Affiliated with

Samaj Australian College Studies

Education for Enlightenment

Academic Pathways Program

Student Manual

University Foundation
Studies

Computer Studies

UWSCollege is a wholly owned entity of the University of Western Sydney

The University Foundation Studies Program is delivered under license from
UWSCollege, University of Western Sydney.

UWSCOLLEGE
Phone: (02) 9852 4488 Fax: (02) 9852 4480

Building U2 Nirimba Education Precinct

Eastern Road, Quakers Hill NSW 2763

P.O. Box 224 Quakers Hill NSW 2763

© UWSCOLLEGE 2010. Except as provided by the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this
publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior written permission of UWSCollege.

Updated 16.8.2010
 Note: This manual is to be used for Educational purposes only.
It is not available commercially.
SUBJECT BRIEF

Rationale
Computer Studies introduces students to the new age of information, where computers
and communication play an integral part in our lives. The course has been developed to
enhance a student’s practical ability as well as build a solid theoretical foundation for
further study.

Objectives
The objectives of this subject are:
To introduce students to the types of applications used in computer systems in business;
To provide an understanding of the technology that underpins computer systems;
To provide students with an understanding of how computer systems are developed;
To expose students to contemporary issues relevant to the use of computers; and
To develop students’ practical skills in using personal computer software.

Outcomes
A student who has completed this subject and achieved a passing grade should be able
to:

1. Explain the various components of a computer and the interaction of these

components.
2. Use an Internet browser, e-mail and the World Wide Web.
3. Distinguish between the different input, output, storage and communication
devices used.
4. Differentiate between storage and memory.
5. Differentiate between application and system software.
6. Explain the key security issues of information technology.
7. Explain the social, ethical and privacy issues relating to computing.
8. Demonstrate a basic competency in the use of the following Microsoft
Applications:
a. Word
b. PowerPoint
c. Excel
d. Access
e. Creating a Basic Web Page with HTML.

Updated 16.8.2010
 Assessment
As this course can be taught in two different modes either 26 weeks or 13
weeks, assessment differs for each mode.

Task Weighting Date Due Subject Learning

Outcomes Addressed
(Week)
Workshop and Practical Tasks 5% Nominated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
class
exercises due
from Week 1
to Week 12
Theory Quizzes 10% 8,10,13 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Word Test 10 % 4 8a
PowerPoint Test 10 % 6 8b
Excel Test 10 % 10 8c
Web Page Design Project 15 % 11 8e
Access Test 10% 12 8d
Theory Assignment 10 % 12 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Final Examination 20% 14 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
100%

References
UWSCollege (2010), Computer Studies Student Workbook.
Williams BK & Sawyer SC (2007), Using Information Technology, A Practical
Introduction to Computers & Communications. 7th Edition, (or later) New York,
McGraw-Hill-Irwin
Other References
O’Leary TJ & O’Leary LI (2008), The O’Leary Series: Microsoft Office 2007. New
York, McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Carey, P (2001), Creating Web Pages with HTML, 2nd Edition, Cambridge, Thomson
Learning.

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 2

Method of Assessment

Workshop and Practical

Theory Quizzes - The student will be given questions relating to the theory lectures. The
student is to answer the online questions on vUWS. There are five quizzes in total for
the seven theory topics.
Practical - As part of the practical task, you will be expected complete specific
activities for marking as indicated in the front of your Student Workbook. The
assessable class activities are:
o Occoveruse.doc
o Study Skills.ppt
o ClassGrades.xls
o Access Case Study

Theory Assignment
The student will be given a theory topic to research and then write a report. The report
will be marked both on the content and on the level of presentation skill.

Practical Tests
Practical examinations using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. The tests are
between 60 and 90 minutes duration and will be under controlled examination
conditions.

Web Page Design Project

The development of Web Pages using Notepad. The web page topic is arrived at
through agreement between the student and the lecturer.

Final Theory Examination

The theory examination will consist of multiple choice, short answers and a case study
relating to material drawn from the entire course.

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 3

LIST OF TOPICS
Theory Topics

Topic 1 Introduction to Information Systems and Technology;

Topic 2 The Internet and the World Wide Web;
Topic 3 Software;
Topic 4 Hardware;
Topic 5 Telecommunications;
Topic 6 E-Commerce, Files and Databases;
Topic 7 The Challenge and Promises of the Digital Age.

Practical Topics

Topic 1 Introduction to the Windows Environment;

Topic 2 Using the Internet and the World Wide Web;
Topic 3 Introduction to Word Processing;
Topic 4 Introduction to PowerPoint;
Topic 5 Introduction to Excel;
Topic 6 Introduction to Creating WebPages;
Topic 7 Introduction to Access.

