I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Introduction to Operating Systems

2. Course Prefix & Number:
COMP 1109

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course covers the basics of how to get the most out of using the operating system. Topics include identifying minimal hardware requirements needed to an operating system, customizing the desktop environment, file management, maintaining hard drives and other removable storage media, multitasking, the applications of WordPad, Paint, Notepad , and sharing hard drives and printers in a small network environment. Career Preparation: The studies in this course will help students begin preparation for careers in information technology such as Computer Support Specialist and Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, and Business Analyst.

5. Placement Tests Required:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Alexandria Technical College, CVNP1605 Supporting Windows Operating Systems, 4 credits
Mn State CC and Tech College, CPTR1148 Microcomputer Operating Systems, 3 credits

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Advanced Standing
• American Council on Education
• Military Experience
• Specialty Schools
• Written
• Portfolio

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Computer Information Technology, AAS 
Computer Network Administration, AAS 
Computer Support Specialist, Diploma   
Microsoft Office Specialist, Certificate

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Configure file structures and program use of the operating system.
Utilize appropriate technology	Configure and customize the operating system.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Explain the essential hardware components of a computer system. 
• Identify the major elements of a computer operating system.
• Explain the function of a computer operating system.
• Describe the differences between application and system software.
• List examples of application and system software.
• Identify what impact the graphical user interface (GUI) has on routine computer work.
• Recognize the basic features necessary for manipulating the operating system ( menus, title bars, dialog and message boxes, cascading menus, dragging and dropping, pop-up menus, icons, taskbar, and toolbars.)
• Use the basic features necessary for manipulating the GUI functions ( menus, title bars, dialog and message boxes, cascading menus, dragging and dropping, pop-up menus, icons, taskbar, and toolbars.)
• Define and use the basic functions of the desktop.
• Identify and use the features of the Control Panel to customize the desktop.
• Place items on the start menu and remove items from the start menu and create shortcuts.
• Understand the importance and use of disk and file structure.
• Understand and use the save and save as functions.
• Using and maintaining disk and file structure.
• Using folders and sub-folders.
• Copy, Delete, and Move items from same/different storage locations.
• Create, edit, save and print a notepad document.
• Use the Calculator to perform basic mathematic functions.
• Create, save, format, and print documents using WordPad.
• Create, save, format, and print documents using Paint.
• Use features of the operating system such as: importing graphics, character mapping, using WordPad, and Paint.
• Create, edit, exchange data and save documents using Object-Linking and Embedding and GUI application programs.
• Explain and use the features in the clipboard, folders, Computer, and Explorer.
• Explain and use the features of system maintenance; such as Scheduled Tasks.
• Use and understand system monitor, scandisk and defragmentation.
• Backup and restore.
• Install and configure an operating system.
• Explain the concepts of electronic communications, such as how to set up and end communications including identification of SOHO network components.
• Discuss and implement security functions.
• Explain the concepts of multi-media.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Exploring the Basics of an Operating System
2. Organizing Your Files
3. Personalizing Your Environment
4. Working with the Internet and Email
5. Protecting your computer
6. Searching for Information
7. Managing Multimedia Files
8. Connecting to Networks with Mobile Computing
9. Maintaining Hardware and Software
10. Improving Your Computer's Performance
11. Exploring Additional Operating System Tools