CS1305 Introduction to Computer Technology
Spring 2008, CRN: 20419, 10:00-11:15am MW
Catalog Description: Topics include the history and nature of computers, ethical and other societal issues, an overview of computer hardware and software (with an emphasis on computer applications and the use of standard software packages).The use of the internet for communication and research is introduced.
Prerequisites: MATH 1300 or placement by exam.
Purpose: This course is designed to give the background to understanding how computers work, their capabilities and limitations. The student will gain a knowledge of the history of computers, their present diverse areas of application, how society is influenced by computers, and the future of computers. The student will also understand the vocabulary which has developed and be aware of the importance of computers in our everyday life. He or she will have “hands-on” experience (more than 50% of class time will be “hands-on”) in running programs on a personal computer, particularly applications like word processors and spreadsheets, as well as simple programs. This course also offers an excellent introduction to personal computers that will greatly benefit potential computer science majors who have little background with personal computers.
Audience: This is a freshman level course which fulfills the computer literacy requirement.
Goals/Objectives: At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1) Identify the basic components of a computer and describe their functions;
2) Navigate through the Internet;
3) Distinguish the different levels of programming languages;
4) Be able to prepare a diskette for information storage, and be able to effectively organize files and directories on their diskette;
5) Identify and describe the functions of operating systems and graphical user interfaces;
6) Identify and describe the major types of application programs for personal computers;
7) Discuss relevant security issues for computers, including viruses and security for sensitive information;
8) Make use, to a limited extent, or both a word processor and a spreadsheet;
9) Discuss how our society will function in the future with computers, including the topic of careers in computing;
10) Discuss the social impact of computers and their role in everyday life.
Requirements: Students are expected to satisfy the prerequisites, to attend all classes/labs, and to master the material covered in order to successfully pass the tests/final exam.
Textbook: Timothy J. & Linda I. O’Leary, Computing Essentials 2006, complete edition, McGraw-Hill Technology Education, ISBN: 0-07-226110-2.
Instructor: Dr. Hong Lin, Office: S-717, Office Hours: 1:00pm – 3:00pm MTWR
Phone: (713) 221 2781, Fax: (713) 221 8086, Email: linh@uhd.edu
URL: http://cms.dt.uh.edu/faculty/linh/courses/CS1305
Textbook Chapters: The major topics will be presented from the following chapters:
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1 |
Information Technology, the Internet, and You |
|
2 |
The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce |
|
3 |
Basic Application Software |
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4 |
Specialized Application Software |
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5 |
System Software |
|
6 |
The System Unit |
|
7 |
Input and Output |
|
8 |
Secondary Storage |
|
9 |
Communications and Networks |
|
10 |
Privacy and Security |
|
11 |
Information Systems |
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12 |
Databases |
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13 |
Systems Analysis and Design |
|
14 |
Programming and Languages |
|
15 |
Your Future and Information Technology |
Grades: Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on:
Homework and Projects (20%), Labs and Quizzes (30%),
Two Midterm (15% each) and a Final Exam (20%).
Grades are assigned as: “A” (90-100), “B” (80-89), “C” (70-79), “D” (60-69), “F” (0-59).
Academic Dishonesty: For this class, all work must be done individually -- no group work is allowed. You are encouraged to generally discuss assignments with fellow students, but may not copy their solution or code. Doing so constitutes academic dishonesty which will be sanctioned with a grade of F, and possibly further disciplinary actions by the University.
Statement on reasonable accommodations: UHD adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should be notified to register with Disabled Student Services and contact the instructor in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.
Course Schedule
This is the tentative course schedule.
It will be updated during the proceeding of the course. You should check it
regularly for the assignment due dates and exam dates. Although it will be
updated in the best effort, any conflicts should be resolved according to the
announcements made in the class.
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Week\Day |
Monday |
Wednesday |
|
1 |
1/14 |
1/16 |
|
2 |
1/21 Martin Luther King Holiday |
1/23 Lab: Telnet, FTP, Search Engines |
|
3 |
1/28 |
1/30 Lab: Reproduce the word document on page 65 (2006 version) or 67 (2008 version) 1st Project Handout: Reproduce the spreadsheet on page 69 (2006 version) or page 71 (2008 version) |
|
4 |
2/4 Lab: Reproduce the powerpoint presentation on page 102 (2006 & 2008 version) |
2/6 Review for the 1st Exam |
|
5 |
2/11 1st Exam |
2/13 1st Project Due 2nd Project Handout: Using file compression software (e.g., WinZip) to compress to folder which contains at least one sub-folder and a file. Turn in a floppy containing the created file. |
|
6 |
2/18 Supplemental exam |
2/20 |
|
7 |
2/25 Lab: Experiment ASCII Scheme (download the source and the executable) |
2/27 |
|
8 |
3/3 |
3/5 2nd Project Due 3rd Project Handout: Designing personal website containing photo, animation, and link to email. |
|
9 |
3/10 |
3/12 Review for the 2nd Exam |
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Spring Break |
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|
10 |
3/24 2nd Exam |
3/26 |
|
11 |
3/31 Lab: Automatic content completion, SSL in Internet
Explorer, and the use of network analyzer (Ethereal) |
4/2 3rd Project Due 4th Project Handout: Using a web filtering program to block visit to a certain site. (Hand in two display snapshots showing the web page of the site in browser’s window before and after the blocking, respectively.) |
|
12 |
4/7 Lab: What-If analysis in Excel. Produce the spreadsheet in Figure 11-11 on page 319. Add a column to calculate bonus based on performance ($0 if <=0; $500 if <=$5000; $1000 if >$5000). |
4/9 |
|
13 |
4/14 Lab: Building the database in Figure 12-8 on page 348. |
4/16 |
|
14 |
4/21 |
4/23 4th Project Due |
|
15 |
4/28 Review for Final Exam |
4/30 Reading Day |
|
16 |
5/5 Final Exam 10:00am – 12:30pm |
5/7 |