COT7700

Computer technology

J Carpenter

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should know about the file management system of a typical operating system; know about the architecture and operation of a simple digital computer; understand direct access storage devices; understand the factors driving the evolution of a modern operating system and understand the principles of data communications networks.

Synopsis Equipment: the major components of computer hardware including the CPU, secondary storage devices, input and output units, number system and code sets. Operating systems: historical development of operating systems; the need for, and function of, a typical modern, multiuser operating system; input-output handling; protection and security; memory management; resource scheduling; range of utilities. Using operating systems: features of standard terminals, command language, single commands and macros, text editors, language processors. Data communications: remote I/O devices and networks, codes, hardware, telephone networks, packet-switched networks, digital data networks, local area networks, protocols, open systems interconnection, Australian telecommunications facilities.

Assessment Examination (2 hours): 70%
* Practical work: 30%

Prescribed texts

Silberschatz A and others Operating system concepts 4th edn, Addison-Wesley, 1994

Recommended texts

Sobell M G A practical guide to the UNIX system Benjamin Cummings, 1995