Knowledge of a personal computer system

Based on NZQA 2780



Purpose: people credited with this unit standard will be able to do the following: demonstrate knowledge of the hardware components of a personal computer system; demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the system and application software of a personal computer; operate a printer; complete basic operation and maintenance procedures for a personal computer system; and demonstrate knowledge of ergonomic principles for the safe operation of a personal computer system.


 * Library of resources
 * Learning activities

Courses that use this topic

 * Digital information literacy

Demonstrate knowledge of the hardware components of a personal computer system

 * Range: hardware components may include but are not limited to - central processing unit, motherboard, keyboard, mouse, display monitor, disk drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), printer, digital camera, scanner, modem, connection to a network or the Internet.
 * Evidence of four hardware components is required.

them.
 * Hardware components are identified in terms of device type and functions.
 * Range: device types include but are not limited to - input, storage, output,processing.
 * The interaction of components is identified in terms of the flow of data between

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the system and application software of a personal computer
graphics, communication.
 * System software and its purpose is identified.
 * Application software is identified and its purpose stated in terms of outputs.
 * Range: common software applications may include but are not limited to - word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing,
 * Evidence of four common applications is required.
 * The nature of the interaction between system and application software is identified and described.

Operate a printer

 * Data from a personal computer are displayed on printed output media.
 * Simple printer hardware faults and printer related error messages are identified and remedied.
 * Range: remedies may be demonstrated or explained.

Complete basic operation and maintenance procedures for a personal computer system
digital camera, scanner, disk drive, modem, connection to a network or the Internet. software.
 * The basic components of a personal computer system are connected to enable it to be operated safely.
 * Range: components may include but are not limited to - system unit, keyboard, monitor, mouse or other pointing device, power leads,
 * Evidence of five examples is required.
 * A personal computer system is powered up.
 * Simple hardware faults are identified in terms of faulty components and loose or disconnected plugs.
 * A personal computer system is cared for and maintained according to specified requirements.
 * Range: may include but is not limited to - cleaning, replenishing consumables, use of system protection and/or maintenance utility

Demonstrate knowledge of ergonomic principles for the safe operation of a personal computer system
cables, furniture.
 * Ergonomic principles in terms of user physical well-being are identified.
 * Range: posture in chair and seating height; feet placement; position of monitor,keyboard, and mouse relative to user; rest periods and exercises.
 * Ergonomic principles in terms of environment are identified.
 * Range: two of - lighting, dust, ventilation, room space, temperature,
 * Ergonomic principles in terms of type of machine components are identified.
 * Range: two of - keyboard rest, UV filter, anti-glare screen, mouse design,desk space, printer location.