THE INSTRUCTOR ...

Dean K. Anderson graduated from St.Mary's University in 1986 with a B.Sc. in Mathematics & Computer Science, and from Dalhousie University in 1992, with a B.Ed. in Mathematics.  Dean is employed as an Senior Applications Analyst with the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre.    He has worked for many years as a Software Specialist, Programmer Analyst, Programmer, Teacher, and Naval Reservist, and when teaching, draws upon his experience to provide real-world examples for topics being discussed.

THE COURSE ...

The primary objective of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of what computers are, what LANs are, what computer virus are, how to protect computers, how to turn on the computer, how to scan floppy disks, how to load various software applications into the computer's memory, what the fundamental principles of MS-DOS and Windows'9x are, how to use electronic mail (E-mail) applications, how to use word processing applications - Microsoft Word / Word Perfect, how to create slide show presentations using Corel Presentations, how to surf the Internet using an Internet web browser - Netscape / Internet Explorer and how to perform Web Authoring activities (creating web pages using HTML, installing web pages on the internet using FTP, and Telnet).

The DOS component of this course will provide you with an understanding of the use for the following MS-DOS commands:

* ATTRIB	* AUTOEXEC.BAT	* CHDIR
* CHKDSK	* CLS	* COMMAND
* CONFIG.SYS	* COPY	* DATE
* DEL	* DIR	* DISKCOPY
* EXIT	* FORMAT	* LABEL
* MEM	* MKDIR	* MORE
* PATH	* PRINT	* RENAME
* RMDIR	* SCANDISK	* TIME
* TREE	* TYPE	* VER
* XCOPY	* DEFRAG

As well, you will obtain an understanding of naming files - short file names (for DOS platforms) and long file names (Windows 9x platforms).

Using the word processing applications, and E- mail, you will learn basic skills such as how to create a document, how to edit text in a document using a variety of functions, and how to save, print and retrieve a document.

Computer useage in preparation of papers and reports will be the focus of this course. During the introductory lessons, you will be guided through some commonly used activities so that you will be able to develop strengths using various software applications.

Upon completion of this course you will have a basic knowkedge of the computer and the software applications previously referenced.

   Syllabus: Windows95, Internet, and Word Processing

PERSONAL COMPUTERS ...

For the benefit of students who may not be familiar with personal computers, a personal computer is a tool for information processing, storage, and retrieval. It electronically performs tasks that were previously performed manually, and performs them quickly and reliably. Many of today's personal computers can store more files and documents than four large office filing cabinets and still retrieve any individual file almost instantly.

NETWORKING ...

For the benefit of students who may not be familiar with network environments, a LAN (Local Area Network) is the linkage of personal and other computers within a limited area by high- performance cables so that users can exchange information using electronic mail, share files and expensive peripherals (eg. laser printers), draw on the resources of a massive secondary storage unit (called a file server), and provide a centralized daily backup of all files on the fileserver.

The basic components of a LAN are cables, a network interface card, a file server (which includes the central mass storage), a network operating system (NOS), and personal computers or workstations linked by the system. The file server is the main computer that all other computers ( referred to as workstations) are connected to.

COMPUTER VIRUSES ...

In the world of computers, a virus is a computer program, designed as a prank or as sabotage, that replicates itself by attaching to other programs (including system software) and carrying out unwanted and sometimes damaging operations.

Like a human virus, the effects of a computer virus may not be detectable for a period of days or weeks, during which time every disk inserted into the system comes away with a hidden copy of the virus.

Eventually, the effects manifest themselves. The consequences range from prank messages to erratic system software performance or catastrophic erasure of all the information on a hard disk.

To protect your system from computer viruses, observe the following rules:

• Be cautious of program diskettes that you may acquire from friends, and co- workers, because these disks may contain viruses.
   
  
• Do not copy pirated disks of commercial programs, not only is it illegal, but these disks may contain viruses.
   
  
• Do not obtain programs from mail- order vendors of public domain or shareware programs unless they specifically promise to check each program they sell.
   
  
• Files that are exchanged with friends, should be scanned for viruses - BEFORE they are loaded upon your workstation.

SECURITY ...

It is very important that students be concerned about the protection of data so that unauthorized persons cannot examine or copy it.

As business and professional people have discovered, a reasonably competent hacker can get into many computer systems, even those that have been protected through such measures as passwords and data encryption. Sensitive data - such as employee performance ratings, customer lists, budget proposals, and confidential memos - can be downloaded on floppy disks that can be carried right out of the office without anyone knowing.

