Computer Essentials 1.

0 Quick Reference
This quick reference is for understanding the main concepts of ICT and using the computer and managing files on Windows 10

This module sets out essential concepts and skills relating to the use of devices, file
creation and management, networks and data security.

Successful candidates will be able to:

• Understand key concepts relating to ICT, computers, devices and software.
• Start up and shut down a computer.
• Work effectively on the computer desktop using icons, windows.
• Adjust the main operating system settings and use built-in help features.
• Create a simple document and print an output.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Commands • Know about the main concepts of file management and be able to efficiently
organise files and folders.
Purpose Keyboard Keyboard • Understand key storage concepts and use utility software to compress and
Shortcut Shortcut extract large files.
Open menu Undo CTRL+Z • Understand network concepts and connection options and be able to connect
to a network.
Help F1 Up one screen PAGE UP
• Understand the importance of protecting data and devices from malware and of
Cut Down one screen PAGE DOWN backing up data.
Copy Beginning of a line HOME • Recognise considerations relating to green IT, accessibility and user health.
Paste CTRL+V End of line END

1 Computers and Devices • Processor - An important component for online.

processing information • Software - Applications or programs that
1.1 ICT • RAM - Working temporary memory that loses perform specific tasks, such as word
1.1.1 Define the term Information and its data when the computer is shut down processing or graphics editing
Communication Technology (ICT). • Storage - Internal or external devices that • Operating system - Controls the computer,
• ICT - Using digital technology to access, store retain saved data. schedules tasks, manages storage, and
and process information into an organized and • The type and speed of the processor, the handles communication with other devices.
understandable form amount of RAM used, and the amount of • Applications software - Designed for specific
1.1.2 Identify different types of ICT services and available storage space, can have an impact tasks such as presentations or spreadsheets.
uses like: on the computer’s overall performance. • Software can be installed on a specific
• Internet services - Examples include online 1.2.3 Identify the main types of integrated and computer or device, on a network or accessed
banking, online shopping, e-mail and data external equipment like: via the cloud.
transfer Devices that print 1.3.2 Define the term operating system and
• Mobile technology - Examples include using information on identify some common operating systems for
Printers computers and devices.
the internet on smartphones, laptops paper or other
• Office productivity applications - Examples materials • Operating system - Software that schedules
include word processing, spread sheets, Devices that tasks, manages storage and handles
presentation software Screens display text and communication with other devices
1.2 Hardware graphics • Examples include Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
1.2.1 Define the term hardware. 1.3.3 Identify common examples of applications like:
Devices that read
• Hardware - Physical, tangible items that • Office productivity - Examples include word
images or text and
form part of a computer system Scanners processing and spreadsheets
convert the data into
1.2.1 Identify the main types of computers like: digital information • Communications - Examples include e-mail
and instant messaging
Types of Computer Typing devices used to • Social networking - Examples include websites
Keyboards issue commands and
that allows users to connect and exchange
enter characters
A traditional stand-alone or status updates and comments
Desktop
networked computer A pointing device used • Media - Examples include news applications
Mouse/ and social media applications
to select items and
A small, portable computer Trackpad • Design - Examples include photo-editing and
issue commands
Laptop designed for mobile, flexible desktop publishing
use Web A video camera used • Mobile applications - Examples include online
A small, mobile, hand-held camera to capture a digital storage applications and e-mail applications
Tablet computer that combines (webcam) video 1.3.4 Define the term End-User License Agreement
computing and Internet access (EULA). Recognise that software must be
Devices that produce
1.2.1 Identify the main types of devices like: Speakers sound waves audible licensed before use.
to the human ear • EULA - A legal agreement between the user of
Types of Devices software and the software manufacturer
• Users should ensure all software used is fully
Used for phone calls, A device used to
Microphone licensed before use.
