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CMSY134 Introduction to Operating Systems

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to define and explain the purpose of basic MS-DOS Command Line and Windows. In addition, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in file management concepts in both MS-DOS and Windows. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who want to work toward A+ certification.

Credits:

1

Prerequisites:

Familiarity with a computer is strongly recommended.

Instructor:

Cathy Sutton

Office Technology Classroom:

DH301

Phone:

(443) 518 -4876

Email:

csutton@howardcc.edu

Registered Students | Overall Course Objectives | Major Course Topics | Course Format | Orientation | Course Requirements | Materials | Exams


Registered Students

Immediately after enrolling, send Cathy Sutton an e-mail at csutton@howardcc.edu; include your name, the semester, the course and section. You will receive specific course instructions the week classes start.

Overall Course Objectives

Once you have completed this course you will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose of hardware and software components.
  • Describe terminology specific to MS-DOS and Windows.
  • Use internal and external MS-DOS commands
  • Work with files and directories in MS-DOS.
  • Work with files and folders in Windows.

Major Course Topics

  • Overview of a Computer System
    • PC System Components
      • Hardware – Motherboard, Hard and Floppy Drives, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, CD-ROM
      • Software - OS, DOS, Windows, Application Software, Communications Software
  • Terminology
    • Default Drive, Directory (Root, Structure), Wildcards, Files and their Attributes, Filenames
  • MS-DOS Components
    • Boot files – IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, COMMAND.COM
    • System vs. Nonsystem disk
    • Internal Commands – DIR, MD, CD, RD, DEL, RENAME, COPY, TYPE
    • External Commands – ATTRIB, FDISK, FORMAT, XOPY, EDIT, MOVE, SCANDISK, DEFRAG, DOSKEY
    • Autoexec.bat
    •  config.sys
  • Windows - GUI
    • Help
    • Find
    • Search
    • Creating Files, Folders, and Subfolders
    • Moving, Copying, Deleting, and Renaming Files and Folders
    • Desktop, Explorer, My Computer, Control Panel, Recycle Bin
    • SCANDISK and DEFRAG

Course Format

This course:

  • Is not self-paced. However, you may accelerate your pace so that you may finish the course in fewer than 14 weeks.
  • Does not require on-campus meetings. However, this course does require on-campus attendance for tests. Tests may be taken during any open hours in the Office Technology classroom. Please note, however, that all CMSY-134 online students are welcome to come to the Office Technology classroom to do classwork and/or to get personal help from an instructor.
  • Does not require real-time chats.
  • Uses email for communication.

Orientation

This course does not have a face-to-face orientation. You will receive detailed course information the week classes start.

Course Requirements

  • Review the Checklist for Registered Online Students section of the Distance Learning Homepage.
  • Although there are no prerequisites for the course, familiarity with a computer is strongly recommended.
  • Come to the college periodically to take both written and computer tests, which have deadlines for completion.
  • Complete two homework assignments.

Materials Required:

  • Kemper, Mary. Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition. Course Technology, 2000.
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 MS-DOS Command Line. Course Technology, 2003.
  • Buy your textbooks from our online Bookstore, or visit our Bookstore.
     

Technical Requirements for Online Courses:

Review the Technical Requirements link above. The course requires

  • Internet Explorer

Exams

For purposes of verification and assessing learning outcomes, this course has six exams, which have deadlines for completion. The exams must be taken at the college during any open hours in the Office Technology classroom. There are three theory exams (written) and three production exams (taken on the computer).


If you have any questions or comments about this course, please send a message to
Cathy Sutton, csutton@howardcc.edu.

Last updated on 17-Feb-09
© Howard Community College, 2000