Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Install peripherals to a network

Plan the location of peripherals  to provide appropriate services to users  and to take into consideration OHS standards 

Connect peripherals to network , using vendor-approved method and technology

Connect peripherals to computers in the network using parallel, serial or other direct connection methods

Add peripheral accessories or upgrades to printer , such as memory or high-volume paper trays

Test peripherals for correct operation

2. Configure peripheral services to manage peripherals

Install software  required to manage local and network-connected peripherals

Use meaningful names for peripherals and control queues

Configure security and access to allow appropriate users to make use of peripherals

Configure workstation for peripherals to allow applications  to work with peripherals

3. Administer and support peripheral services

Assign priority to control queues

Use peripheral management software supplied as part of the network operating system  (NOS) or by third parties

Create templates for use on the network

Configure settings on the network to create maintenance schedules, usage logs, and cost-centre usage statistics

Demonstrate to the user the methods for using peripheral services from their application or workstation

4. Maintain peripherals and fix common problems

Establish and follow a regular maintenance schedule as recommended by peripheral manufacturer

Replace consumables  and components  when required

Fix peripheral mishaps and malfunctions

Monitor peripheral usage and traffic and recommend additional peripherals if needed

Determine failures of peripheral services or devices and rectify as required

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• plan and install peripherals, and connect to network and test operation
• manage the use of peripheral services with workstations
• maintain networked peripherals according to a maintenance schedule
• rectify faulty peripheral services or devices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• range of peripherals
• network administration tools
• live network with a representative range of networked client server environments and operating systems
• technical records, organisational policies and documentation
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• modified equipment 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 candidate:

• managing the use of peripheral services with workstations
• rectifying faulty peripherals
• maintaining networked peripherals

• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of networked peripherals
• review of network peripheral entries prepared by candidate.

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.

Peripherals  may include:

• Bluetooth device
• Firewire (IEEE 1394) device
• keyboard
• laptop
• mobile phone
• modem
• mouse
• multimedia kit
• pen
• personal digital assistant (PDA), such as palmtop
• printer
• scanner
• speaker
• tape cartridge
• touch pad
• universal serial bus (USB) device
• wireless fidelity (wi-fi) router.

Users  may include:

• departments within an organisation
• persons within a department
• third parties.

OHS standards  may include:

• electrical safety
• ergonomics in the workplace:

• correct posture
• style and adjustments of chair
• type of desk
• type of monitor
• working position

• length of time in front of computer
• lighting level
• placement of light fittings
• repetitive strain injury (RSI) prevention
• safe lifting methods
• ventilation.

Network  may include:

• data
• local area network (LAN)
• private lines
• the internet
• use of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for dial-up modems only
• voice
• virtual private network (VPN)
• wide area network (WAN).

Printer  may include:

• ink jet
• laser
• network.

Software  may include:

• application
• commercial
• customised
• in-house
• programming:

• assembler
• compiler
• development tools

• system:

• computer security
• device drivers
• operating system.

Applications  may include:

• database programs
• email programs
• internet browsers
• spreadsheets
• system browsers
• word-processing.

Network operating system  may include:

• Linux
• Mac
• multi-user capability operating system
• Novell NetWare 5 or above
• Windows 2000 or above.

Consumables  may include:

• disks:

• CD
• DVD

• ink cartridges
• toner cartridges.

Components  may include:

• CD and DVD drives
• central processing unit (CPU)
• complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery
• fax or modem cards
• interface cards
• motherboards
• motherboards
• power supply
• random access memory (RAM).