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.

• 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

them.

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the system and application software of a personal computer

• 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,

graphics, communication.

• 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

• 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,

digital camera, scanner, disk drive, modem, connection to a network or the Internet.

• 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

software.

Demonstrate knowledge of ergonomic principles for the safe operation of a personal computer system

• 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,

cables, furniture.

• 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.

Notes

Components may include but are not limited to five of: a system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, disk drive, printer, digital camera, scanner, connection to a network, connection to the Internet.