Introduction to Linux
CIS 193
3 Credit Hours

Course Information
Course Description:
This course is designed to prepare students for the COMPTIA Linux+ Certification Exam. Linux is a relatively new open source system software that is becoming increasingly popular for use on business Web Servers, email servers, application servers, and even personal desktop systems. This course is designed to prepare students to take the certification exam; however, it is not a substitute for the certification exam.

Course Objectives:
The main goal of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the Linux operating system. At the completion of this course, students should not only be familiar with the Linux Command Line Environment, utilities and applications, but also with the graphical X Window environment. To achieve the main goal of the course, the following objectives will be pursued:

  • Students should be able to perform the various commands used to manipulate the Linux operating system
  • Students should be able to use Linux text editors to create and modify files
  • Students should be able to format and store data on permanent storage devices
  • Students should have an understanding of the role Linux plays in networking
Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
 INFS1150 or equivalent introductory computer class, or permission from instructor. A basic foundation in computer hardware, networking concepts, as well as familiarity with desktop and server operating systems such as Windows 2000 or Unix would be helpful. Programming experience of any type would also be an asset but is not explicitly required.

Course Topics:
Course topics will include:

  • Introduction to Linux
  • Preparing for Linux Installation
  • Linux Installation and Usage
  • Exploring Linux Filesystems
  • Linux Filesystem Management
  • Linux Filesystem Administration
  • Advanced Installation
  • Working with the BASH Shell
  • System Initialization and X Windows
  • Managing Linux Procedures
  • Common Administrative Tasks
  • Compression, System Back-ups, and Software Installation
  • Troubleshooting and Performance
  • Network Configuration
  • Configuring Network Services and Security
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Please visit the RODP Virtual Bookstore for information regarding the textbook for this course. The Virtual Bookstore is located at http://rodp.bkstr.com.

 

Hardware Requirements :
The minimum hardware requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm

Specific Hardware Requirements for this course include...

Pentium II 400 MHz or higher CPU
256 MB RAM (512 Recommended)
8 GB hard disc space available
CD-Rom Drive; Floppy drive
Network Interface Card (NIC)

Students will be required to install the Linux operating system software (which comes pre-packaged with the textbook) onto a personal computer. Typically, this will require the student to re-partition the hard drive of that computer.

Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
All tests and quizzes will be administered online. Check the assignments module and/or calendar to see when chapter reviews and quizzes are due. There will also be mid-term and a final exam.

Grading Procedure:
Assessment of the course is accomplished using homework assignments, chapter reviews, quizzes, exams, completion of lab simulations from the companion CD,  and participation in the online discussions.

Chapter Assignments (total of 15)  = 190 points
Chapter Quizzes/Assessments (15) @ 20 points each = 300 points
Mid-term Exam (1) @ 200 points = 200 points
Final Exam (1) @ 200 points = 200 points
Discussions @ 146 points = 146 points
LabSim™ Assignments = 364 points

Total Points = 1400

Grading Scale:
1400 - 1260 ---A
1259 - 1120----B
1119 - 980-----C
 979 - 840 -----D
    0 - 839 -----F

Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
A detailed list of assignments, due dates, and discussion topics can be found in the course calendar and in the assignment dropbox.
Class Participation or Attendance:
Students are expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions revolving around relevant Linux topics including current events. Student must check the course frequently for announcements and other activities.
Punctuality:
All assignments must be turned in prior to or on the due date. View the assignments module and/or calendar for assignment due dates. The same policy holds true for end of chapter reviews and quizzes. No late work will be accepted.
Course Ground Rules

Students will be expected to:

  • Participate actively in the course
  • Communicate with other students and the instructor on a regular basis (at least once per week)
  • Become comfortable with WebCT as an online course tool
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use WebCT email for all correspondence
  • Address technical problems immediately by notifying the instructor and contacting the RODP help desk
  • Observe Course "Netiquette" at all times

Guidelines for Communications

Web Resources:
Examples:

Networking, Computer and Web Page Tutorials
http://www.cit.ac.nz/smac/csware.htm

Web Tutorials
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/

Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor

Netiquette, Or How to Mind Your Manners When Using E-Mail
http://www.augsburg.edu/library.aib/mailmanners.html

Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library Website is available to all students enrolled in the Regents degree program. This site includes links and services for: an online catalog, basic library information, ATHENA, Help, electronic resources, distance education library services, interlibrary loan, instructional services, citation help, reserves, searching the web, and periodicals.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as necessary. If changes are needed, the students will be contacted through WebCT email and changes will be posted to the discussion area.

Technical Support

RODP Help Desk:
If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using the course website tools, or other technical problems, please contact the RODP help desk by calling:

1-866-550-7637 (toll free) or

Go to the AskRODP website at: http://help.rodp.org