COURSE OUTLINE AND TIMEFRAME

UNIT TITLE : OPERATE A PERSONAL COMPUTER
UNIT CODE : ICT 311201
UNIT DESCRIPTOR : This unit defines the competency required to operate a personal computer by: starting the PC, logging in, using and working with files, folders and programs, saving work, and closing down the PC.

ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Italicized terms are elaborated in the Range of Variables
1. Start the computer
1.1 The peripheral devices are properly connected
1.2 Power is checked and the computer and peripheral devices are switched on
1.3 Proper logging in and logging off is successfully done
1.4 The operating system features and functions are accessed and navigated
1.5 Hardware configuration and other system features are checked
2. Arrange and customize desktop display/ GUI settings
2.1 The desktop screen or GUI elements are changed as needed
2.2 Desktop icons are added, renamed, moved, copied or deleted
2.3 The online help functions are accessed or used as needed
2.4 Desktop icons of application programs are selected, opened and closed
2.5 Properties of icons are displayed
2.6 Computer or desktop settings are saved and restored
3. Work with files and folders (or directories)
3.1 A file or folder is created, opened, moved, renamed or copied
3.2 Files are located, deleted and restored
3.3 Details and properties of files and folders are displayed or viewed
3.4 Various files are organized for easy lookup and use
3.5 Files and information are searched
3.6 Disks are checked, erased or formatted as necessary
4. Work with user application programs 4.1 Application programs are added, changed, removed or ran
4.2 User software or application program are installed, updated and upgraded
4.3 Information/data are moved between documents or files
5. Print information 5.1 Printer is added or installed and correct printer settings is ensured
5.2 Default printer is assigned accordingly
5.3 Information or document is printed on the installed printer
5.4 Progress of print jobs are viewed and deleted as required
6. Shut down computer 6.1 All open application programs are closed
6.2 Computer and peripheral devices are properly shut down


RANGE OF VARIABLES
VARIABLE RANGE
1. Peripheral device This may include but is not limited to:
1.1 mouse
1.2 keyboard
1.3 monitor or visual display unit
1.4 printer
1.5 scanner

2. Computer May include:
2.1 Laptops/notebooks
2.2 Workstations
2.3 Servers
2.4 other personal computer devices

3. Application programs Can include:
3.1 user programs
3.2 database programs
3.3 word processors
3.4 email programs
3.5 Internet browsers
3.6 system browsers
3.7 spreadsheets

4. Operating system May include but is not limited to the various versions and variants of operating systems running on personal computers and servers, such as:
4.1 Windows
4.2 NT
4.3 Mac OS
4.4 Linux
4.5 Solaris
4.6 Unix

5. System features May include but is not limited to the operating system features and hardware features like:
5.1 memory size
5.2 disk capacities
5.3 video cards
5.4 USBs
5.5 Modems
5.6 1394 and LAN connectors
5.7 SD and PC cards
5.8 wireless and infrared connections.


VARIABLE RANGE
6. Online help functions 6.1 An instruction manual, or a portion of the manual, integrated and accessible from within the program or software being used.
7. Properties Indicates the description of the file or folder to include the:
7.1 file name
7.2 type of file
7.3 file size
7.4 date created and modified
7.5 attributes (hidden, read-only).

8. Various files 8.1 Documents
8.2 Records
8.3 Pictures
8.4 Music
8.5 Video

9. Disks May include but is not limited to:
9.1 Floppy disks
9.2 CDs
9.3 CD-RW (Compact discs-Read/Write)
9.4 DVD RW
9.5 zip disks
9.6 flash drives
9.7 memory sticks
9.8 hard drives

10. Printer settings The properties of the printer that enables it to work includes:
10.1 page layout
10.2 paper size
10.3 ink/cartridge type
10.4 number of copies
10.5 page orientation.



EVIDENCE GUIDE
1. Critical Aspects of Competency 1.1 Assessment must confirm the ability to utilize software, navigate the desktop, using system features to perform tasks and save results of work.
2. Underpinning Knowledge Knowledge includes:
2.1 Keyboard layout and functions
2.2 Computer functions
2.3 Basic parts of a computer and various hardware components
2.4 Storage devices and file concepts
2.5 Basic software operation and functionalities
3. Underpinning Skills Skills include:
3.1 Saving and retrieving files to and from various folders or disk storage
3.2 Mouse and keyboarding skills for running software applications
3.3 Reading and writing at a level where basic workplace documents are understood
3.4 Clear ability to communicate with peers and supervisors
3.5 Interpretation of user manuals and help functions
3.6 The ability to carry out written and verbal instructions using a personal computer whether standalone or in a networked environment
4. Resource Implications To demonstrate competence in this unit access to the following resources will be required:
4.1 A personal computer
4.2 A printer
4.3 Mouse and keyboard
4.4 Basic systems software
5. Methods of Assessment Competency may be assessed through:
5.1 Observation in a workplace or simulated environment
5.2 Third party reports
5.3 Exams and tests
5.4 Demonstration of required skills
5.5 Interviews
6. Context of Assessment 6.1 Competency may be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

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