Prerequisites
Operate a personal computer | ||
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Configure operating system | 1.1. Configure operating system to suit the working environment, including but not limited to setting variables |
2. Use operating system | 2.1. Install, upgrade and uninstall application software to suit the working environment 2.2. Use both the graphical user interface and the command line interface to perform basic tasks |
3. Optimise operating system | 3.1. Use operating system and third-party utilities 3.2. Customise the graphical user interface 3.3. Use techniques unique to the command line interface |
4. Support input and output devices | 4.1. Set up input and output devices and check functionality 4.2. Install drivers as appropriate and check functionality |
Required Skills
Required skills |
Configure, use and optimise operating system Install and support peripheral devices Create users for a multi-user system Apply user changes for a multi-user operating system Set passwords for different users Clear and precise communication with team members and supervisors |
Required knowledge |
Function of single-user and multi-user 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 (1) scheduling, loading, initiating, and supervising the execution of programs; (2) allocating storage; (3) initiating and controlling input/output operations; and (4) 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 non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or 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 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 and/or 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: 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 set-up 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 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 |
Sectors
Unit sector | Use |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor