795-106 Computers

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to develop students' ability to:

• describe a range of computing systems;

• explain applications of computer based information services;

• use computer terminology appropriately;

• recognise and specify personal computer hardware components;

• correctly operate a personal computer and its operating system including maintenance and minor fault diagnosis;

• create, maintain, update, transfer and back-up data files;

• determine appropriate software to use given a data processing requirement;

• select an appropriate computer system for use in a given enterprise;

• gain useful proficiency in the following types of software packages: Word processing, Spreadsheet, Database.

The content includes: Types of personal computers available. The place for computers and the programs used in them. Hardware, including microprocessors, memory, disk drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, modems, power supplies. Software, including word-processing, databases, spreadsheets, graphics, utilities, disk operating systems. Testing and implementation of software. Possible applications in the dairy industry. Methods of data storage. Operations of computers including keyboard skills, maintenance, backing up and transferring data. Virus protection and security of data.

Assessment

Three assignments of 1000 words (25% each); 1 x two hour examination (25%).