SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117867  Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6   
7548  Use personal computer operating system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who need to use Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating systems either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career needing this competency, like the ICT industry.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the different storage devices on a computer.
  • Explain the concepts of files on a computer in a GUI environment.
  • Locate files in a GUI environment.
  • Work with computer files in a GUI environment.
  • Protect computer files in a GUI environment.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person is competent in the following:
  • Communication skills at least at General Education and Training(GET) Level.
  • Operate a personal computer system (ID 116932 - NQF Level 1).
  • Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment (ID 117902 - NQF Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This standard is applicable to any Graphical User Interface(GUI) operating system.
  • Where wording are not exact for the chosen operating system, the learner can choose the equivalent item or option to demonstrate competence in the specific outcome or assessment criteria.
  • Files are used in a generic form in this standard. It can refer to any "object" with similar properties. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the different storage devices on a computer, using operating system features where applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Storage devices are physically identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hard drive, additional hard drive (if present), "stiffy" drive, CD-ROM, flashdrive.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Storage devices are logically identified by their drive label. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Whichever is present:
  • A:, B:, C:, D:, E:, F: (at least two).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Storage space on a storage device is identified using the operating system features. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Storage space used and unused storage space needs to be identified using the operating system.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the concepts of files on a computer in a GUI environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A file is explained with reference to its use on a computer. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A method for storing related information electronically, A method for keeping information for future retrieval, even after physical power to a computer has been lost.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method of organising files on a computer is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Windows: folders, non-windows:
  • Directories.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The "path" (or location) of the file is described in terms of its extended name. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The file type is identified from the name of the file. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    File types are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 4 of:
  • .exe, .tmp, .txt, .mpeg, .jpg, .tif, .gif, .rtf, .zip, .wav, .mp3, .doc, .xls, .ppt, .mdb. .pdf.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The hierarchical structure of folders/directories is explored and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    File compression is described in terms of its use and benefits. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Locate files in a GUI environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Files are located by file name search and file organising utilities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Two of:
  • Wild cards, search, folders/directories, explore.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of viewing file lists are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Two of:
  • List, small icons, large icons, detailed view.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    File lists are sorted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    By file name, date, file type.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A specific folder is located and selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Methods of selecting more that one file are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Adjacent files, non-adjacent files.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods of identifying and selecting actions on a file are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Right click on file name, File menu.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Work with computer files in a GUI environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    When creating new folders/directories and files, the name of the new folder/directory or file must be descriptive to allow it to be easily identified in terms of its purpose and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    New folders/directories are created. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    To a minimum hierarchy of 3 levels.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The number of files in a folder/directory is identified using the operating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Files are manipulated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Types of manipulation: Copy, Move, rename, delete, compress/de-compress (at least two types).
  • Ways of manipulation: From one folder to another, within a folder, from one device to another (at least two ways).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Protect computer files in a GUI environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Common threats to the integrity of information held in computer files are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any two of:
  • Loss, unauthorised access, viruses, defect equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of protecting files are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Backups, read-only, password.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Files are backed-up using the operating system backup facility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Files are restored using the operating system restore facility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Other methods of backing up and restoring files are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any one of:
  • Copy, diskcopy, or any other industry copying tool.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Different backup devices are identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any two of:
  • Stiffy, CD, tape streamer, memory stick, fileserver.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation Process:
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of the country operating in, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding how to manage files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively made by using files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information by understanding how to manipulate files using a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using files & storage devices in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system effectively and responsibly. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has replaced:
  • 7547, which was "Operate a personal computer system ", Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 7548, which was " Use personal computer operating system", Level 2, 3 Credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Where not specified otherwise, all options in the range statement must be covered to confirm that a learner is competent in the specific outcome.

    Definitions:

    Disks or storage devices - This refers to all types of removable storage devices, like a harddrive, CD, Stiffy, Floppy, Flashdrive etc.

    Abbreviations:
  • PC - Personal computer.
  • CD - Compact disk.
  • GUI - Graphical User Interface.

    Notes:

    GUI functions like printing, using a pointing device and using the HELP facility are covered in a generic unit standard (ID 117902) and should be assessed as part of the mentioned standard. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61755   General Education and Training Certificate: Business Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  49689   National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-11-30  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  74530   National Certificate: Measurement, Control and Instrumentation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  71751   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  73249   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training: Academic Curriculum  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2028-06-30  UMALUSI 
    Elective  59300   General Education and Training Certificate: Transport  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  58722   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59015   National Certificate: Gas Installations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  58718   National Certificate: Metals Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  50083   National Certificate: Milk and Cream Handling and Storing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-12-02  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  58010   National Certificate: Piano Restoration  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-04-08  Was CATHSSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  65510   National Certificate: Piano Restoration  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  59017   National Certificate: Tissue Conversion  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  57881   National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  50228   National Certificate: Wool and Mohair Handling  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  22490   National Certificate: General Security Practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-11-28  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  57899   National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    3. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    4. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    5. Afri Guard(pty)ltd 
    6. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    7. Altitude Skills Development (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Andebe Training and Skills Development 
    9. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    10. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Balefile Trading and Services 
    12. BLACKEN SECURITY SERVICES 
    13. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    14. BTC TRAINING AFRICA PTY LTD 
    15. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    16. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Eagle Computer Training 
    18. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    19. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    20. Elangeni Training Institute 
    21. Elchees Software Solutions 
    22. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    23. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    24. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    25. Fidelity Security Services 
    26. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    27. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    28. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Fourways Private College 
    30. Global Institute for Capacity 
    31. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    32. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    33. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    34. Hazyview Computer College 
    35. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    36. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    37. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    38. IMVULA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    39. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    40. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    41. INSIMBI SECURITY TRAINING CENTRE 
    42. IT Academy 
    43. ITO FOCUS PHOLE 
    44. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    45. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    46. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    47. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    48. Loomee Group 
    49. Majuba FET College - Central Office 
    50. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    51. MEC TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    52. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    54. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    55. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    56. Ndulita Solutions 
    57. New Company FAT 
    58. NORTHERN PROVINCE TRAINING ACADEMY 
    59. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    60. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    61. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    62. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    63. RCH Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    64. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    65. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    66. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    68. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    69. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    70. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    71. SIYANDA BAKGATLA PLATINUM MINE 
    72. Skill Tech Solutions Pty Ltd 
    73. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
    74. Staff Management Services 
    75. Staffing Logistics 
    76. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    77. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    78. TEST 3_18 March 2019 
    79. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    80. TINTSWALO SECURITY SERVICES 
    81. Titan Trade Technologies 
    82. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    83. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE LIMPOPO 
    84. UBUNTU 
    85. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    86. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    87. Whitestone College 
    88. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    89. Zealot Business College 
    90. ZEVOLI 9 PTY LTD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.