Microcomputer Applications I

Module 1 – Hardware and Software [1]

1.1         Define the term computer and discuss the four basic computer operations: input, processing, output, and storage.
1.2         Describe the use and handling of auxiliary storage devices.
1.3         Explain the difference between system software and application software.
1.4         Describe several types of personal computer applications software.
1.5         Discuss computer communications channels, networks and equipment.

Module 2 – Windows Interface [1]

2.1         Perform the four basic mouse operations and utilize keyboard shortcuts.
2.2         Obtain on-line Help while using an application.
2.3         Understand and use directory structures and paths in file management.
2.4         Use Windows Explorer to: identify directory structures and paths; select, copy and move one file or a group of files; create, rename and delete a file or directory.

Module 3 – Word Processing [7]

3.1        Create, save, preview, print, close, open, and edit a Word document.
3.2        Proofread and correct all types of Word documents with the Spell and Grammar Checker, and Thesaurus.
3.3        Enhance documents with character, paragraph and global formatting features.
3.4        Adjust margins and line spacing.
3.5        Create headers and/or footers.
3.6        Use and modify styles.
3.7        Adjust page breaks and section breaks.
3.8        Insert special symbols, bullets, and enumerations.
3.9        Create custom tab settings.
3.10      Create footnotes and/or endnotes.
3.11      Create documents with the aid of wizards and templates.
3.12      Create and use both AutoCorrect and AutoText features.
3.13      Insert, complete and format a Word table.
3.14      Address and print envelopes and mailing labels.
3.15      Use graphic features like colouring, shading and setting borders to enhance a table.
3.16      Draw a table and format cells in the table.
3.17      Import, edit and format clip art, including setting text wrap options.
3.18      Generate form letters and mailing labels.
3.19      Design a newsletter utilizing columns and graphic elements.

Module 4 – Database

4.1        Create a customer database with multiple tables
4.2        Modify and update tables while establishing validation rules.
4.3        Perform queries and generate related reports.
4.4        Create single-field and multiple-field indexes.
4.5        Create, modify, print and save reports.
4.6        Create, format, modify and save forms.
4.7        Enhance forms with date, memo, OLE, and hyperlink fields.
4.8        Modify tables and save table properties.

Module 5 – Spreadsheet

5.1        Create a simple sales report with an embedded chart.
5.2        Create an investment portfolio analysis utilizing a web query and 3-D referencing.
5.3        Design a financial report that facilitates “what-if” analysis.
5.4        Generate a 3-D chart incorporating graphic elements.