Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Desktop applications may include:
CAD software
database
email client
internet browser
line-of-business applications
printer sharing
publishing and presentation software
remote-access clients
spreadsheet
technical software
word processor.
Appropriate person may include:
authorised business representative
client
IT support manager
network administrator
network manager
small office home office (SOHO) customer
small or medium enterprise (SME) customer
supervisor.
File systems may include:
EXT
FAT
HFS+
NFS
new technology file system (NTFS).
Back up may be performed using:
operating system backup utilities
third-party software
network copy
zip utilities.
Local data may include:
files and directories
user home directories
user profiles.
Client may include:
external organisations
individuals
internal departments
internal employees.
Desktop operating system may include:
Linux
Mac
Windows.
Installation or update method may include:
CD, DVD
installation as a virtual machine
Pup
Red Hat Network
universal serial bus (USB) boot disk
Windows Server Update Services
Yum.
Network settings may include:
default gateway
DNS server
firewall
IP address and subnet mask (static or dynamic).
Hardware devices may include:
device drivers
disk drives
keyboard
modem
monitor
mouse
network interfaces
printer
scanner
USB drive.
User environment may include:
users and groups
login defaults and options
login scripts
graphical environment
environmental variables and prompts
authentication and authorisation
user profiles
unmask
prompt.
External data may include:
applications
databases
file transfer protocol (FTP) sites
network file systems or shares
SharePoint sites
USB drives
websites.
Security options and security settings may include:
anti-spam software
antivirus software
internet-browser privacy security settings
operating system firewall utilities
proxy settings
SE Linux
Windows Group Policy.
Network protocols may include:
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
dynamic name system (DNS)
file transfer protocol (FTP)
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP and HTTPS)
internet message access protocol (IMAP)
network file system (NFS)
network time protocol (NTP)
post office protocol (POP)
server messages block (SMB)
simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP)
simple network management protocol (SNMP)
TCP/IP.
Performance may be affected by:
desktop environment
driver versions
hard drive cache
mobile computing performance issues
network
page files, swap files and virtual memory
power options
processor scheduling
services.
Desktop problems may include:
disk and storage problems, such as file system full, file system fragmentation, and disk failure
hardware device problems, such as printer configuration and display settings
network connectivity problems, such as cable unplugged or dynamic IP address not received
workstation boot problems.

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:
install and configure a desktop operating system
attach the desktop to the network
configure the desktop operating system, including user accounts, file and print services and security
perform backup and recovery
update operating system and software
monitor and troubleshoot the desktop environment.
Candidates should demonstrate competency in at least two different desktop operating systems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
site where server installation may be conducted
relevant server specifications:
cabling
local area network (LAN)
diagnostic software
switch
client requirements
WAN service point of presence
desktop workstations
relevant regulatory documentation that affects installation activities
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:
direct observation of the candidate installing or updating a desktop operating system
direct observation of the candidate configuring a desktop operating system
verbal or written questioning of the required skills and knowledge.
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.