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
Lab Hours: 0
4. Course Description:
This course covers the basics of how to get the most out of using the Microsoft Windows operating system. Topics include identifying minimal hardware requirements needed to run Windows, customizing the desktop environment, file management, maintaining hard drives and other removable storage media, multitasking, the Windows applications of WordPad, Paint, Notepad and Outlook Express, 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. Certification Preparation: Optional. Certiport: IC3 Computing Fundamentals.
5. Placement Tests Required:
6. Prerequisite Courses:
COMP 1109 - Introduction to Operating Systems
There are no prerequisites for this course.
9. Co-requisite Courses:
COMP 1109 - Introduction to Operating Systems
There are no corequisites for this course.
II. Transfer and Articulation
1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:
Alexandria Technical College, CVNP 1605 Supporting Windows Operating Systems, 4 credits
Mn State CC and Tech College, CPTR 1148 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 Degree
Computer Network Administration, AAS Degree
Computer Support Specialist, Diploma
Emerging Digital Technologies, 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 operating system, file structures, program use and customization of the operating system which require that certain steps be followed. |
Utilize appropriate technology |
Use current industry software applications to complete assignments. |
2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of
the course:
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of how to use the current version of Microsoft Windows.
- Provide examples of methods for working on the Windows Desktop.
- Manage file and folder structure.
- Use personal information management and communication features.
- Personalize and customize the desktop work environment
- Customize the computer's settings using the Control Panel.
- Demonstrate advanced file searching methods.
- Create, save and manage digital picture and music files.
- Create and edit digital videos
V. Topical Outline
Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.
1. Lecture Sessions
- Windows Fundamentals
- 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.)
- Working with the Desktop
- 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.
- File and Folder Management
- 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.
- Windows Applications
- 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.
- Windows Utilities
- 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.
- Windows Installation
- Install and configure an operating system.
- Communications
- Explain the concepts of electronic communications, such as how to set up and end communications including identification of SOHO network components.
- Security
- Discuss and implement security functions.
- Multimedia
- Explain the concepts of multi-media.