Welcome to the CS 160 Course Weblog

Welcome to the CS 160: Microcomputer Software Course Weblog. This site will serve as a repository for course information, including course slides, assignments and resources.

Please send me an email if you have any suggestions regarding the weblog.

Access Chapter 2: Querying a Database

Hola! Today we will look at how to query a database in Microsoft Access Chapter 2, which begins on page AC 74.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the tutorial as it is outlined on pages AC 77 - AC 126.

Please use VSpace to upload your completed assignment. You will find a link for the assignment under the Assignments button on the left hand side of the VSpace site.

This assignment is due Monday, November 16, 2009.

Social Bookmarking

Watch the "Social Bookmarking in Plain English" video, explore three social bookmarking sites, and post the answers to the questions below on your blog.



  1. What is Social Bookmarking?
  2. Who is using social bookmarking services?
  3. How does it work?
  4. Why is it significant?
  5. Where is it going?
  6. How can it be used by teachers and students?
  7. What are the downsides?
  8. What are the benefits (compared with traditional bookmarking methods)?
  9. List 3 popular Social Bookmarking sites that you have explored and tell us which one is your top pick.
This assignment should be posted to your blog by Monday, November 9, 2009. Please send me an email with a link to your post when you have added this assignment to your blog.

Class Cancelled - Monday, November 2, 2009

There will be no class today, Monday, November 2, 2009. I apologize, I am not feeling well, and I am having trouble talking. My voice is very raspy due to a sore throat and cough.

I hope to be back on Wednesday, November 4th.

-Nicole

Happy Halloween!!

Post your costume on your blog for an easy 10 points.

Best costume as chosen by the class earns an extra 5 points extra credit!

Link to Chicken Costume, in case you want to be a chicken too...


Participation is optional. Points would be applied as extra credit to your blog project.

Access Chapter 1: Creating and Using a Database

Greetings! (<- Add creepy Halloween Voice here)

Today we will be learning about Microsoft Access, beginning with Chapter 1 on page AC 2.

Your assignment in conjunction with this chapter is to complete the tutorial as it is outlined on pages AC 3 - AC 61. This assignment is due in class, Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

Preparing for your Screen Cast Part II

Today in class we will continue preparing for our screen casting experience. There are many things to take into consideration when preparing for a screen casting session that may not be obvious. Please read this article on Screencasting featured on Mahalo.com and create a "To do:" list to help you prepare for your recording session. Specifically, think about:

Where will you record your screen cast?

Which software program will you use? Will you need to install it on the system before recording or is it already configured?

If you are planning to record your own voice will you be bringing your own headset or is one available where you plan to record?

Will you need to make other adjustments to the system you will be recording on, such as freeing the desktop of clutter, installing other programs, testing your headset..?

The article should help you identify issues that you will need to plan for, use it as a guide to create your "To do" List. Please outline your "To do" List on your blog with a brief summary describing your screencasting project, topic and next steps by Wednesday, October 28, 2009.