Smart e-mail, Internet browsing, digitally capture sound
1.3.5 Outline the types of software licenses:
Phone and working with mobile
applications • Proprietary - Software that must be bought
A device that connects before use
Docking
a laptop computer to
Station • Open source - Free software that makes its
Media Used to download and other devices
source code available
Player play music and videos
• Trial version - Software that can be used for
1.2.4 Identify common input/output ports like:
a restricted time only and users will have to
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) - Typically used to purchase to use further
Used to take photographs in connect storage and other devices
Digital Camera • Shareware - Software that is distributed
digital format • High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) - on a try-before-you-buy basis with limited
Typically used to connect media devices
functionality
1.3 Software and Licensing
1.2.2 Define the terms processor, Random Access • Freeware - Free copyrighted software
1.3.1 Define the term software and distinguish
Memory (RAM), storage. Understand their
between the main types of software like:
impact on performance when using computers
operating systems, applications. Know that
and devices.
software can be installed locally or available

© 2012-2019, ICDL Foundation. This Quick Reference may be used by candidates to assist in preparation for this ICDL module test. ICDL Foundation does not warrant that use of this guide will ensure passing of the test.
Screen shots used with permission from Microsoft.
1.4 Start Up, Shut Down
• Click the Start button.
1.4.1 Start a computer and log on securely using
• Click the Settings icon.
a user name and password.
• Make sure that both the computer and monitor • Click System.
are plugged into a power source. • Under Display, click Advanced display settings.
• Turn on the computer and the monitor. • Choose a resolution from the dropdown menu.
• Enter a user name and password 2.3.4 Change keyboard language.
when requested. • Click the Start button.
• Press the Return key. • Click Windows System.
1.4.2 Log off a computer using an appropriate • Click Control Panel.
routine. • Click Language.
• Close any open files and applications. • Select the appropriate language and click Move
• Click the Start button. 2.2.2 Open, collapse, expand, restore down, up. Moving the language to the top of the list will
• Select the Profile icon. maximise, resize, move, close a window. set it as the preferred language.
• Click Sign out. • To open a window, select the file or 2.3.4 Add keyboard language.
1.4.2 Shut down a computer using an appropriate folder, right-click and select Open. • Click the Start button.
routine. • To collapse a window, click the Minimise • Click Windows System.
• Close any open files and applications. button in the upper right corner of the • Click Control Panel.
• Click the Start button. window. • Click Language.
• Click the Power icon. • To expand a window, move the mouse to • Click Add a language.
• Click Shut down. the edge of the Title bar and drag the • Scroll and select the language of choice.
1.4.2 Restart a computer using an appropriate window to increase the size. • Click Add.
routine. • To restore down a window, click the 2.3.4 Remove keyboard language.
• Close any open files and applications. Restore Down button in the upper right • Click the Start button.
• Click the Start button. corner of the window. • Click Windows System.
• Select the Power icon. • To maximise a window, click the Maximise • Click Control Panel.
• Click Restart. button in the upper right corner of the • Click Language.
window. • Select the language from the list of languages
2 Desktop, Icons, Settings • To resize a window, move the mouse available and click Remove.
over the Title bar and drag the window to 2.3.4 Change default language.
2.1 Desktop and Icons size preferred. • Click the Start button.
2.1.1 Outline the purpose of the desktop and the • To move a window, move the mouse over • Click the Settings icon.
task bar. the Title bar and drag the window to a • Click Time & language.
• Desktop - Displays icons for files, folders new location. • Click Region & language.
and applications • To close a window, click the Close button • Add a language if necessary. Select the
• Task bar- Shows active applications, files and in the upper right corner of the window. appropriate language and click Set as default.
folders and other icons 2.2.3 Switch between open windows.
• Close the window to apply new settings.
2.1.2 Identify common icons like those representing: 2.3.5 Shut down a non-responding application.
• Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys.
• Move the mouse over the application • Click Task Manager.
icons on the Task Bar so any open • Select the application.
FILES windows are displayed.
• Click End task.
• Click the required window icons found on 2.3.6 Install an application from a CD or DVD.
the Task Bar.
• Insert the disc into your computer.
FOLDERS • Follow the steps displayed on screen.
2.3 Tools and Settings
• Type the administrator password or provide
2.3.1 Use available help functions.
confirmation if prompted.
• Click the Start button.
APPLICATIONS • The application will install.
• Click Contact Support.
