Revised 08/2009

BUS 226 - Computer Business Applications (3 CR.)

Course Description

Provides practical application of business software packages as used by managers for making business decisions. Offers a working knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, database management, outlining and graphics. Includes the use of programs in accounting techniques, word processing, and management science applications. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the microcomputer and working knowledge of representative commercial software packages. Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites Prerequisite is keyboarding competence.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the typical components of a microcomputer
• identify and discuss the four main functions of computer hardware
  • input
  • processing
  • output
  • storage
• identify important categories of microcomputer software (word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentation graphics) and explain what they do and how they work in general terms
• use the operating system to perform disk management operations such as formatting and copying
• use the operating system to perform file management operations such as copying, moving, renaming, deleting, and sub-directory organization
• identify and discuss the basic activities involved in word processing
• use a word processing program to:
  • create a document
  • input text
  • edit text
  • format a document
  • save and retrieve a document
  • print a document
• identify and discuss the basic activities involved in working with a spreadsheet
• use a spreadsheet program to:
  • create a worksheet
  • input text, numbers, and formulas
  • edit text, numbers, and formulas
  • manipulate text, numbers, and formulas
  • format a worksheet
  • execute spreadsheet commands
  • save and retrieve a worksheet 
  • print a worksheet
• identify and discuss the basic activities involved in working with a database
• use a database management program to:
  • create the structure and contents of a database
  • modify and sequence the database
  • perform queries
  • create and run reports
• identify and discuss the basic activities involved in working with presentation software
• use a presentation program to:
  • create a slide show
  • input text and graphics to a slide show
  • edit text in a slide show
  • save, retrieve, print, and view a slide show
• identify and discuss the basic activities involved in using the Internet
• use the Internet to:
  • access resources
  • search using key words
  • evaluate resources
• send and receive mail

Major Topics to Be Included

• Understanding the microcomputer's typical components
  • input
  • processing
  • output
  • storage
• Using operating system commands 
• "Booting" the system
• Formatting and copying disks
• Naming, copying, deleting, and renaming files
• Basic word processing concepts
• Inputting and editing text with a word processor
• Formatting text with word processing software
• Saving, loading, and printing documents
• Basic spreadsheet concepts
• Labels, numbers, and formulas
• Global and range commands
• Saving, loading, and printing spreadsheets
• Basic database management concepts
• Organization of information and database management systems
• Creating a data
• Viewing, modifying, and sorting the database
• Performing queries
• Creating and printing formatted reports
• Basic presentation graphics concepts
• Creating a slide show with text and graphics
• Saving, editing, and viewing a slide show
• Basic Internet concepts
• Searching on the Internet
• Evaluating sites on the Internet
• Sending and receiving electronic mail