Tamer Mosbah

CATEGORY SKILL SET

 ICT
 Hardware
Computers and Devices
 Software and Licensing
 Start Up, Shut Down

 Desktop and Icons

Desktop, Icons, Settings  Using Windows
 Tools and Settings

 Working with Text

Outputs
 Printing

 Introducing Files and Folders

File Management  Organising Files and Folders
 Storage and Compression

 Network Concepts
Networks
 Network Access

 Protecting Data and Devices

Security and Well-Being  Malware
 Health and Green IT
 CATEGORY SKILL SET TASK ITEM

Computers and Devices ICT Define the term Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Information Technology (IT) is an all-embracing term referring to the storage,

processing or transferring of information using electronic means. The term IT
has more recently been upgraded to become ICT, to include the word
Communication. The term can be applied not only to anything concerning
computers, but also facsimile transmission, telephone and multi-media
presentations.
 CATEGORY SKILL SET TASK ITEM

Identify different types of ICT services/uses like: Internet services, mobile technology,
Computers and Devices ICT
office productivity applications.

Office productivity
Internet services Mobile technology
applications
 Instant messaging (IM)  standard mobile device
 Email  GPS navigation device
 Voice over Internet Protocol  Mobile computing
(VoIP)
 RSS (Really Simple Syndication)
,RSS Document is called “feed”
or “Channel”.
 Blogs
 Podcasts
 E-Commerce
 E-banking
 E-Government
 E-Learning
 Teleworking
 Define the term hardware. Identify the main types of computers like: desktops,
Computers and Devices Hardware laptops, tablets. Identify the main types of devices like: smartphones, media players,
digital cameras.

Hardware is any physical part of the computer such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, CD-
ROM drive, printer, etc.
Main types of computers
3) Pc & Networked 4) Laptop 5) PDA 6) Tablet
1) Mainframe 2) Minicomputer

7) Multimedia Player 8) Digital Camer

 Define the terms processor, Random Access Memory (RAM), storage. Understand
Computers and Devices Hardware
their impact on performance when using computers and devices.

 The Central Processing Unit is the part of the computer that performs the work. It carries
out the core processing, logic control and calculation work on the electronic data.
 The CPU also controls the transfer of information between the secondary and main
memory
 A CPU that is constructed on a single chip is called a microprocessor.
 The speed at which a CPU can process information is known as its clock speed.

 This is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Mega refers to a million and hertz
refers to frequency per second, therefore a 500MHz processor would be capable of
operating at 500 million cycles per second. Giga refers to a thousand million (billion),
therefore a 2.4GHz processor would be capable of 2,400,000,000 cycles per second.

 The clock speed of the CPU is one of the limiting factors which determine how quickly a PC
can perform tasks, the higher the clock speed of the processor, the faster and more
expensive the PC will be.
 Define the terms processor, Random Access Memory (RAM), storage. Understand
Computers and Devices Hardware
their impact on performance when using computers and devices.

 Random Access Memory (RAM) or Main Memory is used to store information on a

temporary basis, such as a text document or a software program that is currently in use by
the PC.

 The CPU must transfer information to RAM before software can manipulate it, e.g. the
operating system software must be loaded from the HDD to RAM when a computer starts
up and both the necessary software and appropriate file/s must be loaded into RAM
before processing can be performed.

 Memory chips, however, work only if there is a source of electricity, so that when the
computer is switched off everything in the RAM is lost. This is known as volatile memory.
 Define the terms processor, Random Access Memory (RAM), storage. Understand
Computers and Devices Hardware
their impact on performance when using computers and devices.

Know Some of the Factors That Impact on a Computer's Performance

1) The clock speed of the CPU.
2) The capacity of the RAM.
3) The capacity and speed of the HDD.
4) The number of applications that is running.
 Identify the main types of integrated and external equipment like: printers, screens,
Computers and Devices Hardware scanners, keyboards, mouse/trackpad, webcam, speakers, microphone, docking
station.

