COURSE OFFERED: Fall 2014

DEPARTMENT: Information and Logistics Technology

COURSE NUMBER: 2332

COURSE NAME: Information Technology Hardware and Systems Software

INSTRUCTOR: Victor Leal

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS CLASS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AWARE OF
ANY ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES PRESENTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR
DURING THE COURSE.

Hybrid Class Expectations
This class is a hybrid class, with one class meeting per week. Please remember that while there is
only one class meeting, this is a three hour course. As such, there will be a substantial amount of
work that is expected to be completed outside of class time.

Learning Objectives
The purpose of this class is to provide a conceptual and technological survey of the structure of
distributed information systems architectures, operating systems, network operating systems,
data management systems, application development environments, peripheral technology, and
user interfaces. Upon completion of the class, students should be able to
Define and explain IT systems models including computer and communication systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of IT in supporting business processes
Research, list, and identify computer system components and their vendors.
Understand through practical examples how protocols are used to enable communications.
Define and explain relevant terms and concepts including operating systems, hardware architecture,
telecommunications, and distributed computing.
Demonstrate and explain two different operating systems (Windows and Linux) and their related
environments.
Draw and explain layered communication models including OSI and TCP/IP.
Define and explain basic communication terms and concepts including ports, protocols, transmission
medium, wireless, and standards.
Define, and demonstrate digital security basics.
Understand the role and structure of the Internet as an IT infrastructure component.
Articulate and explain current Information Technology (IT) trends.
Major Assignments
The table below shows the breakdown of assignments and their relative weight for the course.
Activity Percentage
Exams 40%
Final Exam 20%
Research Paper 20%
Assignments 20%
Exams: These exams will be in-class.
Final Exam: The final exam will be held at the scheduled time as set by the university for this class.
The final is comprehensive.
Assignments (homework, in-class): An assignment is a homework or in-class activity that is graded.
This class is a hybrid, so you should expect that the homework assignments will take time, so plan
accordingly. Many assignments will be through Blackboard Learn, so internet access will be required.
Research Project: Students will be required to submit a group research project on an IT topic. Possible
topics will be announced in class.

Tentative Schedule
The following is a tentative schedule for class topics and exams and may change over the course
of the semester.
Date Activity
8/27/14 Introduction and Class Overview
9/3/14 Hardware and Microprocessors
9/10/14 Computer Hardware Lab
9/17/14 Exam 1: Hardware
9/24/14 Intro to Operating Systems
10/1/14 Windows Configuration Lab
10/8/14 Exam 2: Windows
10/15/14 Intro to Linux
10/22/14 Basic Linux Administration
10/29/14 Thanksgiving Holiday
11/5/14 Intro to Shell Scripting
11/12/14 Exam 3: Linux
11/19/14 Intro to Networking
11/26/14 Network Cabling Lab
12/3/14 The Internet of Things
* Networking exam is online

Final Exam
The final exam will be on December 17th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in our regular classroom
unless you are notified otherwise. The final exam is comprehensive
Required Books and Materials
The majority of the textbooks for this class may be found on Safari Online through the university
library. Additional readings will be drawn from other Safari Online books as well as journals,
magazines, and other internet sources.

Textbooks
Computer and Information Ethics (available in UH Bookstore) By: Marsha Cook Woodbury,
Phd. Publisher: Stipes Publishing ISBN: 1588741559

The following are available in Safari through the UH Library:
ALL IN ONE CompTIA A+ Certification: Exam Guide (Exams 220801 & 220802), Eighth
Edition By: Meyers Michael Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publication Date: 01-AUG2012
Book URL: http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.ezproxy.lib.uh.edu/book/certification/aplus/9780071795128

Linux Bible, 8
th
Edition By: Christopher Negus; Christine Bresnahan, Publisher: John Wiley &
Sons, Publication Date: September 11
th
2012 ISBN: 978-1-118-21854-9
Book URL: http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com.ezproxy.lib.uh.edu/book/operating-systems-and-server-administration/linux/9781118282878

List of Discussion/Lecture Topics
The planned topics for the semester include
Computer hardware
Windows OS architecture
Linux OS architecture
Linux shell scripting
Networking architectures
Network protocols
Business drivers for IT strategy
Communications protocols
The Internet of Things

Academic Honesty
Students are expected to abide by the universitys academic honesty policy in all matters
concerning this course. Policy.

It is expected and encouraged for students to collaborate on some programming assignments.
Collaboration does not mean copying from another student. All assignments will be checked
against other student submissions. In cases where identical assignments are turned in for credit,
ALL students with these assignments will be reported for plagiarism. The penalties, as outlined
in the Academic Honesty Policy, can range from an F on an assignment to expulsion from the
university.
Computer Accounts and Important University Policies
You must obtain a Cougarnet computer account by the end of the first week of class.
Applications for an account and password resets are implemented via the Colleges distributed
IT support personnel in Room 103 (T2). The process takes at least an hour to complete, so do not
wait until right before the next class.
Please refer to the Appropriate use of Computing Resources policy at
http://www.uh.edu/infotech/policies/reference-guide/appropriate-use-of-computing/index.php Pay
particular attention to the Code of Practice for Illegal Activity and Objectionable Material section.
In particular, University policy prohibits sexual and discriminatory harassment. The University of
Houstons computing and networking facilities are not to be used to libel, slander, or harass any other
person. Harassment includes the display of offensive material in any publicly accessible area on
computer screens in the class or in the labs.

The penalty for violating this policy will be expulsion from my classroom with a grievance
hearing necessary to be readmitted to class. Students should report incidents of harassment
to their instructor or the lab coordinator.

Software Piracy
Law strictly prohibits students from any unauthorized copying of software, which has been
purchased by the University of Houston for use in the laboratories. University administration will
take appropriate disciplinary action against anyone violating these copyright laws. Students are
also strictly prohibited from placing any unauthorized personal software on College of
Technology computers, including files copied from the internet.

Student Accommodations under the Americans with
Disabilities Act
When possible, and in accordance with 504/ADA guidelines, we will attempt to provide
reasonable academic accommodations to students who request and require them. Please call the
Center for Students with Disabilities at ext 35400 for more assistance. Students with special
needs should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

Disclaimer/Syllabus Change
While every effort is made to ensure that all information and dates are accurate at the time of
printing this syllabus, I reserve the right to make any changes to this course. Modifications
include, but are not limited to, adding quizzes, changing assignments and/or due dates, or
providing opportunities for extra credit. Verbal notification at any regularly scheduled class
meeting or through any of the established means of communication such as email, Blackboard
Learn, or update of online syllabus will constitute sufficient notice. Students are responsible for
keeping up to date of any changes. The current record syllabus will be maintained on Blackboard
Learn.