Syllabus
IT/282 Computer Software Fundamentals
IT 282 Entire Course
Click me for more infoDocument List:
Topics and Objectives
Week One: Introducing Operating Systems Identify components and
functions of operating systems. Compare operating systems to other
software.
Describe how operating systems have changed.
Week Two: Installing Operating Systems Describe how to install
Windows operating systems. Identify areas of concern when
installing operating systems.
Week Three: Maintaining and Supporting Operating Systems
Identify areas of concern when maintaining operating systems.
Explain how operating systems are supported.
Week Four: Microsoft Windows 7 Describe how to install a
Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.
Identify areas of concern when installing and maintaining
Microsoft Windows 7. Explain how Microsoft Windows 7 is
supported.
Week Five: Troubleshooting and Upgrading Operating Systems
Describe troubleshooting techniques for operating systemrelated
problems. Compare the process of upgrading an operating system to
performing an original installation.
Week Six: Network Operating Systems Explain how networking
functions in operating systems. Describe steps to enable networking
on a workstation.
Explain potential problems and solutions when connecting an
operating system to a network.
Week Seven: Personal Computers and the Internet Differentiate
between Internet and network connections. Describe steps to connect
a workstation to the Internet.
Explain potential problems and solutions when connecting an
operating system to the Internet.
Week Eight: Security of Operating Systems Describe security
features of Windows operating systems. Describe steps to secure
modern operating systems.
Week Nine: Legacy Operating Systems Describe features of legacy
Windows operating systems. Explain potential issues involved with
supporting legacy Windows operating systems.
Describe how older applications may be supported by current
operating systems.
Develop a training guide for operating system support.
Point Values for Course Assignments
ASSIGNMENTSPoints
Individual (100%)
Week One
CheckPoint: Operating Systems
Assignment: Introduction to Operating Systems30
100
Week Two
CheckPoint: Installing Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Toolwire
Lab and Response
Discussion Questions
Participation20
20
10
Week Three
CheckPoint: Monitoring Resources and Performance in Microsoft
Windows 7 Toolwire Lab and ResponseAssignment: Troubleshooting
Installation20
100
Week Four
CheckPoint: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows 7
Device Drivers Toolwire Lab and ResponseDiscussion
QuestionsParticipation20
20
10
Week Five
CheckPoint: Troubleshooting Techniques
Assignment: Installation of Operating Systems30
100
Week Six
CheckPoint: Networking in Operating Systems
Discussion Questions
Participation30
20
10
Week Seven
Activity: Peer ReviewAssignment: Personal Computers on the
Internet30
100
Week Eight
CheckPoint: Identifying Threats to Network Security Toolwire Lab
and Response
Discussion Questions
Participation20
20
10
Week Nine
Capstone CheckPoint: Upgrade Letter
Final Project: Training Tip Guide30
250
Total1000
Week One: Introducing Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.1 Identify components and functions of operating
systems.
1.2 Compare operating systems to other software.
1.3 Describe how operating systems have changed.
Course PreparationRead the course description and
objectives.
Read the instructors biography and post your own.
ReadingReview the introductory information of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 2, Introducing Operating Systems, of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingReview Appendix A of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining
Your PC.
ReadingReview Appendix B of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining
Your PC.
ReadingReview Glossary of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining
Your PC.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
Nongraded Activities and PreparationWriting Style Handbook
AccessAccess the Associate Level (Axia) Writing Style Handbook
using the following instructions:
1. Log on to the student website.
2. Click Library.
3. Click Center for Writing Excellence.
4. Select Tutorials & Guides.
5. Click Associate Level Writing Style Handbook under Writing
& Style Guidelines.
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week One Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week One.
CheckPoint
Operating SystemsResources: Appendix B and Ch. 2 of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PCComplete Appendix B by providing
information about three components of an operating system and their
functions.
Post your response as a Microsoft Word document
attachment.30
IndividualIntroduction to Operating SystemsResource: Ch. 2 of A+
Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PCWrite a 2- to 3-page paper
that addresses the following:
Provide a brief history of three operating systems.
Explain factors that might lead a person to upgrade an operating
system.
Describe differences among versions of Microsoft Windows
operating systems.
Describe your personal experience with operating systems.
Format the paper consistent with APA guidelines. 100
Weekly Reminders
Summary of Week 1 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
Individual BioChat Room ForumDay 1
CheckPoint: Operating SystemsAssignment LinkDay 4
Assignment: Introduction to Operating Systems PaperAssignment
LinkDay 7
Week Two: Installing Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.4 Describe how to install Windows operating
systems.