Main Parts of Personal Computer

Input/output Internal System

Input Devices Output Devices
Devices
Storage Devices
Components

docking station
Computers and Devices Hardware Identify common input/output ports like: USB, HDMI.
 Define the term software and distinguish between the main types of software
Software and
Computers and Devices like: operating systems, applications. Know that software can be installed
Licensing
locally or available online.

Software consists of the programs that allow you to use the computer such as the operating
system, games, database management system, word processor or spreadsheet application.

1. Dos

2.

3. GUI
4.

5.

6.
 Software and Define the term operating system and identify some common operating
Computers and Devices
Licensing systems for computers and devices.

 The Operating System (OS) is a special computer program that is essential to the efficient
running of all the other programs within the computer.

 The operating system carries out tasks, key press instructions and controls which operations
within the computer are carried out and in which order. Some common operating systems
are Windows and Linux.
 Software and Identify common examples of applications like: office productivity,
Computers and Devices
Licensing communications, social networking, media, design, mobile applications.

 Computer programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, games, etc. are called
applications. Applications are separate from the operating system software but must be
compatible with it in order to be able to operate, e.g. some applications will only run when
Microsoft® Windows is running. Files will only open if they are compatible with the
application used.
 Software and Define the term End-User License Agreement (EULA). Recognise that software
Computers and Devices
Licensing must be licensed before use.

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

Normally when you install software these days there is a step within the installation routine
in which you have to agree to be bound by the end user licence agreement. This agreement
can be very large and is drawn up to protect the manufacturers of a product from being
prosecuted due to faulty software. It also defines how many copies of the software you are
entitled to. I recently printed out a Microsoft end user agreement and it was over 15 pages
long.
 Software and Outline the types of software licenses: proprietary, open source, trial version,
Computers and Devices
Licensing shareware, freeware.

Types of software licenses

 Proprietary software consists of software that is licensed by the copyright holder under
very specific conditions. In general, you can use the software, but you are not allowed to
modify the software or distribute it to others. (closed-source software).

 Open-source software, is software for which the source code is released. A typical license
for open-source software gives users the right to modify and distribute the
software.(FOSS) Free and open-source software.

Software that you don’t have to pay for.

Or Software that you can use without the need for any payment

Software that you try for free but bay if you keep it .The software is obtained and distributed free and
installed for a pre-determined trial period , typically 30 days .
 Start Up, Shut
Computers and Devices Start a computer and log on securely using a user name and password.
Down

Start Up, Shut

Computers and Devices Log off, shut down, restart a computer using an appropriate routine.
Down
 Outline the purpose of the desktop and the task bar.
Desktop and
Desktop, Icons, Settings Identify common icons like those representing: files, folders, applications,
Icons
printers, drives, shortcuts/aliases, recycle bin/wastebasket/trash.

Icons
Taskbar
 Desktop and  Select and move icons.
Desktop, Icons, Settings
Icons  Create, rename, move, delete a shortcut/alias.
  Identify the different parts of a window: title bar, menu bar, toolbar, ribbon,
status bar, scroll bar.
Desktop, Icons, Settings Using Windows  Open, collapse, expand, restore down, maximise, resize, move, close a
window.
 Switch between open windows.

 Use available help functions.

