Computer Literacy & File Systems

This module equips learners with the foundational digital skills needed to operate modern computers confidently in academic and professional settings. Students explore operating systems, file organisation, office productivity applications, and essential keyboard shortcuts. The course also addresses cloud storage, data backup strategies, versioning, and file-sharing permissions. By the end, learners will manage personal and shared digital workspaces safely and efficiently.

Learning Outcomes

Identify core hardware and software components of a modern personal computer.

Create, rename, move, copy and delete files and folders using an efficient directory hierarchy.

Distinguish between absolute and relative file paths on Windows, macOS and Linux systems.

Apply the 3-2-1 backup rule to protect personal and academic data.

Use common office productivity shortcuts to accelerate document, spreadsheet and presentation workflows.

Set appropriate sharing permissions and version-control practices on cloud storage platforms.

Choose suitable file formats for text, images, audio, video and archives based on use case.

Explain how file compression and encoding affect storage, transfer and security.

Topics Covered

Hardware vs software and operating system basics

Windows, macOS and Linux file explorers

Folder hierarchy and naming conventions

Absolute vs relative file paths

Common file extensions and MIME types

File compression and archive formats

Keyboard shortcuts for productivity

Word processing fundamentals (styles, headings, templates)

Spreadsheet basics (cells, references, autofill)

Presentation design principles

Cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)

Backup strategies and the 3-2-1 rule

File versioning and recovery

Sharing permissions and link scopes

Digital security hygiene and malware awareness

Skills Developed

Managing files and folders across devices Navigating different operating systems Using office productivity suites effectively Applying keyboard shortcuts and automation Backing up and restoring important data Collaborating via cloud platforms Selecting correct file formats Troubleshooting common file issues

Suggested Resources

{'title': 'Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum', 'author': 'Microsoft Learn', 'source': 'learn.microsoft.com'}

{'title': 'GCFGlobal Computer Basics', 'author': 'Goodwill Community Foundation', 'source': 'edu.gcfglobal.org'}

{'title': 'Essential Computer Skills (OpenLearn)', 'author': 'The Open University', 'source': 'open.edu/openlearn'}

{'title': 'File Management in Windows 11', 'author': 'Microsoft Support', 'source': 'support.microsoft.com'}

{'title': 'Google Workspace Learning Centre', 'author': 'Google', 'source': 'support.google.com/a/users'}

{'title': 'ICDL Computer Essentials Module', 'author': 'ICDL Foundation', 'source': 'icdl.org'}

{'title': 'Backup Strategies: The 3-2-1 Rule', 'author': 'US-CERT / CISA', 'source': 'cisa.gov'}

Assessment

Learners are assessed through a combination of practical file-management tasks, a short written reflection, a scenario-based cloud and backup exercise, and a final multiple-choice knowledge test.

practical_tasks25%

scenario_exercise25%

written_reflection25%

final_mcq_test25%

Practice bank: 201 MCQs · Timed mock & self-paced modes

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