DESCRIBE THE CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND THE USE OF ITS COMPONENTS IN A HEALTHY AND SAFE MANNER
UNIT STANDARD ID:
117925
LEVEL 2
CREDITS 3
SAQA UNIT STANDARD ALIGNMENT
SPECIFIC OUTCOMES (SO)
Level 2 | Credit 3
UNIT STANDARD 117925 :
Use Describe the concepts of information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safer manner.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1
Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
Types of computers are described in terms of their size, application, and relation to each other.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Types of computers – at least five of: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers (thin clients), laptop computers, multimedia computers, personal digital assistants (PDA).
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The components of a personal computer are described in terms of their role in the system as a whole is described.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Input, output, storage, peripherals, ROM, Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB).
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
The major components of ICT are described in terms of their relationship to each other.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Components include but is not limited to: Client computers (typically PCs), Various Networks (LANs & WANs), server computers, the Internet.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2
Describe the hardware components of a personal computer.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is described in terms of its purpose and functions.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The Memory of a personal computer is defined in terms of memory size, the types of memory and their purpose.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least six of: Mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touchpad, light pen, scanner, joystick, digital camera.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
Input devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and functions.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least two of: Memory types: RAM ROM, ROM-BIOS, Video memory, PROM.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
Output devices are identified and described in terms of the variety, their purpose and functions.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least four of: Monitors (Visual Display Units (VDU)), printers, plotters, speakers, speech synthesisers, microfilm (microfiche).
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5
Input/output devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and function.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Touch screen, modem.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6
Storage devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose, capacity and functioning.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least three of: Floppy/stiffy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape streamers, CD-ROM, ZIP drives and cartridges, flash disks.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3
Describe software for personal computers.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The types of software are described in terms of purpose.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Operating system software, applications software.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
Operating system software is defined in terms of its function, providing examples of current OS software commonly in use.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Functions include but not limited to: Interface to hardware, interface between application software, and interface to printing.OS software include but is not limited to: MS Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
Applications software is defined and examples of applications software types and the specific application for each is described.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4
Describe information networks in relation to ICT.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
“Data communication” is defined in terms of its different forms of data communication and examples given.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The networking of computers are explained in terms of its use, advantages and disadvantages.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
The terms LAN and WAN are explained in terms of their scope and usage.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Distinguish between same graphical area and wide spread area.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
Different types of telephone network connections used for access to the Internet are explained with examples.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Any 2 of: Analogue (Pulse), Digital (Tone), ADSL (Direct), Wireless.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5
Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The ergonomic principles for computer workstations are explained in terms of their application and purpose.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
Environmental conditions relating to ergonomics of computer workstations are explained in terms of their impact on personal well being.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least two of the following: environmental conditions: lighting, ventilation, VDU positioning, VDU glare, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse), breaks away from the computer.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6
Explain health and safety when working with computers.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
Current legislation related to health and safety in the ICT environment are identified and explained with examples.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
Personal injuries related to incorrect ergonomics when working with computers are explained with examples.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least two of the following: back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), eye strain.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3
Common precautions that can be taken when working with computers are explained in terms of how they ensure safe working environment.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least two of the following: trailing power leads and/or cables, insecure power leads, worn or frayed power leads, overloaded power points.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4
ICT working practices are explained in terms of ways to minimise the effect of working practices on the immediate environment.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
At least two of the following: recycling paper, recycling ink/toner cartridges, redundant peripheral devices, low power options on devices, use of “standby” or “sleep” modes for devices, digital formats for communication and storage of documents. Effects can be harmful or positive.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7
A computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles into account.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Ergonomic principles include but are not limited to: lighting, VDU position, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
A computer workstation is set up taking health and safety issues into account.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Health and safety issues include but are not limited to: Power leads, cables, power points.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Computer Basics
Lesson 1 – What is a computer?
Computers Simplified
What are the Different Types of Computers?
Types of Personal Computers
Activity 1
Lesson 2 – What is an operating system?
The Operating System’s Job
Types of Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows
Apple Mac OS
Linux
Activity 2
Lesson 3 – What are the basic parts of a desktop computer?
Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer
Activity 3
Lesson 4 – What are all the buttons, sockets, and slots used for?
Front of Computer Case
Back of Computer Case
Peripherals You Can Use in Various Ports
Activity 4
Lesson 5 – What is inside a desktop computer?
A Look Inside a Desktop Computer
Activity 5
Lesson 6 – How do I connect to the Internet?
Types of Internet Access
Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Hardware Needed
Activity 6
Lesson 7 – What are the basic parts of a laptop computer?
Basic Parts of a Laptop Computer
Activity 7
Lesson 8 – What are all the buttons, sockets, and slots used for?
Laptop Buttons, Drives, and Ports
Peripherals You Can Use in Various Ports
Activity 8
Lesson 9 – What is inside a laptop computer?
A Look inside a Laptop Computer
Activity 9
Lesson 10 – How do I connect to the Internet?
Types of Internet Access
Dial-up Access
DSL Access
Cable Access
Satellite Access
Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Wireless Connections
Activity 10
Lesson 11 – How do I set up a computer
Setting Up a Desktop Computer
Set Up Complete
After the Hardware
Activity 11
Lesson 12 – How do I keep my computer healthy?
Keep Your Computer Physically Clean
Cleaning the Monitor
To Clean an LCD/Flat-Panel Screen
Tips for Cleaning Other Computer Surfaces
Keep Your Computer Safe
Viruses, Trojan Horses, and Worms
Protect Your Computer
Tips to Stay Safe
Deleting Files
Emptying the Recycle Bin
Disk Cleanup for Windows
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Activity 12
Lesson 13 – What are some troubleshooting techniques?
Basic Troubleshooting Tips
Specific Troubleshooting Problems
Activity 13
Lesson 14 – What is a network?
Why Would You Use a Home Network?
What Do I Need to Create a Home Network?
What Types of Networks Are There?
Terms to Know
Activity 14
Lesson 15-Health, Safety and Environment
Ergonomics
Health Issues
Precautions
The Environment
Security
Vulnerability of data (Data Backup)
Implications of Theft
Computer Viruses
Lesson 16- Copyright and the Law
Copyright
Copyright Issues
Licensing Issues
Data Protection Legislation
Lesson 17- Working with files and folders
Using libraries to access your files and folders
Creating a new file
Applies to Windows Vista
Create a new folder
Viewing and arranging files and folders
Finding files
Copying and moving files and folders
Introduction to Computer Basics
Are you new to using the computer? Do you want to learn about desktops and laptops? Wish you knew more how your computer does its job? Introduction to Computer Basics introduces the basic concepts you need to know.