 View the computer's basic system information: operating system name and
version number, installed RAM.
 Change desktop configuration settings: date and time, volume settings,
background, resolution.
Tools and
Desktop, Icons, Settings  Change, add, remove keyboard language. Change default language.
Settings
 Shut down a non-responding application.
 Install, uninstall an application.
 Connect a device (USB flash drive, digital camera, media player) to a
computer. Disconnect a device using an appropriate routine.
 Capture a full screen, active window.
  Open, close a word processing application. Open, close files.
 Enter text into a document.
Working with
 Copy, move text within a document, between open documents. Paste a
Text
screen capture into a document.
Outputs  Save and name a document.
 Install, uninstall a printer. Print a test page.
 Set the default printer from an installed printer list.
Printing
 Print a document from a word processing application.
 View, pause, restart, cancel a print job.
 Introducing Files  Understand how an operating system organises drives, folders, files in a
File Management
and Folders hierarchical structure. Navigate between drives, folders, sub-folders, files.
  Navigate between drives, folders, sub-folders, files.
 Display file, folder properties like: name, size, location.
Introducing Files  Change view to display files and folders like: tiles, icons, list, details.
File Management
and Folders  Identify common file types like: word processing, spreadsheet, presentation,
portable document format (pdf), image, audio, video, compressed,
executable files.
  Open a file, folder, drive.
 Recognise good practice in folder, file naming: use meaningful names for
folders and files to help with searching and organisation.
Introducing Files  Create a folder.
and Folders  Rename a file, folder.
 Search for files by properties: all or part of file name using wildcards if
necessary, content, date modified.
File Management  View list of recently used files.
 Select individual, adjacent, non-adjacent files, folders.
 Sort files in ascending, descending order by name, size, type, date modified.
Organising Files  Copy, move files, folders between folders, drives.
and Folders  Delete files, folders to the recycle bin/wastebasket/trash and restore to
original location.
 Empty the recycle bin/wastebasket/trash.
  Identify the main types of storage media like: internal hard disk, external
hard disk, network drive, CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, USB flash drive, memory
card, online file storage.
 Identify file size, folder size, storage capacity measurements like: KB, MB,
File Management Storage and
GB, TB.
Compression
 View available space on a storage device.
 Understand the purpose of file, folder compression.
 Compress files, folders.
 Extract compressed files, folders to a location on a drive.

Measuring Memory
1 bit The amount of storage space needed to hold either a 1 or a 0 in memory (binary
numbering).
1 byte 8 bits, this is the amount of storage space needed to hold one character (letter, number,
symbol, space etc.).
1 kilobyte (kb) 1024 bytes. This can store several paragraphs of text.

1 Megabyte (Mb) 1024k. This can store enough text for a sizeable book.

1 Gigabyte (Gb) 1024Mb.

1 Terabyte (Tb) 1024Gb.

 Network  Define the term network. Outline the purpose of a network: to share, access
Networks
Concepts data and devices securely.

Network Two or more computers connected together.

Desk Space
 Network  Define the term Internet. Identify some of its main uses like: World Wide
Networks
Concepts Web (WWW), VoIP, e-mail, IM.

Is a Wide Area Network of computers all linked together. all over

the world .

All the linked documents held on a global network of computer systems

(network of information)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

is a technology that allows you to talk with other people
via the Internet.
Converts the analog signals of voices into digital
information that is transported in IP packets.
 Network  Define the term Internet. Identify some of its main uses like: World Wide
Networks
Concepts Web (WWW), VoIP, e-mail, IM.

Instant messaging (IM) provides a mechanism for real-time communication between two or
more people sending text messages via their computers.

This is different from sending an email which once sent may be read sometime later by the
person you sent the email to.
 Network  Define the terms intranet, virtual private network (VPN) and identify their
Networks
Concepts main uses.

 Internal networks that provide similar functions to the internet. i.e. web page containing company
information and procedures , standard forms that can be downloaded, pricing structures, newsletters.
 Intranets may or may not be connected to the internet
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
 A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private
network that uses a public network, like the
Internet, to connect remote sites or users
together
  Understand what transfer rate means. Understand how it is measured: bits
Network per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per second (mbps),
Networks
Concepts gigabits per second (gbps).
 Understand the concepts of downloading from, uploading to a network.

