COM320 Computer Networks and Operating Systems TBA. Independent study (including assessment)

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1 MODULE TITLE: MODULE CODE: Network Operating Systems COM581 YEAR OF INTRODUCTION: MODULE LEVEL: 6 CREDIT POINTS: 20 MODULE STATUS: SEMESTER: 2 LOCATION: E-LEARNING: PREREQUISITE(S): CO-REQUISITE(S): MODULE CO-ORDINATOR(S): TEACHING STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR MODULE DELIVERY: HOURS: TOTAL EFFORT HOURS: ACADEMIC SUBJECT: MODULAR SUBJECT: Compulsory Magee Blended Learning COM320 Computer Networks and Operating Systems Woods, D.N. TBA Lectures Tutorials Practicals Independent study (including assessment) 200 hours Computing Not applicable 12 hrs 4 hrs 36 hrs 148 hrs RATIONALE The Operating System is the software layer that defines the user view of any computer and makes current almost incredibly complex hardware, accessible, useful and easy to use. It also provides protection of the hardware systems from the user. The study of Operating Systems is also the study of the environment in which almost all software applications are written. Virtually all computer systems interact via the Internet and the Networked Operating System is now by far the most common scenario. Mobile access to information is rapidly becoming a de facto requirement and this has major implications for the practical implementation of information security. Again, the Operating System is the key determinant in security implementation. Consequently, it is essential that the student of computer science or Information systems has a strong grasp of this key foundation technology and understands both the theoretical concepts of the subject and its practical implementation in rapidly

2 evolving inter-networked environments. AIMS The essential aim of the module is to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of the key theoretical concepts of modern Networked Operating Systems, and to enable the student to understand the relationship between this theory and the practical implementation of current Information Systems. The module takes an implementation focussed and skills based approach to provide the student with the confidence gained through practical knowledge and the ability to build upon that confidence in either the workplace or in further academic study. The importance and potential of Virtual Machine techniques and technology will be studied through their use as a key teaching tool for the module. LEARNING OUTCOMES A successful student will be able to: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING K1 Be equipped with a sound knowledge of the primary functions of Operating Systems. K2 Understand the theoretical concepts underpinning the state of networked operating system development. K3 Understand how the theoretical concepts inform the practical implementation of the modern networked operating system. K4 Understand the key tools and techniques that enable Networked Operating Systems Management and make appropriate choices for specific target platforms. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 Comprehend the key importance of Networked Operating Systems development and be aware of the need for continuous study and personal development.. Learn both independently and cooperatively PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 Make appropriate choices of Operating System in specific circumstances. P2 Implement a Linux Operating System and provide user support. P3 Consider the impact of Smart-phone and other evolving platforms on Operating Systems and security P4 Manage and Prioritize time to meet deadlines.

3 TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 Work effectively as part of a team. Prepare technical reports to a high standard. Create Networked Operating System solutions utilizing current tools and techniques CONTENT Operating Systems Theory Operating Systems Theory Popular Operating Systems Mobile Operating Systems Networks and the OS Network Connectivity Real machines and Virtual Machines Operating Systems Practice Introduction to the Linux Operating System. Installing OpenSUSE. Managing Files and Directories. Creating and Editing Files with Text Editors. Creating Shell Scripts and Displaying File Contents. Managing Data: Backup and Recovery Processes. Managing Users and Groups. Managing Mobile Access Scenarios Internetworking and the OS Network Services. Installing Software Packages. Apache Web Server. The Domain Name System. Configuring a Mail Server. Working with the Network File System. Installing Linux. Linux FileSystem Management and Administration. Managing Resources in Linux. Networking in a Linux Environment. Internetworking Interoperating Linux and Windows. Securing Linux. Linux Kernel. Mobile Devices and Security System Monitoring and Performance Tuning. Problem Solving and Troubleshooting in a Linux Network.

4 TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS Lectures will be used to present all the relevant theory and concepts. Lecture supplementary material will be accessible via the web. Tutorials will be used to present practical problems associated with networked operating systems and concepts presented in the lectures. Practical exercises will be designed to introduce the student to the process and techniques of scripting in Unix, Linux and Python, essential for system management and the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a typical networked operating system. Tutorials and Practical exercises will be implemented through the use of virtualization Software enabling each student to have a virtual machine with Linux OS, thus creating a highly productive learning environment where users benefit from hardware-independent, hands-on lab activities. Students will be directed to read the recommended textbook from the Reading List in order to reinforce a deep understanding of each topic covered in the lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. The module is offered by Blended Learning.

5 ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK Coursework: Coursework will comprise the completion of lab-based assignment tasks, Blackboard style assessment, and writing technical reports on directed topics. These will be kept current year-on-year. Coursework will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods including oral presentations, and laboratory-based assessment. Typically the coursework will comprise of 2 elements of equal weighting (each 50% of the coursework mark for the module): Report: Students are required to produce a technical report on the concepts covered by this module (Week 8; 50% of the overall coursework mark). Lab assessment: Students are required to design, implement and test solutions to networked OS problem scenarios to meet a given specification (Week 12; 50% of the overall coursework mark). Students are provided with detailed requirements specifications and assessment criteria for the coursework. For the Technical report students are required to produce a report on directed key concepts studied in the module. For the networked OS coursework element, students are required to design implement and test solutions to meet a given specification. Their solutions will be incremental and will be catalogued in a lab-book for submission at the end of the module. Feedback: For the report, summative and formative feedback will be provided to each individual student via an electronically annotated copy of the submission. There will also be a group discussion on the report topics typically at the beginning of the class following the submission date. For the Networked OS problem solutions, formative and summative feedback will be provided:- (i) At an interim checkpoint to monitor progress. This is typically in week 6 and is done via a face-to-face meeting in the labs. (ii) Following the final submission. This is by verbal comments in the final lab sessions and by an individual ed commentary. The students will also receive feedback in the form of support and encouragement during the development of the solutions and this is dealt with variously by or by one-to-one or group discussions in the laboratory sessions as appropriate as the module progresses.

6 Examination The examination will address the theoretical aspects of the module and there will be an element of choice. Typically a candidate will be required to attempt 4 questions from a choice of 6. All questions will carry equal overall marks. The examination will be of 3- hours duration. 50% Coursework 50% Examination READING LIST Required Basta,, A, and Finamore, DA., 2013, Linux Operations and Administration, International Edition, Cengage (Pearson). Recommended Mansfield Jr. K C and Antonakos, J L, 2010, omp ter et or ing rom s : ard are oft are and e rit, Cengage (Pearson). Tanenbaum, A.S. and Wetherall, D.J. 2011, Computer Networks, 5 th Edition, Pearson. s to SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The module combines an in-depth study of the key theoretical concepts of modern Networked Operating systems, with practical hands-on techniques to enable the student to understand the relationship between this theory and the practical implementation of current Information Systems.