Title of Learning: Computer/Microcomputer Applications
Credits Requested: 4
I first began to possess the ability to learn about the fundamentals of computers when I was in middle school.
Every year after that, I was engaged in various computer classes either by in classroom training, on the job training or
hands on training. These computer classes kept me efficient and up-to-date with the changing of the technology world.
Today, I work at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“Bank”) and it is my responsibility that my knowledge and
skills are current with the trend of diverse computer applications. I must be able to adapt to new technology by
producing great results through my work performance. As my organization changes and competes in the market, I
must have the skill-set to flourish as well. Furthermore, my work requires me to produce an array of Microsoft Word
documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets and charts, internet research, create metrics, submit e-mail
messages, schedule meetings, and send documents internally and externally. This essay will depict that my knowledge
of computers is at the college learning level.
I have attended computer training classes throughout the Bank. My training at the Bank consists of the
following classes: Advance PowerPoint XP, Introduction PowerPoint, Basic Windows, Introduction to PC DOS,
Intermediate/Advanced WordPerfect Program, Lotus 123 for Windows, Introduction to WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows,
Harvard Graphics for Windows, Advanced Excel XP, Introduction to WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows, Macromedia
Dreamweaver, GroupWise 5, Access Intermediate Office, DSI Migration, HTML Fundamentals, Information Security
Matters 2007-2009, Word Advanced Office XP, Lotus Notes Fundamental and Lotus Notes 8.5. All of these classes
were classroom training which consisted of 7 hours per class. Most of my experiences have been a combination of onthe-job training and classroom training. These training classes have taught me the functionality of the computer for
these applications, a wide array of technical methods; depict how all of the commands are integrated to create specific
documents, and a host of new concepts.
I am proficient in the following areas of computer applications:
Microsoft Word
My day-to-day activities at work consist of utilizing Microsoft Word to create a range of diverse documents.
In formulating such documents, I utilizes the following features of the application: formatting, spelling and grammar
check, thesaurus, inserting tables, saving documents in different formats, inserting pictures and clip art, charts, inserting
footnotes and endnotes, creating headers and footers, track changes and comparing documents, creating indexes, table
of content and mail merge including creating labels. In addition, I use the new reference feature to help with citation,
APA style and reference page. I believe that my knowledge and skills of Microsoft Word are at the
intermediate/advanced level.
PowerPoint
I have had the experience of creating different documents in PowerPoint for presentations, invitations or
fliers, and brochures both professional and personal. In addition, my experience in PowerPoint enables me to assist
my children with their projects and homework. In creating presentations, I have to determine my targeting audience
1
and use features of the application that will grasp their attention. Furthermore, in helping my children with their
school projects, we determine the appropriate features to enhance their presentations. Therefore, by applying color,
animation effectively to slides, changing the design of the slides, editing font sizes and spacing, and inserting
pictures enhance any presentations. Additionally, PowerPoint has many great features such as timing your
presentations, rehearsing your timing, mouse click to each slide or set a timer (which gives you enough time to talk
before the next slick begins) and different layouts to choose from. My knowledge and skills are at the intermediary
level.
Microsoft Office Excel
In my current role, I am responsible for creating spreadsheets, reports and an array of data to show metrics
of important information on a weekly and monthly basis. I am knowledgeable in creating formulas such as: adding,
subtracting, multiplying and dividing. I am also experienced in creating charts to depict data from an excel
spreadsheet. Furthermore, I am scheduled to take an advanced excel training class in the coming month. My
knowledge and skills are at the intermediate level.
Lotus Notes
My daily tasks consist of me composing and submitting e-mail messages internally and externally. I am
responsible for navigating through Lotus Notes to schedule meetings, contacting and informing business units of
pertinent information, answering contract requests, creating contact and groups in my personal address book, setting
mail preferences, creating folders and sending messages for timely responses. Lotus notes make the messaging tool
very efficient and effective. My job is in the process of getting a new version of Lotus Notes and I have attended an
overview training class. The new Lotus Notes have some new features such as: message retractor, automatic shutoff for out of the office message. I am also scheduled to attend a more formal training for this new version of Lotus
Notes. This application affords me the opportunity to share information with all parties in an expedite manner. My
knowledge and skills are advanced in this application.
Internet
The internet provides a wealth of information for personal and professional use. The internet makes
researching information very efficient, resourceful, and accessible twenty-four (24) hours a day. The internet
provides me with reliable information by searching through a vast majority of on-line sources. The internet acts as a
supply channel for purchasing diverse goods and services such as airline tickets, flowers, clothes, furniture, etc.
Furthermore, the internet contributes to my research for college assignments. My knowledge and skills are
advanced in this application.
Microcomputer Applications
In addition to the on the job training, I have completed various classes in Excel, PowerPoint, Office XP,
Microsoft Word, Lotus Notes and Perfect Commerce Contract Management system.
Computer Terminology
What is a bit? A byte?
2
A bit is the smallest unit of measurement used for information storage in computers and represented by
value of 0 or 1. A byte is a group of eight bits of computer information, representing a unit of data such as a number
or a letter.
What is RAM? ROM? What are the typical RAM amounts for a microcomputer?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a place in a computer where the operating system, application
programs and data in current use are stored and reached by the computer processor. ROM means Read Only
Memory. The most common amount of RAM for a computer is 512 MB.
3
What is the speed of a microprocessor measured in?
Computer speeds are measured in megahertz (millions per second) and gigahertz (billions per second).
Define ASCII
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is coding that represents text in computers.
