ICDL Computer & Online Essentials (ICDL) study plan

Identify the main hardware components (CPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, input and output devices) and state the function of each.

Distinguish between memory and storage, and between operating system software and application software.

Perform core file-management operations on a desktop: create, rename, move, copy, delete and restore files and folders.

Demonstrate connecting, disconnecting and safely ejecting a USB storage device.

Apply display and accessibility settings (text size, contrast, resolution) and explain why they matter for different users.

Explain the purpose of backups and perform a manual backup of one folder to a second location, then restore a single file from it.

Distinguish a local area network from a wide area network and give one concrete example of each.

Compare four connection types (wired, Wi-Fi, mobile data, phone hotspot) on speed, cost, mobility and security.

Explain how the internet differs from the web, and describe the role of an ISP and of an IP address.

Operate a web browser: enter URLs, open and close tabs, bookmark a page, and locate an item in history.

Run targeted searches using quotes, the minus operator and site: , then judge each result for relevance and trustworthiness.

Adjust browser settings for homepage, download location, pop-up blocking and cookie handling, and clear cache and history.

Explain intranet, extranet and cloud services, and give one workplace use case for each.

Apply copyright and plagiarism rules by correctly attributing an online text source and an online image.

Identify the parts of an email address and the fields of an email message (To, Cc, Bcc, subject, body, attachment).

Create a webmail account and send a test message to yourself with a correctly named attachment.

Compose, send, reply, reply-all and forward email using clear subject lines and appropriate tone.

Use Cc and Bcc correctly and explain when each is the right choice.

Organise a mailbox: create folders, set a filter rule, move messages, and search for a message by sender and date.

Configure an email signature and an out-of-office automatic reply.

Create calendar events with reminders, invite an attendee, and accept or decline a received invitation.

Compare email, instant messaging, video/VoIP calls and social media for four different communication needs.

Explain what a digital footprint is and list the categories of personal data commonly shared online.

Construct a strong password using length and variety, and enable two-factor authentication on one account.

Distinguish viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware and spyware, and state the protective role of antivirus software and a firewall.

Recognise phishing attempts by spotting spoofed sender addresses, urgency cues and lookalike URLs.

Verify a site's security using HTTPS, the padlock and the certificate details before entering personal data.

Adjust privacy settings on one social media or browser account and review the app permissions granted on it.

Describe a repeatable backup routine and explain how backups limit damage from ransomware.

Apply ergonomic and green-computing practices at a workstation, including posture, breaks and power-saving settings.

Complete a full timed mock exam across all four domains and write a correction note for every missed item.