PREREQUISITES: CIS 101 or departmental approval

Instructor: Randall Perry, Email: [email protected]
For homework submission go to: http://domain-logic.com or ask for a printout for next week's homework.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to microcomputer operating systems and the Windows environment, emphasizing Linux, MS-DOS and MS Windows. Topics covered include efficient file and disk management with directories, creation and execution of batch files, use of the DOS editor, why and how a business uses Windows, the components of Windows, using the Explorer, multitasking, cut and clip with clipboard, and the use of accessories.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the components of a computer system.
2. Understand essential DOS commands and utilize DOS features and capabilities, such as:
   1. Directories and subdirectories.
   2. Working with and manipulating files.
   3. Managing a hard disk.
   4. Using troubleshooting tools.
   5. Using batch files.
   6. Customizing and configuring a computer system.
   7. Managing memory.
3. Understand the Windows operating environment and its features, such as:
   1. Customizing Windows using the Control Panel
   2. Using Help
   3. Managing Drives, Folders and Files
   4. Using Windows Explorer
   5. Using Troubleshooting Tools
   6. Backing Up Files g. Using DOS Applications in the Windows Environment
4. Identify other major operating systems, their major components and the type of systems that use them.

DU Excellence System
Davenport University believes that those students who successfully complete any certificate, associate, bachelor or master's program at the University should be able to demonstrate certain professional and academic abilities. These abilities embody both the key practical and theoretical skills taught and measured throughout all Davenport University academic programs and, in accordance with the mission of the University, prepare students for success in their chosen profession.

Dynamic Leadership
Leadership; Reasoning and Problem Solving; Teamwork.

Universal Communication
Interpersonal, Oral, and Written Communication; Global Perspective

Professional Excellence
Honesty and Integrity; Computer Proficiency; Information Literacy; Mathematical Literacy; Career Skills

EVALUATION: Includes four specific areas; they are homework assignments, quizzes, the final examination and a project. Class participation although not specifically quantifiable for grading, provides the instructor insight into the students understanding of the subject matter vital if the instructor is required to make any subject decisions concerning grading. Each specific area will receive equal weight in the overall class grade. If the quality of any assignment does meet the common sense test for quality it will be returned to the student for resubmission.

CIS166 SHORT RESEARCH PROJECT
Students will be required to produce a short (4-7 page) research paper for this class.

1. For the topic, pick a computer operating system other than MS-DOS, PCDOS, or Windows (3.x, 95 or 98). Some examples are: OS/2, Windows CE, Windows NT, Unix (by several different companies), Linux, CP/M, AS/400. This is not an all-inclusive list; if you find another type of operating system, check it with me before proceeding with your research.

2. Tell me about this operating system. Assume I know nothing about this operating system and you want me to make an informed purchasing decision in regards to this operating system. Give a little bit of history (when it was created, who created it, what kind of system was it created for). When is it used? Is it for a particular type of computer system (mainframe, minicomputers, PC's, laptops, etc.)? How many revisions has it gone through? Is it being updated frequently? When was the last time it was updated? What kinds of tasks is this operating system good at? What are its weaknesses? What kind of equipment do you need in order to use this operating system? What kinds of organizations would use this operating system (manufacturing retail, education, etc.)?

3. You should have at least 4 outside references for this paper. This may require research outside of our library. Please try the Davenport College library resources first, asking for help from the librarian if necessary.

4. The paper should be 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins all around. It should be proofread and any spelling and grammar errors should be corrected prior to handing it in. You can use endnotes or parenthetical references rather than footnotes in your paper. Follow the MLA guidelines for setting up your paper.

5. Your paper should have a cover sheet with the title of your paper, your name, the class section (CIS166), and the date.

6. Students may opt to give a classroom presentation or demonstration lasting from 7-12 minutes in lieu of the paper. The presentation requires the submission of a one-page outline including references during the class period prior to the presentation. Presentation should include screen shots or a hands-on demo of the operating system in question. Presentation should have supporting slides, handouts or other visual aids. This is not to be simply an outload reading of a paper.

7. By the end of the third class period the student must have discussed the topic for the paper or the presentation with me. Paper (or presentation) is due as scheduled on the course syllabus.