Module 1

Concepts of Information
Technology (IT)

ECDL Syllabus 4
Using Microsoft Windows 2000

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 General Concepts

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Hardware, Software, Information Technology

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand 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?

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Types of Computer

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand and distinguish between a mainframe
computer, network computer, personal computer,
laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA) in terms of
capacity, speed, cost, and typical users.
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)?

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Main Parts of a Personal Computer

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know the main parts of a personal computer such as:
central processing unit (CPU), hard disk, common input
or output devices, types of memory.
Understand 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?

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Computer Performance

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know some of the factors that impact on a
computers performance, such as: CPU speed,
RAM size, the number of applications running.

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 that are running at the same
time, the slower each one will run

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Hardware

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Central Processing Unit

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the functions of the CPU in terms
of calculations, logic control, immediate access memory.
Know that the speed of the CPU is measured in
megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
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.com
AMD http://www.amd.com
Cyrix http://www.viatech.com

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Memory

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand different types of computer memory
such as: RAM (random-access memory),
ROM (read-only memory) and distinguish between them.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know how computer memory is measured; (bit, byte,
KB, MB, GB, TB). Relate computer memory measurements
to characters, files and directories/folders.

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.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Input Devices

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Identify the main devices for inputting data into
a computer such as: mouse, keyboard, trackball,
scanner, touchpad, light pen, joystick,
digital camera, microphone.
Input devices allow you to enter data into a
computer

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Output Devices

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Identify output devices for displaying the
results of processing carried out by a computer,
such as: monitors, screens, printers, plotters, speakers.
Know where these devices are used.

Allows the computer to output data to you

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Input/Output Devices

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand some devices are both input/output
devices such as: modems, touch screens.

Two way communication

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Storage Devices

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Compare types of memory storage devices in
terms of speed, cost and capacity such as: diskette,
Zip disk, data cartridges, CD-ROM, internal,
external hard disk.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Software

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Types of Software

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Distinguish between operating systems software
and applications software.
Understand the reasons for software versions.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Operating System Software

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Describe the main functions of an operating system
and name some common operating systems.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Applications Software

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

List some common software applications such as:
word processing, spreadsheet, database,
Web browsing, desktop publishing, accounting,
together with their uses.
Word processing
Microsoft Word
Spreadsheet
Microsoft Excel
Database
Microsoft Access
Web browsing
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Accounting
Sage

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Graphical User Interface

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Understand 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.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Systems Development

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand how computer-based systems
are developed. Know about the process
of analysis, design, programming
and testing often used in developing
computer-based systems.

Analysis

Testing Design

Programming

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Information Networks

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 LAN and WAN

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the terms, local area network (LAN),
wide area network (WAN), client/server.

A network allows your computer to communicate

with other computers

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 List some of the advantages associated with
group working such as: sharing printers, applications,
and files across a network.

Less need for hardware duplication, not every

one needs their own printer
Data can be held in one place

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Intranet, Extranet

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Understand what an Intranet is and understand the
distinction between the Internet and an Intranet.

Internet
Public network
Intranet
Private network

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Understand what an Extranet is and understand the
distinction between an Intranet and an Extranet.

An Extranet is an
Intranet that is partially
accessible to
authorized outsiders

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 The Internet

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand what the Internet is
and know 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.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Understand what the World Wide Web (WWW) is and
distinguish it from the Internet.

The WWW is the graphical component of the

Internet that includes web sites.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 The Telephone Network in Computing

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the use of the telephone network in
computing. Understand the terms
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN),
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).

Check out an excellent site that

explains technical terms:

http://www.webopedia.com

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the terms analogue, digital, modem,
transfer rate, (measured in bps bits per second).

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
Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]
 The Use of IT in
Everyday Life

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Computers at Work

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Identify some situations where a computer
might be more appropriate than a person
for carrying out a task and where not.

Where computer are better

Repetitive tasks
Easily automated tasks
Mathematical calculations
Dangerous situations
Where people are better
Any activity requiring thought
that goes beyond simply
processing data
Interacting with humans

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer
applications in business such as:
business admin. systems, airline booking systems,
insurance claims processing, online banking.

Most large business have automated large

sections of their administration

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer
applications in government such as:
public records systems (census, vehicle registration),
revenue collection, electronic voting.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer
applications in hospitals/healthcare such as:
patient records systems, ambulance control systems,
diagnostic tools and instruments,
specialist surgical equipment.

Computers, if used properly can

make health care more efficient,
the key is integration, with
everyone using compatible
computer systems that talk to
each other!

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know some of the uses of computer applications in
education such as: student registration and
timetabling systems, computer-based training (CBT),
distance learning, homework using the Internet.

Used properly the Internet is

a fantastic resource for
education
CBT allows training at an
individuals pace, where and
when they want it

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the term tele-working.
List advantages of tele-working.
List some disadvantages of tele-working.

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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Electronic World

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the term electronic mail (e-mail)
and know 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.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the term e-Commerce.
Understand the concept of purchasing
goods and services online.

E-Commerce means using the Internet to buy and

sell products or services.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 List 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?

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Health and Safety,
Environment

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Ergonomics

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Health Issues

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 List 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Precautions

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

List some safety precautions when using a computer.

Ensuring power cables are safely secured

Power points are not overloaded

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 The Environment

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Be aware that recycling printed outputs,
recycling printer toner cartridges,
using a monitor that consumes less power
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.

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Security

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Information Security

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the term information security
and the benefits to an organization of being
proactive in dealing with security risks.

Your data is valuable

PROTECT IT

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Know about privacy issues associated with computers.
Differentiate between user ID and password.
Understand the term access rights
and know why access rights are important.

Keep data secure

Use secure ID and passwords

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know about the purposes and value of backing up
data software to a removable storage device

The most important item in your computer is the

data that you have created.
BACK IT UP REGUARLY !!

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Be aware of possible implications of theft of a
laptop computer, PDA, 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Computer Viruses

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the term virus.
Be aware 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!

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know about anti-virus measures.
Understand 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.com
Norton http://www.symantec.com/avcenter
Dr Solomon http://www.drsolomon.com

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Understand good practice when downloading files,
accessing file attachments.

Never download a file

unless you have good
anti-virus software
installed
Beware of opening files
attached to emails!

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

Copyright and the Law

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Copyright

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Understand the concept of copyright.
Understand copyright issues involved
in downloading information from the Internet.

Most programs that 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

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

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?

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know how to check the Product ID number
for a software product. Understand the terms shareware,
freeware, end-user license agreement.

Shareware does NOT mean freeware!

Check your licence agreements
Check your software is legal!

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Data Protection Legislation

Skill
Set

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]

 Know about data protection legislation in your country.
Understand the implications of data protection legislation
for data subjects and data holders.
Describe some of the uses of personal data.

Know and comply with

regulations that relate to
the storage of personal
information

Cheltenham Computer Training 1995 - 2003 ECDL/ICDL [Module 1]