COT 1002
Basic Operating Systems

Course Information

Course Description:
A major component of computer training should include mastering the basics of the most popular operating systems. Students taking this course will become familiar with the purpose of an operating system and it's role in the functions of computers. Students in this course will learn to install, configure hardware settings, work with files and system optimization with the most current operating systems today.

Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course you will be familiar with the core concepts of an operating system and the role it plays in the over all operation of a computer. You will be able to perform basic functions with today's current operating systems.

Properly boot/logon the operating environment.

Properly logoff and exit the operating environment.

Navigate and/or access the file structure of the computer.

Use the Help contents.

Create, move, copy, group, and delete icons.

Set keyboard, mouse, and printer properties.

Copy, move, rename, delete, and retrieve files.

Create, copy, rename, move, and delete folders.

Format floppy disks.

Copy files to floppy disks.

Copy floppy disks.

Change background patterns, the screen saver, and the color scheme of the operating environment.

Enable passwords, security features, and profiles, if available.

Use the Startup Group/Folder to automatically launch programs or open documents.

Manage and maintain system performance.

Load application programs.

Use operating environment applets.

Operate a graphical user interface without a pointing device.

Use most DOS commands with confidence and ease.

Know the boot process.

Create and understand file structure of a hard drive.

Create and remove files and directories.

Know command syntax and syntax errors.

Move from drive to drive.

Use wildcards.

Create system boot disk.

Sort files.

Identify file types by extensions.

Understand and use the DOS editor.

Understand what is in config.sys and autoexec.bat.

Perform system backup and restore.

Understand virus protection.

Understand memory management.

Be familiar with and able to run system utility programs such as Defrag, Scandisk, Memmaker

Prerequisites and Corequisites:
Students taking this course should have previously or currently be enrolled in the Orientation and Keyboarding R50 and Computer Concepts R50 courses. Students should have a general familiarity with the how the computer operates. 
Course Topics:
The course will consist of 6 modules covering the basics of operating systems. Each module will be a self contained lesson:

  1. Introducing the Operating System   (16 Hours)
  2. Disk Operating System                 (16 Hours)
  3. Macintosh Operating System         (16 Hours)
  4. Microsoft Windows XP                  (16 Hours)
  5. Microsoft Windows NT Workstation (16 Hours)
  6. Novell NetWare                           (16 Hours)
Specific Course Requirements:
For this course the student should be familiar with the use of the Internet and comfortable to navigate to specific sites as directed in class.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:

http://rodp.bkstr.com
Supplementary Materials:
The material covered in this course will be presented on the WEBCT site. The text book listed is your resource guide to help you through the course. Not all material presented in the course will be presented in the text. The instructor will also use web sites through out the course for you to use to gain useful information to help you.
Hardware Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. 
Software Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Other software products that you will need for this course will include Adobe Acrobat version 4.0 or higher, and the ability to send and receive e-mail. 

Instructor Information

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
Students in this course will be expected to complete assignments in each individual modules and complete module quizzes. There will be a mid-term exam after the first 3 modules worth 150 points and a comprehensive final exam worth 200 points after all the modules have been completed. In addition Students will be required to participate in the discussion groups, worth 200 points, during the course. 
Grading Procedure:
The final grade for the course will consist of a total number of points for completing the module assignments , module quizzes, midterm exam, final exam, and discussion group participation.
Activity
Points
Module Assignments (6)
128
Module Quizzes (6)
600
Midterm Exam
150
Discussion Group
60
Final Exam
200
Total Points:
1238
Grading Scale:
1152-1238 - A
1053-1151 - B
953-1052 - C

All Students are expected to maintain a satisfactory progress throughout the course. Satisfactory progress is defined as a minimum of 953 point. Students who make below 953 points will be contacted by the instructor.

Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
The course is laid out to go through a module approximately every other week. For each module you will be given an assignment for the week and a quiz at the end of the module. You will be given the final week to complete your final exam and and course survey. 
Module 1Assignment 1Discussion 
Module 1 DiscussionQuiz 1
Module 2Assignment 2Discussion 
Module 2 DiscussionQuiz 2
Module 3Assignment 3Discussion 
Module 3 DiscussionQuiz 3
Module 4Assignment 4DiscussionMIDTERM
Module 4 DiscussionQuiz 4 
Module 5Assignment 5Discussion 
Module 5 DiscussionQuiz 5
Module 6Assignment 6DiscussionQUIZ 6
 Course SurveyDiscussionFINAL EXAM
Class Participation:
Students are expected to fully participate in the course. In addition to course work and assignments students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.
Punctuality:
Students are expected to consult the Course Calendar for assignment due dates. There will be 2 point deductions for each day past due on any given assignment or quiz. Assignments and quizzes will not be accepted past one week of the scheduled due date. 

Course Ground Rules
Participation in this course is the key to doing well. It is expected that the student follow along the assignments as listed for each module. Students should make sure assignments are turned in by their due date as posted on the Course Calendar.

Students should check the discussion boards often to see if there are new discussions or announcements from the instructor. If you have questions about a topic the discussion board is a great place to ask it.

Students are expected to respect the rights of other at all times when communicating with the instructor and other students. You are expected to follow proper netiquette at all times.

If you have a technical issue address it at once to avoid falling behind in the class.

Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked. So, if you are unsure of something, ask about it.

Guidelines for Communications
E-mail:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your e-mails Use of emotions might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:

  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion

Web Resources: 

Library
The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

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 as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual e-mail communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:
If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the AskRODP Help Desk by calling 

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to the AskRODP website at:

http://help.rodp.org