| 9a. Catalog Description: |
| Students will learn how to use the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the command line interface in carrying out system tasks in the MS Windows operating systems. Topics include file management, hard disk management, system tools, batch files, connectivity, and the registry. |
| 9b. Other Catalog information: |
| None |
| |
| 10. Student Performance Objectives: |
As a result of successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
1. Customize and install MS Windows operating systems to meet personal and professional needs.
2. Organize and manage the hard drive structure.
3. Apply command syntax and graphical user interface where appropriate to successfully perform required operating system tasks.
4. Recognize and apply principles of basic disk and file management.
5. Effectively use the command line interface.
6. Diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems using Windows system tools.
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| 11. Methods of Evaluating Student Achievement: |
1. Objective and/or essay examinations testing knowledge and ability to apply basic internal and external commands from the command prompt in MS Windows.
2. Written assignments on readings analyzing the impact of changing technology as it relates to operating systems. |
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| 12. Student Assignments (Homework): |
| |
| a. Required Reading Assignments: |
| Approximately 50-70 pages/week |
| |
| b. Required Writing Assignments: |
Writing assignments from a variety of handouts, internet articles and online companion tool
Written application assignments |
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| c. Other (Terms projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) |
| Written critical thinking exercises |
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| 13. Course Content Outline: |
Students will be required to analyze, evaluate, compare, and contrast the following concepts, characteristics, and techniques in the MS Windows operating systems.
I. Review of hardware and operating system software
II. Introduce operating systems concepts
A. MS Windows
1. The DOS operating system
2. The Windows operating environment
3. Windows 95 and 98 operating systems
4. Windows NT Workstation 4.0 operating system
5. Windows 2000 Professional operating system
6. Windows Me operating system
7. Windows XP operating system
B. Other operating systems (UNIX, Linux, etc.)
C. The Windows XP Desktop
1. Changing to Windows Classic Style
2. Changing to Web Style
3. Using Windows Help and Support Center
4. Navigating your computer
5. Viewing Properties of your computer
6. Restoring your computer
III. Customizing Windows XP
A. Customizing the Start Menu
B. Customizing and creating toolbars
1. Creating a toolbar of the control panel
C. Changing Mouse Properties
1. Using animated and static cursors
D. Changing display properties
1. Using desktop themes
2. Using desktop wallpaper
E. Customizing Elements of the user interface
1. Choosing special display effects
2. Adjusting the resolution, color setting, and refresh rate
F. Customizing a screen saver
G. Using power management
IV. Windows XP file systems
A. Organizing the start menu
B. Organizing installed software
C. The Windows XP files
1. FAT 16 file system
2. Fat 32 file system
3. NTFS file system
4. Virtual file allocation table
D. Secondary storage devices
1. Formating a floppy disk
2. Copying a floppy disk
3. Viewing the contents of a floppy disk
E. Understanding the importance of a full path
F. Working with registered files
G. Viewing information on registered files
V. Creating and customizing shortcuts
A. Creating shortcuts to drives
B. Creating shortcuts to folders
C. Creating a shortcut to an application
D. Creating an Internet shortcut
VI. Using OLE technologies
A. Object linking and embedding
1. Creating a compound document
2. Viewing properties of a linked object
3. Viewing properties of an embedded object
B. Creating and using scrap
1. Viewing the contents of scrap
VII. Backing up a disk
A. Developing an effective backup strategy
B. Understanding the importance of Archive attribute
C. Installing the backup utility in the Home edition
1. Using backup
2. Restoring a folder
VIII. Optimizing disks
A. Using the Disk Cleanup Wizard
B. Understanding the importance of the Check Disk utility
C. Understanding file fragmentation
D. Using the Disk Management Snap-In Tool
1. Compressing and uncompressing files and folders
2. Encrypting and decrypting files and folders
E. Developing a disk management plan.
IX. Safeguarding your computer
A. Changing the boot sequence
B. Making an MS-DOS startup disk
C. Making Windows XP setup disks
D. Using the automated system recovery wizard
E. Setting up Internet connection firewall
F. Internet security and privacy
X. Using troubleshooting tools
A. Developing a troubleshooting strategy
B. Using the Last Known Good Configuration
C. Using remote desktop
XI. Evaluating system performance
A. Understanding the importance of RAM and virtual memory
B. Using Windows Task Manager to track system performance
C. Upgrading memory
XII. Installing software
A. Preparing for an operating system upgrade
B. Installing WIndows XP
1. Performing a clean installation
2. Setting up a multiple boot configuration
3. Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
4. Windows file protection and system checker
5. Adding and removing Microsoft Office components
6. Using the Program Compatibility Wizard
7. Checking your installation history
XIII. Installing hardware
A. Using Device Manager
1. Document hardware settings
2. Viewing properties of a hardware device
B. Using the System Information Utility
C. Using Windows XP's networking capabilites
1. Viewing network connection settings
2. Viewing computers in a workgroup
3. Sharing Folders
4. Using the Network Setup Wizard
5. Using the New Connection Wizard
6. Using the Add Network Place Wizard to create an FTP connection
XIV. Exploring the Windows registry
A. The role of the Windows registry
1. Opening the Windows registry
2. Examining the structure of the registry
3. Tracing registered file types
4. Using CLSIDs
5. Editing the registry
6. Exporting registry settings
7. Backing up the Windows registry
8. Creating a restore point for the Windows registry
XV. The Windows XP command-line environment
A. Understanding the importance of command-line skills
B. Using internal and external commands
C. Specifying console colors
D. Displaying a command reference list
E. Using Systeminfo command
F. Using BootCfg to query Boot.ini
G. Working with directory and files
1. Displaying a directory tree
2. Changing to the root directory
3. Viewing the contents of a directory
4. Viewing file attributes
5. Creating a subdirectory
6. Copying files
7. Changing drives
8. Using wildcards in file specifications
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| 14a. All textbooks, resources and other materials used in this course are: |
| College level
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| 14b. EXAMPLE texts, reading and resources:
|
Phillips, Harry. New Perspectives on Windows XP Professional for Power Users. 2nd
Course Technology, 2003
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Badgett, T. & Jonker, N.. A Guide to Operating Systems. 2nd
Course Technology, 2003
|
Jane Halcombe, Charles Halcombe. Survey of Operating Systems. 1st
McGraw Hill, 2003
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