Introduction to computers
Dr S Suthaharan
3 points * 2 hours per week * Gippsland: First/second semester * Distance: First semester * Note: This subject is not available to computing students. Credit towards BAppSc will be given for only one of the subjects GCO1831, and GCO1851 and GCO1815.
Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to display knowledge of the function and organisation of the hardware components of a computer system and explain the purpose and function of system software and application software; demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of microcomputer software packages, and apply them to simple problems; use algorithm design tools and techniques to describe solutions to a range of simple programming problems.
Synopsis On completion of the subject, students will have an understanding of the basic concepts and terminology associated with computers and information systems, a knowledge of the nature of programming languages and language compilers, the ability to design simple algorithms, and the ability to use wordprocessing, spreadsheet and file management software on a microcomputer. The general section of the subject includes the computer's place in society, nature of computers, internal organisation and functions, input/output and storage devices, data representation; an overview of computer system software functions, operating systems, application software, elements of data communication, information systems development, programming languages, program development, algorithms, algorithm design. Using an IBM PC, the applications section of the subject covers the hardware, DOS, diskettes and files, use of a wordprocessing package, use of an industry standard spreadsheet package, spreadsheet applications, database management applications, use of an industry standard information management package. Students on campus attend one 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week. Distance students attend one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour practical tutorial at each vacation school. Students must have access to a microcomputer.
Assessment Assignments: 20% * Examinations: 80%
Prescribed texts
Capron H L and Perron J D Computers and information systems: Tools for an information age 3rd edn, Benjamin-Cummings, 1993
Various Authors Microcomputer applications for Word 6.0, Excel 5.0 and Access 2.0 Addison-Wesley and Benjamin-Cummings, 1994
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