Course Syllabus

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;

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

1. Describe the purpose and functions of a computer operating system including the graphical user interface (GUI).
2. Customize and manage Windows components such as the user interface, maintenance and disaster recovery tools, networks, hardware and software.
3. Manage files, folders, libraries and disks through the use of Computer, Windows Explorer and Search.
4. Describe connectivity and networking as it relates to a workplace environment with emphasis on setting up a small office network.
5. Use Windows applications such as Internet Explorer, Paint and Media Center.
6. Describe security threats and use Windows and other tools for protection.

TextBook;

New Perspectives Microsoft® Windows® 10: Comprehensive, 1st Edition, Lisa Ruffolo, ISBN-10: 1305579380, ISBN-13: 9781305579385, © 2017

Course Requirements;

Assignments;

1. 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
2. Group activity: Group or forum discussions, Group projects to demonstrate understanding of subject matter and ability of students to work together.
3. Reading assignment: Readings from textbook and handouts.
4. 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;

1. Participation: Student contributions to discussions
2. 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.
3. Exams/Quizzes/Tests: Frequent tests and/or quizzes that measure understanding of the student learning outcomes
4. Written work: Written reports involving independent research.
5. 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;

1. Introduction to operating systems purpose and function
   1. Hardware, the basic components of a computer
   2. Software
      1. Applications
      2. System software
   3. Functions of an operating system
      1. Hardware control
      2. Applications Interface
      3. Command line interface vs. Graphical User Interface
   4. Comparison and history of different operating systems
      1. DOS
      2. Windows versions and editions
      3. UNIX
      4. Macintosh OS X
   5. Elements of a GUI
      1. Mouse actions
      2. Elements of a window
      3. Desktop concepts
      4. Opening and using programs
      5. Command line environment
      6. Windows 8 User Interface
         1. Start screen tiles and apps
         2. Charms and other menus
         3. Touchscreen and mouse actions
2. Customize and manage Windows
   1. Customizing the Start menu, taskbar and desktop
      1. Organization of Start Menu folder
      2. Adding, deleting, moving and renaming Start Menu items
      3. Pinning Start Menu items
      4. Moving and sizing the taskbar and taskbar properties
      5. Customizing toolbars
      6. Windows Aero
   2. Customizing with the Control Panel
      1. Display properties
      2. Adding/deleting fonts
      3. Creating user profiles
      4. Keyboard and mouse
      5. Sounds
      6. Themes
      7. Regional settings
      8. Setting the date and time
      9. Use ofthe Printers folder
      10. Adding and removing software
      11. Installing and removing hardware
   3. Computer Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness
      1. Windows Help program
      2. Backup
      3. Scandisk
      4. Defragment
      5. System restore
      6. Booting in Safe Mode
      7. Booting to the command prompt
      8. CMOS setup programs
      9. The Registry
3. File and directory concepts
   1. File and folder characteristics and manipulation
      1. Using My Computer & Windows Explorer to view files & folders
      2. Selecting, copying, moving, deleting, renaming files and folders
      3. Filenames
      4. File types
      5. Changing file attributes and properties
      6. Creating folders
      7. Creating shortcuts to documents, applications and disks
      8. Associating data files with applications
      9. Use Search to find files based on date, size, type, partial name, tags (with wildcards * and ?) or contents
   2. Hierarchical folder structure
      1. Root folder
      2. Parent and child folders
      3. Path names
   3. Physical disk organization
   4. The Windows default folder structure
4. Using Windows in a networked environment and mobile computing
   1. Network Concepts
   2. Network Interface Cards (NIC)
   3. Internet connection
   4. Small office and home network setup
   5. Wireless connection
   6. Sharing files and folders
   7. Windows Mobility Center
   8. Power plans
   9. Synchronizing offline files
   10. Remote desktop connection
5. Windows included applications
   1. Notepad
   2. Wordpad
   3. Paint
   4. Windows Media Center
   5. Windows Photo Viewer
6. Use Windows security features
   1. Computer threats
      1. Viruses
      2. Trojans
      3. Identity theft
   2. Windows Firewall
   3. Windows Update
   4. Windows Defender
   5. Anti-virus protection