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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Configure operating system
  2. Use operating system
  3. Optimise operating system
  4. Support input and output devices

Required Skills

Required skills

Configure use and optimise operating system

Install and support peripheral devices

Create users for a multiuser system

Apply user changes for a multiuser operating system

Set passwords for different users

Clear and precise communication with team members and supervisors

Required knowledge

Function of singleuser and multiuser operating systems

Compatibility of an operating system in respect to other versions

Interoperability between operating systems

Software applicable to the operating system

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

Assessment must confirm the ability to use an operating system in a variety of scenarios and across all functions including scheduling loading initiating and supervising the execution of programs allocating storage initiating and controlling inputoutput operations and handling errors

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to

Workstation

Operating system

Software configuration guides

Documents detailing operating system control panel and configuration data

Context of and specific resources for assessment

An introduction to the command line at this level would be appropriate to prepare the person for concepts related to directory structure folder hierarchy and path relationships

The operating system OS program is the first program loaded into the computer by a boot program and it remains in memory at all times thereafter It is strategically placed in that it manages all the other programs in a computer including the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory central processing unit CPU time access and security hard disk space and peripheral devices like speakers or a mouse

The OS is the foundation software on which other programs such as Word or Excel depend These other programs are called applications or application programs The application programs make use of the operating system by making requests for services through a defined application program interface API In addition users can interact directly with the operating system through a user interface such as a command language or a graphical user interface GUI

Operating systems come in a variety of forms Most use a graphical user interface GUI and some use command line others have a combination of both

It is appropriate for the person to grasp the fundamentals of both the GUI and the command line interface to prepare them for advanced concepts should they chose to enter learning towards a more advanced unit of competency

The breadth depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied

Assessment must ensure

Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic

Applications may include some complex or nonroutine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy andor collaboration with others as part of a group or team

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA Section

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment However simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures andor performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills The questioning of team members supervisors subordinates peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

ICAUB Operate computer hardware

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to

Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas

Apply a defined range of skills

Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems

Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required

Assess and record information from varied sources

Communicate with team members to clarify job requirements

Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning

Additionally an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to

Understand a range of concepts and procedures related to operating systems

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of operating system setup and configuration

Apply changes to an operating system

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Operating system may include but is not limited to:

Linux 7.0 or above

Windows 2000 or above

Apple OS X or above

Application software may include:

databases

word processing

email

internet browsers

system browsers

spreadsheets

Third-party utilities may include but are not limited to:

disk scanning

partitioning and defragmenting

backing up data

recovery

diagnostic tools

Input and output devices may include but are not limited to:

keyboard

mouse

printer

scanner

monitor

modem