2.3.6 Install an application from the Internet.
• Follow the steps in Contact Support to receive • Click the appropriate link on the web page to
help with a query. install or download the application.
PRINTERS 2.3.2 View the computer’s basic system
• To install the application immediately: click Open
information: operating system name and
or Run and follow the steps on screen. Type the
version number, installed RAM.
administrator password or provide confirmation if
• Click the Start button.
DRIVES prompted.
• Click Windows System.
• To install the application later: click Save. The
• Click Control Panel.
installation file will download.
• Click System.
SHORTCUTS/ALIASES • Double-click the installation file to install. Follow
2.3.3 Change desktop configuration settings: date
the steps on screen.
and time.
2.3.6 Uninstall an application.
• Click the Start button.
RECYCLE BIN/WASTEBASKET/ • Click Windows System.
TRASH • Click Control Panel.
• Click Date and Time.
2.1.3 Select and move icons. • Click Change date and time.
• On the desktop, click on an icon and drag and 2.3.3 Change desktop configuration settings:
drop to a new location. volume settings.
2.1.4 Create a shortcut/alias. • Double-click the speaker button on the
• Select location to move shortcut to. right side of the Task Bar.
• Right-click and click Create shortcut. • Adjust the volume as required.
2.1.4 Rename a shortcut/alias. 2.3.3 Change desktop configuration settings:
• Right-click on the shortcut icon. background.
• Click Rename. • Click the Start button.
• Enter new name. • Click Windows System. • Click the Start button.
2.1.4 Move a shortcut/alias. • Click Control Panel. • Click Windows System.
• Right-click on the shortcut icon. • Click Personalization. • Click Control Panel.
• Click Cut. • Click Desktop Background. • Click Programs and Features.
• Select location to move shortcut to. • A new window appears with options for a new • Select the application to uninstall.
• Right-click and select Paste. background. Close the window to save • Click Uninstall.
2.1.4 Delete a shortcut/alias. changes. • Click Yes.
• Right-click on the shortcut icon. 2.3.3 Change desktop configuration settings: 2.3.7 Connect a device (USB flash drive, digital
• Click Delete. resolution. camera, media player) to a computer.
2.2 Using Windows • Insert the flash drive (or cable for other device)
2.2.1 Identify the different parts of a window: into the USB port on the computer.
1. Title bar • The computer will signal that a new device has
2. Tab been detected.
3. Toolbar/Ribbon • Save or view files and folders as needed.
4. Status bar 2.3.7 Disconnect a device using an appropriate
5. Scroll bar. routine.
• Click on the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject
Media icon in the notification section of the
taskbar.
 • Select the device to be removed Click Windows System and choose Control 4.1.5 Open a file, folder, drive.
• .2.3.8 Capture a full screen. Panel.Click Devices and Printers. • Select the file, folder or drive to open.
• Press the Print Screen key (PrtScn). • Right-click and click Set as default printer. • Right-click and click Open.
2.3.8 Capture an active window. 3.2.3 Print a document from a word processing 4.1.6 Recognise good practice in folder, file naming:
• Open a window on the desktop. application. • Use meaningful names for folders and files to
• Press the Alt key + Print Screen key. • In an open document, click the FILE button. help with searching and organisation.
• Select Print. 4.1.7 Create a folder.
3 Outputs • Click Print. • Navigate to where the folder will be created.
3.2.4 View, pause, restart, cancel a print job. • Right-click and click New.
3.1 Working with Text • Click the Start button. • Click Folder.
3.1.1 Open a word processing application. • Click Windows System and choose Control • Enter a folder name and press the Return key.
• Click the Start button. Panel. 4.1.8 Rename a file, folder.
• Select Microsoft Office 2013. • Click Devices and Printers. • Right-click on the file or folder to re-name.
• Click Word 2013. • Right-click the printer’s icon and then select • Click Rename.
3.1.1 Close a word processing application. See what’s printing. • Enter a new name.
• Click the Word icon in the top left-hand corner • To pause or resume printing: right-click the • Press the Return key.
of the screen. document waiting to be printed, click Pause 4.1.9 Search for files by properties: all or part of file
• Click Close. or Resume. name.
