This module tests the student's understanding of the key concepts of computers and their use in society. The student is required to demonstrate a knowledge of computer basics.

The module consists of six sections. The test will contain questions from each section.

Section 1: Basic Concepts of IT

• Identify the component parts of a computer.
• Understand the concept of an operating system and the function of a computer program.
• Understand the concept of storage and memory.
• Understand the relationship between the basic units of stored data -- bit, byte, record and file.
• Understand how the systems are developed -- analysis, programming, implementation.
• Understand what is a graphical user interface.
• Understand the concepts of multimedia.

Section 2. Applications and use of Computers

• Recognise and understand the importance and growing use of computers and the opportunities offered by their use.
• Identify the types of systems used in business.
• Identify systems used in industry.
• Identify systems used in education.
• Identify the types of systems used in the home -- for hobbies, household accounts, working at home.
• Identify the types of systems encountered in everyday life -- for example -- in supermarkets, libraries, in the doctor's surgeries, the use of smart cards.
• Distinguish between systems software and applications software.

Section 3. IT and Society

• Understand the impact of the increased use of computers.
• Understand the concept of the "Information Society".
• Express an opinion on circumstances where the computer might be appropriate than a person and vice versa.
• Develop good habits in the use and care of the computer and equipment, know what to do if the computer breaks down.
• Recognise and avoid potential dangers to health and safety -- e.g. ensure that cables are safely secured, power points are not overloaded.

Section 4. Security, copyright, law

• Understand software copyright, copying and sharing/lending discs.
• Be cognisant of privacy -- responsibility in protecting data to which the holder has access, legitimate uses of such data.
• Outline the main points of the Data Protection Act (or relevant Act in your country).
• Security -- protecting the machine/data and passwords, taking backups of data.
• Viruses and anti--viruses measures -- the student must understand how viruses can enter a computer system, what they do, and how to avoid them.
• Understand what happens within the computer if there is a power cut.

Section 5. Hardware and systems software, ergonomics