This unit applies to workers who require the information and communications technology (ICT) skills to select and install operating system software on to a specific hardware configuration. This includes configuring the operating system to work with a variety of hardware peripherals and types of ICT equipment.
The ability to communicate effectively, simplify and solve technical incompatibility conflicts and problems are key components of this ICT support role.
Not applicable.
1. Identify operating system and hardware components | 1.1 Determine ICT organisational requirements and specifications 1.2 Identify and select operating system 1.3 Identify appropriate external hardware components 1.4 Identify internal hardware components |
2. Install and configure operating system and application software with hardware components | 2.1 Install and configure operating system to meet organisational requirements 2.2 Identify the functions associated with the operating system and associated boot process 2.3 Configure power-management settings to minimise power consumption as an environmentally sustainable measure 2.4 Use both the graphical user interface and the command line interface to perform basic tasks 2.5 Install or upgrade application software onto the operating system and hardware configuration 2.6 Determine the relationship between an application program, the operating system and hardware 2.7 Identify general differences between the different computer platforms and their respective operating systems |
3. Optimise operating system and hardware components | 3.1 Optimise operating system using included tools or third-party utilities 3.2 Customise the graphical user interface 3.3 Use techniques unique to the command line interface 3.4 Set up and configure external hardware components and check functionality 3.5 Install drivers as appropriate and check functionality |
Required skills
communication skills to:
communicate with peers and supervisors
seek assistance and expert advice
literacy skills to:
interpret user manuals and help functions
read and write basic workplace documents
problem-solving skills to address common operational problems when using computer operating systems and operating computer hardware
technical skills to:
apply user changes for a multi-user operating system
configure, use and optimise operating system
create users for a multi-user system
install and support peripheral devices
operate a personal computer (PC)
set passwords for different users
use PC peripheral hardware.
Required knowledge
basic knowledge of current industry-accepted operating system, hardware and software products
compatibility of an operating system, in respect to other versions
function of single-user and multi-user operating systems
interoperability between operating systems
OHS principles and responsibilities, including ergonomic principles to avoid injury associated with using computer systems.
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 ability to: use an operating system in a variety of scenarios and across functions, including: scheduling, loading, initiating, and supervising the execution of programs allocating storage initiating and controlling input and output operations handling errors identify and install suitable hardware components install and upgrade application software. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: use of PC use of hardware components OHS standards and organisational policy and procedures use of operating system currently used in industry software configuration guides documents detailing operating system control panel and configuration data appropriate learning and assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of concepts and procedures related to configuring operating systems and application software to different hardware platforms direct observation of candidate: setting up, configuring and optimising operating system, setting up input and output devices and checking functionality setting up and configuring hardware components. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
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.
Organisational requirements | maintenance procedures OHS procedures security procedures. |
External hardware components may include: | Bluetooth device fax modem keyboard laptop mobile phone monitor mouse multimedia kit PC personal digital assistant (PDA), such as palmtop printer scanner speaker tape cartridge universal serial bus (USB) device wi-fi router. |
Internal hardware components may include: | cabling central processing unit (CPU) memory chip motherboard network interface card sound card video display card. |
Power-management settings after a period of non-use may include: | automatic power off hibernation settings monitor power-saver settings. |
Application software may include: | databases internet browsers spreadsheets system browsers word processing. |
Computer platforms may include: | Macintosh PC operating systems used on each. |
Third-party utilities may include: | backing up data diagnostic tools disk scanning partitioning and defragmenting recovery. |
General ICT
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.