3.1.1 Open files. • To restart printing a document: right-click • Double-click the File Explorer icon on the Task
• Click the FILE button. the document waiting to print, click Restart. Bar.
• Click Open. • To cancel printing: right-click the document • In the search field enter a full file name or part
• To access local files click Computer. waiting to be printed, click Cancel and then of a file name.
• Select the file. Yes to confirm. • Click Search.
• Click Open. 4.1.9 Search for files by properties: using
3.1.1 Close files. 4 File Management wildcards if necessary
• Click the FILE button. • Double-click the File Explorer icon on the Task
• Click Close. 4.1 Introducing Files and Folders Bar.
3.1.2 Enter text into a document. 4.1.1 Understand how an operating system or- • In the search field use wildcards in the criteria
• Click into the open word processing ganises drives, folders, files in a hierarchical boxes to perform search.
document. structure. • Enter *.txt to find all files with the extension
• Enter the text. • Windows Explorer displays the hierarchical .txt.
3.1.3 Copy text within a document, between open structure of files, folders, and drives on your • Enter b*.* to find all files that begin with the
documents. computer. letter b.
• Select the text to copy. 4.1.1 Navigate between drives, folders, sub-folders, • Click Search.
• On the HOME tab, in the Clipboard group, click files. 4.1.9 Search for files by properties: by content.
the Copy button. • Click the Start button. • Double-click the File Explorer icon on the Task
• Click in a new location within the document or • Click the File Explorer icon. Bar.
within another open document. • Double-click on the drive where the folder or • Click in the Search bar.
• On the HOME tab in the Clipboard group, click file is located. • Enter text.
the Paste button. • Locate the folder and file name on the 4.1.9 Search for files by properties: by date modified.
3.1.3 Move text within a document, between open drive. • Double-click the File Explorer icon on the Task
documents. 4.1.2 Display file, folder properties like: name, size, Bar.
• Select the text to move. location. • Click the View tab and select Sort by.
• On the HOME tab, in the Clipboard group, click • Right-click on the file or folder. • Click Date modified.
the Cut button. • Select Properties. 4.1.10 View list of recently used files.
• Click in a new location within the document or • Click OK to close. • Click the File Explorer icon.
within another open document. 4.1.3 Change view to display files and folders like: • Select Quick access.
• On the HOME tab in the Clipboard group, click tiles, icons, list, details. • A list of Recent files appears below Frequent
the Paste button. • In an open window, click on the Change your folders.
3.1.3 Paste a screen capture into a document. view button. 4.2 Organising Files and Folders
• After taking the screen capture, click in a new • Click on a preferred option to view files or 4.2.1 Select individual files, folders.
location within the document. folders. • Click on a file or folder.
• On the HOME tab in the Clipboard group, click 4.1.4 Identify common file types like: 4.2.1 Select adjacent files, folders.
the Paste button. • Click the first file or folder, hold down the Shift
3.1.4 Save and name a document. key, and then click the last file or folder.
• Click the FILE button. • Release the Shift key.
• Click Save. 4.2.1 Select non-adjacent files, folders.
• Create a file name and select the location. • Hold down the Ctrl key, and then click each file
• Click Save. or folder to select.
3.2 Printing 4.2.2 Sort files in ascending, descending order by
3.2.1 Install a printer. name.
• Click the Start button. • Click the View tab.
• Click the Settings icon. • Select Sort by.
• Click Devices. • Click Name to sort files by name in ascending
• Click Add a printer or scanner. If the printer order.
you are looking for appears click Add device. • Click the View tab.
• If the printer you are looking for does not • Select Sort by.
appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed. • Click Descending to sort in descending order.
• Select Add a local printer or network printer 4.2.2 Sort files in ascending, descending order by
with manual settings and click Next. size.
• Select the Use an existing port option with • Click the View tab.
LPT1: (Printer Port) chosen. Click Next. • Select Sort by.
• Under Install the printer driver, select the • Click Size to sort files by size in ascending
printer manufacturer model. Click Next. order.
