Introduces problem solving through computer applications and via a programming language. Examines development of computers, social and ethical implications of computers, and properties of programming languages. Covers input, storage, data manipulation, software and hardware. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Prerequisites are Readiness for ENG 111 & MTH 163.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify, explain the purpose of, and use the basic hardware components of a personal, desktop computer system.
2. Identify several tasks for which an operating system is responsible.
3. Use a file utility program to copy, move, and delete files and make and delete subdirectories.
4. Understand the basic difference between system software and application software.
5. Application Software – use application programs at the basic/introductory level for the following applications: Word processing, Spreadsheets, Database manipulation, Email, Network browsing.
6. Send and receive email.
7. Use an Internet browser program to connect to web sites and retrieve information.
8. Use elementary control structures and/or elementary event-handling constructs of a programming language to write an elementary computer program.
9. Solve an elementary problem by use of a computer and a programming language.
10. Cite several ways that computers are changing the way we do things in our society.
11. State at least two malicious activities against which a user must protect him/herself when using a computer in conjunction with the Internet.

Office 365: NOVA students have access to Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for free. It is available for both PC users and Mac users. Remember, Microsoft Office 365 is a subscription-based cloud service and is only free while a student. You can find more information about Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus on its website.

You can access Office 365 by going to: http://office.vccs.edu. Use your full VCCS student email address as your username (username@email.vccs.edu) , and your VCCS student password to log into the site. This is the password you use to login at My NOVA for access to student email, Blackboard, and NovaConnect. Then follow Microsoft’s directions to set up the software.

If you need assistance with getting access to Microsoft Office 365, please check the Microsoft Website above and contact Microsoft.

NOTE: Office for the Mac does not include Access. If you use a Mac, you will have to use a PC to complete the Access assignments or install Access in a virtual environment on your MAC.

Free IT eBook: You can find free IT ebooks via this website, http://it-ebooks-search.info/. If you want to learn more about MS Office products or need assistance with Windows operating systems, you may search for a free ebook by typing the topic in the search box.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are 2 exams in this course.