This section of the INTERNET BRIDGE contains supplemental PC laboratory projects designed to accompany Long and Long information technology (IT) competency books. The projects encompass all commonly used operating systems in the PC environment (Windows 9x, Windows 3.1, and MS-DOS) and software-independent projects for popular productivity applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and communications).
Although the operating system projects are fairly explicit, the applications lab projects assume some background knowledge of specific applications packages (Microsoft Word 97, Lotus 1-2-3, AOL and so on). You will need a couple of blank diskettes.
The projects are progressive, that is each numbered project for a particular type of software builds on the previous projects, therefore, projects should be assigned and completed in sequence. However, any number of projects can be completed, depending on the desired level of exposure to the software. Each of the progressive projects is designed to accomplish a learning goal. Generally, if you complete all or most of the projects for a type of software (for example, Windows 9x or database) you will have attained a base level of understanding that will enable you to do basic tasks relating to the software. Generally, completing about 30% to 50% of the projects for a particular project sequence will give you an overview exposure to the operating system or application software.