994187 mod 1

© 1995-2006 Cheltenham Courseware Ltd. ECDL Syllabus 4 Module One Using the PC - Slide No 1

ECDL Module 1Concepts of Information Technology

Syllabus 4


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General Concepts


Hardware, Software and IT


Understanding the Terms Hardware, Software & Information Technology (IT)

• What is meant by the term ‘hardware’? Give some examples of items of hardware.

• What is meant by the term ‘software’?• What is IT short for?• What does the term IT mean?


Types of Computer


Understanding and Distinguishing Between the Different Types of Computers

• What is a mainframe computer?• What is a PC?• What is a Mac?• What is a networked computer?• What is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)?


Main Parts of a Personal Computer


Knowing the Main Parts of a Personal Computer & Understanding the Term Peripheral Device

• What is a ‘System Unit’?• What is a System (Mother) Board?• What is a CPU?• What types of memory do you know about?• What are input devices?• What are output devices?• What is a peripheral device?


Computer Performance


Understanding the Factors Which Impact on a Computer’s Performance

• The higher the MHz speed, the faster the computer• As a rule the more memory you have, the faster the PC will

appear to operate• The more programs which are running at the same time, the

slower each one will run


Hardware


Central Processing Unit


Understanding the Functions of the CPU

• One of the most important components in your computer• Performs all the calculations within the computer• CPU speed measured in MHz

Intel: http://www.intel.comAMD http://www.amd.comCyrix http://www.viatech.com


Memory


Understanding the Different Types of Computer Memory

• RAM– Random Access Memory– The main working memory of the computer– Measured in Mbytes, i.e. 512 Mbytes

• ROM– Read Only Memory– Contents are ‘hard wired’ and cannot be

altered– Often contains software used to get the

hardware to talk to the operating system


Knowing How Computer Memory is Measured

• Bit: – All computers work on a binary numbering system,

i.e. they process data in one's or zero's. This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a bit.

• Byte: – A byte consists of eight bits.

• Kilobyte: – A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes, approx 1,000

bytes.• Megabyte:

– A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes approx 1,000,000 bytes.

• Gigabyte: – A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes approx

1,000,000,000 bytes.• Terabyte:

– A terabyte (TB) consists of approx 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.


Input Devices


Identifying the Main Devices for Inputting Data Into a Computer

• Input devices allow you to enter data into a computer


Output Devices


Identifying Output Devices

• Allows the computer to output data to you


Input and Output Devices


Understanding that Some Devices are Both Input/Output Devices

• Two way communication


Storage Devices


Comparing Types of Memory Storage Devices

• Sometimes storage is a trade off between speed, capacity, price and reliability


Understanding the Purpose of Formatting a Disk

• A disk needs to be formatted so that the operating system can store data on it

• Diskettes are supplied pre-formatted when you buy them

• BEWARE: Re-formatting a disk will destroy any data contained on that disk


Software


Types of Software


Distinguishing Between Operating Systems Software and Applications Software

• Operating System– Required to make the computer work– Translates between humans and the computer hardware

• Applications Software– Applications such as a word-processor, spreadsheet or

database


Operating System Software


Understanding the Functions of an Operating System

• An operating system is the link between you and the hardware/software– DOS– Windows 3– Windows 95– Windows 98– Windows Millennium– Windows NT– Windows 2000– Windows XP


Applications Software


Listing Some Common Software Applications

• Word processing– Microsoft Word

• Spreadsheet– Microsoft Excel

• Database– Microsoft Access

• Web browsing– Microsoft Internet Explorer

• Accounting– Sage


Graphical User Interface


Understanding the Term Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Advantages– All programs look similar.– When you switch from a program

supplied by one manufacturer to one from a different manufacturer, you will find the transition very easy.

– Application programs work in the same way as the underlying operating system.

– The GUI also allows programmers to easily write consistent looking programs.


Systems Development


Understanding How Computer-Based Systems are Developed

Analysis

Design

Programming

Testing


Information Networks


LAN and WAN


Understanding the Terms Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Client/Server

• A network allows your computer to communicate with other computers


Listing Some of the Advantages Associated with Group Working

• Less need for hardware duplication, not every one needs their own printer

• Data can be held in one place


Intranets and Extranets


Understanding the Distinction Between the Internet and an Intranet

• Internet– Public network

• Intranet– Private network


Understanding the Difference Between an Intranet and an Extranet

• An Extranet is an Intranet which is partially accessible to authorised outsiders


The Internet


Understanding What the Internet is and Knowing Some of its Main Uses

• A collection of networks started by and for the US military to enable them to 'survive' a nuclear war. Later adopted by the educational system, and now exploited by the commercial world.


Understanding What the World Wide Web (WWW) is and Distinguishing it from the Internet

• The WWW is the graphical component of the Internet which includes web sites.


The Telephone Network in Computing


Understanding the Terms PSTN, ISDN & ADSL

• Check out an excellent site which explains technical terms:

http://www.webopedia.com


Understanding the Terms Analogue, Digital, Modem and Transfer Rate

• A digital system uses 1 or 0 to transmit data or to represent data. Thus, a digital clock will display whole seconds, whole minutes and whole hours.

