Course Outline
TERM 1
- What is a computer?
- What is a computer system?
- The difference between data and information?
- Hardware and Software
- Understand and follow the rules within the lab.
- Stages of processing
- Why do we use computers?
Types of Computers
- Classify computers.
- Describe the different types of portable computers.
- Describe the history and development of computers.
- Classify computers by generation.
INPUT DEVICES
- State the need for input devices.
- List the different types of input devices.
- List some of the characteristics of the different types of input devices.
- Identify some of the uses of various input devices.
Output devices
- State the need for output devices
- Differentiate between hardcopy and softcopy output.
- List different types of output devices.
- List some of the characteristics of the different types of output devices.
- Give some of the uses of the various output devices.
DATA STORAGE
- Describe primary and secondary storage
- Explain the functions of RAM and ROM
- Identify the units of storage
- Identify some characteristics of secondary storage media.
TERM 2
Software and your computer
- Distinguish between application software and system software.
- List different categories of application software
- Explain the difference between general purpose, integrated and custom written software
- Define Operating System
- List different types of Operating system
- Explain the functions of the OS
- State and explain the different types of user interfaces
- List and explain some of the element in the windows operating system.
- Preform file management operating system such as: creates folders, copy folder, delete files, copy files from one location to another and format a disk.
Keeping it safe
- Data integrity and security
- Computer crimes
- Define the term ‘data integrity’.
- List some of the ways data could lose integrity.
- Describe different methods of data security.
- Define the term ‘ data encryption’.
- Define the term ‘computer virus’.
- List the ways computer virus can be spread.
- List ways to prevent computer virus infection.
- Define the term ‘data privacy’ and ‘software piracy’.
- Define the term ‘hacking and list some of the reasons for hacking.
- Explain what is ‘internet fraud’.
TERM 3
Data Communication and the Internet
- Define the term “data communication”, and understand some methods of communicating data.
- Understand the term network, LAN and WAN
- Understand the terms internet, modem, ISP, TCP/IP, browser, IP, etc.
- List the hardware and software required to connect to the internet.
- Understand the terms email, mail-server, mail-client, mailing list, newsgroup, and chat.
- Create an email.
- WWW
- URL
- Explain the term intranet and extranet
