Computer literacy

Draft

Introduction

Wikipedia, retrieved nov. 2011, defines computer literacy as “the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving.[1] Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers. Another valuable component of computer literacy is knowing how computers work and operate. Having basic computer skills is a significant asset in the developed countries.”

Lists of skills

Very basic skills

Basic hardware

• Insert external memory devices (CD-Rom, USB, SD cards, etc.) Be able to find conntectors if missing (e.g. on iPad things).
• Turn on/off WiFi
• Plugin in Ethernet cable and electricity.
• Difference between volatile (RAM) and non-volatile (disk) memory

The System

• Be able to distinguish special characters like | or / or \ or # and be able to find them on the keyboard (on European keyboards, in particular Macs, this not obvious)
• Be able to display file extensions (Windows)
• Create new file associations (Windows/Mac)
• Organize files
• Backups
• Updating (including setting preferences for automatic/manual updates)

Security

• Web page contents, web formats like PDF or Flash, and downloads.
• Executable files
• Viruses
• Understand firewalls and how to enable/disable
• Manage passwords in a reasonable way

Interaction with common GUI's

• Shortcuts: E.g. CTRL-X, CTRL-C, CTRL-V, CTRL-A, CTRL-S on Windows
• Arrow keys and DEL vs. Backspace
• The Mac menu bar
• Finding the start button on Windows
• Context menus (and other not the left mouse operations). E.g. control-click on the Mac.
• Minimization, maximization, etc.

Common applications

• File and Edit menus, in particular be able to open and save a file to a precise location
• Finding preferences/options
• Finding the big "start" button on MS applications

Web applications

• Understand the difference between Internet and the Web
• Find/use all the tools of a standard portal (configure home page, define settings for receiving messages, post messages, edit contents, use the built-in instant messager, etc.)
• Use search engines efficiently. Know when to use specialized search engines.

Pictures

• Bitmap vs. vector formats
• Compressed bitmap formats like JPG, PNG, GIF

Social

• Email messages (when not to use attachments, quoting)

Intermediate skills

Common applications

• Be able to learn the basics any within a week
• Be able to pick up a the basics of a formal language like HTML, CSS, SVG within a week.

Scripting

• Be able to use code (e.g. JavaScript or Basic) when instructions are provided
• Be able to install portalware using an installer
• Be able to create a database with a GUI tool and define a user name and password

Standards

• European Computer Driving Licence