In this course, students will examine the organization and construction of computer system software that manages and controls the computational resources of the computer system. This will also include the study of a current operating system. Recommended to be taken the same semester as CPSC 290. Offered each Fall.

NOTICE CONCERNING WEB SITE: This syllabus and all daily assignments including exam information is posted on my web site at
www.malone.edu/erodd
On that page will be links to this syllabus and the assignments. While I will generally announce assignments in class, the web page will always have up to date details and students are responsible to be aware of these details.

I. Objectives

1. Gain familiarity with major terms and concepts used in operating system technology.
2. Understand the development of operating systems technology.
3. Apply an understanding of major terms and concepts to major operating systems in use today.
4. Be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of different options used for major operating system functions.
5. Gain familiarity with the major trends and issues in operating system technology development today.
6. Understand ethical issues which arise with an understanding of operating systems.

1. Operating Systems - Function and Theory by Earl Rodd.
2. Operating Systems - Function and Theory - Homework and Lab Assignments by Earl Rodd.
   Note: Both books are packaged together as one unit. Some material is only in lab assignments and not in the text book. Lab assignments are an integral part of the course and students are responsible for their content.

   Note: This book has all homework and lab assignments. Some lab assignments contain homework to turn in. Homework and Lab Work should be turned in on the copy in your book rather than printed off the web site. I want this copy used so that everyone's looks the same and have the same material on the same page!!! Also, it is a waste of paper to print a copy when you have already purchased one.
   Course assignments show links to the web version of assignments only to help in emergencies, not to replace the workbook.

3. Lectures.

4. Readings (Internet and handout) on current issues.

5. Class discussion.

6. Homework Assignments. Collaboration is encouraged.

7. Lab work. Lab work is used to give students experience in topics taught in class and to extend concepts in the text.

8. Quizes on reading. Quizzes will be open book, open notes, unless clearly announced on the web site and in class as closed book.

9. Three exams. All exams will be open book, open notes, open your exercise solutions etc.

1. I will announce office hours.
2. I can always be contacted via email.

Most homework may be handwritten on the homework assignments which have space for answers.

1. Quizzes (10%)

   Your worst quiz grade will be dropped. Quizzes missed with an unexcused absence cannot be made up.

2. Lab Assignments (20%). These will be clearly noted in the daily assignments as "LAB" and not homework. While these are only 20% of your grade, because lab work is an essential demonstration of students' understanding, regardless of other grades, your course grade cannot be more than one-half grade higher than your lab assignment grades. Thus if your lab grade is a "C", you cannot make higher than a "C+" in the course. Thus skipping lab assignments can seriously affect your final course grade!
   Some lab assignments are not graded. These are clearly noted on the assignments. These assignments prepare students for quizzes/exams.

3. Daily work (20%)

   Because I know that sometimes "things happen", your worst 2 homework assignments will be dropped from your average. Thus you can miss two assignments without severe penalty. Students are encouraged to not skip the easier homework early in the course! Some at the end are very challenging.

4. Other exams (45%)
5. Class Participation (5%).

V. Academic Integrity

Cheating is a form of lying and indicates a serious spiritual and moral problem. Cheating will lead to dismissal from the course with a failing grade. Refer to the section of the catalog on Academic Integrity.