This document gives a description of the contents and organisation of the unit Internet and Intranet Information Systems (INFS2052) in 1999.
"Open Systems" in computing and information systems refers to the techniques that allow networked (and non-networked) computer systems and applications from many different sources to work together, both within single computers and over possibly widely distributed communications networks. The networked interoperation of disparate computers and software is the key focus of this course, which looks at both methods for intercommunication and interoperation, and some of the security that is needed to apply open systems in many applications. This unit studies the methods, software architecture, and standards for computer communications over networks, at the upper level, and examples of the major applications. The methods are those used for data representation independence, encryption, and encapsulated transport; data and access security and authentication, networked hypertext, mobile code and remote operations services.
The driving force behind adopting Open Systems has been the perceived potential -- and then the explosive growth -- of networked applications. The upper (user) layers of networking contain some technical content that is not met elsewhere in the ANU Information Technology courses, but which is of importance to applying networking (particularly remote operations, managing data representation in communication, system and software architectures for networked hypertext and mobile code).
Networked Open Systems fall into two major groups: those described by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which are called the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) standards; and those which have grown out of the ARPA Internet TCP/IP standards, which are called Internet or TCP/IP family standards. The OSI standards are used only for reference and descriptive purposes in this unit.
At the end of this unit the student will have a largely descriptive and comparative knowledge of some of the major networking appplications software and its potential in distributed information systems; but no additional systems programming experience.
INFS2052 is a 0.5 point unit offered in the first semester. There will be twenty hours of lectures and five two-hour tutorial/laboratory sessions. The lectures are scheduled in the Manning Clark Lecture Theatre 3 on Tuesdays (11-12) and in the Manning Clark Lecture Theatre 2 on Fridays (9-10), and will start in Week 1 of the semester.
Tue 11 MCC T3
Fri 09 MCC T2
Tutorial/laboratory sessions will commence in the third week of the semester (starting 15 March), and will thereafter be held in odd weeks. There will be 5 such sessions.
As soon as possible - in week 1 - please sign up for one tutorial/laboratory slot using the Automated Tutorial and Laboratory Enrolment System (ATLES).
There will be two assignments and a final examination; assignment and examination components will be weighted approximately 40%/60% toward the final assessment. A satisfactory result (at least 40%) must be achieved in both the assignment and examination components. Final details will be discussed in lectures.
In general, there will be no extensions for assignments, the exception being for illness serious enough to keep you in bed, supported by a medical certificate. Without an explicit extension from the lecturer, late assignments will be penalised at the rate of 10% per 24 hours or part thereof up to one week after which no credit will be given for the assignment.
Ramesh Sankaranarayana - CSIT N220 - phone 4281
There is no prescribed textbook. The following are recommended:
The INFS2052 Web site includes many resources. Additional references given in lectures.