Computers are an integral part of our everyday life. We use them at home and in business. This course is an introduction to the world of computers. It includes an overview of computer information systems and concepts. Learn about hardware, operating systems, application software, the Internet, basic programming structure and languages, and an introduction to the system development life cycle. You will receive hands-on experience with the Internet, Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), as well as one programming language (i.e. Visual Basic). 

See our Official Course Competencies for detailed course outline.  Although there are no prerequisites for this course, knowledge of Windows 98+ and the Internet is strongly recommended. Ability to type at least 30 wpm is helpful

Students will be required to:

• Purchase the textbooks and training/testing CD as a bundle through the MCC bookstore:
  • Package ISBN:ackage ISBN: 1-428-38922-9 (New)
    or Package ISBN: 1-435-41567-1 (Used) which includes the following
    • Discovering Computers 2008 - Complete
    • CaseGrader 2007 Software (tutorials and testing)
    • Microsoft Office 2007 Illustrated Introductory XP Edition
    • 180-Day Trial Software: Microsoft Office 2007 Professionsl
• Create and use an MCC mail account.
• Read lecture notes from your instructor for instructions on how to complete each assignment.
• Review PowerPoint presentations for the chapter
• Follow the Assignment Checklist for each chapter and perform hands-on applications (Windows, Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Visual Basic).  
• Download student data files.
• Use Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2007 Professional Edition and Visual Basic Express (software is available for free download from Microsoft).
• Participate in online discussions and group projects.
• Complete Online Quizzes and Exams.
• Use two web tools (WebCT and SAM 2007 ) - Note: Instructions will be provided.

Students will also have an opportunity to interact with the instructor and their classmates either by email, or by on line real-time chat sessions, bulletin board, and/or online office hours.