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

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• Technical compliance with the learning objectives of ECDL syllabus 4.
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• Syllabus 4 is the official syllabus of the ECDL certification programme at the date of approval of this courseware publication.

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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.com
AMD http://www.amd.com
Cyrix 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

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

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 valuable
PROTECT 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.com
Norton http://www.symantec.com/avcenter
Dr 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

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