Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of the subject students should (a) in the light of their existing understandings, knowledge, and skills in relation to Macintosh computers and their operating systems, understand the significant hardware architectural features of MS-DOS based machines; understand the significant concepts and principles underlying the operating systems of MS-DOS based machines; have developed appropriate technical competence and user skills in relation to system utilities and examples of applications software on MS-DOS based machines. Students should (b) have, in relation to computer communications, an understanding of the significant concepts and techniques underlying computer communications; experience and appropriate practical skills in the use of computer communications; a general overview of computer communications and its relationship to telecommunications.
Synopsis A comparative study of the features of MS-DOS machines and Macintosh machines: operating systems, file management, system utilities and the graphics-based windows approach used by these machines. The development of user skills for MS-DOS machines in the contexts of word processing, programming and the use of system utilities. Computer communications: analog and digital signals; modems; multiplexers; synchronous and asynchronous transmission; transmission modes; computer networks; Ethernet; Internet; electronic mail.
Assessment Practical exercises (3500 words): 35% + Examination: 65%