FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Everything you always wanted to know about MIS 310 but not enough to ask.

1.  Q: What are the data files?

A: They are the files done within the applications that you will need to either copy from the server in the lab (see instructions on your syllabus) or download from the Data Files link on the class web page. You will use these data files to do the lab modules for Windows ‘95, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access and to do the Excel, PowerPoint, and Access homework assignments. The first time you will need them will be when you do the Windows lab module. The proctors in the Business School Computer Labs can help you with copying the data files to your own floppy disk. If you have a zip drive on your home computer, you may want to consider copying them to a zip disk.

2. Q: What are the lab modules?

A: They are tutorials that you will do to help you learn the software. They are found in the Windows’ 95 book and your big spiral bound Office 2000 book. The Windows ’95 book contains the Windows Lab Modules. The first section of your Office 2000 book contains the Word lab modules; however, we will not be using the Word module in this course. If you are not familiar with the Word program, you may wish to go over this on your own. The second section contains the Excel lab modules. The PowerPoint and Access modules follow. You will do these modules on the computer to gain hands-on practice with the software. You should definitely do them even if you feel you are already familiar with the software. You will use the data files described above to perform many of these tutorials.

3. Q: Where do I find the homework assignments?

A: The Windows 95, Internet/E-Mail, the second Excel, and the Hyperlink assignments will be given out in class in the form of class handouts. The first Excel, PowerPoint, and Access assignments consist of selected exercises at the end of the lab modules. They are listed on the syllabus and under the Homework link on the class web page. For example, if on your syllabus it says to do Excel Lab 1, Ex. 2, this means at the end of Excel Lab 1 in the big spiral bound book, you are to do Exercise 2 to be turned in for homework. These are not the multiple-choice or matching exercises but are usually listed under the heading "Hands-on Practice Exercises" or "On Your Own" at the end of the lab modules. You will do the assigned exercises and turn in a hard (paper) copy in class on the day the assignment is due. Please retain your disk in case of any discrepancies or grade recording errors.

4.  Q: What are the Class Notes Packets?

A: They are the class notes for the software demonstrations. I know that it is very difficult to follow along when someone is demonstrating on the computer and you do not have a computer in front of you as the demonstration is delivered. The class notes packets will assist you in following the in-class lectures and demonstrations on the software. You should circle items (icons/menus/commands) that are demonstrated and go back to them on your own later as you work on the computer. Write notes in the margins, as much of what is said in class during the demonstration may not be written out in the packet. Students who come to class and use the packets to follow the lecture and then go back over the packets and any notes they took on them later while on the computer report that these packets are extremely helpful. Please use them!!!

5. Q: Are there any sample exams available?

A: Yes, they are contained in the 6^th class notes packet that you purchased at the GSB Copy Center. They are not available from this web page. On the class day before the exam, part of the class period will be devoted to review for the exam.

6. Q: What software are we to use?

A: We will be using Microsoft Office 2000 Professional. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Do not use an older version of the software such as Office ’97. You will find that there are parts of the assignment that cannot be done using the older software. You can use Windows ‘95 or Windows ‘98 or Windows NT 4.0 operating system. Windows NT 4.0 is installed in the Business School Computer Labs but its interface looks like that of Windows 95 so you should not notice much difference if you are working in the labs. You are also free to use Windows ‘98 operating system since it is quite similar to the earlier version. There will be some minor differences on the Windows homework assignment depending on which operating system you use.

7. Q: I am thinking about buying a computer. What should I look for?

A: There is a handout available outside my office entitled "Twelve Step Program to Relieving Computer Purchase Anxiety". This handout is also available from this web page under Handouts. It will give you a good idea of what to look for as you purchase your new computer.

8. Q: Where do I go to check my homework grades and to pick up graded homework?

A: Homework assignments will be returned in class. If you don’t get them in class, you pick them up during my office hours as listed on the syllabus. There should be a list of grades posted outside my office for your reference. Grades will also be posted periodically on the class web site.

9.  Q: I checked my homework grades and I did not receive credit for an assignment that I did turn in. What should I do?

A: Communicate this to your instructor immediately. You may do so either during his office hours or via e-mail. You will have to either produce the disk with your homework file on it so that I can check the creation date of your file to verify that you did the homework before the due. I will be more than happy to help you with the assignment itself but the grading of the homework is the TA’s responsibility. The TA for this class does not hold office hours, so please handle all issues associated with homework grade with the instructor. Please try to handle all issues arising from grade discrepancies with the instructor within two weeks from the date the assignment is returned. Please do not wait until the end of the semester to resolve these issues

10.  Q: May I turn my homework in late even for partial credit?

A: Please see the document entitled "Policy on Attendance, Homework and Exams" under the Handouts link on this web page.