Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should take noncredit computer courses?
Any individual looking to acquire computer skills for the workplace, small business or home use. The courses are short-term, hands-on training. Classes are limited to 12-15 students to ensure more individualized attention.

Should I take credit or noncredit courses?
If you are looking for a degree, take the credit courses. Many of these will transfer to a four-year college or university. If you are returning to the workplace, or need to upgrade your computer skills for the workplace, take the noncredit courses. They will teach you what you need to know in a short period of time. Your only responsibility is to practice, practice, practice!

What is a prerequisite, and how do I know if I need to take it?
A prerequisite is basic knowledge needed before continuing on to the next series of courses. All individuals are required to have working knowledge and experience in the following:

1. proficiency in mouse usage
   • click, double-click, drag, right and left mouse buttons
2. PC hardware, including
   • the understanding of storage devices (diskette, hard drive, CD-ROM)
   • memory terms (RAM, ROM)
   • peripherals
   • printing devices
3. understanding differences among word processing, spreadsheets and databases
4. understanding of directories and subdirectories
5. proficiency in Windows
   • disk formatting
   • use of recycle bin
   • copy files
   • delete files
   • creating new folders

If you don't possess the knowledge listed in items 1-4, you should enroll in Personal Computers Basics (MC4-401). If you don't possess the knowledge in item 5, you should enroll in the Windows (MC4-475). If you don't possess any of the above knowledge, take the Personal Computers Basics course first, followed by this Windows class.

Once I complete the prerequisite, what should I take next?
Part of the answer will depend on what your workplace is using or what job you are interested in applying for. Most people follow a series of training courses. The most common are listed below:

What will I need for Class?
A textbook and a diskette are required. Both may be purchased at the college Bookstore located in the College Center. Write down your course code number (example: MC5-401-002) and bring it with you to help identify the book you need.