ITSM 1423 Modern Operating Systems Syllabus 810 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 2 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
CIP Code
11.1006
Course Meeting Time

Face-to-Face = T/TH 6-7:30 pm (16 wks)

Course Description
This course provides an introduction to operating system basics to give students a deeper understanding of the various operating systems available. Relevant macOS and Windows desktop operating systems will be covered, as well as Windows Server and Linux. Students will learn networking basics and information for how to create mixed environments. Topics will include installation, configuration and maintenance of the operating systems as well as the devices and systems contained within the OS.
Explanation of Course Alignment

Relationship to academic programs and transfer:
ITSM 1423 Modern Operating Systems was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program. Transferability of this course will be determined by each transfer institution. Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer option. 
 

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Tony Hill
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
8158028664
Faculty Office Number
D329
Faculty Information

Please contact instructor to make an appointment.

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the different modern operating systems of Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  2. Understand and explain the various modern operating systems and how they work.
  3. Explain the purpose process and memory management and the operating system kernel.
  4. Understand, explain, and differentiate popular CPUs.
  5. Understand and utilize different file systems.
  6. Prepare, install and configure operating systems.
  7. Properly install, configure devices and drivers.
  8. Configure and manage different storage devices.
  9. Understand modern cloud and virtualization concepts.
  10. Install, configure, and support networking within the operating systems.
  11. Setup network resource sharing as well as securing the systems with accounts, groups, and permissions.
  12. Secure and maintain operating systems with policy creation and implementation.
  13. Install and configure host firewalls and secure data with authentication, authorization and encryption.
Topical Outline
  • Operating Systems Fundamentals
  • Modern Client and Server Operating Systems.
  • The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • File Systems
  • Installing Operating Systems
  • Devices and Device Drivers
  • Using and Configuring Storage Devices
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing Fundamentals
  • Network Fundamentals and Configuration
  • Account and Resource Management
  • Securing and Maintaining an Operating System
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Guide to Operating Systems
by Greg Tomsho | 6th Edition | Copyright 2021

Tomsho's GUIDE TO OPERATING SYSTEMS, 6th Edition equips learners with fundamental theory and practical technical information as they work with today's most popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS and Linux platforms.
Provided by Cengage.

 

Additional: A PC with Windows 10 or higher along with Internet access is required for successfully working with the materials to complete this course.
 

Methods of Evaluation

Student evaluation is based on points accrued. Point values may change based on added or removed assignments.

• Assignments, Quizzes and Labs –40%
• Discussions –25%
• Final – 25%
• Attendance / Professionalism– 10%
 

Corresponding grading scale:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
59% or lower = F
 

Academic Division

Business, Technology & Human Services

Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650

Course Policies

Attendance Policy – Virtual or Face-to-Face
Attendance is mandatory. If a class or lab session must be missed, arrangements must be made prior to the absence. If an absence is not planned, a valid excuse (i.e., doctor’s note, etc.) must be provided to the instructor for each missed session at the beginning of the following class session. Make-up work, including assignments, quizzes, exams, etc., is provided at the discretion of the instructor and must be completed within one week of the missed class period.

Readings
This course requires you to read the assigned reading from the instructor. Lectures will provide only an overview of the reading material. You are expected to come to class prepared for that day’s lecture.


Quizzes, Assignments, & Exams
Each of you possess different test taking abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. With this in mind, due diligence has been used in designing all quizzes, assignments, and exams so that they may contain a mixture of multiple choice, matching, short answer recall and essay. Quizzes are meant to assess your recall and retention of lecture, reading, and lab materials. Assignments will be administered as a follow up for select topics throughout the semester. Exams are designed to assess retention of lecture and reading materials, while also assessing your ability to compare /contrast and apply concepts. Quizzes can be given at any time with or without notice. 