• An analogue system, such as a traditional clock, uses the full range of numbers, including fractions.

digital

analogue


The Use of IT in Everyday Life


Computers at Work


Identifying Situations Where a Computer Might be More Appropriate than a Person for Carrying out a Task

• Where computer are better– Repetitive tasks– Easily automated tasks– Mathematical calculations– Dangerous situations

• Where people are better– Any activity requiring thought

which goes beyond simply processing data

– Interacting with humans


Knowing Some of the Uses of Large-Scale Computer Applications in Business

• Most large business have automated large sections of their administration


Knowing Some of the Uses of Large-Scale Computer Applications in Government

• Computers have been used by governments to collect and process data for a long time now

• Sadly many of these projects, such as the computerised passport system in the UK have been late, overpriced and fail to perform as promised. The UK Air Traffic Control system was an even more costly disappointment


Knowing Some of the Uses of Large-Scale Computer Applications in Hospitals & Healthcare

• Computers, if used properly, can make health care more efficient, the key is integration, with everyone using compatible computer systems which talk to each other!


Knowing Some of the Uses of Computer Applications in Education

• Used properly the Internet is a fantastic resource for education

• CBT allows training at an individual’s pace, where and when they want it


Understanding the Term Tele-Working, its Advantages & Disadvantages

• Advantages– Reduced or zero commuting time– Greater ability to focus on one task– Flexible schedules

• Disadvantages– Lack of human contact– Negative impact on teamwork– Self discipline– Possible employee exploitation


Electronic World


Understanding the Term Electronic Mail (e-mail) and Knowing its Main Uses

• Email allows you to send a message to another person almost instantly, anywhere in the world. It requires both computers to be connected to the Internet. As well as sending a text message, files can be sent as email attachments.


Understanding the Term e-Commerce & the Concept of Purchasing Goods and Services Online

• E-Commerce means using the Internet to buy and sell products or services.


Listing Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing Goods and Services Online

• Advantages– Services available 24 / 7– Large stock range– Detailed product information– Ability to compare prices– Equal delivery to town and country

• Disadvantages– Possible credit card fraud – What about returning faulty goods?– How are you covered when you purchase goods from

another country?


Health and Safety, Environment


Ergonomics


Understanding What Elements and Practices Can Help Create a Good Working Environment

• Appropriate positioning of monitors• Keyboards• Adjustable chairs• Mouse mats• Monitor filters• Adequate lighting and ventilation• Frequent breaks


Health Issues


Listing Some Common Health Problems Which Can be Associated With Using a Computer

• Injuries to wrists caused by prolonged typing• Eye strain caused by screen glare• Back problems associated with poor seating or bad posture


Precautions


Listing Some Safety Precautions When Using a Computer

• Ensuring power cables are safely secured• Power points are not overloaded


The Environment


Understanding That Recycling Printed Outputs Can Help The Environment

• Recycle where possible• Many monitors and other peripherals will

automatically switch into 'sleep' mode after a period of not being used. This means that even though the computer is still switched on, it will consume less power.


Understanding that using Electronic Documents Can Help Reduce the Need For Printed Materials

• Using less paper means less trees get cut down• Recycling paper means less trees get cut down


Security


Information Security


Understanding The Term Information Security and the Benefits of Being Proactive in Dealing with Security Risks

• Your data is valuablePROTECT IT


Knowing About Privacy Issues Associated with Computers

• Keep data secure• Use secure ID and passwords


Understanding the Value of Backing Up Data to a Removable Storage Device

• The most important item in your computer is the data which you have created.

• BACK IT UP REGUARLY !!


Being Aware of the Possible Implications of Theft of a Laptop Computer, PDA or Mobile Phone

• If a device containing data is stolen then this data can fall into the ‘wrong’ hands

• If the data was not backed up, then the data may be lost for ever

• Encode valuable data and back it up regularly


Computer Viruses


Understanding the Term Virus & When and How Viruses can Enter a Computer System

• Viruses can destroy all your data• Be very careful about sharing files• Be cautious when connecting to the

Internet!


Knowing About Anti-Virus Measures & Understanding what ‘Disinfecting’ Files Means

• Anti-virus software provides some protection against virus infection

• It is not fool-proof and must be updated!

McAfee http://www.mcafee.comNorton http://www.symantec.com/avcenterDr Solomon http://www.drsolomon.com


Understanding Good Practice when Downloading Files or Accessing File Attachments

• Never download a file unless you have good anti-virus software installed

• Beware of opening files attached to emails!


Copyright and the Law


Copyright


Understanding the Concept of Copyright & Issues Involved in Downloading Information from the Internet

• Most programs which you purchase are copyrighted and you must not copy them

• Web site content is also normally protected.– For instance if you go to the STAR

TREK web site, you will see a notice warning you not to place images from their site on your own personal web site


Understand copyright issues associated with using and distributing materials on removable media.

• Beware of making illegal copies of diskettes, CD-ROMs or DVDs– In some cases you may be allowed to make

one copy for backup purposes, check your licence agreements

Are you allowed to copy disks?


Knowing How to Check the Product ID number for a Software Product & Understanding the Terms Shareware,

Freeware and End-User License Agreement

• Shareware does NOT mean freeware!• Check your licence agreements• Check your software is legal!


Data Protection Legislation


Knowing About Data Protection Legislation in your Country

• Know and comply with regulations which relate to the storage of personal information