Professors are likely to have different perspectives and different concepts they like to focus on, so it would be impossible to give you a laundry list of the most important topics to learn. But we can give you a general "plan of attack."Before each class, read the chapters or topics to be covered in that class. Don't gloss over the Self-Tests - see if you can answer the questions and, if not, review the material so that you understand the answers. This will ensure that you have a basic familiarity with what will be covered in class. What your professor discusses will have more meaning to you and will be easier to understand if you've read the relevant chapter(s) first. Then review the end of chapter material. Be sure you know the definitions for the key terms and can answer the review questions. Keep in mind that the professor has a test bank consisting of questions just like the ones in the text - the test bank is used for preparing exams. If you can answer the questions in the text you will be in a better position to answer the questions on the exams. To review for exams, our best advice is to study your notes first and use the text to cement your knowledge of the material covered in class. A professor is more likely to ask questions that relate to what he or she has presented in lectures. Finally, your professor has a CD which contains chapter-by-chapter summaries of key concepts. This CD can be copied to your school's network. You are also free to make copies for your own use.
Different people learn in different ways so there is no single answer to this question. What is best for someone else may not be best for you. If your professor gives a tutorial, try not to miss it. This is an excellent way to be introduced to a software package. If your school offers workshops you might want to attend the relevant ones. Before you sit down to learn how to use a package, you should first learn why the package is so important. Chapter 3 of the text provides a brief introduction to why these productivity tools are useful. A CD, available to your instructor, has a module called PassPort which contains on-line, hands-on tutorials on spreadsheets, word processing and database management. This material can be copied to your network or to your own computer. Next, use a Getting Started manual to step through a package. Take the manual to your lab or use it at your own PC. It shows you what to do, step by step, and tells you what keys or buttons to press to achieve specific goals.
Computers are our business and we, of course, think that everyone should have one. But there are things to consider first, like money and time. Before you invest time and money in a PC, note that you might be better off waiting a bit, especially if your school has a well-staffed lab. In the lab, the software is already installed - when you get your own machine you will see that it can take a long time to install software. Also in the lab, there are lab assistants and other students who can help you if you get stuck. Our advice is to wait until you are reasonably comfortable with computers and can find the "on" switch before you invest. For some, this might be a matter of a week or two; for others it may take longer. Remember you are not buying the PC just for this course - you want it as a long-term investment. For students who have heavy schedules that make it difficult to work in labs, having your own computer when the course begins may be the best solution. As to which computer to get, there is a module on our CD which provides purchasing details. In general, you should first decide what you intend to use the computer for, determine the devices you will need, then determine the amount of money you have. Armed with that information, go to a local computer store and listen to their advice. Ask people you know who are computer proficient, like your professor or other students, for their opinion. Then go for it!
Here, again, the answer depends on what you want to accomplish. If a primary purpose of being software at this juncture is to use it for your course, purchase the software that the course uses. Even if the professor says it's OK to use a comparable product, life will be easier if you use what the rest of the class is using. Software products have requirements. Some are for Macs and some for IBM-compatibles; some require a minimum amount of RAM. Be sure you get the right product for your computer. Version numbers matter also. Some IBM-compatible software have Windows versions which differ significantly from DOS versions. Lotus 3.1 and lower numbers, for example, are DOS versions and Lotus 4.0 + are Windows versions. It is OK to purchase a higher version (newer) of software than what is used in your school - your version will have extra features. If you are not constrained by your school's preference, we would recommend you purchase a suite like Microsoft Office. It contains all the productivity tools, plus some very useful extras, in one package or "bundle." The price is significantly lower than if you purchased the individual productivity tools in the suite separately. Lotus also has a suite, Lotus Suite, and Novell has one as well, Novell Perfect Office.
If your school has access to the internet, they probably have workshops, hand-outs, and other helpful methods to get you started. If not, you can access the internet using one of the subscriber services like America OnLine, CompuServe and Prodigy. Each subscriber service offers 10 free hours. Call one of these services - they are in the phone book - and ask for details. You will need a PC and a modem to get started. Use a Getting Started with the Internet manual. The first thing you are likely to be introduced to is e-mail. Learn how to send messages. Then learn how to access the World Wide Web which has thousands of places with information on a vast number of subjects. Our CD has a module which provides a guide to the Internet. Remember that using the Internet - especially the World Wide Web - is fun. Don't view it as a "chore." Initially, at least, use it the way you would a magazine, going to places that interest you. Later on, you will find it can be a great research tool as well. But, if you are like most students, research is work and, for now, you want to explore the interesting aspects of the Net.
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