CATALOG DESCRIPTION:   This course focuses on introducing the student to the concepts of computer operating systems, including DOS, Linux and Windows XP. The student will learn to use the three types of interfaces: command line, menu and graphical, as well as the operating concepts of file, disk and other resource management.

Credit Hours:      3

Time of Class:         Summer 2004 Tuesday/Thursday 9:00-11:50 a.m.

Course Objectives:

• Utilize the basic concepts of an operating system and the different types of interfaces
• Demonstrate how to control and organize computer resources through the operating system, using the available interfaces
• Display the use of some of the basic tools packaged with operating systems: editors, backup/restore, formatting, etc.

What the teacher expects from each student

• Read the text as assigned before the class time table (at end of syllabus)
• Complete and turn in one time all assignments
• Attend lectures and participate in class discussion.
• Bring to each class;
• a writing instrument
• paper for notes
• your textbook
• two 3-1/2" diskettes, formatted for PCs

 

Students with special needs:

We all have various channels through which we learn best. SCC has an Office of Accessibility Services that guides, counsels, and assists students with disabilities. It is located in Room 1206 of the Administration Building. It is your responsibility (as the student) to discuss with the instructor during the first week of class anything needed to help you succeed. If you have special needs, please call Pam Bova (636.922.8247) in the Office of Accessibility Services so that your eligibility for services can be determined.

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-9:00 am and 3:00-3:30 pm; also available by appointment

Returning assignments/tests to the student

Every effort will be made for all assignments to be returned to all students within one week of the test date or assignment’s due date.  

Grading Scale:

All written work for this class must be done using proper grammar and punctuation.  Writing skills are crucial to your future success, and these types of assignments are one way to practice those skills.  Regardless of your personal knowledge of any subject, if you cannot write about it using good writing skills, then no one else can know how much you know about it.

Up to 15% of your assignment grade could be lost if proper writing skills are not demonstrated. If you need writing skills helps, SCC provides an excellent resource for you.  Contact the ACE Center or me if you require assistance in this area.



Homework:

In the first couple of weeks, you will be given worksheets in a test format for each chapter covered in the course. You will turn in a Scantron form for each chapter homework; you will keep the worksheet.

In-class Assignments:

In most classes, there will be a hands-on assignment or Interactive Lab (or other assignment) associated with the chapter being discussed.  These assignments cannot be made up. The lowest grade in this category will be thrown out, so missing one will not directly affect your grade.

Exams:

There will be a test on XP, a test on DOS, and a test on Linux. For each test, you will be able to create an 8-1/2"x11" cheat sheet with whatever notes you feel you'll need for the test. Tests will be based on your homework worksheets, plus some hands-on activities.

Final Project:

You are to find articles on six (6) of the following topics, then write a summary for each article:

Each summary will be one-half to one page long, double spaced (no longer!). You must include a copy of each article with its summary. Everything will go into a report cover, including a cover page and a table of contents. On Final Exam Day, you will read one or two of your summaries. 75% of your final exam grade will be based on the written project; 25% of your final exam grade will be based on your attendance and reading on final exam day; no exceptions will be allowed.

Withdrawal dates and related policies