CS 140 Introduction to Computers

CS 140 Assignments--Week 1 -- Due March 24, 2002

**Before you read further send an email message to your instructor giving him the following information.

Email address for assignments to be sent to:

Day and Evening phone where you can be reached or messages can be left.

City, State where you reside and Park College site you will be taking this course through.

shrestha@ece.umr.edu -- Click here to send an email to the instructor:

Make sure you have the correct textbooks!!

Microsoft Office97: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, by Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat (ISBN0-7895-1332-3)

Understanding and Using the Internet, by Bruce J. McLaren (ISBN 0-538-72132-4)

Note: The classroom conference may not be available until the first week of class.

NOTE: MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 SOFTWARE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE

CS 140 Introduction to Computers:

Overview and Course Goals:

Welcome to Introduction to Computers (CS 140) at the virtual campus. This course has a focus on the understanding of computing with primary emphasis personal computers. Hardware, software and the Internet are described. During the course you can determine what level of computer expertise is needed for your professional career and what is necessary to prepare for more advanced computer courses. And you will learn of the special computing needs of today's global, diverse, and high-technology society. When you have successfully completed this course your basic knowledge and computer skills necessary for professional employment will have been demonstrated. We will utilize Microsoft Word 97, Microsoft Excel 97, Microsoft Access 97, Microsoft PowerPoint 97, Microsoft Outlook 97, and the World Wide Web. Please note that the software mentioned is a requirement for successfully completing the course. Each week we'll focus on different issues associated with personal and professional computing through our on-line conferencing discussions. These are reinforced and expanded with readings and assignments in our two texts: 'Microsoft Office97' and 'Understanding and Using the Internet'.

During Week 1, we will define what a computer is, and what computers do. We will describe data and information, discuss system software and application software, and review Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks. Also, we will explain how to purchase, install and maintain a personal computer system. Internet terminology will be introduced along with an overview of basic Internet applications such as e-mail, FTP, Telnet, news groups, Gopher and the World Wide Web. The technical issues associated with connecting to the Internet will be discussed. Our on-line discussions will help you become familiar with the on- line environment, learn what we hope to achieve during this course, and understand general guidelines and expectations regarding the final examination which will occur during week eight of the course.

Week 1:

Required Reading: Microsoft Office97: Introductory Concepts and Techniques: COM 1-COM 32;
Required Reading: Understanding and Using the Internet: Unit 1, Unit 2;
Written Assignments: Using the form on page COM 24 as a guide, complete a system cost comparison worksheet on three different computer systems. Select one system from each of three different companies. Use only information you obtain via the internet and and list the website addresses where you get the information. You may use Word for this comparison or if you're familiar with Excel you may use Excel.
Introduce yourself in the Virtual Classroom Conference; Where do you live, what do you do, why are you taking this course, have you taken other internet courses and something about yourself e.g. hobbies, interests etc or about your family, pets, grandchildren etc. If you or a family member have a personal web site on the internet feel free to share that with the class as well.
Post the address of a favorite website in the Virtual Classroom Conference and tell why it's a favorite.
Post the address of a website in the Virtual Classroom Conference that helps you understand what components are in a computer and what they are used for or computer terminology in a way a beginner can understand what's meant.
Write a one page report on some component used in a computer such as a BIOS chip, ROM memory, RAM memory, hard drive, monitor, etc. Report something new you learned while searching the internet. The report should be no longer than 500 words in length and should be sent as an email message. Do not send the report as an attached file such as a Word file.
Ping Amazon.com and send the URL numbers to your instructor.
Complete week 1 quiz online. The web address of the on line quiz will be sent to you during the week.
Send your instructor a summary of what you learned in class this week. This report will be used to record your attendance in class this week.
Complete additional exercises from the text as needed to become proficient with the software and online environment, but do not submit them to the instructor.

Pinging a site:

Pinging a site: Use the Start button in Windows 95 and go to programs. Click on MS Dos Prompt. At the prompt type in ping www.nasa.gov Alghough it will probably say it's unreachable, it should return the numbers for the site anyway. When you're done type: exit This will exit you from DOS and return you to Windows 95.