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 4

THEORY TOPIC 1
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND
TECHNOLOGY

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
To introduce students to information technology and information systems.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Explain how information technology facilitates e-mail, networks and the use of the Internet
and the World Wide Web.
Define the term cyberspace.
Name the five sizes of computers.
Distinguish between clients and servers.
Name the five basic operations all computers follow.
Name the devices associated with each operation.
Explain how communications affect these operations.
Describe three directions of computer development and three directions of communications
development.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Information technology;
Varieties of computers;
Where Information Technology is headed.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 1 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 5

THEORY TOPIC 2
THE INTERNET AND THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
To introduce students to the concepts behind the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
List the means of connecting to the Internet, and describe how fast each is.
Name three types of Internet Service Provider, and describe the services each provides.
Explain how e-mail software can be obtained.
Name the components of an e-mail address.
Describe what is meant by the terms netiquette and spam.
Distinguish between web sites, web pages, browsers, URLs and search engines.
Explain what is meant by the terms FTP, Telnet, newsgroups, real-time chat, and e-
commerce.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Internet Access;
Internet service provider (ISP);
Sending and receiving E-mail;
The World Wide Web (WWW); and
Other Internet resources.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 2 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 6

THEORY TOPIC 3
SOFTWARE

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the students to become familiar the different types of software that is available.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Describe recent trends in online software.
Name the three components of system software.
Explain the role of the operating system (OS).
Name what is found on the OS interface.
List some common desktop, network and portable OSs.
Describe four ways of obtaining application software.
Describe the tools available to help you learn application software.
Name three common types of files.
Name the types of software.
Explain the advantage of word processing software over a pencil and paper.
Explain the advantage of an electronic spreadsheet over a pencil and paper and a standard
calculator.
Recall what is meant by database software?
Explain what is meant by personal information management software.
Explain the principal uses of presentation graphics.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Online software and application providers;
System Software; and
Application software.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 3 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark).
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 7

THEORY TOPIC 4
HARDWARE

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the students to become familiar the different types of computer and communication
hardware that is available.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Describe how data represented in a computer.
Name the components of the system cabinet.
Describe what is meant by processing speeds.
Explain how the processor and memory work.
Name some important ports, buses and cards.
List the features of hard disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, USB Flash drives, smart cards
and online secondary storage.
Name three categories of input hardware.
Name two categories of output hardware.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
The system unit;
Secondary storage;
Input hardware;
Output hardware;
Storage hardware; and
Processing hardware.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 4 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 8

THEORY TOPIC 5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
• For the students to become familiar the different types of networks and
telecommunication methods.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Distinguish between digital and analog data.
Explain the role of a modem.
Identify the offerings of new telecommunication technology.
Indicate how data is transmitted.
Discuss the benefits of networks.
Compare the various network types, their components and variations.
Recognise issue surrounding cyberethics.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
From analog to the digital age;
Practical communications;
Data communications;
Networks; and
Cyberethics.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 5 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 9

THEORY TOPIC 6
E-COMMERCE, FILES AND DATABASES

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the students to become familiar how databases are used and organised; and
For the students to become familiar how databases are used to facilitate e-commerce.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Explain what a database is.
Explain how e-commerce, data-mining and business-to-business systems use databases.
List four ways of organising databases.
Explain the benefits of databases.
Identify the data storage hierarchy.
Recognise the methods of keeping track of files.
Identify different types of storage organisation.
List the four types of database organisation.
Discuss ethical concerns regarding the use of databases.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Databases;
Managing files;
How databases are organised; and
Accuracy and privacy.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 6 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 10

THEORY TOPIC 7
THE CHALLENGES & PROMISES OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the students to become familiar with the future of the emerging information technology in
society.

Outcomes
After completing this topic, students should be able to:
Identify the characteristics of the key security issues of information technology.
List the four components of security.
Describe two models of telecommunication.
Identify the main areas of artificial intelligence.
Describe how information technology being used in education.
Explain how information technology is being used in sales and marketing, retailing, banking
and stock trading.
Explain how the Internet can be used to find a job.
Identify hot jobs in information technology.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
The digital environment;
Security issues;
Security safeguards;
Emerging technology;
Information and education;
Commerce and money;
Entertainment and the Arts; and
Jobs and careers.

Activities
Online vUWS study games and revision; and
Glossary Definitions.

Assessment
Online vUWS Quiz for Topic 7 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Theory Assignment
Final Examination

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 11

PRACTICAL TOPIC 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
• To familiarise the student with the Windows environment.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Describe a user interface;
Identify the elements of a window;
Perform the four basic mouse operations of pointing, clicking, double clicking and dragging;
Select and use a menu;
Respond to a dialog box;
Resize a window;
Use the scroll bars;
Load an application.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Introduction to Windows;
Using the Windows Desktop;
Using a Mouse;
Common Windows features;
Working with Windows;
File Management; and
Windows Accessories.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 1.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 1 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 12

PRACTICAL TOPIC 2
USING THE INTERNET AND THE WWW

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
To create and use a Gmail email account; and
To develop the student effective Internet research techniques.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Use an Internet Browser to open a Web Site;
Use a Search Engine to find information on the WWW;
Create an E-Mail Account; and
Send mail and attachments.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Introduction to the Internet;
Search Engines;
E-Mail; and
Using On-Line storage.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 3.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 3 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark).

