Operating systems

An intensive module on how a computer “lives”: installation and administration of Linux, basic network services and the LAMP/LEMP stack in practice (Apache, MariaDB, PHP), and an introduction to a mail server (Exim4). The Association works on digital independence and responsible management of systems.

Key facts

  • Age:
    • Systems: older primary-school pupils and secondary-school pupils
    • Digital literacy: For younger and older primary-school pupils, and secondary-school pupils
  • Focus:
    • Systems: an OS in a virtual machine, the terminal, Linux, services, containers
    • Digital literacy: files, typing, documents, searching, passwords
  • Prerequisite:
    • Systems: basic familiarity with a computer; a desire to work in the terminal
    • Digital literacy: none; the foundation for everything else
  • Ministry of Science and Education (MZO) domain: A, C
  • Infokup: Informatics fundamentals and DK (+ advanced)
  • Scope: 2 sets of learning outcomes from the curriculum, 23 topics
  • Progression: groups by level of knowledge, not by age

Module aims

Systems (Operating systems)

  • install and run an OS in a virtual machine
  • find your way in the command line and on Linux
  • (advanced) service → containers → cloud

Digital literacy

  • find your way around files and lose nothing
  • type quickly and use shortcuts
  • write a tidy document and a spreadsheet
  • search and assess a source
  • lock accounts (passwords, 2FA)

Learning outcomes

Systems (Operating systems). The participant installs and runs an operating system in a virtual machine, carries out tasks in the terminal and, if they wish, runs their own service.

Digital literacy. The participant finds and safely stores files, produces and exports a tidy document, and turns on two-factor protection.

MZO outcomes (NN 22/2018)

Outcomes are mapped to the Informatics curriculum from the Official Gazette (Narodne novine) 22/2018. Codes are unique only within a track, so the track is stated with each code (OŠ – primary school, gimn – grammar school, PMG – science and mathematics grammar school).

  • Systems (Operating systems): C.5.1, A.8.3 (OŠ); A.1.1 (gimn)
  • Digital literacy: A.5.1, C.5.2, A.8.1 (OŠ); D.7.1 (OŠ)

Levels of mastery

Four levels describe what mastering the module means in practice. A participant progresses by level, not by age.

Systems (Operating systems)

  • satisfactory: finds their way around the OS interface
  • good: works in the terminal and explains processes
  • very good: installs an OS in a virtual machine, manages packages and users
  • exceptional: runs their own service (systemd/Docker) and measures performance

Digital literacy

  • satisfactory: finds and stores a file with help
  • good: organises files independently and writes a tidy document
  • very good: assesses the reliability of a source and makes a spreadsheet with a formula
  • exceptional: keeps an e-portfolio and protects accounts (2FA)

Breakdown

The breakdown is organised by sets of learning outcomes and levels of knowledge. A participant enrols at the level they have reached, regardless of age. Click a topic for an explanation of what it covers.

Systems (Operating systems)

13 topics · older primary-school pupils and secondary-school pupils

Foundation level

installing an OS in a virtual machine

setting up an operating system in a virtual machine

the command line

working in the terminal (commands, files, pipes)

shell scripting (bash)

automating tasks with bash scripts

users, groups and permissions

file access rights (chmod/chown)

package management

installing and maintaining software (packages)

Linux in practice

finding your way on Linux - packages, permissions, tools

processes and memory

how the OS runs processes and manages memory

Advanced level

SSH and remote access

working securely on a remote computer (SSH)

your own service (systemd)

running a persistent service (systemd)

containers (Docker)

Docker - packaging and isolating applications

introduction to the cloud

the basics of servers and services in the cloud

computer architecture basics

from logic gates to the CPU (nand2tetris / Ben Eater)

depth: the stack and performance

where bottlenecks arise and how to measure them

Digital literacy

10 topics · For younger and older primary-school pupils, and secondary-school pupils

Foundation level

files and folders

how data is organised: folders, paths, file types

a safe copy

why and how to make a backup so that nothing is lost

typing

touch typing - speed and accuracy

shortcuts

keyboard shortcuts that speed up work (copy, paste, undo)

your device

basic settings and finding your way on your own computer/tablet

Intermediate level

documents and spreadsheets

tidy text and a basic spreadsheet (columns, formulae, a sum)

searching and assessing sources

how to search well and recognise a reliable source

AI basics

what AI tools are, what they are for, and where they go wrong

passwords and 2FA

strong passwords and two-factor sign-in

Advanced level - fast-track enrolment

a competency check for an older participant

a quick test so that an older participant can skip material they already know

Enrolment and questions → Contact