UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

COURSE INFORMATION
Confidential

Code

CSC134

Course

Computers and Information Processing

Level

Various Programmes

Credit Unit

Contact Hour

Course Status

Non Core

Prerequisite

None

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Appreciate the role of information system
Identify the components of the computer system
Appreciate the importance of the computer communication
capabilities
Appreciate the computer privacy, security and ergonomics
Aware of opportunities in information technology
Use at least two of the most popular and current application
software

Course Description

This course exposes the students on the essentials of computing

and deals with the general computer literacy. Understanding the
computer is becoming more essential to be productive and
successful in todays world. The course exposes fundamental
concepts in a manner that emphasizes their importance from the
users point of view. The computer is transforming the way we
learn, communicate and do business. Besides providing an
overview of computers what they are doing and what they can
do, this course also covers the aspects including computer
security and ethics, modern trends and issues. The students are
expected to have hands-on experience of using popular
application packages.

Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences

@ Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi Mara

Page 1

SYLLABUS CONTENTS
No.

Topic

1.0

Introduction
Introduction to Computer
Component of a computer
Types of computers
Computer in society
Information systems
Your future, careers and opportunities

2.0

The System Unit

Electronic Data and Instructions
System Board
Microprocessor
Memory
System Clock
Expansion Slot and Cards
Bus Lines
Ports and Cables
Power Supply

3.0

Input and Output

Input Devices: keyboard, pointing devices, scanning devices, image capturing
devices, audio-input devices
Biometrics authenticates devices
Output Devices: monitors, printers, audio-output devices
Combination of Input and Output Devices

4.0

Secondary Storage
Floppy Disks
Hard Disks
Optical Disks
Other types of Secondary Storage

5.0

System Software
Types of System Software: operating system (OS), utilities, device drivers, and
language translators
Functions, features and categories of OS
Most popular OS Used Today
Types of Utilities

6.0

Application Software
Types of Basic Application Software: word processor, spreadsheet, DBMS,
graphic presentation and browser
Integrated Packages and Suite packages
Sharing data between application
Types of Specialized Application Software: Multimedia, Web Authoring, Graphic
Programs, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality

Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences

@ Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi Mara

Page 2

7.0

Internet and the Web

Internet Services: communicating (e-mail, teleconferencing, discussion group);
shopping (e-payment, e-commerce); entertainment (games, movie previews);
researching
Internet Access: ISP and Online Services
Web Utilities

8.0

Communications and Networking

Communication systems: Sending and receiving devices, communication
channels, connection devices and data transmission specifications.
Network terms
Types of network: LAN, MAN, WAN and WLAN
Network architecture: topology and strategy
Organizational Internet: Intranet, Extranet and Firewall

9.0

Privacy, Security, Ethics, and Ergonomic

Privacy: how to protect privacy and personal responsibility
Security: threats to computer security, computer criminal, computer crime, and
measure of protections
Ethics issue
Ergonomics: physical health, mental health, green PC

Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences

@ Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi Mara

Page 3

10.0

Applications Module (Computer Lab Session)

Introduction to different types of application software and hands-on experience on
compulsory and one optional software of the following categories of application
software:

Introduction to Windows (Compulsory)

Features and editions
Basic : Interface, part of a window, dialog box
Desktop : window Aero, taskbar, menu bar, flip 3D
Window Explorer : File & folder, searching, libraries
Customisation : Gadgets, themes
Accessories : Calculator, paint, recorder, snipping tool, system tools
Shortcut keys

Word Processing Software (Compulsory)

Create: open, new, and save
Edit: select, copy, cut and paste
Insert graphics
Format: paragraph formatting, word wrap, auto content, format painter, page
numbering, header and footer, bullets and numbered lists and text alignment
Customizing: table and columns formatting
Tools: spelling and grammar checker
Preview and printing: properties, paging, page setup and margin

Spreadsheet Software (Compulsory)

Create: open, new, and save
Edit: copy, cut and paste
Format: format cell, text alignment, word wrap, merge and centre
Customizing: column width, row height, auto format
Formulas and functions: fill handle, sum, average, max, min, and arithmetic
expression
Chart: chart wizard, modifying, editing and formatting
Analysis: sort and validation
Printing: properties, paging, page setup and margin

Presentation Graphic Software (Compulsory)

Create: blank, auto content wizard, design templates
Drawing: clip art, and insert files
Insert object: media, video, music, movies and charts, Hyperlinks
Slide effect: layouts, transition, custom animation and timing
View: Master slide, slide sorter and slide outline
Slide show tools: current slide, previous, next and go to slide
Printing: option (handout, slide and notes), properties, paging, page setup
and margin

Database Management Software (Optional)

Create database
Data Entry: tables, fields, records and primary key
Add, change, delete data in a database
Create relationship
Sort and retrieve data
Create and modify a query, form and report: wizard
Print report based request

Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences

@ Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi Mara

Page 4

Publication Software (Optional)

Creating & Editing a Publication
Working with fonts and styles
Change design and layout
Working with pictures and word art, table
Creating various publications Newsletter, Brochure, Postcard, Business
Card etc

Web Authoring Tools (Optional)

Create and design homepage
Hyperlinks and Hypertexts
Download files, copy images and transfer files
Publishing web
Upload web by using free servers

Other relevant applications/tools Web 2.0, SPSS, Math LAB etc

TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Lectures and Computer Laboratory

ASSESSMENT
Tests (2)
Quizzes
Assignment
Laboratory and Project
Final Examination

15%
5%
10%
20%
50%

TEXTBOOK
1.

Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat, Discovering Computers - Fundamentals

2012: Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World, Course Technology, Cengage
Learning, 2013

REFERENCES

1.
2.

OLeary, Timothy and Linda OLeary, Computing Essentials 2014 Complete Edition,
McGraw Hill, 2013
Evans, A., Martin K., and Poatsy, M.A., Technology in Action Tenth Edition,
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2013

Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences

@ Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi Mara

Page 5