CNIT101 - Operating Systems I
Course Syllabus
Course Syllabus
About this course;
About this course;
A technical course about the Microsoft Windows operating system for students who have some computer experience. Learn techniques to manage a personal computer through the use of operating system utilities and commands. Practice setting up and customizing the interface and managing programs and data. Manage the computer system hardware.
Learning Outcomes;
Learning Outcomes;
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Describe the purpose and functions of a computer operating system including the graphical user interface (GUI).
- Customize and manage Windows components such as the user interface, maintenance and disaster recovery tools, networks, hardware and software.
- Manage files, folders, libraries and disks through the use of Computer, Windows Explorer and Search.
- Describe connectivity and networking as it relates to a workplace environment with emphasis on setting up a small office network.
- Use Windows applications such as Internet Explorer, Paint and Media Center.
- Describe security threats and use Windows and other tools for protection.
TextBook;
TextBook;
New Perspectives Microsoft® Windows® 10: Comprehensive, 1st Edition, Lisa Ruffolo, ISBN-10: 1305579380, ISBN-13: 9781305579385, © 2017
Course Requirements;
Course Requirements;
Assignments;
Assignments;
- Individual activity: Demonstrate understanding about topics such as the following (1) Understand and use the elements of a graphical user interface (GUI) (2) Using the Start menu, desktop and taskbar (3) Managing files and disks (4) Customize hardware and software preferences by using the Control Panel
- Group activity: Group or forum discussions, Group projects to demonstrate understanding of subject matter and ability of students to work together.
- Reading assignment: Readings from textbook and handouts.
- Lab: Lab assignments that provide skills in such areas as: (1) Setting up the Windows firewall (2) Using Windows Explorer to copy, rename, move and delete files and folders (3) Changing the default program for opening a file type (4) Using System Restore Points.
Evaluation;
Evaluation;
- Participation: Student contributions to discussions
- Other: Student assignments as described above that measure the student's understanding of the elements of and uses for Windows features and the student's ability to problem-solve using operating system tools.
- Exams/Quizzes/Tests: Frequent tests and/or quizzes that measure understanding of the student learning outcomes
- Written work: Written reports involving independent research.
- Final Assessment: A written in-class final exam that includes a comprehensive coverage of the topics such as the Control Panel, folder structures, security features and computer maintenance
Contents;
Contents;
- Introduction to operating systems purpose and function
- Hardware, the basic components of a computer
- Software
- Applications
- System software
- Functions of an operating system
- Hardware control
- Applications Interface
- Command line interface vs. Graphical User Interface
- Comparison and history of different operating systems
- DOS
- Windows versions and editions
- UNIX
- Macintosh OS X
- Elements of a GUI
- Mouse actions
- Elements of a window
- Desktop concepts
- Opening and using programs
- Command line environment
- Windows 8 User Interface
- Start screen tiles and apps
- Charms and other menus
- Touchscreen and mouse actions
- Customize and manage Windows
- Customizing the Start menu, taskbar and desktop
- Organization of Start Menu folder
- Adding, deleting, moving and renaming Start Menu items
- Pinning Start Menu items
- Moving and sizing the taskbar and taskbar properties
- Customizing toolbars
- Windows Aero
- Customizing with the Control Panel
- Display properties
- Adding/deleting fonts
- Creating user profiles
- Keyboard and mouse
- Sounds
- Themes
- Regional settings
- Setting the date and time
- Use ofthe Printers folder
- Adding and removing software
- Installing and removing hardware
- Computer Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness
- Windows Help program
- Backup
- Scandisk
- Defragment
- System restore
- Booting in Safe Mode
- Booting to the command prompt
- CMOS setup programs
- The Registry
- Customizing the Start menu, taskbar and desktop
- File and directory concepts
- File and folder characteristics and manipulation
- Using My Computer & Windows Explorer to view files & folders
- Selecting, copying, moving, deleting, renaming files and folders
- Filenames
- File types
- Changing file attributes and properties
- Creating folders
- Creating shortcuts to documents, applications and disks
- Associating data files with applications
- Use Search to find files based on date, size, type, partial name, tags (with wildcards * and ?) or contents
- Hierarchical folder structure
- Root folder
- Parent and child folders
- Path names
- Physical disk organization
- The Windows default folder structure
- File and folder characteristics and manipulation
- Using Windows in a networked environment and mobile computing
- Network Concepts
- Network Interface Cards (NIC)
- Internet connection
- Small office and home network setup
- Wireless connection
- Sharing files and folders
- Windows Mobility Center
- Power plans
- Synchronizing offline files
- Remote desktop connection
- Windows included applications
- Notepad
- Wordpad
- Paint
- Windows Media Center
- Windows Photo Viewer
- Use Windows security features
- Computer threats
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Identity theft
- Windows Firewall
- Windows Update
- Windows Defender
- Anti-virus protection
- Computer threats