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: 

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
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  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  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"     		 2020-09-16  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  2023-06-30  UMALUSI 
    Elective  59300   General Education and Training Certificate: Transport  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  58722   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59015   National Certificate: Gas Installations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  58718   National Certificate: Metals Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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  Reregistered  2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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  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  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. 2000 SIMUNYE SECURITY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    2. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    3. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. AIM TRAINING 
    5. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    7. Andebe Training and Skills Development 
    8. ANGLO PLATINUM - ENGINEERING SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE 
    9. Barloworld Transport Solutions 
    10. Bev Short Training Consultants 
    11. BLACKEN SECURITY SERVICES 
    12. Blue Horison Properties 53 (Pty) Ltd T/A Durnacol Skills Innovation Hu 
    13. BONGA AND PRAISE 
    14. BTC TRAINING AFRICA PTY LTD 
    15. Buscor 
    16. Circleway College 
    17. Coastal Kzn F.E.T. College - Swinton Road Campus 
    18. College of Cape Town - Athlone Campus 
    19. College of Production Technology 
    20. Compuscan Academy 
    21. Customised Training Specialists Trust T/A CTS (PINETOWN) (TP) 
    22. DIMASI TRAINING PROVIDERS 
    23. DIONYSUS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE PTY LTD 
    24. Dr M Investments 
    25. DYNAMIC ALTERNATIVES PTY LTD 
    26. Eastcape Midlands Public FET College - Uitenhage (High Street)Campus 
    27. Ebotse Development and Training Centre 
    28. Enstra Learning and Development Centre (Pty) Ltd (SPRINGS) (TP) 
    29. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    30. False Bay Public FET College - Westlake Campus 
    31. Fidelity Security Services 
    32. FMCG Training Solutions CC 
    33. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    34. Further Education Trade Training 
    35. FVW Welding Academy(Johannesburg) (TP) 
    36. Gijima AST Holdings (Pty) Ltd T/A Fundi Training Centre (BENONI) (TP) 
    37. Global Star Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    39. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    40. HT MARKTECH 
    41. Hytec Group of Companies T/A Hytec (KEMPTON PARK) (TP) 
    42. Imperial Logistics & Transport A Div Of Imper 
    43. IMVULA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    44. Industries Education & Training Institute (MAITLAND) (TP) 
    45. INDUSTRIES EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE - PE TTC 
    46. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    47. Innovative Shared Services 
    48. INSIMBI SECURITY TRAINING CENTRE 
    49. ITO FOCUS PHOLE 
    50. Jericho Safety Consultants (Pty) Ltd (TP) 
    51. Khula KL Development Services (Pty) Ltd 
    52. KINGSBURY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE SA PTY LTD 
    53. KSV Marketing and business services Pty Ltd 
    54. Learning Exchange Pty (Ltd) 
    55. Majuba FET College - Newcastle Technology Centre 
    56. Makwedeng Training 
    57. MINTEK 
    58. Mopani South East FET College - Phalaborwa Campus 
    59. MT & HR Training Consultants (Pty) Ltd (DURBAN) (TP) 
    60. Ndikho Ndinani Protection (Pty) Ltd 
    61. NOSA LOGISTICS PTY LTD 
    62. NSA MultiServicers cc T/A Riverport SHE Training Academy (GONUBIE) (TP) 
    63. Orbit FET College - Rustenburg Campus 
    64. OSR Trading 
    65. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    66. Quantum Leap College Pty Ltd 
    67. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    68. RCH Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    69. Rustenburg Platinum Mines - Union Section 
    70. SA Campus on the Go 
    71. SAMSONS SCHOOL OF WELDING 
    72. Samsons School of Welding T/A Samsons Skills Development Institute (DU 
    73. SEDIBENG TRAINING CENTRE 
    74. Service Corps T/A Works Training School (ELANDSFONTEIN) (TP) 
    75. SIYANDA BAKGATLA PLATINUM MINE 
    76. SIYAYA SKILLS CAPE 
    77. SNAP SOLUTIONS NETWX PTY LTD 
    78. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
    79. SSS Sheet Metal Work cc T/A Sheetech SA (DURBAN) (TP) 
    80. St Anthony's Education Centre (BOKSBURG) (TP) 
    81. Staff Management Services 
    82. Staffing Logistics 
    83. STAR PROFESSIONAL FIREARM TRAINING CENTRE CC 
    84. Steinmuller Africa (Pty) Ltd T/A Steinmuller Technical Training Academ 
    85. Swift Skills Academy (SASOLBURG) (TP) 
    86. Tekmation (Pty) Ltd T/A Tekmation Training Institute (DURBAN) (TP) 
    87. Tembe Service Providers 
    88. THE BTC GROUP 
    89. THE SAJ COMPETENCY TRAINING INSTITUTE CC 
    90. TINTSWALO SECURITY SERVICES 
    91. Training Force (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Transnet School of Pipelines 
    93. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE LIMPOPO 
    94. UBUNTU 
    95. VHUDIKI SECURITY AND GENERAL SUPPLIER 
    96. Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Technical Learning Academy (UIT 
    97. West Coast Public FET College - Vredenburg Campus 
    98. World Pace Development and Training Institute 
    99. 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.