Module I - Concepts of Information Technology (IT) - ECDL Foundation

Module 1 – Concepts of Information Technology (IT)The following is the Syllabus for Module 1, Concepts of Information Technology (IT), whichprovides the basis for the theory-based test in this module domain.Module GoalsModule 1 Concepts of Information Technology (IT) requires the candidate to have anunderstanding of some of the main concepts of IT at a general level. The candidate is required tounderstand the make-up of a personal computer in terms of hardware and software and tounderstand some of the concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage andmemory. The candidate shall also understand how information networks are used withincomputing and be aware of the uses of computer-based software applications in everyday life. Thecandidate shall appreciate health and safety issues as well as some environmental factorsinvolved in using computers. The candidate shall be aware of some of the important security andlegal issues associated with using computers.CATEGORY KNOWLEDGE AREA REF. KNOWLEDGE ITEM1.1 GeneralConcepts1.1.1 Hardware, Software,Information Technology1.1.1.1 Understand the terms hardware, software,Information Technology (IT).1.1.2 Types of Computer 1.1.2.1 Understand and distinguish betweenmainframe computer, network computer,personal computer, laptop, personal digitalassistant (PDA) in terms of capacity, speed,cost, and typical users.1.1.3 Main Parts of a PersonalComputer1.1.3.1 Know the main parts of a personal computersuch as: central processing unit (CPU), harddisk, common input and output devices, typesof memory. Understand the term peripheraldevice.1.1.4 Computer Performance 1.1.4.1 Know some of the factors that impact on acomputer’s performance such as: CPUspeed, RAM size, and the number ofapplications running.1.2 Hardware 1.2.1 Central Processing Unit 1.2.1.1 Understand some of the functions of the CPUin terms of calculations, logic control, andimmediate access memory. Know that thespeed of the CPU is measured in megahertz(MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).1.2.2 Memory 1.2.2.1 Understand different types of computermemory such as: RAM (random-accessmemory), ROM (read-only memory) anddistinguish between them.Copyright © 2006 The European Computer Driving Licence Foundation LtdRef.SWG11015921.2.2.2 Know how computer memory is measured:bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB. Relate computermemory measurements to characters, filesand directories/folders.1.2.3 Input Devices 1.2.3.1 Identify some of the main devices for inputtingdata into a computer such as: mouse,keyboard, trackball, scanner, touchpad,lightpen, joystick, digital camera, andmicrophone.1.2.4 Output Devices 1.2.4.1 Identify common output devices for displayingthe results of processing carried out by a