1.5 Identify areas of concern when installing operating
systems.
ReadingRead Ch. 11, PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Strategies, of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 12, Installing Windows, of A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 13, Maintaining Windows, of A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 14, Optimizing Windows, of A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.10
Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion
questions.20
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Two Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Two.
CheckPointInstalling Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Toolwire
Lab and ResponseResource: ToolwireLog on to the student
website.
1. Click the link for the Week Two Toolwire lab.
2. A new window with a description of the lab appears. Scroll to
the bottom of the page.
3. Click Lab Access to begin the lab.
Complete Toolwire Lab: Installing Microsoft Windows 7
Professional as indicated.
Take screenshots of at least three images that illustrate
various stages of the lab. One of the screenshots must be the final
screen of the lab.
1. Press Alt + Print Screen on your computer keyboard to create
a screenshot.2. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.3. Press Ctrl
+ V on your keyboard to paste the screenshot into the
document.Write a - to 1-page response describing your experience in
the lab. Summarize what you have learned while completing the lab
and whether you had any difficulties with certain parts of the lab.
Post the screenshots and your response as Microsoft Word document
attachments.20
Discussion Questions DQ #1 - What steps are needed to install a
Windows operating system? (Due Day 2, Main Forum) DQ #2 - What are
common challenges you might face when installing a Windows
operating system? How might you overcome these challenges? (Due Day
4, Main Forum)Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will not
count towards the class participation requirement and will be
evaluated separately.
Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your
class participation score.Summary of Week 2 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
DQ #1Main ForumDay 2
DQ #2Main ForumDay 4
CheckPoint:Installing Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Toolwire
Lab and ResponseAssignment LinkDay 5
ParticipationMain Forum4 of 7 Days
Week Three: Maintaining and Supporting Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.6 Identify areas of concern when maintaining
operating systems.
1.7 Explain how operating systems are supported.
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Three Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Three.
CheckPointMonitoring Resources and Performance in Microsoft
Windows 7 Toolwire Lab and ResponseResource: ToolwireLog on to the
student website.
1. Click the link for the Week Three Toolwire lab.
2. A new window with a description of the lab appears. Scroll to
the bottom of the page.
3. Click Lab Access to begin the lab.
Complete Toolwire Lab: Monitoring Resources and Performance in
Microsoft Windows 7 as indicated.
Take screenshots of at least three images that illustrate
various stages of the lab. One of the screenshots must be the final
screen of the lab.
1. Press Alt + Print Screen on your computer keyboard to create
a screenshot.2. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.3. Press Ctrl
+ V on your keyboard to paste the screenshot into the
document.Write a - to 1-page response describing your experience in
the lab. Summarize what you have learned while completing the lab
and whether you had any difficulties with certain parts of the lab.
Post the screenshots and your response as Microsoft Word document
attachments.20
Individual
Troubleshooting InstallationResources: Appendix C and Ch. 11
& 13 of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PCRead
Scenario One in Appendix C and complete the following:
Prepare a list of steps you would take to fix the problem in
Scenario One.
Include steps involved in reinstalling Microsoft Windows 7 and
recovering the data that Ben needs.
Read Scenario Two in Appendix C and complete the following to
formulate your troubleshooting strategy:
Create a list of questions you must ask Craig to correctly
diagnose the problem in Scenario Two.
Provide details to support your answer to the following
question: What is the source of Craigs problem?
Describe steps you would take to solve this problem if you were
sitting at Craigs computer.
100
Weekly Reminders
Summary of Week 3 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
CheckPoint: Monitoring Resources and Performance in Microsoft
Windows 7 Toolwire Lab and ResponseAssignment LinkDay 5
Assignment: Troubleshooting Installation PaperAssignment LinkDay
7
Week Four: Microsoft Windows 7
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.8 Describe how to install a Microsoft Windows 7
operating system.
1.9 Identify areas of concern when installing and maintaining
Microsoft Windows 7.1.10 Explain how Microsoft Windows 7 is
supported.
ReadingRead Ch. 15, Tools for Solving Windows Problems, of A+
Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 16, Fixing Windows Problems, of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.10
Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions.
20
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Four Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Four.
Nongraded Activities and PreparationFinal Project Feedback, Part
IResource: Appendix ASubmit your Weeks One, Two, and Three final
project work to your instructor for feedback.