Additional information:
• Quizzes may be posted on Canvas.
• On face-to-face quiz and exam days, students must arrive on time and be ready to take the quiz or exam at the start of class.
•If a student enters the classroom late on a quiz day, he/she may take the quiz as long as at least one student is still in possession of the quiz. If all students have completed and turned in the quiz, he/she may not take the quiz.
• Students will not be permitted to enter the classroom and take the exam once the exam has started. 
• Once an exam or quiz has been administered, a student will not be permitted to leave for any reason until he/she turns the exam in.
• If a student’s cell phone is disruptive during an exam or quiz, the student will receive a zero on that exam.
• If a student is found using their cell phone in any way during an exam or quiz, it will be considered to be a case of cheating and the student will receive a zero on the exam as well as the possibility of receiving an F for the course grade.
• Late assignments will not be accepted unless arrangements are made – see Attendance Policy.

Lab
Labs will be hands-on and reinforce the concepts and practices discussed during lecture. After or during each lab exercise you may be required to complete a lab worksheet. These worksheets will be due to the instructor when directed.
 

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Classroom Guidelines – Virtual or Face-to-Face


• Turn off all cell phones and all other items that may beep, buzz, or otherwise interrupt the instructor and other students. If you must have your cell phone on for work or a family emergency, set it to vibrate and leave the classroom if you receive a call. 
• No texting during class.
• Failure to follow either of the above rules will result in a warning (first offense), 5 point deduction from your class grade (second offense), and removal from the class period (third and beyond offense). 
• This is your course! You will gain the most from this course if you actively participate in classroom and lab discussions and share your experiences and questions. 
• Learn the names of your classmates and help one another whenever possible (but not during quizzes and exams).
• This is your classroom! Take responsibility for the classroom and lab areas by picking up after yourself. No food in computer labs.
• Audio/video recording of class is not permitted unless pre-approved by the instructor
• Laptop usage is not allowed during class, unless otherwise stated by instructor.
• iPod usage or headphone devices of any kind are not allowed during class
• Arrive promptly before class begins.
• No tobacco products may be used on campus. 
• Know and follow basic safety rules. Report any accidents, injuries, spills, or problems to the instructor immediately. 
• Do not come to class when you are ill and likely to infect others.
• Minor children are not allowed in the classroom or lab areas for safety reasons.
• No students will be allowed to work in lab areas outside of class time without instructor permission and appropriate supervision.

Student Integrity
All students are expected to take quizzes, exams, write papers, and conduct themselves with integrity, common sense, and respect for their fellow students, the instructor, and the academic institution. Students should not jeopardize their own honesty or that of other students.

Cheating will not be tolerated. Upon evidence of student cheating, the student will be dropped from the course and receive a grade of F in the course.

AI Usage
Students must obtain permission from the instructor before using AI composition software / AI writing tools / AI tools (such as ChatGPT), etc. for any assignments in this course. Using these tools without the instructor’s permission places your academic integrity at risk.

If AI tools are used, students are expected to demonstrate transparency and provide appropriate citations for any AI-generated content included in their work.
 

Course Calendar

Week 1 Introductions, Syllabus, Course Expectations, Goals
Operating Systems Fundamentals Module 1 Introductions, expectations and goals.

Discussion: Examine the different OS fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with the OS terminology

Check Your Understanding
• Common operating systems
• Purposes of an Operating System

Week 2 Modern Client and Server Operating Systems 

Module 2 
Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab


Week 3 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 

Module 3 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab


Week 4 File Systems 

Module 4 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab


Week 5 File Systems 

Module 4 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 6 Installing Operating Systems 

Module 5 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 7 Installing Operating Systems 

Module 5 (cont.) Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 8 Devices and Device Drivers 

Module 6 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 9 Using and Configuring Storage Devices 

Module 7 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 10 Virtualization and Cloud Computing Fundamentals 

Module 8 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 11 Network Fundamentals and Configuration 

Module 9 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 12 Account and Resource Management
Module 10 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 13 Securing and Maintaining an Operating System 

Module 11 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 14 AI Ethics Week #1 

Module 12 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 15 AI Ethics Week #2 

Module 13 Assigned Readings
In-Class / Online Discussions
Assignment
Tuesday Lab
Thursday Lab
 

Week 16 Review
Final Reflection / Research Project
 

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.