CSC 302 Computer Hardware and Software Concepts

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CSC 302 Computer Hardware and Software Concepts 3 credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to micro-computer architectureCPU architecture, memory, registers,

addressing modes, busses, instruction sets, multiprocessors versus single processors;

peripheral devices; hard disk and other storage devices, video display monitors, device

controllers, input/output. Operating systems functions and types; processes, process

management, memory and file system management. Installation and configuration of

open-source and standard systems.

Essentially the course provides an introduction to the infrastructure components of

desktop computers and their application to business problems. A study of current

hardware and operating environments is presented. The course also covers basic

troubleshooting methods and systems administration tasks.

LEARNING OUTCOMESAt the conclusion of this module the candidate should be able to.

Understand the impact of Information Technology on business. Evaluate the organizations Information Technology requirements and

make appropriate decisions. Identify and use the sources of information for the organization. Use Information Technology, to leverage competitive advantage and

deliver knowledge to the organizations requirements.

Install various type of hardware components on Desktop Computers Install both systems and application software components on

Desktop Computers

Understand the basic concepts of microcomputer operation. Understand the operation of various hardware components such as

the hard drives, CPU and other devices

Understand the use of different types of system software and be able

to make changes when required and install various operating systems Be able to understand the terminology associated with

microcomputers when reading various publications such as PC

Week.

Configure Desktop Computers for simple networking Configure Desktop Operating Systems to efficiently use hardware

resources such as internal and external storage devices, video display,

etc.

LEARNING CONTENT

1.

Introduction to Computer Hardware:Computer architecture, major hardware components and types of software


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Types of computer systems: micros, minis, mainframes, networked computers;

types and trends; computer peripherals: input, output, storage devices.

2. Introduction to Computer Software:Systems software: operating systems, programming language generations,

language translator programs; Applications software: development tools,selection and implementation of software, package versus bespoke decisions.

3. ApplicationsInformation Systems in Business Management:

Information Systems for business operations,

Information Systems and management,

Information Systems and decision making,

Strategic roles of Information Systems.

Information systems for leveraging competitive advantage.

End User Computing and Office Automation:

End user computing: components, resources, applications, management

implications; Office automation : word processing, desktop publishing, image

processing, computer graphics, multimedia presentations, management

implications.

Transaction Processing and Business Information Systems:Transaction processing systems: batch processing, real-time processing;

business information systems: marketing information systems, manufacturing

information systems, human resource information systems, accounting informationsystems, financial information systems, and process control systems.

Managerial Information and Support Systems:

Executive information and decision support systems,

Artificial intelligence and expert systems.

4. Developing Information Systems Solutions:Systems development cycle: investigation, analysis, design, computer aided

systems engineering, prototyping, implementation, testing; evaluating hardware,software, services; Systems development tools: system flowcharts, data flow

diagrams, case tools.

Modes of Teaching and Learning Lecture/DiscussionTraditional in-class lecture and classroom discussion Laboratory Detailed LAB assignments involving hardware and software

installation, configuration, management and troubleshooting

Online collaboration utilize online systems for collaborative discussion and tosynthesize approaches to problem-solving

Case studies and researchto provide outside-the-classroom supplemental learningand discovery activities


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PRE-REQUISITE LEARNINGEvidence of assessed pre-requisite knowledge and understanding at A Level, diploma

level, undergraduate level, or equivalent qualifications

ASSESSMENT SCHEME

Three hour examination paper accounting for 60%, and the other 40% is coursework made

out of assignment, test, and presentations.

Papers, Examinations, and other Assessment Instruments

ExamPeriodic exams covering the major topics in the course ExamFinal Examination Laboratory Exercises assigned by the Instructor for in-class execution QuizOptional quizzes at the discretion of the Instructor Online discussions of timely topics Short Research papers to supplement in-class activities

Grade Determinants

Class Participation Periodic Examinations and optional Quizzes Final Examination In-class exercises or laboratories assigned by the Instructor Research papers

Grading System

There is no predefined mapping between the overall final marks and the final

letter grades. The final letter grades will be given based on a bell curve

distribution of the overall marks. This distribution will only be known when all

marks of all activities are in. A+ are gladly given but will be given only for

outstanding achievements.

Re-evaluation

Any questions or concerns about marks on a particular assignment or test must

be brought to my attention on the return date. After that, the instructor will not

consider remarking or re-evaluating the work.

Academic Integrity

Africa University is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and

honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding

academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.

Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of

the Code of Student Behaviour, and avoid any behaviour which could potentially

result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or

participation in an Academic Dishonesty offence. Academic dishonesty is a

serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.


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Collaboration

Collaboration is highly encouraged for assignment or lab exercises. Term projects

are team work anyway and the class presentation is also prepared in groups.

Collaboration however does not mean copy. Never share content for

assignments. What is handed in by a student as his/hers should be fully

explainable by the student. No collaboration is allowed during the midterm or the

epilogue test and the final exam.

Excused Absences

The default grade for a missed course component is zero. If a student misses any

course component (assignment, class presentation, project demonstration,

midterm or epilogue test) he/she must apply for an excused absence (EA). An EA

will only be granted in very exceptional circumstances. It is much easier to make

alternate arrangements with the instructor or Teaching Assistant in advance than

to try to handle a missed course component after the fact. Solutions can always

be found for genuine cases. If an EA is granted, the weight of the missed activity

is moved to another graded course component.

RECOMMENDED READING

S.G. Shiva Computer Design &

Architecture; 3rd

edition (2005)

Copyright # 2000 by

Marcel Dekker, Inc. All

Rights Reserved.

Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Laudon KC, Laudon

JP (2005)

Management

Information Systems

(8th

Edition)

Prentice Hall of India New Delhi

Thompson & Thompson, PC Hardware In a Nutshell, 3rdEdition, OReilly, ISBN: 0-

596-00513-

Instructor Details

Instructor: Agrippah Kandiero; Office: G38; Phone: 0774593651

E-mail:[email protected];[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

CSC 302 Computer Hardware and Software Concepts

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