National CAE Designated Institution
  • Classroom

This course introduces students to the Information Technology (IT) hardware and systems software concepts. Topics include: computer hardware, operating systems, system software, hardware and software integration, operating procedures, system performance, security/safety, and compatibility. Student labs and hands-on activities will include: Windows, Unix, and Linux systems, system utilities and software tools.

Learning Objectives

  1. To explain in systems terms the fundamental characteristics and components of computer and telecommunications hardware, and system software, and demonstrate how these components interact
  2. To provide an overview of peripheral devices and their function
  3. To describe the concepts of computer hardware architectures
  4. To describe the concepts of system software components and interactions
  5. To describe the major concepts in operating systems, including process definition, concurrent processing, memory management, scheduling, interrupt processing, security and file systems
  6. To describe a variety of operating environments (command line and GUI) and resource requirements
  7. To describe the requirements for interoperability and systems integration
  8. To install, configure, and operate a multi-user operating system and common systems utilities
  9. To discuss and explain underlying principles and issues of distributed versus centralized computer systems
  10. To discuss issues pertinent to the management and transfer of emerging technologies

Framework Connections

The materials within this course focus on the NICE Framework Task, Knowledge, and Skill statements identified within the indicated NICE Framework component(s):