CheckPointInstalling and Configuring Microsoft Windows 7 Device
Drivers Toolwire Lab and Response Resource: ToolwireLog on to the
student website.
1. Click the link for the Week Four Toolwire lab.
2. A new window with a description of the lab appears.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
4. Click Lab Access to begin the lab.
Complete Toolwire Lab: Installing and Configuring Microsoft
Windows 7 Device Drivers as indicated.
Take screenshots of at least three images that illustrate
various stages of the lab. One of the screenshots must be the final
screen of the lab.
1. Press Alt + Print Screen on your computer keyboard to create
a screenshot.2. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.3. Press Ctrl
+ V on your keyboard to paste the screenshot into the
document.Write a - to 1-page response describing your experience in
the lab. Summarize what you have learned while completing the lab
and whether you had any difficulties with certain parts of the lab.
Post the screenshots and your response as Microsoft Word document
attachments.20
Discussion Questions
DQ #1 - What special challenges might you face when installing
Microsoft Windows operating systems that are not evident when
installing other operating systems? Why might these challenges
occur? How might you overcome these challenges? (Due Day 2, Main
Forum) DQ #2 - How is the Microsoft Windows operating system
supported in a company? What are some common problems with
supporting Microsoft Windows? Why do these problems occur? How
might you overcome these problems? (Due Day 4, Main Forum)Weekly
Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will not
count towards the class participation requirement and will be
evaluated separately.
Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your
class participation score.Summary of Week 4 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
DQ #1Main ForumDay 2
DQ #2Main ForumDay 4
CheckPoint: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows 7
Device Drivers Toolwire Lab and ResponseAssignment LinkDay 5
Nongraded Exercise: Final Project Feedback, Part IAssignment
LinkDay 7
ParticipationMain Forum4 of 7 Days
Week Five: Troubleshooting and Upgrading Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.11 Describe troubleshooting techniques for operating
systemrelated problems.
1.12 Compare the process of upgrading an operating system to
performing an original installation.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Five Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Five.
CheckPointTroubleshooting Techniques Resources: Ch. 15 & 16
of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC
Write your response to the following: Based on Ch. 15 & 16
of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, prepare a 10-item
list of troubleshooting techniques you must complete to speed up a
slow Microsoft Windows 7 startup.
Post your response as a Microsoft Word document
attachment.30
Individual
Installation of Operating SystemsResources: Appendix D and Ch.
15 & 16 of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PCComplete
Appendix D:
Activity One: Compare an upgrade of an operating system to a
clean installation.
Activity Two: Provide scenarios explaining when each task must
be performed.
Post Appendix D as a Microsoft Word document attachment.100
Weekly Reminders
Summary of Week 5 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
CheckPoint: Troubleshooting TechniquesAssignment LinkDay 5
Assignment: Installation of Operating SystemsAssignment LinkDay
7
Week Six: Networking Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.13 Explain how networking functions in operating
systems.
1.14 Describe steps to enable networking on a workstation.
1.15 Explain potential problems and solutions when connecting an
operating system to a network.
ReadingRead Ch. 17, Networking Essentials, of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 18, Networking Practices, of A+ Guide to
Managing and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.10
Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions.
20
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Six Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Six.
CheckPointNetworking in Operating SystemsResources: Ch. 17 &
18 of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PCWrite a 1-page
paper in which you address the following points:
How networking functions in an operating system
The necessary steps to enable networking on a workstation
Potential problems and solutions when connecting an operating
system to a network
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.Post your paper
as a Microsoft Word document attachment.30
Discussion Questions
DQ #1 - What kind of networking in the Microsoft Windows
operating system is best for a small company? What kind is best for
a midsized company? What kind is best for a large company? Why?
Provide rationales for your answers. (Due Day 2, Main Forum) DQ #2
- What are three common problems one might encounter when
connecting an operating system to a network? What is the best
solution for each problem? (Due Day 4, Main Forum)Weekly
Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will not
count towards the class participation requirement and will be
evaluated separately.
Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your
class participation score.Summary of Week 6 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
DQ #1Main ForumDay 2
DQ #2Main ForumDay 4
CheckPoint: Networking in Operating SystemsAssignment LinkDay
5
ParticipationMain Forum4 of 7 Days
Week Seven: Personal Computers and the Internet
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.16 Differentiate between Internet and network
connections.
1.17 Describe steps to connect a workstation to the
Internet.
1.18 Explain potential problems and solutions when connecting an
operating system to the Internet.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Seven Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Seven.
