CS 300-3
Introduction to Linux
Catalog Description
A gentle introduction to the Linux operating system. Computer programming experience is not required.Students will gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to install, configure, and use Linux. Emphasis will be placed on basic administration skills and security. Software for Linux will be surveyed, particularly to identify replacements for standard Windows applications. Prior experience with Windows or Macintosh operating systems is assumed.
Prerequisite:
None
Objectives
1.To introduce the general student population to Linux, an operating system growing in popularity among computer science professionals.
2.To show students how to install Linux on a personal computer.
3.To show students how to use Linux effectively.
4.To show students how to secure their Linux installation.
Organization
The course meets for two lecture hours and one lab hour per week Topic coverage is given in terms of lecture and lab hours. The following course outline is not necessarily intended as a sequential ordering.
Course Outline
| Lectures | ||
| 1. | Linux vs. UNIX vs. Windows vs. DOS vs. MAC Operating Systems:
operating system basics, history, differences, proprietary vs. free and open source software. |
2 |
| 2. | GUIs vs. CLIs:
graphical and command-line interfaces tradeoffs, Linux shells, the Linux GUI (X windows and the KDE and Gnome window managers). |
3 |
| 3. | Linux Basics:
the filesystem, permissions, processes, etc. |
3 |
| 4. | Shell Commands:
using the Linux CLI effectively. |
4 |
| 5. | Distributions:
what is a Linux distribution, choosing a distribution. |
2 |
| 6. | Installation:
partitioning disks, installing Linux, dual booting |
3 |
| 7. | Linux Configuration and Administration:
customization, security, maintenance tasks, administration tools. |
3 |
| 8. | Network Installation and Configuration | 2 |
| 9. | Software Installation:
RPMs vs. compiling from source. |
2 |
| 10. | Software Updating and Patching | 2 |
| 11. | The Linux Kernel:
custom configuration, compilation, installation. |
2 |
| 12. | Application Software:
file managers, browsers, email clients, editors, word processing/office suites,software development, etc. |
4 |
| 13. | Linux and Windows Interoperability Issues:
file formats, fonts, etc. |
4 |
| 14. | Network Security:
firewalls, security audits, intrusion detection, viruses, etc. |
4 |
| Total | 40 | |