DPR355 - Operating Systems

Subject Title
Operating Systems

Subject Description
This subject explores various computer operating system (OS) concepts and interfaces/command languages with application to several operating system platforms. Specific topics include OS classification, functions of operating systems, OS architectures, OS programming utilities, user interfaces, OS tasks, UNIX OS internals, MS-DOS basic operation, Windows operation, Linux operation, UNIX script programming.

Credit Status
One subject credit in the Computer Engineering Technology program or the Electronics Engineering Technician - Computer Option program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate improved competence in the following fundamental scientific skills:

(a) Effective note taking in a classroom environment.
(b) Laboratory methods: observation, data recording and data analysis.
(c) Report writing: organization and presentation of information in a structured written format.
(d) Analysis and solution of word and/or diagram-based problems in computer and networking applications.

2. Explain and describe the functional components (e.g. input/output control system, resource allocation and management, task scheduling and dispatching, spooling and queuing, interrupt handling, programming utilities, inter-process communication, file systems, user and programming interfaces) of an operating system and how they interact.

3. Explain advanced OS features including kernel/user mode operation, multitasking, multithreading and pipelining.

4. Identify and describe the program services provided by an operating system.

5. Understand the similarities and differences between today's widely used operating systems and the future directions of operating systems as platforms within networks.

6. Understand the basic operation of MS-DOS and Windows.

7. Understand UNIX architectural concepts.

8. Perform OS navigation and configuration tasks, or other tasks that a programmer or operator typically has to perform, with Windows and Linux by means of GUI and CLI operations.

9. Write and debug fully featured UNIX shell scripts that involve extracting and combining file data, creating menus and screen displays, managing records, testing strings and files, etc.

10. Understand the basics of Perl and CGI programming and use this knowledge to write simple scripts for simple interactive Web pages.

Essential Employability Skills
Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.