In an ASCII file, each alphabet, numbers and special characters represents a 7 bit binary number.
Name 3 different types of printers
1.
HP LaserJet printer
2.
Color Inkjet Printer
3.
Dot Matrix
What is a floppy disk used for? A hard disk? What other forms of storage are available?
A floppy disk is used for reading and writing data for storage which is portable and can be easily removed
from the disk drive. A hard disk is also a storage device that stores data which is faster and holds a ton of data.
RAID storage is huge boxes full of interlinked magnetic drives that store a massive amount of data and
optical disk storage. Optical disk storage is a necessity because companies are distributing and filing their data on
CD’s.
What does a modem do?
A modem is a device that translates digital signals from input/output telephone lines into the correct
frequencies for transmission of digital data and then converts them back at a receiving terminal.
4
Name three (3) different types of software application.
1.
Microsoft Office Suite
2.
Perfect Commerce Contract Manager
3.
Lotus Notes
What is a graphical interface? Menu driven? Command driven?
A graphical interface is where programs and files appears as icons, bars, and buttons to initiate computer
based tasks for users. Menu driven is a system that gives the user menu commands in carrying out different tasks.
Command driven is a program that accepts particular commands as typed-in phrases and depicts what the user wants
to do.
Basic Microcomputer Operations
How would you get a list of contents of a disk?
You can get a list of contents of a disk by going to my document and click the disk location and a list of all
the contents will appear.
Explain how to save a file.
You can save a file to a folder, hard drive, disk, CD or another storage location. The saving process of how
to save a file consists of: using the keyboard shortcut key, press ctrl-s or by clicking the save icon or by clicking the
Microsoft office button and then click save or save as button, name the file and click save.
Explain how to see what files are stored on a computer?
You can go to my documents and locate a specific drive to get a list of what files are stored on the
computer or you can do a search, specify the location, and a list of files will appear.
5
Explain how to copy a file to a floppy disk and vice versa.
First you need to identify what file you are copying and then click the Microsoft office button, press open
(keyboard short-cut ctrl +o) and click the folder or drive and locate the file you want to copy and find the folder or
location that you want to copy the file in and right-click anywhere in the folder and click paste.
How would you print a file that was developed in your word processor?
You will need to locate the file and then click the Microsoft office button and press the print key or use the
keyboard short cut (ctrl +P)
How would you determine which applications were installed on a computer?
To determine what applications were installed on a computer, you can go to All Programs and see a list of
all applications. In addition, you can also go to the control panel, click “add or remove programs,” and see a list of
all the applications installed.
If a computer is turned on and C: displays, what does that indicate?
When the C: displays, this indicates the local disk
Systems Software
Define an operating system
An operating system is a software component that controls the operation of a computer. This system
directs the input/output of data, tracks files, and controls the processing of computer programs.
What functions are controlled by the operating system?
The operating system control the input, processing, and output of a computer.
6
What is multitasking? Which operating systems permit multitasking?
Multitasking is running a number of programs simultaneously. An operating system that permits
multitasking by allowing an user to perform a task while doing another such as printing a document and working on
another task.
Knowledge of Specific Package(s)
Microcomputer applications are available in various areas of computer application and used throughout the
businesses world, globally, including personal use. My daily ritual consists of me using Microsoft Office Suite and
Perfect Commerce Contract Manager system.
For what purposes do you use the package?
I am responsible for reviewing, editing and creating contracts, including other documents which are
produced in the Microsoft Office Suite. I also use Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets, reports and other metric
as required. Furthermore, I use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations and fliers.
Additionally, I use the Perfect Commerce Contract Manager system to enter all pertinent contract
information, generate and customize contract reports, upload relevant documentation, manage, track and inform
others of critical information pertaining to their contract.
What are some of the features of the package?
Microsoft Office Suite consists of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Access which have an array of specific
features for each application.
Perfect Commerce Contract Manager consists of Event Manager, Contract Manager, Reports, Compliance,
Suppliers and Search features.
7
What are the hardware requirements for the package?
Both packages require a computer/laptop, keyboard, CPU, monitor, speakers, a printer and the internet.
How is the package installed?
The package is installed from either downloading the application onto your hard drive or from a CD. In
addition, a hyperlink is made available which allows anyone access to the system.
What does a document created with this package look like?
A document created in Microsoft Office Word including but not limited to different styles of: letters,
reports, memos, tables, charts, contracts, etc. A document created in Microsoft Office Excel looks like spreadsheets
in different worksheets of data, numbers, charts and diverse graphics. A document created in Microsoft Office
PowerPoint is a customized designed presentation usually formulated with different features to enhanced
presentations.
The documents in Perfect Commerce consist of information mirroring a specific contract as well as all
relevant documentation associated with that contract. In addition, Event Manager consists of Request for Proposals,
Request for Quotes and Request for Information.
What are 3 advanced features of this package?
1.
Sharing of information instantaneously
2. Flexibility of soliciting electronic bids
3. Generates automatic reminders of pertinent information
Can documents from this package be imported into other packages? How is this done?
Yes, you can attach documents that are created with any of the software applications by attaching it to an email message internally and externally. In addition, you can import other relevant documentation by uploading
them from another application to a specific application indicated herein.
Have you ever taught someone how to use this package?
Yes, I am required to train others on the use of these computer applications and ensure that they are well
trained to perform their task. I am also responsible for training others to expand their overall level of the computer
application and all other training as deemed required.
I have attached numerous training certificates and these certificates show that I have completed over 120
hours in computer training.
8