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INFO300 - Computing Hardware & Software - Fall
2008 Syllabus
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Course Description:
The course introduces: principles of computer hardware and software
architecture & organization; a survey of what is likely to be
encountered in a business environment today; operating systems; data structures;
and interface to OS via command line and GUI.
Projects include diagrams and bills of details for a PC or other
desktop system, a LAN, and a WAN. Exercises introduce the unix/linux
command line, Microsoft DOS/command line, and other OS interfaces
and functions.
Classroom demonstrations will introduce networking hardware &
software, and steps to secure a small to medium-sized LAN
A 'term paper' or other written assignments will be assigned.
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Objectives: At the completion of the course
the successful student will demonstrate:
| 1)An ability to apply knowledge of computing
and mathematics appropriate to the discipline |
| 2)An understanding of computing hardware
fundamentals, including classes of computer platforms, processor
architecture, and basic networking equipment |
| 3)An understanding of software fundamentals and
architecture, and types of software involved in business systems |
| 4)An understanding of operating systems likely
to be encountered in business |
| 5)Some experience with Linux/*ix at the command
line and with server-based text editors, setting file
permissions, &c. |
| 6)An ability to communicate effectively about
historical, current, and emerging computing technology |
| 7)An ability to use a CASE tool to diagram a
hardware system, or network, of moderate complexity to the
specifications provided by the instructor. |
| 8)An ability to state basic requirements and
components for system and network security |
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Text:
Operating Systems: A Systematic View; Davis & Rajkumar;
Addison Wesley. The 5th edition is in the bookstore, the 6th
edition is current on-line. Either will work for the course.
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Grades are the proportion
of 100 points students earn on quizzes and projects: A 90 - 100; B
80 - 89; C 70 - 79; D 60 - 69; F below 60; fractions higher than .5
will be rounded up.
Quizzes ask for short essays, short answers, definitions, & sketches
& diagrams in response to questions about concepts presented in the
text and in class.
Quizzes and tests must be taken at the announced time unless prior
arrangements are made for an absence.
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Submit each of the projects
or 'papers' as a single MSOffice document, or as an index.html &
supporting files, attached to email addressed to gasaunde@vcu.edu,
Clearly Identified with INFO300 in the Subject Line and a 'From
Name' that appears on my roster. These should be professional in
appearance and entirely your own work.
The 'papers' must be submitted 'electronically' as attachments
to email and also, printed, stapled at one corner. The
paper copy of 'technical briefs' _must_ be accompanied with
copies of web or journal pages used as references, and the
references must be cited in the body of the technical brief.
The 'LAN project' should clearly diagram the media and connections and detail
the software, equipment, and services that make up the network
presented. The User of your document should be able to open one file
or link and see your entire presentation. If using MSOffice tools,
please copy/paste all pages into one Word, Visio, Excel, or
PowerPoint document.
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When an assignment has been submitted via email,
expect a timely reply from me. If my home page states that email has
been answered for the period in which yours was sent, please send
another copy of your project with clearly identified email asap,
with a note explaining that a prior submit may have been lost. Send
a properly identified, brief, introductory email to me describing
your interest in our INFO major before noon the first Friday of this
semester and receive ONE more point.
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VCU Honor Code and Conduct Policy
This serves as notice of what happens when
students cheat, facilitate academic dishonesty, or otherwise
misbehave at VCU. When I observe cheating I turn the matter over to
the University's Honor Coordinator and certify that I have posted
notices about the Honor Code and discussed them in class.
In this class Cheating would be copying from a 'crib sheet' or
another student's test. Or, It would also be Cheating to submit a
LAN or WAN Bill of Details that was actually done by another person.
Students are encouraged to work together and learn tools together,
but each student should start with an empty file and fill it with
their own keystrokes and mouse clicks. It is not appropriate
for two students to submit a project as 'a team' unless the
project has been assigned as a team. It is never appropriate to take
a file, or any element of a project, that another student has made, modify it, and submit it as
one's own work. Giving another student a copy of you LAN
project is 'facilitating academic dishonesty', which is another
form of cheating.
Here are links to VCU's Honor and Conduct pages:
VCU Honor System
Conduct Guide
Please adhere to these policies: No food or
drinks in the classroom except clear water; Set cell phones to
silent & do not answer them during class.
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