Operating Systems. Module Descriptor

Transcription

1 The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA. Module Descriptor Operating Systems Level 6 C

2 1 Title Operating Systems 2 Code C Level 6 4 Value 2 credits 5 Purpose This module has been designed to enable the learner to understand the concepts and acquire the techniques associated with operating system environments. 6 Preferred Entry Level Level 5 Certificate in or equivalent. 7 Special Requirements The learner must have successfully completed FETAC Computer Architecture and Systems (C20012) or Information Systems (B20015) or equivalent. 8 General Aims This module aims to enable the learner to: 9 Units 8.1 understand the concepts involved in contemporary operating systems 8.2 appreciate the diversity of operating system platforms available 8.3 know the functions of an operating system 8.4 distinguish between different types of operating system 8.5 appreciate the need for system software 8.6 write short programs that use operating system services 8.7 appreciate the need for system administration. Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Introduction Operating System Architecture System Programming System Administration 1

3 10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Introduction The learner should be able to: describe the difference between application software and system software list examples of application software and system software explain the functions of an operating system explain how an operating system provides a working environment list the services that an operating system provides to an end user explain the different views of an operating system held by: a simple end user an applications programmer a systems programmer an operating system designer describe the different types of interface provided for operating systems explain the role of a command interpreter explain the role of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) list advantages of GUIs explain the following terms: single user operating system multi-tasking operating system multi-user operating system network operating system list examples of each of the above type of operating systems distinguish between the services provided by each of the operating systems listed in distinguish between a single processor system and a multiprocessor system explain the advantages of multi-processor systems over single processor systems. 2

4 Unit 2 Note: Operating System Architecture The specific learning outcomes stated in Unit 2 should be studied in relation to a multi-tasking or a multi-user operating system. The choice of operating system is at the discretion of the Assessor. The learner should be able to: draw a diagram to illustrate the main components of a modern operating system distinguish between the following: user level kernel level hardware level list services provided by the operating system at user level list services provided at kernel level list services provided at hardware level list the main components in the kernel of an operating system explain the term process explain what process management involves distinguish between the different states of a process in its life time cycle explain what the context of a process is explain what a context switch is explain the role of the scheduler explain the term round robin explain how ready to run processes are queued for the CPU describe what happens when a context switch takes place describe two different scheduling algorithms explain why the performance of the scheduler is crucial to the overall system performance explain the role of the memory manager describe how the memory manager allocates memory to processes explain the terms first fit and best fit explain what process communication is describe how processes can communicate with one another describe how processes can share a block of data explain what are semaphores and their use explain message queues 3

5 explain the function of the Input/Output sub-system describe the components in a file system distinguish between character I/O and block I/O list character devices and block devices explain the role of the hardware interface explain the term device driver describe the function of a device driver and list examples explain terms interrupt and exception distinguish between an interrupt and an exception explain the difference between interrupt driven I/O and polled I/O explain why interrupt driven I/O is more efficient than polled I/O. Unit 3 System Programming The learner should be able to: explain the term system call list system calls available in a chosen operating system write a program that uses system calls solve a problem that involves process communication. Unit 4 System Administration The learner should be able to: install or configure a given operating system setup users on the system set user passwords set file permissions execute a process kill a process explain issues of security configure a new piece of hardware, e.g. a new printer add/remove a device driver. 4

6 11 Assessment Summary Portfolio of Coursework 60% Written Examination 40% 11.1 Technique Portfolio of Coursework Format The portfolio of coursework is to consist of a Case Study and a Programming assignment Case Study 30% Details The case study is to be based on the specific learning outcomes in Units 1, 2 and 4. It should involve the study of an operating system, or some particular aspect of an operating system, whereby the learner applies the acquired understanding of the concepts. The report is to consist of 2000 typed words Programming Assignment 30% Details The assignment is to be based on Unit 3 and should involve the use of system calls or process communication Technique Written Examination Details The examination will be based on Units 1 and 2. 6 questions. Answer four questions. All questions carry equal marks 12 Performance Criteria 12.1 Portfolio of Coursework 12.2 Written Examination The performance criteria for each component of the portfolio are detailed in the accompanying Individual Candidate ing Sheets. The Assessor must devise an examination paper and an outline marking scheme. These must be made available to the external Authenticator. 13 Grading Pass 50-64% Merit 65-79% Distinction % 5

7 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 1 Operating Systems C30145 Case Study 30% Candidate Name: PPSN: Centre: Centre No: Performance Criteria Planning Purpose is specified Potential sources of information are identified Storage and organisation of information are effective Realistic work programme is established Methodology Specific aims and objectives are identified Required information/data is produced: legally safely within an agreed timeframe within resource constraints Reliable data is produced Content/Discussion Comprehension, originality and creativity are demonstrated Content/discussion is relevant Level of detail is appropriate Results/Recommendations/Conclusions Consistent with acquired information/data Effective collation of information Effective analysis of information Conclusions are justified Recommendations are appropriate Structure/Bibliography/Glossary Effective report layout is used: Title page Contents page Summary sheet Appropriate presentation of data Language conforms to conventions for report writing Grammatical accuracy Conciseness Logical organisation Referencing of sources used is complete and accurate Technical terms used are accurately defined Maximum Total 100 WEIGHED TOTAL (= TOTAL X 0.3) 30% Candidate Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 6

8 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 2 Operating Systems C30145 Programming Assignment Weighting 30% Candidate Name: PPSN: Centre: Centre No: Performance Criteria Maximum Candidate Solution Documentation 20 Use of operating system calls or process communication 35 Application 30 Testing 15 Total 100 WEIGHED TOTAL (= TOTAL X 0.3) 30% Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 7

9 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 3 Operating Systems C30145 Written Examination Weighting 40% Candidate Name: PPSN: Centre: Centre No: Performance Criteria Maximum Candidate Answer any four questions Question ( ) 25 Question ( ) 25 Question ( ) 25 Question ( ) 25 Total 100 WEIGHED TOTAL (= TOTAL X 0.4) 40% Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 8

10 FETAC Module Results Summary Sheet Module: Operating Systems Module Code: C30145 Elements of Assessment Case Study Portfolio of Coursework Programming Assignment Written Examination Maximum s per element of assessment 30% 30% 40% 100% Candidate Name Exam No. % s Grade* Signed: Teacher/Assessor: Date: This sheet is for teachers/assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the centre. The marks awarded should be transferred to the official FETAC Module Results Sheet issued to centres before the visit of the external Authenticator. Grade* D: % M: 65-79% P: 50-64% U: 0-49% W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment 9