Genesee Community College
Introduction to Operating Systems (CSN115) Syllabus
Fall 2019

1. Explain the relationship between computer hardware and the operating system.
2. Install a Linux-based Operating System.
3. Configure a Linux-based operating system.
4. Issue system commands via the system shell (command prompt).
5. Perform file system operations using various techniques (commands, pipes, filters, redirection, etc.)
6. Manage system users and groups.
7. Evaluate file system security, setting security permissions appropriately.
8. Create scripts to perform system tasks.
9. Schedule system tasks.
10. Manage software (install, update, remove, query, etc.).
11. Manage system processes and services (start, stop, enable, disable, etc.).
12. Configure network access.

In this course, we will examine several operating systems with emphasis on a modern UNIX-based distribution. Students will be expected to attend classes and participate. Hands-on experience will be a major emphasis. There will be three examinations consisting of both a written component and a hands-on lab practical. Additionally, there will be a final project and a final exam. Details about these requirements will be addressed during the first day of class.

Textbook: Free PDF - The Linux Command Line, Fifth Internet Edition, by William Shotts, http://linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php. You may choose to purchase a hard copy of the textbook. Please visit linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php for details.

Final grades are assigned according to the following scheme, with the final average rounded to the nearest integer (in %):

92 or higher = A, 90-91 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 82-87 = B, 80-81 = B-, 78-79 = C+, 72-77 = C, 70-71 = C-, 68-69 = D+, 62-67 = D, 60-61 = D-, 59 or less = F.

Grades will be weighted as follows:

• Written Component of Test (3 tests): 300 points total
• Practical Exam + Lab Work + Homework + Participation (3 tests): 300 points total
• Final Project: 100 points total
• Final Exam: 100 points total - replaces your lowest written or practical exam grade

At the sole discretion of the instructor, the final exam may be waived for students that show sufficient progress throughout the semester. The final exam may be customized per individual, and will replace the score of either a written or practical exam, again at the instructor's discretion.

No make-up tests or exams will be given unless you have an unavoidable reason for missing the test AND you notify your instructor in advance (either in person, by sending email, or by phone call and leaving voicemail).

Tests, tentative schedule: Sep 18, Oct 23, Nov 20. This content for this course will be broken up into 3 distinct modules. On test days, there will be a written exam covering material for the current module (approximately 50 questions) worth 100 points, and a practical exam (approximately 20 questions) worth 100 points. Included as a part of this practical exam will be grades for your class participation and lab/homework assignments for that module. There will also be a final project worth 100 points, announced during the semester.

Important note for students in section 67W: Tests will be proctored! Your instructor can be flexible about the exact date and time you take your exams, provided they are taken within a 48 hour window of the scheduled time. There are a number of options available to you:

• Come to campus to take exams during the classroom exams (dates listed below).
• Set up an alternate time with your instructor to take exams in the classroom.
• Take exams in the CAP testing center or at a campus center. Arrange this with your professor at least 10 days prior to in-class exam date.
• Find a proctor at a local library or school district willing to proctor your written and practical exams. You must have access to a computer with internet access. Arrange this with your professor at least two weeks prior to in-class exam date.

If none of these options works for you, or you otherwise cannot take your quizzes in a traditional proctored environment (including GCC's testing centers), you MAY have the option of taking quizzes through a paid proctoring service. Currently, GCC partners with ProctorU for this purpose. The cost per exam is approximately $20 for up to two hours, assuming the exam is scheduled 72 hours or more in advance. There are strict hardware requirements in order to take exams in this environment. Please visit https://www.proctoru.com for details.

If you wish to use ProctorU for any of your exams, please let your instructor know at least two weeks prior to the exam date. All costs associated with online proctoring services will be borne by the student.

1. Introduction to Operating Systems and the Linux Operating System
2. Understanding x86/x64 Hardware Components, Partitions, Filesystems and Device Names
3. Installing Linux On An x86/x64 System
4. Working with "X", Desktops and Terminals
5. The Linux Filesystem and the Shell Environment
6. Using Linux Commands
7. Getting Help with Linux
8. The VIM (Vi IMproved) Editor
9. Understanding the PATH and Shell Configuration Files
10. Using Filesystem Commands
11. Users, Groups, Permissions and Attributes
12. Backing Up Your System
13. Creating and Running Shell Scripts
14. Installing Software On A Linux System
15. Runlevels, The Boot Process, Services and Processes
16. Scheduling Tasks and Working with Log Files
17. Networking

Cheating is obtaining or intentionally giving unauthorized information to create an unfair advantage in an examination, assignment, or classroom situation. Plagiarism is the act of presenting and claimingwords, ideas, data, programming code or creations of others as one’s own. Plagiarism may be intentional – as in a false claim of authorship – or unintentional – as in a failure to document information sources using MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association) Chicago or other style sheets or manuals adopted by instructors at the College. Presenting ideas in the exact or near exact wording as found in source material constitutes plagiarism, as does patching together paraphrased statements without in-text citation. The purchasing or sharing of papers or projects between students or the re-use of papers or projects submitted for more than one assignment or class also constitutes plagiarism.

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated: a grade of zero will be given on the assignment or exam under these circumstances. In certain extreme cases, including multiple offenses, the student will receive a grade of F for the semester.

The instructor reserves the right to make any reasonable and necessary modifications to the statements above. This document is subject to change.