2016 Suite

Cambridge TECHNICALS LEVEL 3

IT
Unit 1
Fundamentals of IT

M/507/4999
Guided learning hours: 90
Version 1 September 2015

ocr.org.uk/it
LEVEL 3

UNIT 1: Fundamentals of IT

M/507/4999

Guided learning hours: 90

Essential resources required for this unit: none

This unit is externally assessed by an OCR set and marked examination.

UNIT AIM

A sound understanding of IT technologies and practices is essential for IT professionals.

Information learnt in this unit will provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of
hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how business uses IT.

After completing this unit, the knowledge, skills and understanding you have developed will
underpin your study for the additional units.

Knowledge gained in the study of this unit will also help prepare you for relevant industry
qualifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Mobility+ and Cisco IT Essentials.

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TEACHING CONTENT

The teaching content in every unit states what has to be taught to ensure that learners are able to access the highest grades.
Anything which follows an i.e. details what must be taught as part of that area of content. Anything which follows an e.g. is illustrative.

For externally assessed units, where the content contains i.e. and e.g. under specific areas of content, the following rules will be adhered to when we set
questions for an exam:
a direct question may be asked about unit content which follows an i.e.
where unit content is shown as an e.g. a direct question will not be asked about that example.

Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

1. Understand computer 1.1 Computer hardware, i.e.: Learners should know about the different types of
hardware input devices computer hardware required for a variety of computer
output devices systems.
communications devices
benefits (e.g. integrated devices make portable This should lead into learners developing their
devices simpler to use) understanding of their benefits, limitations and uses.
limitations (e.g. voice recognition performs poorly in
noisy environments)
uses (e.g. membrane keyboard could be used in
harsh physical environments)

1.2 Computer components, i.e.: Learners should know about the component parts of a
processors computer system and their characteristics.
motherboards
storage (hard drive, solid state, flash, internal, This should lead into learners developing their
removable, SAS, SCSI, portable, Cloud) understanding of the purpose of each component.
ports (USB, Firewire, SATA, Network, Fibre
Channel)
memory (RAM, ROM, cache)

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

expansion cards (sound, network, graphics,
storage controller, fibre channel)
power supplies
characteristics
purpose

1.3 Types of computer system, i.e.: Learners should know about the different types of
desktop/server computer systems.
tablet/hybrid
smartphone This should lead to an understanding of where and how
embedded system/Internet of Things (e.g. cars, they are used, benefits and limitations of each type of
home appliances, etc.) computer system and a justification of a suitable system
mainframe in a given context.
quantum
uses (e.g. tablet device can be used when Learners should be aware that some devices feature
travelling due to physical properties) embedded systems, such as modern cars, washing
benefits (e.g. desktop computer can have a large machines and other home appliances.
screen which can improve productivity)
limitations (e.g. mainframes can be expensive to
purchase and maintain)

1.4 Connectivity methods, i.e.: Learners should know about different connectivity
copper methods and their characteristics.
fibre
wireless technologies (Bluetooth, WiFi, microwave, This should lead to an understanding of their purpose
infrared, laser, Satellite, GSM, 3G/4G and future and justification of different methods within a given
technologies) context.
characteristics
purpose

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

1.5 Communications hardware, i.e.: Learners should know about different communications
hub hardware and their characteristics.
switch
router This should lead to an understanding of their purpose
modem and use.
wireless access point
combined/hybrid devices Learners should be aware of the difference between a
characteristics combined or hybrid device, which often provides the
purpose and use functionality of a modem, router, switch and wireless
access point in one device, and the individual devices.
1.6 Hardware troubleshooting, i.e.:
identifying hardware faults Learners should know about the process needed to
troubleshooting tools troubleshoot common hardware problems as well as the
documentation/fault management documentation involved.

1.7 Units of measurement, i.e.: Learners should know about the units of measurement
bit, nibble, byte used in IT.
metric (kilo, mega, giga, tera, peta)
binary (kibi, mebi, gibi, tebi, pebi) This should lead to an understanding of how to convert
comparison in sizes between metric and binary between the different number systems.
measurements. e.g. 1 kilobyte = 1000 bytes vs
1024 bytes

1.8 Number systems, i.e.:

binary
decimal
hexadecimal

1.9 Number conversion, i.e.:

converting between binary, decimal and
hexadecimal

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

2. Understand computer 2.1 Types of software, i.e.:

Learners should know about different types of software
software open source
and their characteristics.
closed source
off the shelf
This should lead to an understanding of the use and
bespoke
justification of different types of software within a given
shareware
context.
freeware
embedded
characteristics
use

2.2 Applications software, i.e.: Learners should know about the different applications
productivity software (e.g. word processor, software available.
spreadsheet, database, email, etc.)
development tools (e.g. compiler, debugger, This should lead to an understanding of the purpose and
translator, integrated design environment, etc.) advantages and disadvantages of each application.
business software (e.g. MIS, multimedia,
collaboration, project management, manufacturing,
CAD/CAM, publishing, expert systems, healthcare,
etc.)

