Course Syllabus
Syllabus: CIS 2230 System Administration
Course Description
In this course, the student explores the basics of system management. The course provides the student with enough theory to understand how operating systems work and to interpret the output of various management tools. It also covers practical issues in system administration including process, memory, and file system monitoring and performance tuning. Computer security is also discussed. Prerequisite: CIS-1350 Desktop Operating Systems. Recommended Prior Learning: CIS-2150 Intro to Linux and CIS-2120 Concepts of Local Area Networks.
Essential Objectives
1. Describe the minimum and optimum hardware requirements of recent Windows and Linux server-based operating systems, comparing and contrasting requirements and features.
2. Demonstrate the process of installing current operating systems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to perform daily system management tasks, such as creating and managing user and administrative user accounts, monitoring system logs, and performing backups of critical data.
4. Plan and discuss strategies for keeping a system up to date, including security patches, software upgrades, and the appropriate balance between system uptime, system reliability, and system security.
5. Plan and develop shell scripts and discuss the options for automating common tasks and processes using shell scripts and cron jobs.
6. Discuss file sharing and printer server options and associated user rights and permissions.
7. Implement and test the process of connecting clients and shared printers to the network and the server.
Textbooks & Technology
Required Textbooks:
There are no required textbooks.
Technology Requirements:
Reliable internet, a computer that supports the installation of virtualization client and virtual machines.
Module Topics
- Module 1: Virtualization software setup, review IP addressing.
- Module 2: Windows Server installation, network storage.
- Module 3: Linux Server installation.
- Module 4: Users and Groups in Windows and Linux.
- Module 5: Windows file shares, rights, and permissions.
- Module 6: Linux file shares, rights, and permissions.
- Module 7: Websites and FTP- Apache.
- Module 8: Websites and FTP- IIS.
- Module 9: Print services.
- Module 10: Scripts and task automation.
- Module 11: Remote desktop services, SSH.
- Module 12: Server update and security- Windows and Linux.
- Modules 13: Active Directory, DNS, DHCP.
- Module 14: Project presentations
- Module 15: Final Exam
Suggested Progression
This course follows a sequence of material from Module 1 through Module 15. Each week we will talk about the material for a specific module. You are more than welcome to look ahead or work ahead as your time needs require. Note that discussions for a specific module must be within the week we are focusing on a specific module. Quizzes are available only during the module in which it is assigned and assignments are due by the last day of the module in which it was assigned.
Grading
Your final grade will be based on the following assessments:
| Assignment Category | Grade Weight Percentage |
|---|---|
| Discussion/Participation | 10% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Module Assignments | 30% |
| Research Paper | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
Assignments Overview
Each module contains a Discussion forum where you will learn about and discuss focused elements of system administration. A focus of these discussions will be cybersecurity. Eight modules include a short quiz for you to check your comprehension of the assigned readings and lectures. Finally, there are short assignments that allow you to record the work done in the virtual practice environments.
Discussion forums are a part of every learning module and are post-first discussions, which means that you will post your reply before seeing the replies of others. Discussions will be graded based on the following rubric:
| Exceeds Expectations | Meets Expectations | Approaching Expectations | Does Not Meet Expectations | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Comprehensive, in-depth and wide-ranging (5 points) |
Up to date and relevant (4 points) |
Relevant but not comprehensive (3 points) |
Limited superficial knowledge/response (2 points) |
5 points |
| Understanding | Outstanding ability to grasp concepts and relate theory to practice (5 points) |
High level of ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (4 points) |
Some ability to conceptualize essential ideas and relate theory to practice (3 points) |
Limited ability to draw out concepts and relate theory to practice (2 points) |
5 points |
| Writing Skills | Excellent mechanics, sentence structure, and organization (5 points) |
Significant mechanics, structure and organization (4 points) |
Some grammatical lapses, uses emotional response in lieu of relevant points (3 points) |
Poor grammar, weak communication (2 points) |
5 points |
| Application & Analysis | Grasps inner relationship of concepts. Excellent use of a wide range of supporting material (5 points) |
Demonstrates the ability to analyze and synthesize, independent analysis, good use of a range of supportive material (4 points) |
Informed commentary with some evidence of genuine analysis; some supportive materials used (3 points) |
Lacks evidence of critical analysis, poor use of supportive evidence (2 points) |
5 points |
| Total Points: | 20 points |
Feedback
It is important to review feedback for your assignments and discussions to see where you are meeting expectations and where additional work may be needed.
Student Support & Policies
Please review the following policies and support services:
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|