IT Level 1 (ICDL Essentials)

As part of your IT Level 1 (ICDL Essentials) course you will cover the following topics:

IT User Fundamentals
IT User Fundamentals will show you how to maintain the hardware, software and files that your computer uses, so it keeps working well. You will learn how to:

• use the right IT systems to meet your needs;
• organise, store and access information on the desktop or in folders and files;
• follow and understand the need for online safety; and
• carry out routine maintenance of IT systems, like updating your software and maintaining your drives and discs.

Electronic Communication
Email and the internet give us access to a whole new world of online communication and entertainment. This course focuses on communicating by email and over the internet. You will learn how to:

• send, receive and organise emails using Microsoft Outlook Express;
• use attachments;
• manage an address book of contacts or distribution lists;
• use instant messaging and internet conferencing;
• plan your social life by using the internet and social media to find information, organise events and buy tickets;
• use a search engine to find, bookmark, save and print information from websites;
• buy and pay for goods safely on the web;
• use the calendar and task manager in Outlook to plan events and manage your time and tasks;
• download useful software and use the internet to transfer files legally and safely; and
• publish information on your own website, web space or blog.

IT Security for Users
IT Security for Users will help you to understand the IT security threats facing computers, so you can protect your data and stay safe. You will learn how to:

• create user accounts and passwords to protect your personal data on the web;
• understand the risks of online communities and social networking;
• understand different types of malware and what they can do to your computer;
• prevent viruses getting onto your computer through spam email;
• avoid online fraud, like phishing scams;
• keep your network secure, especially when using wi-fi;
  back up data and recognise different portable storage devices like USB sticks and recordable DVDs; and
• understand how data protection laws work.