2.3 Utility software (e.g. backup, anti-virus, compression,

etc.)
purpose
advantages and disadvantages
Learners should know about different forms of operating
2.4 Operating systems, i.e.: systems and their key functions.
single user/multiuser
single processor/multiprocessor This should lead to an understanding of the benefits and
off the shelf/open source/bespoke limitations of operating system types.

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

2.5 Functions

2.6 Benefits and limitations

Learners should know about different types of
2.7 Communication methods, i.e.: communication methods used within a business context
SMS and their characteristics.
email
messaging software This should lead to an understanding of the purpose,
social networking advantages and disadvantages of each method.
VoIP
personal assistants (e.g. Siri, Cortana)
teleconference
video conference
cellular/satellite
instant messaging
characteristics
purpose
advantages and disadvantages
Learners should know about common software faults, the
2.8 Software troubleshooting, i.e.:
tools used to investigate them and the documentation
common faults (e.g. unexpected software
involved.
behaviour, software freeze, unexpected rebooting)
troubleshooting tools to investigate a problem (e.g.
logs, installable tools, baselines) This should lead to an understanding of why different
trouble shooting tools are used in different contexts and a
documentation (e.g. types of documentation)
justification for their use.
2.9 Protocols, i.e.:
Learners should know about protocols and their features.
popular protocols
o IP This should lead to an understanding of the purpose of
o TCP protocols and their common usage in given contexts.
o UDP

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

o SMTP Learners should be aware of the TCP/IP protocol stack
o FTP including common functions in each layer.
o HTTP
o SNMP
o ICMP
o POP
features
purpose
common usage scenarios

3. Understand business IT 3.1 Types of servers, i.e.:

Learners should know about different types of server.
systems file/print
application
database
web
mail
hypervisor

3.2 Virtualisation, i.e.: Learners should know about different forms of

server virtualisation.
client
This should lead to an understanding of the benefits and
storage
limitations to a business of using virtualisation
cloud
technology.
hybrid
benefits and limitations

3.3 Networking characteristics, i.e.: Learners should know about different networking
peer to peer topologies and their characteristics.
client server
bus/star/ring/mesh This should lead to an understanding of the use and

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

addressing justification of a particular topology in a given context.
diagrammatical representation
linking to given context

3.4 Connectivity methods, i.e.: Learners should know about different connectivity
LAN (Ethernet, Token Ring) methods and their characteristics.
WAN (ADSL, leased line, ISDN)
This should lead to an understanding of the purpose of
MAN
the different methods and how these would be used in a
voice (PSTN, cellular)
given context.
satellite (voice, data)
characteristics
purpose

3.5 Business systems, i.e.: Learners should know about different business systems.
MIS
CRM This should lead to an understanding of the purpose, and
SOP of the benefits and limitations of these systems in a given
context.
helpdesk
purpose
benefits and limitations

Learners should know about the different communication

4. Understand employability 4.1 Communication skills, i.e.:
skills used in the IT environment and the potential
and communication skills interpersonal skills (e.g. eye contact, body barriers involved.
used in an IT environment language)
questioning techniques This should lead to an understanding of the different
verbal (e.g. meetings, telephone, group skills used for different audiences and situations.
discussions)
written (e.g. reports, letters, emails, social
networking)

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

non-verbal (e.g. body language)
barriers (e.g. language, distraction, noise, lack of
concentration)
appropriate use of language (e.g. formal, informal,
technical, non-technical)

4.2 Communication technology, i.e.: Learners should know about different communication
technologies available.
presentation software
word processing This should lead to an understanding of the use and
email justification of different communication technologies in a
web given context.
blogs/vlogs
instant messaging
use

4.3 Personal attributes (e.g. self-motivation, leadership, Learners should know about different personal attributes.
respect, dependability, punctuality, problem solving,
determination, independence, time management, team This should lead to an understanding of why these
working, written numerical and verbal skills, planning attributes are important for certain job roles and valued
and organisation skills) by an employer.