Students are to be informed that ALL files are to be saved on floppy disks ONLY. And the floppy disks are to be secured by the students themselves. To reduce the likelihood loosing important information, students are asked to observe the following rules:

• Store ALL files on floppy disks workstations' local drive A: .
   
  
• SAVE work files OFTEN!
   
  
• Caution: Some programs (eg. WordPerfect, Word, etc.) enable you to password protect your files, but be sure to keep a record of the password. Many users have lost work permanently because they forgot the password, and they cannot find out what the password is. (If a method for retrieving a password was included in software programs, a clever hacker would quickly discover it, and your data would not be secure.)

TAKING CARE OF YOUR COMPUTER ...

The following are some guidelines you should follow when using your computer.

• Guard Against Irregular Electrical Currents
   
  Computer warranties do not cover failures due to faulty or irregular electrical currents, but you can guard against losses of this nature by using protective devices such as a power bar with a surge suppressor.
   
  
• Take Good Care of the Power Cords
   
  Your computer system has two power cords - one that connects the system unit to a wall outlet and one that connects the display monitor to a wall outlet. Both of these power cords have a 3-pronged ground plug. They will fit only into a grounded type power outlet. If the connector does not fit, or if you cannot insert it into an outlet easily, find another outlet. Do NOT force it.
   
  If you notice that the power cord or plug is damaged, shut down you computer system immediately and obtain a replacement power cord.
   
  Do not set your display monitor or system unit on the top of the power cords. Be sure that all connections are secure and that any extra cord is placed out of the way so that it will not get caught on anything or trip someone.
   
  To disconnect a power cord, pull it out by holding the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
   
  
• Do Not Keep Your Computer System in Direct Sunlight or High Temperatures
   
  When deciding where to put your computer system, avoid placing any part of it in direct sunlight, near a heat- generating device such as a radiator or air duct, or near a source of moisture or steam. These extreme conditions can damage your system. A good rule of thumb is to place your computer in a place where you would be comfortable at all times.
   
  
• Keep Your Computer System in a Well- ventilated Place
   
  Be sure to place your system in an area with plenty of ventilation.
   
  The various components of your computer system have ventilation holes to reduce the internal temperature of the unit. Do not cover the ventilation holes with materials such as paper, tape, or cloth, and do not place the computer system near materials, such as curtains, that can block the ventilation holes.
   
  
• Keep Liquids and Moisture Away From Your Computer
   
  Liquids, such as water or pop, can damage your computer system or make it dangerous to use. Be careful not to spill anything on the computer's components. If liquids are spilled, immediately disconnect your system and contact your System Administrator for assistance.
   
  
• Be Conscious of the Sounds of Your Computer System
   
  As you work with your computer system, you will become accustomed to its many sounds. If your computer makes an unusual sound that you cannot identify, shut down the system and consult your System Administrator.
   
  
• Handle the Computer System With Care Various parts of your computer system are breakable. Handle all the components with care. Do not drop them, bang them around, or place them on an unstable surface.
   
  
• Do Not Let Foreign Objects Enter the Components
   
  
• Objects such as paper clips or thumbtacks can damage your computer system or make it dangerous to use. Do not drop them into your computer system. If anything is dropped inside any component, immediately shut down your system and contact your System Administrator for assistance.
   
  
• Cleaning Your Computer System
   
  Before cleaning your computer system, disconnect it from the AC wall receptacle. Use a soft damp cloth with a mild soap to clean your system unit, display monitor, and keyboard. Never use strong solvents, such as thinner or benzene, or abrasive cleaners. Clean only the outside of the system, and be careful not to get any liquid inside the diskette drive openings. NEVER apply liquids directly to the components; moisten the cloth first.
   
  A window cleaner may be used to remove dust and fingerprints from the display monitor screen.
   
  
• When Your Computer System Is Not In Use:
   
  ALWAYS turn off the display monitor when you are not using it. Whether you choose to turn off the system unit, which is called the Central Processing Unit (CPU), when you are not using your computer system is optional.

COMMON PROBLEMS ...

Some of the common problems experienced by new computer users include the following:

• Unable to copy files to floppy disks.
   
  
• Unable to delete a file.
   
  
• Unable to print documents.
   
  
• Unable to create Sub Directories
   
  
• Unable to create Page Breaks.
   
  
• Frozen workstation.
   
  
• Unable to locate printed documents.

SUPPORT ...

I (the Instructor) am the main point of contact for users' support. If I am not available, feel comfortable asking other students for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...

For further information, please contact Dean K. Anderson, Computer Skills Instructor, by sending e-mail to Dean_K_Anderson@Hotmail.com.