FIT1047 · Computing systems 1: foundations and operations

Overview

Every time you run a program, open a file, connect to a network, train a model, deploy a service, or launch a container, layers of computing systems are working beneath the surface. This unit helps you understand those layers and gives you the practical skills to work with them. You will explore how modern computing is built, from digital logic, processors and memory through to operating systems, file systems, processes, networking, GPUs, containers and secure digital services. Through hands-on work with Linux environments, command-line tools and lightweight container workflows, you will learn to navigate, configure, inspect, package and run computing environments, while developing the systems thinking needed to understand how programs execute and interact with hardware, operating systems, networks and virtualised infrastructure. The unit also introduces the challenges involved in securing modern computing systems and connected devices. You will develop a basic understanding of why systems are difficult to protect, how risk emerges across hardware, software, networks and human use, and the general principles used to reason about secure and responsible operation. By the end of the unit, you will have a deeper understanding of the computing systems beneath everyday software and the practical skills to work with them confidently, safely and effectively.

Areas of study: Computer networks and security Cybersecurity

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe how modern computing layers, including digital logic, processors, memory, operating systems, file systems, processes, networks, containers, GPUs, and digital services, interact to support computing environments;
2. Represent and interpret information using binary and common data encodings, and explain how representation choices affect storage, processing, communication, and system behaviour;
3. Analyse simple computing scenarios by reasoning about data representation, system structure, execution behaviour, and operational context to explain system behaviour and select appropriate approaches;
4. Use practical computing tools and environments to navigate, inspect, configure, package, and run simple computing tasks using command-line interfaces, files, processes, networks, and lightweight containers;
5. Explain foundational security and privacy challenges in modern computing systems and connected devices, including how risks can emerge across hardware, software, networks, containers, data, and human use.

Workload

This unit has a requirement of 1-2 hours per week of asynchronous learning. Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.