TOPIC 1: DESKTOP COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND MANAGEMENT

AIM: To train students in the basic skills in;

 Handling desktop computer hardware and ensuring all components operate as

an integrated unit;
 managing computer files through an ability to use the computer’s operating
system or file management software; and
 protecting files from all forms of corruption and understand related ethical
issues
Objectives: Students should be able to:

 the relationship between hardware and data,

 data types,
 data handling including input and output.
 describe, operate and maintain the hardware components of a desktop
computer;
 describe the purpose of and functions of the operating system;
 describe the purpose of the computer keyboard;
 operate a computer printer.
 describe how computer data is stored.
 describe desktop computer software;
 describe the graphical user interface (GUI)
 locate, manage and protect computer files using file management procedures.
 explore legal, ethical and social issues related to accessing data held in computer
systems.
 know the key roles and responsibilities of people in the field of information and
software technology.
Assessment Criteria

The above objectives are further sub-divided into sets of learning outcomes.
Assessment of the outcomes can be done by:
i. observation by the teacher on a “can-do can’t do” basis;
ii. students demonstrating mastery of practical skills;
iii. student demonstrating that their knowledge and understanding through
written or practical tests.
All practical based outcomes will be assessed internally by classroom teachers.
Range

Range is referring to as the list of concepts, items and situations are to be studied. Thus,
there are concepts listed within the range that are to be tested.
TOPIC OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES
1
1.1 Describe, operate and maintain 1.1.1  Define and describe the role of
the hardware components of a the components found inside
desktop computer. desktop computer box
What is inside the Box Range:
 Motherboard
 Power supply
 Processor (CPU)
 Memory (RAM& ROM)
 Hard disk drives
 Video card
 Optical CD/DVD drives

1.1.2  Understand the function of

expansion slots to enhance the
PC’s capabilities
Range:
 Expanded memory
 Modems
 Sound cards
 Graphics cards
 Network card

What connects to the box? 1.1.3  Define and describe the role of
the basic components that
connect to a desktop computer
box
Range:
 Keyboard
 Pointing device; mouse
 Video monitor
 Printers

How do the parts work together? 1.1.4  Define and describe the
optional features which can be
connected to a computer
Range:
 Speakers
 Scanners
 Flash memory drives
 Cameras (Digital, Video,
Web)
 Projectors
 Multifunction devices
(printer/scanner/fax)

What problems can affect the 1.1.5  Understand and describe

functioning of a PC Range:
 Bus lines
 USB slots
  Serial/parallel ports
 Fireware

1.1.6  describe and maintain the

environmental conditions
required by the computer
system;

1.1.7  identify simple hardware faults

and problems.
Range:
 power loss,
 loose or disconnected
plugs.
discuss power supply
problems in the country,
their possible effects on
desktop computers, and
steps that can be taken to
overcome the problems

1.2 Describe the purpose and 1.2.1  Describe the desktop

functions of the operating computer’s operating system
system. and the six basic functions
Range:
 Processor management
 Memory management
 Device management
 Storage management
 Application interface
 User interface

1.2.2  Identify and describe chip-

based operating systems.
Range:
 Digital Camera’s
 Gaming systems
 Digital media players
 Cell phones
 Calculators

1.3 Describe the purpose of the 1.3.1  Describe the use of keys on a
keyboard. QWERTY keyboard in particular
identify major keyboard areas.
Range:
 ENTER (RETURN), TAB,
SPACE, BACKSPACE,
ESC; Control keys
CONTROL, SHIFT, ALT;
Function keys; F1…;
numeric keypad;
 Alphanumeric keys and
document keys: HOME,
END, INS, PgUp, PgDn,
DEL, Print Screen
(PrtSc)

1.4 Operate a desktop computer 1.4.1  Identify different printer

printer technologies
Range:
 impact (ribbon), inkjet,
laser
1.4.2  Connect a printer to a desktop
computer so they work
correctly.
1.4.3  Manage print jobs.
Range:
 View print queue.
Delete a print job
1.4.4  Print data from an application
software package.
1.4.5  Explain simple printer error
messages, and take correcting
action
Range:
 paper jams, out of
paper, out of toner/ink.

1.5 Describe how computer data 1.5.1  Describe ROM as read only
is stored. memory used by the operating
system
1.5.2  Describe RAM memory and its
purpose in the processing of
information.
1.5.3  Describe the technology
employed with memory and
disk storage, their advantages
and disadvantages.
Range:
 volatile and non-
volatile memory.
1.5.4  Explain storage concepts and
the relation between them in
terms of simple ASCII code and
binary numbers.
Range:
 bits and byte
1.5.5  Describe other forms of data
that are stored;
 graphical (Range:
Bitmap, Jpeg)
 video (Range: avi,
 mpg)
 audio (Range: wav,
mp3)
 Describe data compression
1.5.6 techniques
Range:
 lossy (mp3)
 loseless (zip)