• Course Title
• Purpose of the Course
• Course Objectives
• Required Textbooks and Suggested Reading Lists
• Class and Laboratory Attendance Policy
• Course Evaluation
• Homework and Lab Assignments

Course Title:  Operating Systems / Local Area Networks
   
   Number:  ISS311                                     
   
   Class Time:      TBA
   Lab:             TBA
   
   Instructor:      Dr. Michael E. Thombs
   Office:          O'Hare 204,  X3115

Purpose:
     
   
       The intent of the course is to survey a number of popular operating
     system environments through classroom lectures and procedural lab.
     projects.  One operating system will be covered in detail giving students an
     in depth understanding of important concepts, structures, methods, and
     mechanics.  Students will be able to transfer these concepts to other
     operating system environments in the future.  
     
Approach:  
     
       Labs and computer demonstrations will be done each week that will
     reinforce the concepts presented in class.  Two computers will be available
     in the DEC Lab. on a limited basis for testing.   The course will examine the
     following:  Novel's Netware, Microsoft's NT, Bell Lab's UNIX, MS-DOS, Mac
     System 7, and the Internet.   
     

Required Text:
     
     1.  Netware 2.2/ First Look at ...   McGraw Hill.  Larson/Leeburg
     2.  Inside Windows NT.  Microsoft Press.  Helen Cluster
     3.  How Networks Work.  Ziff Davis.  Derfler and Freed
     4.  How the Internet Works.  Ziff Davis.  Eddings
     
     Suggested Texts: 
     
     1.  A Student's Guide to UNIX.  Hahn,  McGraw Hill
     2.  The INTERNET Complete Reference.  Hahn & Stout.  McGraw Hill
     3.  Windows for Workgroups Companion.  Microsoft Press.  Russell Borland
     4.  The Peter Norton PC Programmer's Bible,  MS_Press.  Peter Norton
     

Course Objectives:
     
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:



     1.  identify and describe the function of both internal and external
         components of a computer system
     2.  define the role of an operating system
     3.  list and differentiate several operating systems by discussing the
         strengths and weaknesses of each
     4.  make recommendations to management about the appropriateness of
         an operating system environment and the applications and user community
         it will serve
     5.  successfully navigate the Internet, identify several tools or components
         and demonstrate their correct use
     6.  make recommendations to management about the appropriateness of
         a Local Area Network (LAN)and the applications and user community it will
         serve
     7.  list, identify, and describe the major components of a LAN
     8.  list and explain the advantages of using a LAN
     9.  discuss some uses of the Internet that can benefit businesses
  
        

Class Policy:
     
       Class participation and class attendance are a positive factor
     considered when determining both the midterm and final grades.  
     Students entering late will excuse themselves for the interruption to
     their classmates.  
     
Laboratory Policy: 
     
       Students are encouraged to help each other, but all projects in all
     parts must be the original work of the individual or team passing such
     work for partial course credit.  Your instructor has the right to demand
     proof at any time of the genuineness and originality of the work.  This
     process would most likely be demonstrated by asking a student to
     reproduce a piece of the work from scratch at a terminal in a live
     performance.  Class and Lab Attendance:
     
     - Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the end of every
       class and lab.  Authorized absences will be accepted only with prior
       approved notice. 
     - Athletes must give written notice of absences  prior to conflicting
       events from the head of the Athletic Department.
     - Each student  missing a class or lab is responsible for obtaining 
       any and all information pertaining to the missed class lab session(s).
     

 
Evaluation:
  
       Each student will be evaluated using a point system.   Each course
     element successfully completed will earn points toward a final grade.  100
     points earned is the same as a 100% grade using a percent grading system. 
     Your grade will be determined by the following:
          30 points for Lab exercises.  There are approximately ten computer-based lab exercises.  Each lab will accumulate three points toward the final
     grade.  Each lab will be evaluated using a check minus, check, and check
     plus method.  Zero points will be awarded for missing or plagiarized
     assignments.  Labs will not be returned and it is each student's responsibility
     to verify that assignments have been received and recorded.  The instructor
     will provide several opportunities for students to review lab records during
     regularly scheduled office hours. 
          10 points Weekly Quizzes: 2 chapters/week, How Networks Work. 
          10 points Week 5:  Chapters 1 - 4:  Inside Windows NT 
          10 points Week 10:  Chapters 5 - 9:  Inside Windows NT 
          10 points Week 12:  How The Internet Works (all)
          10 points Final Exam:  First Look at Netware (all)
          10 points   subjectively awarded or removed by  instructor for class
     participation and consistent demonstration of quality and professionalism. 
          10 points   Class absences will be reflected in your final grade. 
        
    
Examinations:
     
   . Examinations will not be returned.  Students wishing to review  their 
     exam  may do so by making an appointment with the instructor.
   . Prior  notice must be given by the student if an examination is
     missed.  All such exams may be rescheduled at the discretion of the
     instructor.   Please leave a phone message at extension 3115 before
     class or lab.  
     

General Course Requirements: 
    
           - Textbook readings and class handouts and supplements.
           - Class and Laboratory lecture notes.
           - Lab projects 
           - Purchase and format three 3«" diskettes. 
           - Research and present one current events project.     
 
Homework:
     
     All lab. assignments must  contain a  cover-sheet.    All written 
     assignments  must be typed,  printed  or word-processed.  Pencil  or
     cursive writing is not considered acceptable.  Laboratory assignments
     will be graded but not returned to the student.  Late assignments will
     not be accepted.  Assignments are considered late when they are
     beyond two weeks from the date assigned.  Exceptions will be handled
     on a case by case basis.  If  the instructor is  not available (outside of
     class)  and  an assignment is due, assignments may be dated and given
     to Faculty Services.