In today’s digitally driven business environment, computer literacy is no longer an option but a fundamental requirement for commerce graduates. The book Computer Applications in Business has been meticulously designed in accordance with the B.Com., Fourth Semester, SEP syllabus of Bengaluru North University, with the primary objective of equipping students with essential computer knowledge and practical skills required for academic excellence and professional competence.
This book provides a comprehensive and structured introduction to computer systems and their applications in business. Beginning with the fundamentals of computers, it explains basic concepts such as characteristics, components, classification, memory types, and input–output devices in a simple and learner-friendly manner. The discussion on computer networks and the Internet familiarizes students with LAN, WAN, Internet, WWW, modes of connectivity, and the role of Internet Service Providers, thereby laying a strong foundation for understanding digital communication in modern organizations.
The book further explores software concepts, including operating systems for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, along with an analytical comparison of open-source and proprietary software. Detailed coverage of file extensions, document formats, web browsers, search engines, and web-related operations enables students to navigate digital platforms confidently and efficiently.
Special emphasis has been placed on office automation tools, which form the backbone of business operations. The chapters on word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations offer step-by-step explanations of LibreOffice and Microsoft Office applications. These modules are designed to develop hands-on skills in document creation, data analysis, calculations using formulas and functions, chart preparation, and professional presentation design. Practical features such as mail merge, sorting and filtering data, and slide transitions are included to enhance realworld applicability.
The final module introduces students to email systems and communication protocols, providing practical insights into email account management, message handling, and commonly used email clients. This ensures that learners are well-prepared for effective digital communication in academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial settings.
Contents –
MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Basics of Computers: Definition of a Computer – Characteristics of computers, Applications of Computers – Elements of Computing Process – Classification of Computers – Block Diagram of a Digital Computer – I/O Devices, hardware, software, application software, system software, Memories – Primary, Auxiliary and Cache Memory.
Network: Basics of Computer network: Local area network, wide area network, Internet: Concept of Internet & WWW – Applications of Internet – Website Address and URL – ISP and Role of ISP – Modes of Connecting Internet (Hotspot, Wi-Fi, LAN Cable, Broadband, USB Tethering).
MODULE 2 SOFTWARES
Software: Meaning of Software, Difference between open source and proprietary software, advantages and disadvantages of Open source and proprietary software Operating System: Operating Systems for Desktop and Laptop (Microsoft windows, UNIX & BSD, GNU Linux os like Debian, Redhat, Ubuntu, Apple Mac os) – Operating Systems for Mobile Phone and Tablets
File extensions: Types of File Extensions – Open document format (ODF): odt, ods, odp – MS office document format; docx, xlsx, pptx – txt, pdf file extensions Web Clients: Popular Web Browsers (Mozilla firefox, Internet Explorer/Edge, Chrome, Safari, etc.) – URL: Meaning and structure – Popular Search Engines – Downloading and Printing Web Pages
MODULE 3 WORD PROCESSOR
Office suites (Libre office or Microsoft office): Word processing, presentation and spreadsheet – Introduction, Uses, scope and applications of each program Word Processing Basics (Libre office writer or Microsoft word): Opening Word Processing Package – Title Bar, Menu Bar, Toolbars & Sidebar – Creating a New Document – Opening and Closing Documents – Opening Documents – Save and Save As Closing Document along with shortcut keys – Page Setup – Print Preview – Printing of Documents along with shortcut keys- Saving a Document as PDF – Text Creation and manipulation – Document Creation – Editing Text – Text Selection – Cut, Copy and Paste along with shortcut keys – Font, Color, Style and Size selection – Alignment of Text – Undo & Redo along with short cut keys – Formatting the Text – Bullets and Numbering – Header & Footer – Insert Table, pictures and cliparts – Mail Merge
MODULE 4 SPREAD SHEET
Elements of Spread Sheet (Libre office Calc or Microsoft Excel): Creating of Spread Sheet – Concept of Cell Address [Row and Column] and selecting a Cell – Entering Data [text, number, date] in Cells – Page Setup – Printing of sheet – Saving Spread sheet – Modifying / Editing Cell Content – Freeze pane – Auto completion of series – Sort and filter – Charts Formulas and Functions: Perform calculations by using the SUM, MIN and MAX, COUNT, AVERAGE; logical operations by using the IF function, SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, COUNTIF; Text Functions: LEN, TRIM, PROPER, UPPER, LOWER, CONCATENATE
MODULE 5 PRESENTATION AND EMAIL
Elements of Presentation (Libre office Impress or Microsoft PowerPoint) : Creation of Presentation – Creating a Presentation Using a Template – Creating a Blank Presentation – Inserting & Editing Text on Slides – Inserting and Deleting Slides in a Presentation – Saving a Presentation – Manipulating Slides – Inserting Table – Adding ClipArt and Pictures – Presentation of Slides – Choosing a Set Up for Presentation – Running a Slide Show including shortcut – Transition – printing of slides.
E-Mail: Opening Email account – Mailbox: Inbox and Outbox – Creating and Sending a new E-mail – Replying to an E-mail message – Forwarding an E-mail message – Introduction to email clients like Mozilla thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, IMAP and POP3 protocol.
