This unit covers undertaking basic computing skills including routine personal computer maintenance, upgrades, restorations, data storage, conversion and transmission.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Perform routine system maintenance

1.1. Required equipment is checked to be in working order and available for use

1.2. Peripherals are fitted, maintained, cleaned and adjusted as required

1.3. Personal computer furniture and fittings are adjusted according to OHS practices and protection of equipment

1.4. Routine system maintenance and security processes are performed

1.5. Correct functioning of automated processes is monitored

1.6. Monitors are adjusted only when being calibrated and are otherwise left alone

1.7. All abnormalities and system malfunctions are reported

1.8. Off-line maintenance records are kept up to date

2. Perform backups and restorations on a personal computer

2.1. File system backups are performed regularly according to established workplace practices

2.2. Backup media are labelled, stored and rotated according to established workplace practices

2.3. Files are restored from backup as required

2.4. Data is recovered from damaged and corrupted files using small office tools

2.5. Adequate written records of backups are kept

3. Store and supply consumables

3.1. Consumables are stored and disposed of with regard to OHS, care of equipment and system security

3.2. Stock levels and user needs are monitored to ensure required consumables are available

4. Upgrade and configure a personal computer

4.1. Software and peripherals are installed, upgraded and configured according to enterprise policy

4.2. New software, upgrades and adjustments are tested to ensure adequate performance

4.3. Associated a personal computer furniture and fittings are adjusted to meet workplace standards for OHS and care of equipment

4.4. Written records of installations, upgrades and configurations are maintained

5. Access documentation, records and updates

5.1. Documentation, including hardware and software manuals and equipment inventory and service records, is stored and accessed appropriately

5.2. Supplementary product information, updates and technical reference material are accessed using the Internet, journals and other sources

6. Access and deliver data

6.1. Removable storage devices are connected, disconnected and configured as required

6.2. Data is accessed from different types of file systems

6.3. Data is stored and converted to suit a variety of operating systems, environments and applications

6.4. Data is transmitted effectively by the method most appropriate to the task

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by providing clear information about protocols and procedures to other system users

collecting, analysing and organising information by accessing user manuals and on-line resources and organising them for easy use

teamwork when liaising with other system users to ensure maintenance program causes minimum disruption to production

mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating file sizes and memory requirements

problem-solving skills by troubleshooting application problems and system faults

use of technology by using computer systems

Required knowledge

OHS requirements for terminal operators

positioning the keyboard, mouse and screen to avoid fatigue

foot rest provision

computing technology

relationships between baud rate, bits per second and bandwidth

MIPPS

function of the video card

check performed before commencement of a software installation or upgrade

security and storage of data

risks that might exist for the system, the enterprise and the user if the a user proceeds to installs their own software to use during their lunch break. Assuming the software is scanned for viruses

strengths and weaknesses of backup and restoration procedures currently used

reasons hand-written records are kept

alerts to, and response to possible security breach or virus attack

environmental factors that could cause loss of data from removable media

file preparation, conversion and encoding including cross-platform considerations

retaining converted file fonts

differences in file naming conventions between IBM-PC, Macintosh and Unix

three encoding methods for Internet email transmission of files and state which platform each is used for

four common graphics file formats

choosing formats

correct use of network and telecommunications technologies

Macintosh communication with another computer without using AppleTalk

types of cabling and network cards that are installed and what is their effect on data transmission speed

transmitting data at 38400bps using a V34 modem

initiating a search for product information on the Internet

most efficient way to exchange files with clients or other companies

specific hardware, peripherals and consumables for the pre-press area

SCSI device and how the system refer to SCSI devices

configuration of a typical high performance pre-press computer

form of computer language that is used to drive an image setter

types of removable media commonly used in the pre-press area

pieces of hardware that require periodical cleaning

pre-press software

limiting factor with most DTP pre-press software

UNIX use in the pre-press production process

appropriate software required to:

scan for a virus

produce a logo

manipulate an image

set up a printer network

create a page of text

manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

other sources of information that are available

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:

correctly operating and maintaining computer resources. The underlying skill of system maintenance should be transferable across the design and pre-press sectors

demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

produce log books and written records showing system maintenance and configuration history over a period of THREE months, including all reported abnormalities and how they were addressed, stock records

perform a routine system backup and restore a nominated file from an earlier backup

convert a document from one common file format to another and make available for access on a different platform (eg Macintosh application to MS-Windows application via suitably encoded Internet email attachment)

research and report the availability of upgrades and support for TWO pieces of hardware and TWO pieces of software currently in use

evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment

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:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

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

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.

Types of installations may include:

peripherals and software with pre-configured installation routines.

Types of systems may include:

multi-user and or network computer systems used in the printing industry including publishing, consultancy, advertising or packaging.

Data transmission may include:

methods may include ISDN, removable devices, the Internet.

Unit sector

Support

This unit contains employability skills.