Florida International University

School of Computing and Information Sciences

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IT Automation

Course Title: IT Automation

Course Description:

• IT automation: mgmt models, auditing, assets, change mgmt, network monitoring, OS imaging, patch mgmt, help desk, remote control, user state mgmt, end-point security, backup, disaster recovery.

Prerequisite:

• None

Co-requisite:

• CGS 4285 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
• Good understanding of operating systems.
• Basic programming skills.

Course Objectives:

• Students learn a wide range of topics in IT management and automation and practice each and every concept in a lab setting. IT support automation tools like Kaseya IT Automation will be used to give students hands-on experience. The topics and lab exercises include but not limited to IT mgmt models, auditing, assets & change mgmt, network monitoring, OS imaging, patch mgmt, help desk, remote control, user state mgmt, end-point security, backup, and disaster recovery. Students are expected to work in teams and develop innovative scripts and procedures that promote IT automation.

Course Outcomes:

• Be familiar with IT management models and practices.
• Be familiar with IT automation software and its architecture.
• Master the IT automation concepts.
• Master an IT automation software offering (e.g., The Kaseya IT Automation).
• Master the writing IT automation scripts.
• Be familiar with working as a team member.

Topics:

• IT Management Models: In-House, Out-Sourced Break-Fix, Managed Services.
• Manage Services: Development, Machine Groups, Agents, Templates, Policies.
• Automation Software: Agent-Server Architecture, Deployment, Management.
• Auditing, Assets, Change Mgmt: Knowledge Collection, Scheduling, Reporting.      
• Network Monitoring: Monitor Sets, Event Sets, SNMP Sets, and Reporting.
• Patch Mgmt: Scanning, Deployment Policies, Reboot, Reporting.
• Scripting: Writing Scripts, Scheduling, Distribution, Logging, Debugging.
• Help Desk & Remote Control: Ticketing, Remote Control, Chat, Reporting.
• User State Management: User State, Preferences, Drives, Printers, Power Mgmt.
• End-Point Security: Strategies, Security Policies, Scheduling, Logs, Sig. Updates.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Strategies, Scheduling, Verifying, Recovery.

Required Textbook

• IT Automation and Remote Control Using Kaseya, by Sadjadi et al.

Other Recommended References:

•  Provided in the class portal.

Other training material:  Class notes, training videos, online documents, etc. 

Grading Policy:

• You have ample time to submit your assignments; therefore, no late submission will be accepted. No Exceptions!

Grading Standard:

• Note that a C- is not a C.

Attendance: Attendance may be taken during each class meeting.

University Policies:  

The ability for a student to DROP a class—earn a DR grade with no GPA impact—has been extended through the 11th week of the semester (Fall and Spring only; Summer terms have different deadlines). Please refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates. Students are financially liable for all dropped courses. Non-attendance or non-payment will NOT constitute a drop.

Grade Forgiveness Policy for Graduate Programs will be discontinued beginning Fall 2011

FIU’s Faculty Senate passed a resolution to discontinue the grade forgiveness policy (stated below*) for all graduate programs beginning the Fall 2011 semester. With this policy change, students may still repeat courses, but all graduate coursework, including repeats, will be calculated in the GPA. For more information, please see the University Graduate School’s announcement.