NATIONAL QUALIFICATION

1.1 Describe what most types of computer hardware are and how to get the best out of them.

1.2 Describe what storage media are available, such as hard disc, floppy discs or CD ROMs, and how to use them.

1.3 Describe how to choose, use and connect appropriate combinations of hardware.

1.4 Describe how to exploit the capabilities of most of the tools and functions of software applications and how to select and use appropriate tools and functions for more complex tasks.

1.5 Describe how to help others to identify health and safety risks to themselves and others in using common types of computer hardware.

1.6 Describe what health and safety laws and guidelines affect the use of IT.

1.7 Describe what action can be taken to avoid health and safety risks to other people and hardware.

1.8 Describe what compatibility issues may be caused by the interaction of hardware, software and operating systems; how compatibility issues can be avoided and why compatibility standards are needed.

1.9 Describe what general combinations of hardware and software offer very slow or fast transmission speeds what effect variations have on different ways of transmitting, receiving and saving data.

Turn on a personal computer (PC) and printer and change basic settings, such as sound volume, date and time.

2.2 Connect up a computer with other hardware and storage media safely and link a computer to other hardware safely.

2.3 Access files on a computer hard drive, local storage media, local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) and remote networks and network software.

2.4 Select the most suitable and efficient method and media for storing, transferring and archiving data taking account of data transmission speeds.

2.5 Use a wide range of software tools and techniques efficiently including: open, close, save and print files in folders, page set-up, short-cuts and print-preview making the most of different software.

2.6 Customise most types of software using menus and toolbars.

2.7 Install operating system upgrades, hardware and other components effectively.