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:

9. Co-requisite Courses:

II. Transfer and Articulation

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

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):

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

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

• Fundamentals of Using Microsoft Windows
• Working on the Windows Desktop
• File and Folder Management
• Personal Information Management and Communication
• Personalize the Desktop Work Environment
• Customizing the Computer Using the Control Panel
• Advanced File Searching
• Mastering Digital Pictures and Music
• Mastering Digital Video