EBSU COS 107: General Computer Practical – Complete Guide for Students

EBSU COS 107: General Computer Practical – Complete Guide for Students

COS 107 (General Computer Practical) is one of the most important practical courses for students because it introduces the basic computer skills needed for academic work and everyday digital activities.

The course focuses on hands-on practice with computer systems, file management, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. By the end of the course, students are expected to confidently operate a computer, create documents, analyze data, and prepare presentations.

Course Contents

The COS 107 practical course covers:

• Introduction to Computer Laboratory

• Laboratory Rules and Safety Guidelines

• Basic Computer Operations

• File and Folder Management

• Microsoft Word – Basic Operations

• Microsoft Word – Advanced Features

• Microsoft Excel – Basic Operations

• Microsoft Excel – Formulas and Charts

• Microsoft PowerPoint – Presentation Basics

• Microsoft PowerPoint – Advanced Features

• Continuous Assessment Tasks

• Practical Examination Guide

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Introduction to Computer Laboratory

Objectives

The aim of this section is to familiarize students with the computer laboratory environment and basic computer operations.

Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

• Identify computer components

• Operate a computer system

• Perform basic computer tasks

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Laboratory Rules and Safety Guidelines

Students must observe the following laboratory rules:

• Do not eat or drink inside the laboratory.

• Handle computer equipment carefully.

• Follow the instructor's instructions.

• Do not install unauthorized software.

• Always log out or shut down the computer properly after use.

Failure to follow these rules may result in damage to equipment or disciplinary actions.

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Lab 1: Basic Computer Operations

Objective

To learn how to start and shut down a computer system correctly.

Procedure

1. Press the power button.

2. Wait for the system to boot.

3. Log in if required.

4. Observe the desktop environment.

5. Open the Start Menu.

6. Shut down properly using:
   Start → Power → Shut Down

Practical Exercise

Identify:

Input Devices

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Scanner

Output Devices

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speakers

Assessment Question

Explain the booting process.

Answer:
Booting is the process through which a computer loads the operating system into memory after being powered on, making the system ready for use.

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Lab 2: File and Folder Management

Objective

To learn how to create, organize, and manage files and folders.

Procedure

1. Right-click on the Desktop.

2. Select New → Folder.

3. Name the folder CSC Practical.

4. Open the folder.

5. Right-click and select New → Text Document.

6. Rename the file as Test File.

7. Copy and paste the file.

8. Delete one copy.

Skills Acquired

Students should be able to:

• Create folders

• Rename files

• Copy files

• Delete files

• Organize documents effectively

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Lab 3: Microsoft Word – Basic Operations

Objective

To create and format documents.

Procedure

1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Type:

   Introduction to Computer Science

3. Apply formatting:

   • Bold

   • Font Size 16

   • Center Alignment

4. Save as:

   Intro.docx

Exercise

Type a one-page document and apply proper formatting.

Assessment Question

What is text formatting?

Answer:
Text formatting is the process of changing the appearance of text by applying styles such as bold, italics, font size, color, alignment, and spacing.

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Lab 4: Microsoft Word – Advanced Features

Objective

To use advanced Microsoft Word tools.

Table Creation

1. Click Insert → Table.

2. Create a 4 × 4 table.

3. Enter student records.

Mail Merge

1. Open the Mailings tab.

2. Click Start Mail Merge.

3. Select Letters.

4. Create a recipient list.

5. Insert merge fields.

6. Complete the merge process.

Exercise

Create a class attendance table.

Assessment Question

Explain mail merge and its uses.

Answer:
Mail merge is a Microsoft Word feature used to create multiple personalized documents such as letters, certificates, and invitations using a single template and a data source.

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Lab 5: Microsoft Excel – Basic Operations

Objective

To understand spreadsheet structures and data entry.

Procedure

1. Open Microsoft Excel.

2. Enter:

Name	Score
Student 1	70
Student 2	65
Student 3	80
Student 4	90
Student 5	75

3. Save the workbook as:

Scores.xlsx

Skills Acquired

• Data entry

• Spreadsheet creation

• Worksheet management

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Lab 6: Microsoft Excel – Formulas and Charts

Objective

To perform calculations and visualize data.

Using Formulas

In Cell C2:

=B2*2

Press Enter and drag down.

Using Functions

Calculate Total:

=SUM(B2:B6)

Calculate Average:

=AVERAGE(B2:B6)

Creating Charts

1. Highlight the data.

2. Click Insert.

3. Select Chart.

4. Choose a Bar Chart.

Assessment Question

What is the difference between a formula and a function?

Answer:
A formula is an expression created by the user to perform calculations, while a function is a predefined formula provided by Excel.

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Lab 7: Microsoft PowerPoint – Presentation Basics

Objective

To create simple presentations.

Procedure

1. Open Microsoft PowerPoint.

2. Choose a theme.

3. Create:

   • Title Slide

   • Content Slide

4. Add text and images.

Exercise

Create a 5-slide presentation on:

Computer Basics

Assessment Question

What is a slide layout?

Answer:
A slide layout is the arrangement of placeholders for text, images, charts, and other elements on a PowerPoint slide.

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Lab 8: Microsoft PowerPoint – Advanced Features

Objective

To improve presentations using animations and transitions.

Animations

1. Select an object.

2. Click the Animations tab.

3. Choose an animation effect.

Transitions

1. Select a slide.

2. Click the Transitions tab.

3. Apply a transition effect.

Additional Practical

Run the slideshow using:

Slide Show → From Beginning

Use arrow keys to navigate through slides.

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Computer Appreciation

Basic Computer System

Input Devices → CPU → Output Devices

Input Devices

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Scanner

Processing Unit

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Output Devices

• Monitor

• Printer

• Speakers

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Memory Structure

Primary Memory

• RAM

• ROM

Secondary Storage

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Flash Drive

• CD/DVD

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Practical Skills Acquired

Students should now be able to:

• Identify computer components

• Operate computer systems effectively

• Create and manage files and folders

• Use Microsoft Word professionally

• Perform calculations using Excel

• Create charts and analyze data

• Design PowerPoint presentations

• Apply animations and transitions

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Continuous Assessment Tasks

Students are required to complete the following assignments:

Assignment 1

Type and format a five-page document on:

"The Role of Determination in Academic Success"

Requirements:

• Font: Arial

• Font Size: 11

• Line Spacing: 1.5

Assignment 2

Create a result sheet for 50 students in Microsoft Excel containing:

• Serial Number

• Student Name

• Registration Number

• Score

• Grade

Assignment 3

Prepare a five-slide PowerPoint presentation on:

Campus Life

Slides should contain:

• Introduction

• Opportunities

• Challenges

• Measures/Solutions

• Summary/Conclusion

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Practical Examination Guide

To succeed in the COS 107 practical examination:

• Practice all laboratory exercises regularly.

• Understand file and folder management.

• Learn Microsoft Word formatting thoroughly.

• Master Excel formulas and functions.

• Practice creating charts.

• Learn PowerPoint animations and transitions.

• Follow all laboratory rules during examinations.

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Conclusion

COS 107 provides students with essential computer skills required for academic and professional success. Through regular practice, students can develop confidence in using computer systems, managing files, preparing documents, analyzing data with Excel, and creating effective presentations using PowerPoint.

Students are encouraged to practice every laboratory exercise repeatedly to build competence and improve performance during practical examinations.