Course code DatZB005
Credit points 6
Operating Systems
Total Hours in Course
Number of hours for lectures24
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes40
Number of hours for laboratory classes0
Independent study hours98
Date of course confirmation06.03.2025
Responsible UnitInstitute of Computer Systems and Data Science
Course developers
Ivars Mozga
Dr. sc. ing.
Rinalds Jānis Skudra
Bc. sc. ing.
Course abstract
The aim of the study course is to introduce students with the basics of the operating system, its development stages and main components. Operating systems for personal computers are mostly covered, with mention of operating systems for mobile and other devices. Current Microsoft Windows operating systems are examined in depth. Students are introduced to the basic interface of Unix-like operating systems – the command line, as well as process management, services and loading schemes in Unix-like operating systems. Students acquire practical skills about the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems, its use, administration and configuration options.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
• Students know the types of operating systems and in-depth information about Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems - practical work, independent work and theory test.
• Students are able to independently install, use, configure and administer the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems - practical work, practical tests. •Students are able to independently analyse and solve problems related to operating systems - practical work.
Course Content(Calendar)
1. Concept, history, types of operating system – 2 h
2. Windows OS installation process. Installing Windows OS on a virtual computer – 1 h
3. Exploring Windows OS Control Panel settings and functions – 2 h
4. Creation of Windows OS user accounts and user administration functions – 2 h
5. Customizing and configuring the Windows OS user environment – 2 h
6. Examining the Windows OS registry and changing settings – 2 h
7. Hard disk management and monitoring options in a Windows environment – 2 h
8. Overview of the Windows OS command line (cmd) environment and execution of basic commands – 3 h
9. 1st practical test: topics covered in previous Windows related practical classes – 1 h
10. An insight into creating Batch scripts – 2 h
11. Creating simple .bat files – 3 h
12. Windows OS file systems, protection options and file extensions – 1 h
13. Development of complex .bat files – 6 h
14. 2nd practical test: working with the cmd environment and developing .bat files – 2 h
15. History of development, types and differences of Unix and Unix-like operating systems – 2 h
16. Linux OS installation process. Installing Linux OS on a virtual machine – 2 h
17. Linux OS environment and command syntax peculiarities - 3 h
18. Creating, copying, deleting and renaming files and directories in a Linux environment – 2 h
19. Redirecting the output of the command, creating a text file and viewing the content in a Linux environment - 2 h
20. Working with file and directory permissions in a Linux environment – 3 h
21. Mounting file systems in a Linux environment – 2 h
22. 3rd practical test: topics discussed in previous Linux related practical classes – 1 h
23. Creating, deleting and administering users in a Linux environment – 2 h
24. Creation, deletion and administration of a user group. Adding users to the group and administration in a Linux environment – 2 h
25. Configuring user login and logout in a Linux environment – 1 h
26. Development of simple Shell scripts – 2 h
27. Creation of various cycles and constructions in Shell scripts – 2 h
28. Development of complex Shell scripts – 4 h
29. File archiving in a Linux environment – 1 h
30. 4th practical test: working with the Linux command line environment and creating a complex script - 1 h
31. Security aspects of operating systems – remote access, system failures, viruses – 1 h
Requirements for awarding credit points
To award credit points for Operating Systems:
• it is necessary to complete all the practical tasks;
• it is necessary to complete the tests provided;
• it is necessary to upload and defend (present) independent work.
The exam grade is formed as an accumulative grade, taking into account the attendance of lectures and practical work, evaluations of tests and evaluation of independent work.
Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work
The organization of independent work during the semester is independently studying literature, using academic staff member consultations, preparing for scheduled tests and completing assigned homework. If practical work is overdue, the student studies the study materials, attends consultations, and completes the overdue practical assignments.
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
The mark of the course depends on the cumulative points of the semester:
1. Attendance of lectures and practical classes (10%),
2. 4 practical tests (50%),
3. Theory test (20%),
4. Independent work (20%).
The maximum % is 100%, which corresponds to mark 10 for the course.
Compulsory reading
1. Windows technical documentation. Pieejams: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/
2. Tanenbaum A.S., Bos H. Modern Operating Systems. 4th Edition. Pearson, 2014. 1136 p. [Skatīts 31.01.2025.]. Pieejams: https://csc-knu.github.io/sys-prog/books/Andrew%20S.%20Tanenbaum%20-
%20Modern%20Operating%20Systems.pdf
3. Watson J. A History of Computer Operating Systems: Unix, Dos, Lisa, Macintosh, Windows, Linux. Nimble Books LLC, 2008. 60 p.
4. Tanenbaum A.S., Bos H. Modern Operating Systems. 4th Edition. Pearson, 2014. 1136 p. Pieejams: https://csc-knu.github.io/sys-prog/books/Andrew%20S.%20Tanenbaum%20-%20Modern%20Operating%20Systems.pdf
5. Clinton D., Negus C. Ubuntu Linux Bible. 10th ed. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2021. 752 p. (pieejama ITF DSK bibliotēkā)
6. Stark J. Linux: Linux Guide for Beginners: Command Line, System and Operation (Linux Guide, Linux System, Beginners Operation Guide, Learn Linux Step-by-Step), CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016. 165 p.
Further reading
1. Vogel M. Get started with ubuntu 16.04 LTS. 546 p.
2. Robbins A. Classic Shell Scripting: Hidden Commands that Unlock the Power of Unix. O'Reilly Media, 2005. 560 p. [Skatīts 31.01.2025.] Pieejams: https://doc.lagout.org/operating%20system%20/linux/Classic%20Shell%20Scripting.pdf
3. Ward B. How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know. 2nd Edition. No Starch Press, 2014. 392 p.
4.Watson J. A History Of Computer Operating Systems: Unix, Dos, Lisa, Macintosh, Windows, Linux. Nimble Books LLC, 2008. 60 p.
5. Official Ubuntu Documentation. Pieejams: https://help.ubuntu.com/
6. Robbins A. Classic Shell Scripting: Hidden Commands that Unlock the Power of Unix. 1 edition. O'Reilly Media, 2005. 560 p.
7. Ward B. How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know. 2nd Edition. 2 edition. No Starch Press, 2014. 392 p.
Periodicals and other sources
1. LINUX Format. UK. ISSN 1470-4234. Pieejams: http://www.linuxformat.ru/
2. Открытые системы. СУБД. Москва: Открытые системы. ISSN 1028-7493.
3. Системный администратор. Pieejams: http://www.samag.ru/ ISSN 1813-557
4. Žurnāls “LINUX Journal”. Pieejams: http://www.linuxjournal.com/
Notes
Compulsory course in Computer Science and Computer Science and Information Technology for Sustainable Development.