SUBJECT TITLE: COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND PACKAGES

SUBJECT CODE: 317/18/S03

DURATION: 210 HOURS (THEORY 80HOURS,

COMPETENCIES 130 HOURS)

1.0 AIM

The aim of the subject is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required
in effectively manipulating computer operating system and application packages.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the syllabus, students should be able to:

2.1 identify and explain the different types of computer software.

2.2 install and use operating systems

2.3 describe the generations of computer languages.

2.4 install, configure and use of communication software

2.5 interpret and apply computer system operational standards

2.6 evaluate and manipulate application packages

3.0 TOPICS
3.1 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
3.2 OPERATING SYSTEMS
3.3 OVERVIEW OF COMPUTER LANGUAGES
3.4 OVERVIEW OF COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE
3.5 OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
3.6 APPLICATION PACKAGES

4.0 CONTENT

4.1 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

4.1.1 Define computer software
4.1.2 Classify computer software
4.1.3 Discuss software licensing
4.1.4 Explain main features and functions of:
- Systems software
- Operating system
- Utility software

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 - Communication software
- Development software
4.1.5 Discuss parallel processing, multiprocessing, time sharing, multitasking,
multiprogramming

4.2 OPERATING SYSTEMS

4.2.1 Illustrate the operating system structure
4.2.2 Describe the booting process
4.2.3 MS DOS
4.2.3.1 Perform the following:
- Create directory
- Move around the directories
- Copy files from one directory to another
- Move files from one directory to another
- Rename files
- Scan disk
- Backup files
- Delete and Undelete files
- Edit files
- Create Bat files.
- Print files
- Monitor computer and network performance

4.2.4 LINUX
- Discuss LINUX history
- Illustrate the structure of LINUX
- Use LINUX command to perform the following operations
- Move files
- Rename files
- Backup files
- Delete and Undelete files
- Edit files
- Create Bat files.
- Navigate a LINUX file system
- Use LINUX editors for file manipulation
- Use shell features including re-direction and piping
- Write basic shell scripts
- Use LINUX printer facilities
- Use MAN command
- Monitor computer and network performance

4.2.5 WINDOWS
4.2.5.1 Discuss the versions of the Windows operating system
4.2.5.2 Use Windows commands to perform the following:
- Create directory
- Move around the directories
- Copy files from one directory to another

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 - Move files
- Rename files
- Backup files
- Update files
- Customize desktop
- Monitor computer and network performance

4.2.6 UTILITY AND ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

- Load program
- Recover deleted files or lost data
- Use directory utilities
- Use a disk defragmentation utilities
- Use back-up facilities
- Use application managers
- Use security features
- Use file compression
- Scan for viruses
- Remove viruses
- Protect against viruses.

4.3 OVERVIEW OF COMPUTER LANGUAGES

4.3.1 Outline the levels and generations of computer languages

4.4 OVERVIEW OF COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE

4.4.1 Define communication software giving examples
4.4.2 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of communication software
4.4.3 Configure communication software
4.4.4 Internet and e-mail
4.4.4.1 Identify Internet browsers and e-mail software
4.4.4.2 Create e-mail account
4.4.4.3 Send and extract messages using e-mail
4.4.4.5 Enforce Internet and e-mail security

4.5 OPERATIONAL STANDARDS

4.5.1 Describe the requirements for an ideal computer room environment
4.5.2 Discuss the health effects associated with the use of computers
4.5.3 Perform first aid
4.5.4 Maintain safe working loads capacity, lifting and operation of machines
4.5.5 Perform basic fire fighting
4.5.6 Maintain a clean and safe working environment
4.5.7 Clean and maintain computer equipment
4.5.8 Outline the main ways of preserving data security and integrity

4.6 APPLICATION PACKAGES

4.6.1 Explain the role of application packages in the functioning of a computer
system
4.6.2 Classify application packages according to their use

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4.6.3 Justify the need for well written user manuals, vendor contracts and backup
copies
4.6.4 Software Package Evaluation
4.6.4.1 Determine the factors to consider when acquiring application
software
4.6.4.2 Prepare and present a comparative report of two or more software
packages that can be used to accomplish a particular task
4.6.4.3 Install software

4.6.5 WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE

- Load program
- Open a word processing document
- Create a new document
- Enter text
- Insert text
- Delete text
- Replace text
- Change margins
- Change line-spacing
- Centre text
- Embolden text
- Underline text
- Justify margins
- Align text
- Create page numbering
- Format a document into columns
- Incorporate graphics into text
- Draw lines
- Move text
- Perform mail merge
- Use outlining Features
- Indent using appropriate keys.
- Save document or block
- Print text
- Exit from a document
- Import/export files and file conversion
- Generate and update a table of contents
- Create table of figures
- Create and save templates
- Create a new style

