OPS235 - Introduction to Open System Servers

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:35:22.808
Last review date 2024-04-01 00:15:05.578


Subject Title
Introduction to Open System Servers

Subject Description
This project-based subject will teach students how to install and configure a Linux server. Further, students will learn how to connect to and communicate over a network in a controlled environment. They will learn how to manage their files on their system and how to set-up file and directory permissions. Students will manage basic system security and firewall settings. In order to configure their system, students will gain knowledge of a few basic Unix/Linux commands and be exposed to 'Shell' basics. Finally students will work with both text and graphical user interfaces.

Credit Status
1 credit in the CNS/CTY Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

 

  1. Install a multi-function Open Source server to deliver standard services to multiple users on a network.
  2. Create OS installation and software update policies to maintain a server's integrity and security.
  3. Install appropriate tools to customize and manage how a server is administered.
  4. Install software packages to customize server functions.
  5. Manage storage devices to maximize server performance and organization.
  6. Create virtual machines and virtual networks to increase network services and options while maintaining the same physical footprint.
  7. Manage user accounts to provide customized and secure access to appropriate network services and applications.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to create backups and restore data to minimize system downtime.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
ULI101

Topic Outline

  • Introduction to Open Source Software
    •         GPL and Open Source
    •         Linux Kernel and other GPL software
    •         Open Source Projects and Community
  • Working with Storage Devices and Filesystems
    •         Physical Partitions
    •         Removeable Storage Devices
    •         Filesystems
    •         Filesystem Images
    •         Linux filesystem hierarchy and system directories
    •         Mounting and unmounting storage devices
    •         Device and partition names in /dev/
  • Linux Server installation
    •         DVD Installation
    •         Root account
    •         Partitioning
    •         Securing Linux Boot Loader GRUB
    •         Getting System Information
    •         Kickstart and Network Installs
    •         Setting Default Runlevel
  • Virtualization
    •         Configure and Install Virtual Machines using KVM
    •         Networking with Virtual Machines
    •         Backing up and moving virtual machines
  • Package Management
    •         Installing and removing packages using yum and rpm
    •         Using rpm to query package database
    •         Using yum to perform system updates
  • Logical Volume Management
    •         Physical Volumes, Volume Groups, Logical Volumes
    •         Creating physical volumes, volume groups and logical volumes
    •         Adding and removing space from a volume group
    •         Extending and shrinking logical volumes
    •         Putting /home on a separate logical volume and configuring /etc/fstab
  • User and Group Management
    •         Adding and removing users and groups
    •         UID, GID and file ownership
    •         /etc/passwd, /etc/shadow, /etc/group
  • Creating and using tar archives and file system images
    •         Using archives with tar, gzip, gunzip
    •         Creating filesystem images and copying data using dd
  • Installing software form source code
    •         Finding and extracting source code tarballs
    •         Configuring, compiling and installing software from source
  • Configuring and customizing system services
    •         Runlevels, init, and upstart
    •         Init scripts and runlevels
    •         Using chkconfig to customize runlevels
    •         Starting and stopping services
  • Dual booting with another distribution
    •         GRUB
    •         Other Linux distributions
  • Managing privileged access with sudo
    •         /etc/sudoers
  • Setting up an Ethernet TCP/IP Network
    •         Configurating TCP/IP Network
    •         Network device name, IP Address, Subnet mask, broadcast address
    •         Networking commands: ifconfig, netstat, route, ping
    •         Examining TCP/IP Configuration files
    •         Hostname Resolution/etc/hosts /etc/resolv.conf
  • Configuring Linux firewall using iptables
    •         Iptables
    •         Iptables rules
  • Introduction to selinux
    •         What is selinux
    •         Writing selinux booleans to accomodate httpd
  • Internet Services
    •         Internet services and port numbers
    •         Configuration files
    •         Setting up ssh and http servers
    •         Troublehoot and monitor network activity using netstat
  • Using sshd
    •         ssh to a remote host
    •         ssh public key authentication
    •         Tunneling Xwindows and other services using ssh
    •         scp and sftp for transferring files
  • Installing and configuring DHCP server
    •         DHCP Lease Transaction
    •         DHCP Relay Agent
    •         Instaling dhcpd
    •         Configuring dhcpd in /etc/dhcpd.conf
    •         Using /var/log/messages to troublehoot DHCP

Mode of Instruction
4 hours interactive lecture/lab per week.

Prescribed Texts
None

Reference Material
Online Resources

Required Supplies

  • USB Storage device, 8GB minimum
  • 2.5 SSD 240 GB with case

Student Progression and Promotion Policy
To obtain a credit in this subject, a student must:

  •     Achieve a grade of 50% or better on the final exam
  •     Satisfactorily complete all assignments
  •     Achieve a weighted average of 50% or better for the tests and final exam
  •     Achieve a grade of 50% or better on the overall course

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation

Problem & Activity based labs & Quizzes 20%
Task based assignments 30%
Written Test (week 7) (1) 20%
Final Exam 30%

Approved by: Suzanne Abraham