3.2.1 Uninstall a printer. • Click the View tab.
• Click the Start button. • Select Sort by.
• Click Windows System and choose Control • Click Descending to sort in descending order.
Panel. 4.2.2 Sort files in ascending, descending order by
• Click Devices and Printers. type.
• Right-click and select Remove device. • Click the View tab.
• Click Yes to confirm removal. • Select Sort by.
3.2.1 Print a test page. • Click Type to sort files by name in ascending
• Click the Start button. order.
• Click Windows System and choose Control • Click the View tab.
Panel. • Select Sort by.
• Click Devices and Printers. • Click Descending to sort in descending order.
• Right-click a printer and then choose Printer
properties.
• Under the General tab, click Print Test Page.
3.2.2 Set the default printer from an installed printer
list.
• Click the Start button.
 reduces the amount of space used for storage. 6.1.2 Define the term firewall and outline its purpose.
4.2.2 Sort files in ascending, descending order by 4.3.5 Compress files, folders. • Firewall - A security system designed to pro-
date modified. • Select files. tect a network against external threats
• Double-click on the folder containing the files • Right-click on files. 6.1.3 Understand the purpose of regularly backing
to sort. • Select Send To. up data to a remote location.
• Click the View tab. • Select Compressed (zipped) folder. • Important to have an off-site backup copy of
• Select Sort by. 4.3.6 Extract compressed files, folders to a location files in case of unforeseen network, hardware
• Click Date Modified to sort files by date on a drive. or software problems, so that a copy of the
modified in ascending order. • Right-click on the compressed file icon. data is available if the original data were to
• Click the View tab. • Select Extract files… and choose a location. become unusable
• Select Sort by. • Click OK. 6.1.4 Recognise the importance of regularly
• Click Descending to sort in descending order. updating software like: anti-virus,
4.2.3 Copy files, folders between folders, drives. 5 Networks application, operating system software.
• Right-click on the file or folder to copy. • Update anti-virus regularly to detect new
• Click Copy. 5.1 Network Concepts viruses
• Click on the new location. 5.1.1 Define the term network. • Update application and operating system
• Right-click and click Paste. • Network- More than one computer or device software regularly to fix known problems and
4.2.3 Move files, folders between folders, drives. connected together to share data, applications security risks
• Right-click on the file or folder to move. or peripherals 6.2 Malware
• Click Cut. 5.1.1 Outline the purpose of a network: 6.2.1 Define the term malware. Identify different
• Click on the new location. • Share, access data and devices securely types of malware like: virus, worm, Trojan,
• Right-click and click Paste. 5.1.2 Define the term Internet. Identify some of its spyware.
4.2.4 Delete files, folders to the recycle bin/ main uses like: World Wide Web (WWW), VoIP, • Malware - Malicious software designed to
wastebasket/trash. e-mail, IM. install itself on a computer without the owner’s
• Right-click on the file or folder to delete. • Internet - A global network connecting millions consent
• Click Delete. of computers worldwide • Virus - Intrusive programs that infect computer
4.2.4 Restore files, folders to original location. • Main uses - To provide access to information files and may cause damage
• Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. via the World Wide Web, to allow conversa- • Worm - Self-replicating malware that uses a
• Select the items to restore. tions over the internet (VoIP), to allow digital computer network to send copies of itself to
• Under the Recycle Bin Tools group, click the message exchange via email and to allow other computers
Manage tab. real-time text messaging via instant messaging • Trojan - Destructive program that masquer-
• Click Restore the selected items. 5.1.3 Define the terms intranet, virtual private net- ades as an application.
4.2.5 Empty the recycle bin/wastebasket/trash. work (VPN) and identify their main uses. • Spyware - Malware that collects information
• Open the Recycle Bin. • Intranet - A private Internet used internally on user browser habits without their consent
• Under the Recycle Bin Tools group, click the within an organisation to store internal docu- 6.2.2 Be aware how malware can infect a
Manage tab. ments, training material or business specific computer or device.