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 13

PRACTICAL TOPIC 3
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the student to develop effective and efficient methods of using Word Processing.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic student should be able to:
Create a Word document;
Save a Word document;
Edit a Word document;
Format a Word Document;
Insert and Format Pictures, WordArt and ClipArt;
Create and Format Word Tables;
Use Word Styles; and
Create a Table of Contents.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Introduction to Word;
Creating Documents;
Editing Documents;
Formatting Documents;
Using Pictures, WordArt and ClipArt;
Creating Tables; and
Advanced features.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 4.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 4 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Word Test

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 14

PRACTICAL TOPIC 4
INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the student to develop effective and efficient methods of using presentation programs.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Create a PowerPoint presentation;
Format the presentation;
Use Design Templates;
Use Slide Masters;
Use Pictures and Clipart in the presentation; and
Create animation effects for the slide show.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Creating a presentation;
Types of Slides;
Design Templates;
Slide Masters;
Slide Shows; and
Other Features.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 5.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 5 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
PowerPoint Test

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 15

PRACTICAL TOPIC 5
INTRODUCTION TO EXCEL

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the student to develop effective and efficient methods of using spreadsheet programs.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Create an Excel spreadsheet;
Format a spreadsheet;
Create and edit formulas;
Use Excel’s functions; and
Create and Use Charts.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Basic Spreadsheet fundamentals;
Creating Spreadsheets;
Creating Formulas;
Using Functions;
Formatting Spreadsheets;
Printing; and
Using Charts.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 6.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 6 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Excel Test

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 16

PRACTICAL TOPIC 6
INTRODUCTION TO CREATING WEBPAGES

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
For the student to create simple Web Pages using HTML and Notepad.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Create a Web Page using HTML;
Edit the Web Page using HTML; and
Upload the Web Page to the Internet.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
The HTML Environment;
Developing Text, Lists and Hyperlinks;
Enhancing Pages with Graphics; and
Publishing the Web Pages.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 7.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 7 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Web Page Design Project

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 17

PRACTICAL TOPIC 7
INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS

Aim
The aim of this topic is:
To introduce the student to the methods of creating simple databases.

Outcomes
At the completion of this topic students should be able to:
Create Access Databases;
Create Access Tables;
Create Simple Access Queries;
Create Access Forms; and
Create Access Reports.

Content
In this topic students will learn about:
Databases;
The Access Screens;
Creating a Database;
Creating Tables;
Adding data;
Creating a Simple Query;
Creating a Form; and
Creating a Report.

Activities
Student workbook exercises for Topic 8.

Assessment
Assessment Exercises for Topic 8 (Part of Workshop and Practical Mark)
Access Test

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 18

GLOSSARY

Theory Topic 1
Application software Internet Printer
CD Rom drive Keyboard Processing
CPU Laptop computer RAM
Chip LAN Secondary storage
Clients Mainframe Server
Communications Memory chip Software
Computer Microcomputer Soundcard
Connectivity Modem Supercomputer
Cyberspace Monitor System Unit
Data Motherboard System software
Desktop PC Mouse Terminal
E-Mail Multimedia Video card
Ethics Network Workstation
Hard disk drive Online World Wide Web
Hardware Output (WWW)
Information Peripheral device
Input PDA
Interactivity Primary storage

Theory Topic 2
Animation Flaming ISDN (Integrated
B2B Frame services digital
Bandwidth FTP (File transfer network)
Bps (bits per second) protocol) Java
Cable modem Gbps (gigabits per Kbps (kilobits per
Communications second) second)
satellite Home page List serves
Directory Hypertext Log on
Distance learning Hypertext mark-up Mbps (megabits per
Domain language (HTML) second)
Download Hypertext transfer Menu
DSL (Digital protocol (HTTP) Netiquette
subscriber line) Instant messaging Newsgroup
E-commerce Internet service Newsreader
Emoticons provider (ISP) Physical connection
FAQs (Frequently Plug-in
asked questions) Protocol

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 19

 Push technology Streaming audio Usenet
Real-time chat (RTC) Streaming video Web browser
Scroll arrows T1 line Webcasting
Scrolling
Telnet Web page
Search engine
Upload Web portal
Site
URL (Universal Resource Web site
Spam
Locator) Window

