This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to support computer hardware and software for engineering applications.

It includes applying safe working practices, installing and testing the upgrading components, locating faults in hardware components, replacing faulty sub-systems, installing and testing the operating system and application software, testing functionality, rectifying malfunctions, following work instructions and completing documentation.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to upgrade and maintain computer hardware and software

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and workplace procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and applied

1.2

Scope of computer and/or peripheral hardware/software upgrade or maintenance is determined in consultation with relevant person/s

1.3

Relevant person/s is consulted to ensure work is coordinated effectively with others in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Hardware sub-systems required to upgrade and/or maintain computers and peripherals are obtained in accordance with workplace procedures and job requirements

1.5

Software versions are installed in accordance with workplace procedures and job requirements

2

Upgrade computer hardware and software

2.1

Computers are checked and isolated in accordance with WHS/OHS and workplace procedures

2.2

Computers and/or peripherals are dismantled, as required, for upgrading and parts stored to prevent loss or damage in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or relevant industry standards

2.3

Upgrading components are fitted and computer/peripheral apparatus is reassembled in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or relevant industry standards

2.4

Upgrading software components are installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and/or relevant industry standards

2.5

Operating system, device drivers and application software are tested for return to service/customer in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6

Computer/peripheral apparatus is tested and prepared for return to customer

3

Maintain operation of computer hardware and software

3.1

Need to test and measure live work is determined in accordance with WHS/OHS and workplace procedures

3.2

Computers are checked and isolated in accordance with WHS/OHS and workplace procedures

3.3

Computers and/or peripherals are dismantled, as required, to find and rectify faults and parts stored to prevent loss or damage in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant industry standards

3.4

Faults are identified using tests and measured values of operating parameters of computer/peripheral hardware components in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5

Faulty components are re-checked and fault status confirmed

3.6

Operating system malfunctions are identified using tests of operating system configuration requirements in accordance with workplace procedures

3.7

Device driver malfunctions are identified using test of device driver software configuration requirements in accordance with workplace procedures

3.8

Application software malfunctions are identified and tests of software configuration requirements conducted in accordance with workplace procedures

3.9

Malfunctions are rectified using latest software versions, incremental updates and bug and security patches in accordance with workplace procedures

3.10

Computer hardware/peripheral device, operating system device drivers and application software are tested for return to service/customer in accordance with workplace procedures

3.11

Redundant files are removed and disposed or archived in accordance with workplace procedures

3.12

Methods for dealing with unplanned situations are selected in accordance with WHS/OHS and workplace procedures

3.13

Maintenance is carried out efficiently without waste of materials and energy or damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment or relevant services

4

Complete and report upgrade and maintenance activities

4.1

Work area is cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Written justification is produced for hardware software upgrade and maintenance

4.3

Upgrade and maintenance are documented and relevant person/s notified in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least two separate occasions and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements

completing and reporting upgrading and maintenance activities

configuring authorisation and authentication

configuring backup and recovery options

configuring data access and usage

configuring networking

dealing with redundant files

dealing with unplanned events

dismantling, fitting upgrading sub-systems and reassembling correctly

documenting maintenance activities

documenting upgrading activities

identifying application malfunctions

identifying deployment or upgrade needs

identifying device driver malfunctions

identifying operating system malfunctions

installing and configuring operating systems and applications software

maintaining operation of computer hardware and software

monitoring and maintaining an operating system using system tools

obtaining appropriate upgrading sub-systems

preparing to upgrade and maintain computer hardware and software

rectifying software malfunctions

testing and identifying faulty components

testing maintenance repair

testing upgraded software.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

authentication and authorisation

configuring file and folder access

configuring hardware, device drivers and applications

configuring network connectivity

file structure and management

management of peripheral devices

operating principles of computer peripheral hardware

operating system components and structure

operating system imaging and deployment

operating system installation, upgrades and migration

operating system malfunctions and solutions

relevant manufacturer specifications and operating instructions

relevant job safety assessments or risk mitigation processes

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures

remote access

troubleshooting techniques

types and applications of computer peripherals

WHS/OHS requirements

computing device assembly/disassembly and computer operating systems.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated suitable workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities and equipment used in industry

resources that reflect current industry practices required to support computer hardware and software

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Maintaining and upgrading the operating system and device drivers must include at least the following:

two engineering application software types for a client device (e.g. computer, mobile device, embedded system)and server

Maintaining a computer and peripheral devices must include at least the following:

one computer

two external peripheral devices

Electrotechnology

Computer Systems