• Click Empty Recycle Bin. applications • Viruses can be transmitted via the installation
4.3 Storage and Compression • VPN - A network used to connect remote of a program from an insecure source on the
4.3.1 Identify the main types of storage media like: users securely to a business network to share Internet, a CD- ROM, an online bulletin board,
data and communicate. or e-mail attachments.
5.1.4 Understand what transfer rate means. Un- 6.2.3 Use anti-virus software to scan a computer.
Storage Description derstand how it is measured: bits per second • Open the virus scanning application.
Media (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per • Enter the specific drive(s), folder(s) and name
second (mbps), gigabits per second (gbps). of file to scan.
Internal hard A non-volatile, random access
• Transfer rate - The rate at which information is • Perform the scan.
disk storage device for digital data
transferred to or from a disk drive 6.3 Health and Green IT
External A hard disk located outside the • Measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per 6.3.1 Recognise ways to help ensure a user’s well-
hard disk computer second (kbps), megabits per second (mbps), being while using a computer or device like:
gigabits per second (gbps). • Take regular breaks
Network A drive shared by multiple users 5.1.5 Understand the concepts of downloading from, • Ensure appropriate lighting and posture
drive or devices uploading to a network. • Lighting should be bright enough and correctly
CD An optical disc used to store music • Downloading - To copy a file or image from a positioned.
web page • Correct positioning of the computer, desk and
• Uploading - To copy a file or image from a seat will minimise bad posture.
DVD An optical disc used to store video Recognise computer and device energy saving
computer to a web page 6.3.2
5.2 Network Access practices:
Blu-ray Disc A high definition optical disc used 5.2.1 Identify the different options for connecting to • Turning off - When not in use
to store media with up to five times the Internet like: • Adjusting automatic shut down - After a speci-
greater storage than DVDs • Phone line fied number of minutes not used
USB flash A portable digital storage device • Mobile technology • Adjusting backlight - This can be decreased
drive • Cable • Adjusting sleep mode settings - This can be
• Wi-fi activated after pre-set timings
Memory A digital storage device used in • Wi-max 6.3.3 Recognise that computers, devices,
card cameras and other devices • Satellite batteries, printer cartridges and paper
5.2.2 Define the term Internet Service Provider (ISP). should be recycled.
Online file A file storage service available over • Internet Service Provider (ISP) - An organisa- 6.3.4 Identify some options available for enhancing
storage the Internet accessibility like:
tion that provides access to the Internet
5.2.2 Identify important considerations when
4.3.2 Identify file size, folder size, storage capacity selecting an Internet subscription option like: Type Description
measurements like:
• Upload speed
• Download speed
Unit Bit Size Comparable To • Download quota Voice Translates voice commands and
• Cost recognition is used in place of a mouse and
Kilobyte 1,024 ½ page of plain 5.2.3 Recognise the status of a wireless network: software keyboard
(KB) Bytes text
• Protected/secure - The network is protected to
Megabyte 1,024 KB 700 pages of prevent unauthorised access. Screen Reads aloud information from a
(MB) plain text or one • Open - The network is accessible to all reader computer display, for users with
picture/graphic 5.2.4 Connect to a wireless network. impaired vision
• Double-click on the wireless connection icon
Gigabyte 1, 024 MB A set of on the Task Bar. Screen Displays enlarged screen content
(GB) encyclopaedias • Select desired network and connect, using a magnifier
Terabyte 1,024 GB A bookstore full password if required.
(TB) of books On-screen Provides an alternative to a
6 Security and Well-Being keyboard physical keyboard or inputting data
4.3.3 View available space on a storage device.
• Select the drive or device. 6.1 Protecting Data on Computers and Devices
• Right-click and select Properties. 6.1.1 Recognise good password policies like: High Makes the screen easier to view
• Click OK. • Create with adequate length contrast for users
4.3.4 Understand the purpose of file, folder com- • Create with adequate character mix
pression. • Do not share For more information,
• Compressing files decreases a file’s size and • Change regularly visit: www.icdl.org

© 2012-2019, ICDL Foundation. This Quick Reference may be used by candidates to assist in preparation for this ICDL module test. ICDL Foundation does not warrant that use of this guide will ensure passing of the test.
Screen shots used with permission from Microsoft.