Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:08 AM AWST

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Operate a personal computer

Operate a personal computer

Unit of competency
National Code
ICAICT101A
State Code
D7835
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/05/2014
Field of Education
080905 - Practical Computing Skills
Original Release Date
16/05/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a personal computer (PC) in a home or small office environment.This entry level unit provides the learner with information technology (IT) literacy skills in setting up a personal computer, accessing files with application programs, sending and retrieving emails, using the internet, using peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, webcams and data projectors, applying basic security procedures and power-management settings, and backing up and shutting down a personal computer.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to use the personal computer
  • 1.1 Identify physical components and associated peripheral devices of the personal computer to become familiar with the available network
  • 1.2 Check physical connectivity of devices to ensure correct operation and performance
  • 1.3 Boot up and follow procedures to activate the computer
2. Manage computer configurations
  • 2.1 Alter the computer settings to best suit the user
  • 2.2 Configure power-management settings to minimise power consumption as an environmentally sustainable measure
  • 2.3 Identify operating system and the application programs loaded on the computer to determine computer capability
  • 2.4 Conduct basic software installation and removal to improve computer capability
  • 2.5 Navigate and manipulate desktop environment to create and customise desktop icons and access application programs
3. Access and use basic application programs
  • 3.1 Open a folder with file documents containing basic office applications, make minor changes and save in a different folder
  • 3.2 Send and retrieve a simple email message using the desktop icon to communicate with other parties
  • 3.3 Access the internet using the web browser to view and conduct basic web information search
  • 3.4 Use firewall and antivirus and malware scans to reduce security risks and threats in the system
4. Access and use basic peripheral devices
  • 4.1 Access external storage devices to retrieve, copy, move and save information in different mediums and locations
  • 4.2 Use printer settings on an installed printer to print a document
  • 4.3 Access audiovisual (AV) devices to view and play a multimedia file
5. Shut down computer
  • 5.1 Back up important documents and programs to minimise risk of data loss
  • 5.2 Save any work to be retained and close open application programs
  • 5.3 Shut down computer and switch off any unused peripheral devices
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.

Physical components may include:
keyboard
monitor
mouse
processor.
Peripheral devices may include:
AV device
external memory device
multicard reader and writer
network element:
broadband router
digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modem
hub
wireless device
personal digital assistant (PDA) and MP3 player
printer
scanner
smartphone
tablet
uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
universal serial bus (USB) dongle, such as:
Bluetooth
flash memory
wireless device.
Personal computer may include:
communications system
desktop
laptop
server
workstation.
Connectivity may include:
AV connection
cable, wireless, infra-red or Bluetooth connection
internal connection or USB dongle
network or stand-alone computer
ports:
firewire
high definition multimedia interface (HDMI)
printer
USB.
Procedures may include:
fingerscan
smartcard
user name and password.
Settings may include:
monitor settings:
brightness
colour
contrast
mouse settings:
buttons
speed.
Power-management settings after a period of non-use may include:
automatic power off
hibernation settings
monitor power-saver settings.
Operating system may include:
open source
proprietary:
Mac
Unix or Linux
Windows.
Application programs may include:
email
instant messaging
internet or web browsers
internet protocol (IP) voice applications, such as Skype
media players
office applications
power-management software
search engines
Windows Explorer.
Basic office applications may include:
media files
PowerPoint
spreadsheets
word processor.
Minor changes may include:
altering basic text
renaming documents.
Security risks and threats may include:
security threats:
cookies media used for backup
pop-ups
screen visibility
spam
trojan horses
unauthorised access:
adware
hackers
identity fraud
malware
phishing
spyware
viruses
web browser risks
worms.
Storage devices may include:
disks:
CD
DVD
blu-ray
flash drives
server
solid state hard drives
virtual devices.
Printer settings may include:
cartridge type
layout
number of copies
orientation
paper size
paper tray.
Audiovisual devices may include:
data projector
external monitor
headset
microphone
speakers
webcam or digital camera.
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 hardware and software
navigate around the desktop
use system features to perform tasks
save results of work.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
personal computer, including printer, mouse, keyboard and monitor
use of basic software currently used in industry.
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 PC operations
direct observation of candidate performing basic PC operations
direct observation of candidate performing a sequence of routine tasks following clear directions.
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D0240 ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUU00 ICTICT101 Operate a personal computer Unit of competency