I.

II.

Prerequisite:

See recommendation in Course (Catalog) Description

III.

Course (Catalog) Description:

Course concentrates on advanced concepts in working with the DOS operating system environment. Content includes using advanced DOS commands, creating and modifying complex batch files, internal memory management, device drivers, designing backup procedures, DEBUG, and exposure to operating system software products. Recommended: CIS 117 or comparable knowledge.

IV.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Use advanced DOS commands.
2. Set up a DOS system using batch programs.
3. Improve software efficiency through better memory structuring, optimizing hard disk access, and RAM drives.
4. Design and implement a backup system.
5. Understand data recovery techniques.
6. Use DOS commands and device drivers to add new devices, optimize each device, and make those devices work together more efficiently.
7. Use DEBUG as a program generator, analyzer, and customizer.
8. Be familiar with additional software products to enhance the use of DOS.

V.

Academic Integrity:

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

VI.

Outline of Topics:

1. Batch File
   1. Logic
   2. Replaceable parameters
   3. Linking batch files
   4. Branching
   5. Loops
2. Memory Management
   1. Hex and binary number systems
   2. Memory layout and associated commands (conventional, upper, extended, expanded)
   3. Memory managers (SMARTDrive, Loadhigh, Loadfix, DeviceHigh, EMM386)
   4. Disk-Caching
   5. Loading TSRs
3. Controlling Devices
   1. Device drivers
   2. Controlling the display (ANSI.SYS, mode, DISPLAY.SYS)
   3. Controlling the printer (PRINTER.SYS, Graphics)
   4. Controlling disks (DRIVER.SYS, ASSIGN, JOIN)
   5. Controlling the keyboard
   6. Controlling I/O ports
4. Disk Management
   1. Partitions (FDISK)
   2. Reasons and strategies for partitioning
   3. Clusters, allocation units
   4. Batch files to help with hard drive management
   5. Backup strategies
5. SET Command
6. Redirection, Pipes, and Filters
7. Debug, Interrupts, and Hex Editing
8. Direct Memory Access (Interrupts)
9. Viruses
10. CISC/RISC technology
11. Utilities

VII.

Methods of Instruction:

Lecture, class discussion, class exercises, and laboratory exercises. This course will be taught in the computer lab.

VIII.

Course Practices Required:

Attend class and participate in class activities. Complete required assignments and tests.

IX.

Instructional Materials:

TEXTBOOK: Comprehensive Windows 2000 MS-DOS Command Line; Author:                        Phillips; Published by Course Technology

Current periodicals

X.

Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

At least 4 projects/assignments and at least 1 exam.

XI.

Other Course Information:

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Receiving improper assistance is dishonest. Since the evaluation of student work (assignments, quizzes, and tests) eventually results in a grade recorded on an official transcript, it is expected that students will do their own work unless specified otherwise in class. Any work which reflects the unacknowledged efforts of another person is an attempt at fraud and will be dealt with as such.