Nongraded Activities and PreparationFinal Project Feedback, Part
IIResource: Appendix ASubmit your Weeks Four, Five, and Six final
project work to your instructor for feedback.
Individual
Peer ReviewResource: Appendix E
Read your instructors thread titled Peer Review Assignment and
Confirmation in the Main forum. Submit, via an e-mail to the peer
partner assigned by your instructor for this assignment, a summary
of what you have completed for your final project thus far.
Reply to the Main forum thread with a brief message telling your
instructor that you read the message and have submitted your final
project to your peer partner.
Complete Appendix E using your partners final project.
Submit Appendix E to your peer partner.
Reply to the Main forum thread again with a brief message
telling your instructor that you have completed and returned your
review.
Review your peer partners feedback on your project. 30
Individual
Personal Computers on the Internet
Resource: Ch. 18 of A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your
PC
Write a 2- to 3-page paper in which you address the following
points:
The differences between Internet and network connections.
Steps to connect a workstation to the Internet
Potential problems and solutions when connecting an operating
system to the Internet
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Post your response as a Microsoft Word document
attachment.100
Weekly Reminders
Summary of Week 7 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
Assignment: Peer ReviewMain ForumDay 5
Assignment: Personal Computers on the InternetAssignment LinkDay
7
Week Eight: Security of Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.19 Describe security features of Windows operating
systems.
1.20 Describe steps to secure modern operating systems.
ReadingRead Ch. 19, Security Essentials, of A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead Ch. 20, Security Practices," of A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.10
Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion
questions.20
Nongraded Activities and Preparation
Week Eight Work on Final ProjectResource: Appendix A
Review the instructions in Appendix A.
Complete the work suggested for Week Eight.
CheckPointIdentifying Threats to Network Security Toolwire Lab
and ResponseResource: Toolwire
Log on to the student website.
1. Click the link for the Week Eight Toolwire lab.
2. A new window with a description of the lab appears. Scroll to
the bottom of the page.
3. Click Lab Access to begin the lab.
Complete Toolwire Lab: Identifying Threats to Network Security
as indicated.
Take screenshots of at least three images that illustrate
various stages of the lab. One of the screenshots must be the final
screen of the lab.
1. Press Alt + Print Screen on your computer keyboard to create
a screenshot.2. Open a blank Microsoft Word document.3. Press Ctrl
+ V on your keyboard to paste the screenshot into the
document.Write a - to 1-page response describing your experience in
the lab. Summarize what you have learned while completing the lab
and whether you had any difficulties with certain parts of the lab.
Post the screenshots and your response as Microsoft Word document
attachments.20
Discussion Questions
DQ #1 - What are three important security features in modern
Windows operating systems? What is the purpose behind these
features? (Due Day 2, Main Forum) DQ #2 - What are the essential
steps one must take to secure an operating system? (Due Day 4, Main
Forum)Weekly Reminders
Discussion Questions Discussion question responses will not
count towards the class participation requirement and will be
evaluated separately.
Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your
class participation score.Summary of Week 8 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
DQ #1Main ForumDay 2
DQ #2Main ForumDay 4
CheckPoint: Identifying Threats to Network Security Toolwire Lab
and ResponseAssignment LinkDay 5
ParticipationMain Forum4 of 7 Days
Week Nine: Legacy Operating Systems
DetailsDuePoints
Objectives1.21 Describe features of legacy Windows operating
systems.
1.22 Explain potential issues involved with supporting legacy
Windows operating systems.
1.23 Describe how older applications may be supported by current
operating systems.
1.24 Develop a training guide for operating system support.
ReadingRead this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.
Capstone CheckPoint
Upgrade LetterResource: Appendix FRespond to the Capstone
CheckPoint: Write a 1-page letter by following the instructions in
Appendix F.Post your letter as a Microsoft Word document
attachment.30
Final Project
Training Tip GuideResources: Appendix A and A+ Guide to Managing
and Maintaining Your PC
Review the scenario in Appendix A.Compile a 6- to 7-page
training tip guide for Datamax Inc. by following the instructions
in Appendix A. Post your final project as a Microsoft Word document
attachment.250
Weekly Reminders
Summary of Week 9 Deliverables
AssignmentLocationDue
Capstone CheckPoint: Upgrade LetterAssignment LinkDay 5
Final Project: Training Tip GuideAssignment LinkDay 7
Faculty NotesIT/282