4.6.6 ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

- Load Accounting software
- Create a new set of accounting files
- Enter records
- Add records

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 - Delete records
- Amend records
- Save a file
- Print files
- Produce a report on specified information
- Back up files
- Exit

4.6.7 DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE

- Load DTP software
- Create a publication
- Use fonts
- Use peripheral devices associated with DTP
- Print publications
- Edit documents
- Exit

4.6.8 GRAPHICS DESIGN SOFTWARE

4.6.8.1 Load program
4.6.8.2 Use the following elements of design
- Color
- Line
- Shape
- Space
- Texture
- Value
4.6.8.3 Apply the principles of design to
- Balance
- Contrast
- Emphasis/dominance
- Harmony
- Movement/Rhythm
- Proportion
- Repetition/pattern
- Unity
- Variety
4.6.8.4 Typography
- Create a business proposal and create branding for that business
including a commercial and magazine advertisement using the
following typographic elements:
o Anatomy of letter
o Typefaces
o Typographic measurement
o Typographic standards
o Typographic guidelines
4.6.8.5 Create images for print and web

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 4.6.8.6 Edit images
4.6.8.7 Save images
4.6.8.8 Print

4.6.9 SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE

- Load Spreadsheet
- Insert/Delete/Rename worksheets
- Enter data
- Edit entries
- Insert columns and rows
- Delete columns and rows
- Copy/Move rows/columns
- Insert formulae
- Apply/Replicate formulae
- Edit formulae
- Underline text
- Replace text
- Text alignment
- Insert page numbering
- Print with/without formulae
- Hide columns
- Protect and unprotect worksheets/blocks of text
- Delete data
- Merge data
- Import and export files
- Create and print graphs
- Apply user defined functions in Add-Ins
- Use data analysis features to analyze data
- Conditional formatting
- Connect to a new external data source
- Create relationships between tables
- Save spreadsheet
- Exit

4.6.10 DATABASE SOFTWARE

- Establish user requirements
- Design database
- Load database program
- Create database
- Create database objects
- Insert data
- Add records
- Delete records
- Edit records
- Sort records by a key field
- Search records by a key field

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 - Print selected fields
- Search on more than one criterion
- Produce simple programs

5.0 ASSESSMENT SCHEME

Theory: A minimum of 100%

3 hour paper · 3 Field Work based assignments
(Weighted 20%) 30% (weighted 10% each)
Practical · Skills Competency Testing
3 hour paper 30%
(Weighted 20%)

6.0 ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION GRID

6.1 THEORY PAPER
No. TOPIC WEIGHTING %
1. Computer Software 15
2. Operating Systems 15
3. Overview of computer languages 10
4. Overview of Communication Software 10
5. Operational Standards 10
6. Application Software
- Word processing software 5
- Spreadsheets software 5
- Desktop Publishing software 5
- Graphics design software 5
- Presentation software 5
- Accounting software 5
- Database software 10
TOTAL 100

6.2 PRACTICAL
No. TOPIC WEIGHTING %
1. Operating Systems 10
2. Word Processing Software 15
3. Spreadsheet Software 20
4. Desktop Publishing Software 10
5. Graphics Design Software 10
6. Presentation Software 10
7. Accounting Software 10
8. Database Software 15
TOTAL 100

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7.0 SUGGESTED REFERENCE BOOKS
i. Arpaci-Dusseau, H. R, Arpaci-Dusseau C. A (2015) Operating Systems: Three Easy
Pieces, Arpaci-Dusseau Books

ii. Bouton D. (2017) CorelDRAW X8: The Official Guide, Pearsons, New York
iii. Bringhurst R. (2013) The Elements of Typographic Style: Version 4.0, Paperback
iv. Gookin D.(2011) DOS for Dummies 3rd ed, Hungry Minds, New York
v. Joan L. and Curtis F. (2015) Microsoft Office 2016 Step by Step, Microsoft Press,
Washington, USA
vi. Walkenbach J. et.al, (2010), Office 2010 Bible,Wiley, Indianapolis
vii. Rathbone A (2016) Windows 10 for Dummies 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New
York
viii. Silberschatz A, et al (2017) Operating System Concepts 9th Edition,
ix. Sobell M.G (2013) A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell
Programming (3rd Edition), Edwards Brothers

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