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 C30145 www.fetac.ie
1 Title Operating Systems 2 Code C30145 3 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
10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Introduction The learner should be able to: 10.1.1 describe the difference between application software and system software 10.1.2 list examples of application software and system software 10.1.3 explain the functions of an operating system 10.1.4 explain how an operating system provides a working environment 10.1.5 list the services that an operating system provides to an end user 10.1.6 explain the different views of an operating system held by: a simple end user an applications programmer a systems programmer an operating system designer 10.1.7 describe the different types of interface provided for operating systems 10.1.8 explain the role of a command interpreter 10.1.9 explain the role of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 10.1.10 list advantages of GUIs 10.1.11 explain the following terms: single user operating system multi-tasking operating system multi-user operating system network operating system 10.1.12 list examples of each of the above type of operating systems 10.1.13 distinguish between the services provided by each of the operating systems listed in 10.1.11 10.1.14 distinguish between a single processor system and a multiprocessor system 10.1.15 explain the advantages of multi-processor systems over single processor systems. 2
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: 10.2.1 draw a diagram to illustrate the main components of a modern operating system 10.2.2 distinguish between the following: user level kernel level hardware level 10.2.3 list services provided by the operating system at user level 10.2.4 list services provided at kernel level 10.2.5 list services provided at hardware level 10.2.6 list the main components in the kernel of an operating system 10.2.7 explain the term process 10.2.8 explain what process management involves 10.2.9 distinguish between the different states of a process in its life time cycle 10.2.10 explain what the context of a process is 10.2.11 explain what a context switch is 10.2.12 explain the role of the scheduler 10.2.13 explain the term round robin 10.2.14 explain how ready to run processes are queued for the CPU 10.2.15 describe what happens when a context switch takes place 10.2.16 describe two different scheduling algorithms 10.2.17 explain why the performance of the scheduler is crucial to the overall system performance 10.2.18 explain the role of the memory manager 10.2.19 describe how the memory manager allocates memory to processes 10.2.20 explain the terms first fit and best fit 10.2.21 explain what process communication is 10.2.22 describe how processes can communicate with one another 10.2.23 describe how processes can share a block of data 10.2.24 explain what are semaphores and their use 10.2.25 explain message queues 3
10.2.26 explain the function of the Input/Output sub-system 10.2.27 describe the components in a file system 10.2.28 distinguish between character I/O and block I/O 10.2.29 list character devices and block devices 10.2.30 explain the role of the hardware interface 10.2.31 explain the term device driver 10.2.32 describe the function of a device driver and list examples 10.2.33 explain terms interrupt and exception 10.2.34 distinguish between an interrupt and an exception 10.2.35 explain the difference between interrupt driven I/O and polled I/O 10.2.36 explain why interrupt driven I/O is more efficient than polled I/O. Unit 3 System Programming The learner should be able to: 10.3.1 explain the term system call 10.3.2 list system calls available in a chosen operating system 10.3.3 write a program that uses system calls 10.3.4 solve a problem that involves process communication. Unit 4 System Administration The learner should be able to: 10.4.1 install or configure a given operating system 10.4.2 setup users on the system 10.4.3 set user passwords 10.4.4 set file permissions 10.4.5 execute a process 10.4.6 kill a process 10.4.7 explain issues of security 10.4.8 configure a new piece of hardware, e.g. a new printer 10.4.9 add/remove a device driver. 4
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. 11.1.1 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. 11.1.2 Programming Assignment 30% Details The assignment is to be based on Unit 3 and should involve the use of system calls or process communication. 11.2 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 80-100% 5
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% 10 20 40 20 10 Candidate Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 6
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
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
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: 80-100% M: 65-79% P: 50-64% U: 0-49% W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment 9