Open Campus Course
Description
Distance Learning PCM Course
I
Taught by Dr. Ron Bass
ITSC 1307, UNIX Operating System I, is a study of the UNIX operating system
including multi-user concepts, terminal emulation, use of system editor,
basic UNIX commands, and writing script files. Topics include introductory
systems management concepts. Prerequisite: One semester of programming.
This course emphasizes UNIX from the perspective of an operating system user. As
a result, lab activities feature the use of lab workstations as terminal
emulators to connect to a UNIX server. The workstations are Windows Operating
System computers and the connection is made via Ethernet LAN using the telnet
program supplied with Windows. Currently our UNIX servers are running Linux. At
this level of use, there is little difference between Linux and UNIX. Lab
activities for distance course students working from off-campus will be accomplished in exactly the same
manner as on-campus systems, that is, using the telnet. A UNIX server
for students enrolled in this class can be found at codered.austincc.edu.
The course emphasizes UNIX command line syntax, basic commands, use of common
utilities and writing shell scripts. Shell scripting also involves elementary
programming structures such as selection, repetition, variables, and file I/O.
Students are expected to develop a good facility with the use of UNIX at the
shell command line and show a conceptual understanding of the underlying
structure of the operating system.
Examinations test concepts and knowledge of UNIX acquired through lab work,
textbook study, and lectures. Exam questions are centered around the analysis of
commands, shell scripts, and common UNIX utilities. This type of exam is suited to students learning through distance education. The exams will
be administered and graded in the ACC testing centers. Assignments are taken from the assigned textbook for the course
Students will interact with the instructor via e-mail, discussion board, and phone contacts.
The Blackboard Course Management system used in this course
is a natural environment for close student/instructor interaction because of the
discussion and email facilities provided. All assignments, questions, and
requests may be submitted via the internet and e-mail. The instructor will
respond in a similar manner.
This course is intended for students who are adept at learning by doing and do
not need the direct demonstration and explanations provided by an instructor.
These students must be self-disciplined and self motivated. They will be able to
meet deadlines and capable of self-study. Many students find attending regularly
scheduled classes impossible or difficult because of work and personal
scheduling difficulty. This course may be suitable for them. This course, like all distance
courses is optimal for the special student who can work and learn in a
self-paced self-directed environment. Students who need personal tutoring and
the discipline and rigor imposed by regular classes are not good candidates for
this distance based learning course.
Students registered in this course should complete the Online Orientation and the Student Information Form.