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 XP, Windows Server, Windows 7, 10, 11 & Unix/GNU Linux.  Assessment Levels:  R1, E1, M1.

Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends)

Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories.

Developing specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field most closely related to this course.

Prof. Michael P. Harris, CCNA, CCAI

VB114   ~  Computer Science, Engineering,
& Advanced Technologies

mpharris@delmar.edu

(361) 698-1299

Textbook:   

Materials:   

• (1) USB Flash Drive (1GB available minimum)

• 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 develop the skills to evaluate, analyze, and modify Operating System software in a business environment using PC compatible hardware and software. The students will be able to:

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 system utilities, e.g. CHKDSK, DEFRAG, and third party 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, Windows XP, Server, 7, Windows 10, 11 & GNU Linux.
   
   

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

1. Gaining students' 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 the major graded component of class attendance.  Students requesting disability accommodations or information are encouraged to contact the Office of Special Services, located in the Harvin Center, (361) 698-1298.

Class Participation & Attendance

05%

Lesson Activity Plans ( Assignments | Homework | Labs )

20%

Chapter Quizzes

15%

Unit Exams:

1. (Chapters 01 − 04)
2. (Chapters 05 & 06)
3. (Chapters 07 & 08)
4. (Chapters 09 & 10)
5. (Chapters 11 − 13)

30%

Final Exam  ( in 4 parts )

• Part 1 − DOS Practicum
• Part 2 − Unix/Linux Practicum
• Part 3 − DOS written Exam  (in two parts)
• Part 4 − Unix/Linux written Exam

30%

NOTE:   If you have any questions about the content or grading of this course please ask them in class or during my office hours.  Also note that the content, schedule, administration, and/or management of this course is subject to change without notice.  The instructor reserves the right to modify this Syllabus at any time.  Additionally, all material discussed or shown in this course are for educational purposes only, and as such will only be used for class related projects.

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.

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.

1) Our Department’s Mission  ~  “Provide students access to diverse educational experiences using current information technology that fosters personal growth, a foundation for life-long learning, and to meet the employment needs of our service area; in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and Engineering.”

2) Please Note:  Based on evolving health and safety conditions, on campus courses and labs may be transitioned into remote, online learning as deemed appropriate. Faculty and instructors will work with students to minimize impact and provide accommodations for courses that cannot fully transition online.

3) Del Mar College remains under Return-to-Campus Phase 3 conditions.  Phase 3 conditions include that the wearing of facial coverings is recommended and that social distancing (6-foot) is required whenever possible.   In the interest of public health, Del Mar College strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  For information regarding local vaccine resources and locations, visit  www.nuecesknows.com.