (F5) listening and (F6) speaking.
2. Thinking Skills — (F7) to think creatively, (F8) to make decisions, (F9) to solve problems, (F10) to visualize, (F11) the ability to learn, and (F12) to reason.
3. Personal Qualities — (F13) individual responsibility, (F14) self-esteem, (F15) sociability, (F16) self-management, and (F17) integrity.

EVALUATION — To demonstrate mastery of the competencies listed above, students will be responsible for:

1. Completing class assignments using instructional material and lecture notes.
2. Executing system commands, modifying system parameters, and implementing assignments related to operating system performance and processing issues using instructional material, lecture notes, and the student's own resources and materials.