4.4 Ready for work, i.e.: Learners should know about being ready for work.
dress (e.g. appropriate clothing depending on
situation) This should lead to an understanding of why this is
presentation (e.g. personal grooming, appearance important for themselves as well as the organisation.
etc.)
attitude (e.g. can do attitude, responsive)
Learners should know about different job roles in the IT
4.5 Job roles, i.e.: industry.
Network manager
IT technician This should lead to an understanding of the skills

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

Programmer required.
Web designer
Animator Learners should know about different professional bodies
Key skills required for each (e.g. technical and non- and industry certification.
technical)

4.6 Professional bodies (e.g. BCS)

This should lead to an understanding of the purpose of
purpose professional bodies, and the benefits and limitations of
benefits and limitations membership to themselves and an employer.

4.7 Industry certification This should also lead to an understanding of why it is

benefits to individual and employer useful to gain industry certification and the benefits to
current vendors (e.g. CompTia , Cisco ) themselves and an employer.

Learners should know about different ethical and

5. Understand ethical and 5.1 Ethical issues, i.e.:
operational issues.
operational issues and whistle blowing
threats to computer disability/gender/sexuality discrimination This should lead to an understanding of how these
systems use of information issues can be addressed.
codes of practice
staying safe online
bias

5.2 Operational issues, i.e.:

security of information
health and safety
disaster planning and recovery
organisational policies (acceptable use policy, code
of conduct, etc.)
change management
scale of change:

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

o drivers (change in business practice, legislation,
competition)
o needs (e.g. improved networking, remote access
for employees, etc.)

5.3 Threats, i.e.: Learners should know about different threats to computer
phishing systems.
hacking
virus
Trojan
interception
eavesdropping
data theft
social engineering
Learners should know about physical and digital security
5.4 Physical security, i.e.: methods and their characteristics.
locks
biometrics This should lead to an understanding of why different
RFID security methods are used in different contexts and a
tokens justification for their use
privacy screens
shredding
characteristics

5.5 Digital security, i.e.:

anti-virus
firewalls
anti-spyware
username/passwords
permissions
encryption

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Learning outcomes Teaching content Exemplification

The Learner will: Learners must be taught:

characteristics

5.6 Safe disposal of data and computer equipment, i.e.:

legislation
overwrite data
electromagnetic wipe
physical destruction

LEARNING OUTCOME (LO) WEIGHTINGS

Each learning outcome in this unit has been given a percentage weighting. This reflects the size and demand of the content you need to cover and its
contribution to the overall understanding of this unit. See table below:

LO1 10-20%

LO2 10-20%

LO3 25-35%

LO4 5-15%

LO5 10-20%

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ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE
All LOs are assessed through externally set written examination papers, worth a maximum of 80 marks, and 1 hour 30 minutes in duration.

This unit provides the underpinning knowledge and understanding to support other units in the qualification. Learners should study the basics of computer
hardware and software, and information systems used by businesses. It is important that learners understand what is required from IT specialists in the
working environment, and the importance of good communication skills along with the technology available to them. The use of computer systems brings
issues and it is therefore important that learners study the threats involved when using computer systems, and the ethical and operational issues that have to
be considered to support their use.

Exam papers for this unit will include a short answer section and a section of extended questions. Questions will provide sufficient information to support the
application and interpretation of the taught content of the unit. During the external assessment, learners will be expected to demonstrate their understanding
through questions that require analysis and evaluation skills in particular contexts.

Some providers for the industry qualifications offer quizzes, tests and assessments. Reference to these websites may support knowledge and learning.
www.comptia.org
www.cisco.com/UK

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Employability skills Learning outcome
Communication LO4
Critical thinking LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Decision making LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5

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MEANINGFUL EMPLOYER INVOLVEMENT - a requirement for the Introductory Diploma, Foundation Diploma and
Diploma (Tech Level) qualifications
The Diploma qualifications have been designed to be recognised as Tech Levels in performance tables in England. It is a requirement of these
qualifications for centres to secure for every learner employer involvement through delivery and/or assessment of these qualifications.

The minimum amount of employer involvement must relate to at least one of the mandatory units (this unit is a mandatory unit in all the specialist pathways),
although we encourage you to find ways to engage with employers for other units as well.

Eligible activities and suggestions/ideas that may help you in securing meaningful employer involvement for this unit are given in the table below.

Please refer to the Qualification Handbook for further information including a list of activities that are not considered to meet this requirement.

Meaningful employer involvement Suggestion/ideas for centres when delivering this unit
1. Learners undertake structured work-experience or work- Learners could undertake work experience in an organisation with an IT
placements that develop skills and knowledge relevant to function. The work experience should be structured to cover all or some of
the qualification. the learning outcomes in this unit.

3. Learners take one or more units delivered or co-delivered by An IT Manager could give guest lecture how their business addresses ethical,
an industry practitioner(s). This could take the form of operational issues and/or threats to their computer systems (LO4).
master classes or guest lectures.

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