GCO1831

Introduction to computers

S Suthaharan (coordinator) and M Miller (lecturer)

3 points
* First/second semester
* Gippsland (first and second semester)/distance (first semester)
* This subject is not available to computing students

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should know the function and organisation of the hardware components of a computer system and be able to explain the purpose and function of system software and application software; be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of microcomputer software packages, and apply them to simple problems; and be able to use algorithm design tools and techniques to describe solutions to a range of simple programming problems.

Synopsis 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, algorithms, operating systems, application software, elements of data communication, information systems development, programming languages, program development, algorithms, algorithmic design. Using an IBM PC: hardware, DOS, diskettes and files, use of a word processing package, use of an industry standard spreadsheet package, spreadsheet applications, database management applications, use of an industry standard information management package. Distance education students must have access to a microcomputer.

Assessment Assignments: 20%
* Examination: 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