CMSY 120 Introduction to Computer Systems

By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the historical development of computers; the characteristics, components, and use of computer systems; and the major programming languages. The fundamentals of problem solving and programming in a high-level language such as BASIC will be discussed and demonstrated.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121 and MATH 061

Course Objectives

1. 1. Explain what computer systems are and why data needs to be processed.
2. 2. Identify the features of some of the equipment used to process data, both in the past and present.
3. 3. Differentiate between software categories such as applications software, systems software and personal
   productivity software, recognizing where each might be used.
4. 4. Distinguish among applications such as word processing, graphics, spreadsheets and data bases, having
   seen them demonstrated, and evaluate when it is appropriate to use each of them.
5. 5. Discuss the steps involved in the analysis and design of a system for use on a computer and identify the
   importance of each step.
6. 6. Differentiate between various programming languages, describe the steps involved in writing a program
   and modify and/or prepare programs written in BASIC.
7. 7. Describe at least three common network designs and recognize various telecommunications and
   networking vocabulary terms.
8. 8. Differentiate between various types of Information Systems as well as recognize some common Expert
   Systems.
9. 9. Explain current state-of-the-art in computer systems (both hardware and software) and predict what the
   future might bring to the field.
10. 10. Read at least two articles about computers from outside sources and write short papers evaluating those
    outside readings.
    

Course Objectives

1. 1. Explain what computer systems are and why data needs to be processed.
2. 2. Identify the features of some of the equipment used to process data, both in the past and present.
3. 3. Differentiate between software categories such as applications software, systems software and personal
   productivity software, recognizing where each might be used.
4. 4. Distinguish among applications such as word processing, graphics, spreadsheets and data bases, having
   seen them demonstrated, and evaluate when it is appropriate to use each of them.
5. 5. Discuss the steps involved in the analysis and design of a system for use on a computer and identify the
   importance of each step.
6. 6. Differentiate between various programming languages, describe the steps involved in writing a program
   and modify and/or prepare programs written in BASIC.
7. 7. Describe at least three common network designs and recognize various telecommunications and
   networking vocabulary terms.
8. 8. Differentiate between various types of Information Systems as well as recognize some common Expert
   Systems.
9. 9. Explain current state-of-the-art in computer systems (both hardware and software) and predict what the
   future might bring to the field.
10. 10. Read at least two articles about computers from outside sources and write short papers evaluating those
    outside readings.