Prepared by
N. Chemutai
BCT 2102: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS I
LECTURE NOTES
, COURSE OUTLINE
Purpose
To equip the learner with the knowledge of computer systems and use of various software
application programs.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Define various terms as used in Computer Applications.
2. Demonstrate the understanding of the computer hardware and software.
3. Demonstrate understanding of uses of computers in the society.
4. Perform simple tasks using word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the internet and networks.
Course Description
An exploration for understanding and working with computer and software applications.
Topics include Introduction to computer components; Hardware, software, functions and uses
of computers; Managing Computer contents; Operating Systems; Functions and features of
operating systems; Windows operating systems; Word processors; Spreadsheets; Database
Management Systems (DBMS); Presentation Software; Antivirus programs; Internet and
Networks.
Delivery Methodology
Lectures, practical and tutorial sessions in Computer Laboratory, individual and group
assignments, exercises and project work.
Learning Resources
Overhead projector and computer, handouts, journals, white boards, textbooks.
Demonstration projects.
WEEK TOPIC OUTLINE
WK1 Introduction Introduction to Computers
Definition
Advantages & Limitations
History and Evolution of Computers
WK2 Anatomy of Computers Components of Computers & Its functions
Overview of Input devices of Computer
Overview of Output devices of computer
Memory
Processors
Hardware and Software
WK3 Types of Software Operating system
Translators & Programming languages
Application Programs
WK4 Types of Software Utility Programs
General Purpose programs
Classification of computers
1
,WK5 Operating System Functions of OS
Types of OS-DOS and WINDOWS
Booting process
Fundamentals of DOS commands – FORMAT,
DIR, COPY, PATH, LABEL, VOL, MD, CD,
DEL, TREE.
WK6 CAT 1
WK7 WINDOWS GUI
Desktop and its element
Anatomy of a window - Title Bar, Minimize,
Maximize, Restore and Close Buttons, Scroll Bars,
Menus and Tool
Starting and shutting down of windows
WINDOWS Explorer
Working with organization of files and folders
Copy, Move and Print files
Setting time and date
WK8 MS-WORD Word processing and units of document
Features of word
Processing packages
Creating, Editing, Formatting and Saving a
document in MSWORD
Features of File, Edit and Format menus
WK9 MS-EXCEL Electronic Spreadsheets - concept, packages.
Creating, editing and saving a spreadsheet with
MSEXCEL
Use of in-built Statistical and other functions and
writing expressions
Creating Data Analysis option in Tools Menu
Use of Data Analysis Tools – Correlation and
Regression, t-test for two samples, Creating Graphs
WK10 MS-ACCESS Concept of Database
Units of database
Creating database
Types of databases
Advantages and disadvantages of databases
Functions of DBMS
Components of a DBMS
WK11 CAT 2
WK12 Internet and Networks Definition of terms
Properties
Network Topologies
Types of Networks
WK13 World Wide Web Concepts
Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet
Email and Email Services
Features and benefits of an Email
WK 14 FINAL
2
, Course Assessment
Continuous Assessment Tests 30%
End of Semester Examination 70%
References
1. Introduction To Computers, 6th Edition - Peter Norton
2. Fundamental of Computers, 4th Ed. PHI – Rajaraman V.
3. Sinah P.K. Computer Fundamentals: Concepts, Systems & Applications, BPB
Publications, 4th Ed.
4. Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts ITE 115, David Beskeen.
Cengage Learning, 2008.
5. Computer Applications Srinivasan, T M, Aavishkar Publisher (2004)
6. Performing with Computer Applications: Word Processing, Desktop Publishing,
Spreadsheets, Database, Presentations, and Web Design (Performing), Iris Blanc.
3
N. Chemutai
BCT 2102: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS I
LECTURE NOTES
, COURSE OUTLINE
Purpose
To equip the learner with the knowledge of computer systems and use of various software
application programs.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Define various terms as used in Computer Applications.
2. Demonstrate the understanding of the computer hardware and software.
3. Demonstrate understanding of uses of computers in the society.
4. Perform simple tasks using word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the internet and networks.
Course Description
An exploration for understanding and working with computer and software applications.
Topics include Introduction to computer components; Hardware, software, functions and uses
of computers; Managing Computer contents; Operating Systems; Functions and features of
operating systems; Windows operating systems; Word processors; Spreadsheets; Database
Management Systems (DBMS); Presentation Software; Antivirus programs; Internet and
Networks.
Delivery Methodology
Lectures, practical and tutorial sessions in Computer Laboratory, individual and group
assignments, exercises and project work.
Learning Resources
Overhead projector and computer, handouts, journals, white boards, textbooks.
Demonstration projects.
WEEK TOPIC OUTLINE
WK1 Introduction Introduction to Computers
Definition
Advantages & Limitations
History and Evolution of Computers
WK2 Anatomy of Computers Components of Computers & Its functions
Overview of Input devices of Computer
Overview of Output devices of computer
Memory
Processors
Hardware and Software
WK3 Types of Software Operating system
Translators & Programming languages
Application Programs
WK4 Types of Software Utility Programs
General Purpose programs
Classification of computers
1
,WK5 Operating System Functions of OS
Types of OS-DOS and WINDOWS
Booting process
Fundamentals of DOS commands – FORMAT,
DIR, COPY, PATH, LABEL, VOL, MD, CD,
DEL, TREE.
WK6 CAT 1
WK7 WINDOWS GUI
Desktop and its element
Anatomy of a window - Title Bar, Minimize,
Maximize, Restore and Close Buttons, Scroll Bars,
Menus and Tool
Starting and shutting down of windows
WINDOWS Explorer
Working with organization of files and folders
Copy, Move and Print files
Setting time and date
WK8 MS-WORD Word processing and units of document
Features of word
Processing packages
Creating, Editing, Formatting and Saving a
document in MSWORD
Features of File, Edit and Format menus
WK9 MS-EXCEL Electronic Spreadsheets - concept, packages.
Creating, editing and saving a spreadsheet with
MSEXCEL
Use of in-built Statistical and other functions and
writing expressions
Creating Data Analysis option in Tools Menu
Use of Data Analysis Tools – Correlation and
Regression, t-test for two samples, Creating Graphs
WK10 MS-ACCESS Concept of Database
Units of database
Creating database
Types of databases
Advantages and disadvantages of databases
Functions of DBMS
Components of a DBMS
WK11 CAT 2
WK12 Internet and Networks Definition of terms
Properties
Network Topologies
Types of Networks
WK13 World Wide Web Concepts
Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet
Email and Email Services
Features and benefits of an Email
WK 14 FINAL
2
, Course Assessment
Continuous Assessment Tests 30%
End of Semester Examination 70%
References
1. Introduction To Computers, 6th Edition - Peter Norton
2. Fundamental of Computers, 4th Ed. PHI – Rajaraman V.
3. Sinah P.K. Computer Fundamentals: Concepts, Systems & Applications, BPB
Publications, 4th Ed.
4. Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts ITE 115, David Beskeen.
Cengage Learning, 2008.
5. Computer Applications Srinivasan, T M, Aavishkar Publisher (2004)
6. Performing with Computer Applications: Word Processing, Desktop Publishing,
Spreadsheets, Database, Presentations, and Web Design (Performing), Iris Blanc.
3
