Most learners will set up a computer system at some stage, which may belong to them or someone else
and it may be a desktop, laptop, PDA or games console. To do this, learners need to know about the
different elements of a computer system and how hardware works with software and how all the elements
communicate to make the system function.
There are many different manufacturers of computer systems and each manufacturer will produce a
wide range of models with different specifications. Being able to understand a computer systems technical
specification (what all the jargon means) is important. Learners will spend some time in understanding the
function of hardware and software components and assessing potential risks to systems.