Theory Topic 3
Analytical graphics Freeware Presentation graphics software
ASP (application service Function keys Productivity software
provider) Grammar checker Project management software
Booting Groupware Public-domain software
Cell GUI (graphical user interface) Pull-down menu
Copyright Help command Pull-up menus
Cursor Icons Recalculations
Database Import Relational database
Database file Key field Rentalware
Database software Linux Rollover
Default setting Mac OS (Macintosh operating Save
Desktop system) Scrolling
Device drivers Macro Shareware
Document file Menu Software license
Documentation Multitasking Special purpose keys
DOS (disk operating system) NetWare Spelling checker
Drawing program Network computer Spreadsheet
DTP (desktop publishing) Office suite Supervisor
ERP (enterprise resource Open-source software Taskbar
planning) software Operating system Template
Export Painting program Thesaurus
File Palm OS Toolbar
Financial software Personal-finance manager Tutorial
Fly-out menu Personal information manager UNIX
Font (PIM) User interface
Formatting a disk Platform Utility programs
Formatting a file Pointer Value
Formulas Pop-up menu What-if analysis

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 20

Window Word-processing software
Wizard Worksheet file

Theory Topic 4
Active matrix Dot pitch Light pen
ALU (arithmetic/logic unit) Dpi (dots per inch) Machine cycle
ASCII (American Standard Dumb terminal Magnetic tape
Code for information DVD (digital video disk) Mb (megabyte)
Interchange) EBCDIC (extended binary MHz (megahertz)
Audio-input device coded decimal interchange MICR (magnetic-ink character
Bar codes code) recognition)
Bar-code reader Electronic imaging Microprocessor
Bay Ergonomics Multifunction printer
Binary system Expansion card Network interface card
Biometrics Expansion slot Non-impact printer
Bit Fax machine OCR (Optical character
Bus Fax modem recognition)
Byte Flash memory chips OMR (optical mark
Cache Flat panel display recognition)

CD-R (compact disk- Gigabyte (gb) Optical card

recordable) disks GHz (gigahertz) Optical disk
CD-ROM (compact disk-read- Graphics card Output devices
only memory) Hard disk Parallel port
CD-RW (compact disk- Hard disk controller Passive matrix display
rewritable) disk Pb (petabyte)
Hardcopy
Chip PC card
Impact printer
CMOS (complementary metal- Pen-based computer system
Infrared port
oxide semiconductor) chip
Ink-jet printer Pixel
Control unit
Input hardware Plug and play
CPU (central processing unit)
Intelligent terminal Pointing devices
CRT (cathode-ray tube)
Intel-type chip Pointing stick
Digital camera
Internet terminal Port
Digitizer
Kb (Kilobyte) Printer
Digitizer tablet
Keyboard RAM (random access memory)
Display screen chips
Laser printer
Dot-matrix printer Read
LCD (liquid crystal display)

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 21

Read/write head Softcopy Unicode
Refresh rate Sound card Upgrading
Registers Sound-output devices USB (universal serial bus) port
Removable hard disks Source data entry devices USB Flash Drive
RFID (radio frequency SuperDisk Video card
identification technology) SVGA (super video graphics Videoconferencing
RISC (reduced instruction set array) Virtual memory
computing) chips System clock Voice-output device
ROM (read-only memory) Tape cartridge Voice-recognition system
Scanner Tb (terabyte) Volatile
Secondary storage hardware Touch screen Word-size
Sectors Touchpad Write
Sensor Trackball XGA (extended graphics array)
Serial port Tracks Zip disk
Smart card Transistors

Theory Topic 5
Analogue File server MPEG
Backbone Firewall Network
Band Gateway Node
Bridge GPS (global positioning Peer-to-peer LAN
Broadband connections system) Privacy
Broadcast radio Host computer Radio frequency spectrum
Client/server LAN Infrared wireless transmission Router
Coaxial cable Intranet Telecommuting
Communication channel JPEG Twisted pair wire
Communications satellite LAN (Local area network) Videoconferencing
Compression MAN (Metropolitan area Virtual office
Digital network) WAN (wide area network)
Extranet Microwave radio Workgroup computing
Fibre-optic cable Modem

Theory Topic 6
B2B (Business to Business) Data mining DBA (Database administrator)
Character Data storage hierarchy Direct access storage
Data files Database Directory

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 22

Distributed database Key field Public databanks
E-commerce Master file Record
Field Network database Relational database
File Object oriented database Sequential storage
File specification Offline storage Shared database
Filename Online storage Transaction file
Hierarchical database Privacy
Individual database Program files

Theory Topic 7
AI (artificial intelligence) Expert system Robot
Antivirus software Hackers Robotics
Artificial life Intelligent agent Security
Biometrics Logic bomb Simulator
Computer crime Natural language processing Trojan horse
Crackers Password Virus
Disaster recovery plan PIN (personal identification Virtual reality
Encryption number) Worm
Plagiarism

© UWSCOLLEGE – 2010 University Foundation Studies - Computer Studies Student Manual 23