Bandwidth is measured in bits per second and is usually denoted by

the following:

•BPS - bits per second

•KBPS - kilobits per second

•MBPS - megabits per second

•GBPS - gigabits per second

  Identify the different options for connecting to the Internet like: phone line,
Networks Network Access
mobile phone, cable, wi-fi, wi-max, satellite.

phone line Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

mobile phone cellular network
Cable Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
WI-FI Wi-Fi is a family of radio technologies that is
Wi refers to the wireless nature of the commonly used for the wireless local area
LAN and Fi to the fidelity of the signal networking (WLAN) of devices.
wi-max is a family of wireless broadband communication,
(Worldwide Interoperability for which provide multiple physical layer (PHY) and
Microwave Access) Media Access Control (MAC) options.
Download speeds are typically up to 500 Kbps,
Satellite
while uploads are closer to 56 Kbps.
  Define the term Internet Service Provider (ISP). Identify important
Networks Network Access considerations when selecting an internet subscription option like: upload
speed, download speed and quota, cost.

 Availability
 Speed
 Cost
 Type of Connection
 Reliability
Networks Network Access  Recognise the status of a wireless network: protected/secure, open.
ncpa.cpl
 Understand How a Wireless Network Works
 Use Encryption on Your Wireless Network
 Limit Access to Your Network
 Secure Your Router
 Protect Your Network during Mobile Access
 Networks Network Access  Connect to a wireless network.

Connect to WiFi with Windows 7

  Recognise good password policies like: create with adequate length,
Protecting Data
Security and Well-Being adequate character mix, do not share, change regularly.
and Devices
 Define the term firewall and outline its purpose.

A firewall is a system that secures your network from access by unauthorized users.

Protecting Data
Security and Well-Being  Understand the purpose of regularly backing up data to a remote location.
and Devices

Backing UP is a second copy of important files

 Protecting Data  Recognise the importance of regularly updating software like: anti-virus,
Security and Well-Being
and Devices application, operating system software.

It is important to be aware of the limitations of anti-virus software

 Understand the term malware. Identify different types of malware like:
Security and Well-Being Malware virus, worm, Trojan, spyware.
 Be aware how malware can infect a computer or device.

spyware Trojan Horse Worm Macro Viruses Time bomb or

Logical bomb

Spyware is software Virus is so called That does not affect Occur within the A virus might lie
that aims to gather because it is files , but replicates template files in dormant until the
information about a disguised as a file itself within a Microsoft word and built in clock within
person or that a user would be system so many Excel a PC reaches a
organization, particularly tempted times that it simply certain time on a
cookies. to open clogs up the system certain date .
resources
Security and Well-Being Malware  Use anti-virus software to scan a computer.

Anti-virus program is responsible for : Detect & Remove Viruses this mean that
Disinfect (Disable any virus on a file)

Install reliable anti-virus software & update it regularly.

Use the software to carry out regular scans of the entire system.
Save any files downloaded from the Internet & Scan them with anti-virus software
before opening them.
Be particularly suspicious of any e-mail messages containing attachment from
unknown source.
 Health and  Recognise ways to help ensure a user’s well-being while using a computer or
Security and Well-Being
Green IT device like: take regular breaks, ensure appropriate lighting and posture.
 Health and  Recognise ways to help ensure a user’s well-being while using a computer or
Security and Well-Being
Green IT device like: take regular breaks, ensure appropriate lighting and posture.

 Provision of adequate lighting / ventilation.

 VDUS appropriately positioned with screens free from flicker and interference and images free
from glare .
 Provision of monitor filters /anti-glare screens if required.
 Suitability and adjustability of chair
 frequent breaks away from the computer (10min after every 50mins work).
 Health and  Recognise computer and device energy saving practices: turning off,
Security and Well-Being
Green IT adjusting automatic shutdown, backlight, sleep mode settings.
 Health and  Recognise that computers, devices, batteries, printer cartridges and paper
Security and Well-Being
Green IT should be recycled.

 Where possible recycle waste paper.

 Where possible recycle ink/ toner cartridges from printers and copiers.

 Use PC settings that enable “sleep” (or standby ) mode for HDDs and monitors when the devices are
inactive

 Where possible save document in an electronic format within the computer system rather than
printing out hard copies.
  Identify some options available for enhancing accessibility like: voice
Health and
Security and Well-Being recognition software, screen reader, screen magnifier, on-screen keyboard,
Green IT
high contrast.