Spring 2026
Linux Installation and Configuration
Approved: Initials/date Linux Installation and Configuration (ITSC 1316 1A1) CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Hybrid PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: None COURSE DESCRIPTION Introduction to Linux operating system. Includes Linux installation, basic administration, utilities and commands, upgrading, networking, security, and application installation. Emphasizes hands-on setup, administration, and management of Linux. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to • Install, administer, and manage a Linux system • Demonstrate proficiency with Linux utilizes, commands, and applications • Identify and resolve security-based issues • Integrate a Linux system into an existing network INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Steven Veron Email: sdveron@lit.edu Office Phone: N/A Office Location: N/A Office Hours: N/A REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS 1. Cengage MindTap access to CompTIA Linux+ Guide to Linux Certification, 5e a. How to buy your Course Materials 1. Sign into Blackboard and click on this course. 2. Click on the Cengage link: Getting Started in the Getting Started with Cengage MindTap section. 3. Create or sign into your Cengage account to access or purchase the materials for this course. NOTE: If you are taking additional courses that use Cengage materials, you can save by purchasing a Cengage Unlimited plan, which gives you access to all Cengage e-Textbooks and online homework platforms for one price. Visit cengage.com/unlimited or your campus bookstore to learn more. b. Beware of sites that are selling discounted codes. These sources are likely unauthorized sellers who have acquired access codes illegally, and transactions with such sources may pose a risk to your personal information. c. Need help? Visit startstrong.cengage.com for step-by-step registration instructions and videos. ATTENDANCE POLICY Three absences are allowed. If a student is tardy to class or departs early three (3) times, it will be equal to one (1) absence. Each absence beyond three absences will result in a 2-point deduction from your final grade. DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. Important Drop Dates Last Day to Drop with Refund 02/4/2026 Last Day to Pay Tuition to Avoid Drop 02/16/2026 Last Day to Drop without Academic Penalty 02/20/2026 Last Day to Drop with Academic Penalty 04/13/2026 STUDENT EXPECTED TIME REQUIREMENT For every hour in class (or unit of credit), students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit-hour class, students should prepare to allocate approximately six to nine hours per week outside of class in a 16- week session OR approximately twelve to eighteen hours in an 8-week session. Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as in the traditional, face- to-face class. COURSE CALENDAR (Subject to Change) DATE TOPIC READINGS (Due on this Date) ASSIGNMENTS (Due on this Date) Week 1 1/20-1/25 No Class Week 2 1/26-2/1 Class Introductions, Syllabus. Module 1: Introduction to Linux Syllabus, Module 1 CompTIA Linux+ Pre-Assessment Quiz, Module 1 2/1 Week 3 2/2-2/8 Module 2: Linux Installation and Usage Module 2 Module 2 2/8 Week 4 2/9-2/15 Module 3: Exploring Linux Filesystems Module 3 Module 3 2/15 Week 5 2/16-2/22 Module 4: Linux Filesystem Management & Module 5: Linux Filesystem Administration Modules 4 & 5 Modules 4 & 5 2/22 Week 6 2/23-3/1 Test Modules 1-5 Week 7 3/2-3/8 Module 6: Linux Server Deployment Module 6 Module 6 3/8 Week 8 3/9-3/15 Spring Break Spring Break Spring Break Week 9 3/16-3/22 Module 7: Working with the BASH Shell & Module 8: System Initialization, X Windows, and Localization Modules 7 & 8 Modules 7 & 8 3/22 Week 10 3/23-3-29 Module 9: Managing Linux Processes & Module 10: Common Administrative Tasks Modules 9 & 10 Modules 9 & 10 3/29 Week 11 3/30-4/5 Test Modules 6-10 Week 12 4/6-4/12 Module 11: Compression, System Backup, and Software Installation Module 11 Module 11 4/12 Week 13 4/13-4/19 Module 12: Network Configuration & Modules 12 & 13 Modules 12 & 13 4/19 Module 13: Configuring Network Services and Cloud Technology Week 14 4/20-4/26 Module 14: Security, Troubleshooting, and Performance Module 14 Module 14 4-26 Week 15 4/27-5/3 Test Modules 11-14 CompTIA Linux+ Pre-Assessment Quiz 5/3 Week 16 5/4-5/10 Final Exam Final Exam 5/4 COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Virtual Machine Labs 40% • Chapter Quizzes 20% • Chapter Tests 20% • Final Exam 20% GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 60-69 D • 0-59 F TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS For the latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc., review the Minimum Computer and Equipment Requirements on the LIT Online Experience page. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION Cyber Security majors are required to earn certification in one of the following areas prior to graduation. Students are responsible for scheduling and paying for the certification through the LIT Testing Center. • A+ Certification • Network+ Certification • Security+ Certification • Linux+ Certification • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) This course covers part of the material to prepare for the CompTIA Linux+ certification. More information about the certification can be found online at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/linux Course Policies 1. Email is the preferred method of communication (sdveron@lit.edu). I cannot respond to Blackboard Messages. I will typically respond within 24 hours except for weekends and holidays. 2. No food, drinks, use of tobacco products, or vaping products in class. 3. Electronic devices not being used for the class, such as phones and headphones, must be turned off while in class. Any device usage during class may result in a deduction of points on an assignment or test. 4. Do not bring children to class. 5. Certification: If a student passes the certification test that is associated with this class, you will receive an “A” on the final exam and credit for 25% of your labs. 6. A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in this course for credit toward degree requirement. 7. All assignment due dates are indicated in the Blackboard course for this class and the course calendar above. Any work submitted after the assigned due date will receive a 25-point deduction the first 2 days and 50 points after 2 days. No late assignments will be accepted after the test over the module has been given. 8. Tests are assigned a due date, which will typically be during a class period, and must be completed by that date to receive full credit. Students must be in class to take the test unless given specific permission otherwise. 9. All assignments must be submitted via Cengage Mindtap unless specified by your instructor. Assignments submitted through any other method or missing a file will not receive credit. 10. Grades for assignments may be accessed in the Gradebook in Cengage Mindtap and Blackboard. 11. It is the student’s responsibility to verify all grades and ask for corrections if needed. 12. All work is due before the final exam date. Nothing will be graded after the final exam.