1.4 ICT Skills and Working in Linux (Weight: 2)

📘Linux Essentials (LPI 010-160)

This section tests your basic computer (ICT) skills and your ability to work in a Linux desktop environment.

Even if you are new to IT, this topic ensures you understand:

How a computer system works at a basic level
How to use a graphical desktop environment in Linux
How to manage files and folders
How to use common office and internet applications
How to work safely and securely

Because this topic has weight 2, it is important for the exam.

1. What is ICT?

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) refers to the use of computers, networks, software, and digital systems to:

Create information
Store information
Process information
Share information

In an IT environment, ICT includes:

Desktop computers and laptops
Servers
Operating systems (like Linux)
Office software
Email systems
Web browsers
Networks and the Internet

For this exam, you must understand how to work with these tools, especially in a Linux desktop system.

2. Basic Computer Hardware Concepts

You should understand the main hardware components of a computer.

2.1 CPU (Processor)

The CPU executes instructions and performs calculations.
It runs programs and processes data.

2.2 RAM (Memory)

RAM temporarily stores data that programs are currently using.
More RAM allows more programs to run at the same time.

2.3 Storage

Storage keeps data permanently (even after shutdown).
Examples:

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
SSD (Solid State Drive)

Storage contains:

The operating system
Applications
User files

2.4 Input Devices

Used to enter data into the computer:

Keyboard
Mouse
Touchscreen
Scanner

2.5 Output Devices

Used to display results:

Monitor
Printer
Speakers

3. What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) controls the computer hardware and allows users to run programs.

Examples of operating systems include:

Linux
Microsoft Windows
macOS

In this course, we focus on Linux-based systems.

The OS is responsible for:

Managing hardware
Managing memory
Managing files
Running applications
Managing users and permissions

4. Linux Desktop Environment

Linux can be used in two ways:

Command Line Interface (CLI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

This section focuses on the desktop (GUI).

4.1 What is a Desktop Environment?

A desktop environment provides:

Windows
Icons
Menus
Panels
File manager
System settings

Common Linux desktop environments include:

GNOME
KDE Plasma
Xfce

Even if they look different, they work in similar ways.

5. Basic Desktop Skills

You must know how to perform the following tasks:

5.1 Logging In and Out

When starting the system:

Enter username
Enter password
Select session (if multiple desktop environments exist)

To log out:

Use the system menu
Select logout

To shut down:

Use the power option from the system menu

5.2 Using the Mouse and Keyboard

Basic mouse actions:

Left-click → select
Double-click → open
Right-click → open context menu
Drag and drop → move files

Keyboard shortcuts (important for productivity):

Ctrl + C → Copy
Ctrl + V → Paste
Ctrl + X → Cut
Alt + Tab → Switch between applications

6. Working with Files and Directories

File management is very important for the exam.

6.1 File Manager

The file manager is a graphical tool to manage files.

Examples:

GNOME Files (Nautilus)
Dolphin (KDE)

With a file manager, you can:

Create folders
Copy files
Move files
Rename files
Delete files
View file properties

6.2 Home Directory

Each user has a home directory.

Example structure:

/home/username

It contains personal files and settings.

Common folders inside home:

Documents
Downloads
Pictures
Music
Desktop

6.3 File Operations

You must understand:

Create

Right-click → New Folder or New File

Rename

Right-click → Rename

Copy and Move

Copy → Creates duplicate
Move → Changes location

Delete

Moves to Trash
Must empty Trash to permanently delete

6.4 Hidden Files

Files that begin with a dot (.) are hidden.

Example:

.bashrc

In file manager:

Enable “Show Hidden Files”

Hidden files usually store configuration settings.

7. Basic Office Applications

In an IT environment, users work with office software.

Common open-source office suite:

LibreOffice

It includes:

Writer (word processing)
Calc (spreadsheets)
Impress (presentations)

You should understand:

Creating a document
Saving a document
Opening an existing file
Exporting to PDF
Printing

8. Web Browsers

A web browser is used to access websites and web applications.

Common browsers on Linux:

Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome

Basic skills:

Entering a URL
Using search engines
Downloading files
Managing bookmarks
Understanding tabs
Clearing browsing history

9. Email and Communication

Email is widely used in IT environments.

Email tasks:

Compose message
Add subject
Add attachments
Reply / Reply All
Forward

Email clients may be:

Web-based (through browser)
Desktop applications

Understanding attachments is important:

Attach files
Download attachments safely

10. Printing in Linux

Basic printing knowledge:

Select printer
Choose number of copies
Select page range
Print to file (PDF)

In Linux, printers are often managed by the printing system.

11. Basic Security Awareness

Security is very important.

You must understand:

11.1 Strong Passwords

A strong password:

Has letters, numbers, symbols
Is not easy to guess
Is not reused across systems

11.2 User Accounts

Linux is multi-user.

Each user:

Has username
Has password
Has home directory
Has permissions

Do not use another user’s account.

11.3 Locking the Screen

When leaving the system:

Lock the screen
Prevent unauthorized access

11.4 Software Updates

Keeping the system updated:

Fixes security issues
Improves stability
Adds features

Linux uses package managers to install updates.

12. Basic Networking Concepts

You should understand basic networking terms:

12.1 IP Address

A unique number assigned to a device on a network.

Example format:

192.168.1.10

12.2 Internet vs Local Network

Local Network (LAN): Inside office or home
Internet: Global network

12.3 Download vs Upload

Download → Receive data
Upload → Send data

13. File Types and Extensions

Files have extensions that show type.

Examples:

.txt → Text file
.pdf → PDF document
.odt → LibreOffice document
.jpg → Image file
.mp3 → Audio file

The extension helps the OS choose the correct application.

14. Accessibility and Usability

Desktop systems provide:

Screen zoom
High contrast mode
On-screen keyboard
Screen reader support

These features help users with disabilities.

15. Basic Troubleshooting Skills

For the exam, you should understand simple troubleshooting:

Application not responding → Close and reopen
No internet → Check network connection
Cannot open file → Check file permissions
Printer not working → Check printer status

16. Understanding GUI vs CLI

Even though this section focuses on desktop:

GUI → Easy to use, visual
CLI → More powerful, used by administrators

Linux supports both.

17. Important Exam Points Summary

For the exam, make sure you understand:

✅ Basic hardware components
✅ Purpose of an operating system
✅ Linux desktop environments
✅ Logging in and out
✅ File and folder management
✅ Hidden files
✅ Basic office tools
✅ Web browser usage
✅ Email basics
✅ Printing
✅ Basic security awareness
✅ Networking basics
✅ File extensions
✅ Accessibility features
✅ Basic troubleshooting

Final Advice for Exam

This section does not require advanced technical knowledge.
It checks whether you can:

Work comfortably in a Linux desktop
Understand basic ICT concepts
Use common IT tools correctly
Follow basic security practices