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IDCS
- Elective
Unit -DEE004 - A+ (PC Support Technician) |
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IDCS
- Elective
Unit -DEE004 - A+ (PC Support Technician) |
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Introduction There
is today a growing need for user support in distributed processing
installations, especially those based on workstations or networked PC's, and for
technical maintenance on-site. For the junior employee, who may be the only
computer specialist in an organisation, it is essential to know what he or she
can do to meet these needs, competently and safely, and when it is necessary to
call for more skilled help. The problem for many organisations is that skilled
support for either hardware or software can be very costly, and expectations of
junior staff may be too high. The
A+ (PC Support Technician) syllabus is intended to provide the candidate with a
thorough understanding of the technical and practical skills involved in PC
technical support and is divided into two distinct parts hardware and software
support. It is based upon the CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry
Association) A+ syllabus and thus enables the candidates to take the CompTIA A+
certification examinations which are recognised worldwide as the leading
qualification for PC support technicians.
General
Objectives Upon
successful completion of this module candidates will be able to demonstrate a
satisfactory performance in the following topic areas:
Hardware
Support: A.
Working Safely with Computers. B.
The Internal Components of Computers. C.
Portable Computers. D.
Motherboard Layout. E.
Procedures for Solving Computer Problems. F.
Computer Peripherals. G. Communications between Computers. Software Support H.
Computer Operating Systems. I.
Strategies for Managing Computer Memory. J.
Computer Networking and Communications. K.
Working with Operating Systems. L. Procedures for Solving Operating System Problems. Specific Objectives Objective
A: Working
Safely with Computers A1.
Describe how a working environment can be made safe for computing. A2.
Demonstrate use of general computer maintenance tools and procedures. A3.
Identify dangers in operating computer equipment. A4.Use correct disposal methods for redundant or replacement items. Objective B: The Internal Components of Computers B1.Identify and locate the main internal computer
components and major operational components on a
motherboard. B2.Describe alternative component positioning for different computer
systems. B3.Recognise different internal cabling requirements. B4.Install and support extra PC card module additions to motherboard bus. B5.Explain the decisions to be made when selecting component types. Objective C: Portable Computers C1.Identify the main operation components of portable computers. C2.Describe the differences between using portables and desktop PCs. C3.Explain the alternative screen technologies and their incorporation into
portables. C4.Describe the alternative peripheral system
interfaces available for portable computers. Objective D: Motherboard Layout D1.Describe the historical development of motherboard design and layout. D2.Explain the development path and strategies of computer processors. D3.Demonstrate the operational procedures for working with chips. D4.Recognise the different types of working memory. D5.Explain the importance of BIOS set-up and upgrade paths. Objective E: Procedures for Solving Computer Problems E1.Demonstrate the use of troubleshooting tools and utilities. E2.Describe the general operational features of PC hardware. E3.Explain types of hardware problems. E4.Trace the causes of hardware failure. E5.Describe actions and sequences required to solve problems. E6.Identify problems through questioning users. Objective F: Computer Peripherals F1.Recognise the various cable and lead types. F2.Describe the range of printer types and recognise their characteristics. F3.Perform maintenance procedures on printer devices. F4.Undertake basic printer hardware troubleshooting.
Objective G: Communications between Computers G1.Explain the different types of computer communication. G2.Describe computer networking media. G4.Provide operating system network support and
troubleshoot hardware network problems.
Objective
H: Computer
Operating Systems H1.Use current operating systems; e.g. DOS/Windows. H2.Work with system software user interfaces. H3.Explain filing system architectures. H4.Demonstrate the use of filing system architectures. H5.Describe the disk, folder and file structures of an operating system. Objective
I: Strategies for Managing
Computer Memory I1.
Identify the different types of memory usage. I2.
Explain how the operating system utilises memory. I3.Manage memory use and memory conflicts. Objective
J: Computer
Networking and Communications J1.Explain in detail operating systems and networking. J2.Demonstrate how to support remote computers and users. J3.Explain the Internet network. J4.Demonstrate how to set up an Internet connection.
Objective K: Working with Operating Systems K1.
Determine network requirements.
K2.
Demonstrate the installation of an operating system.
K3.
Explain boot procedures for operating systems. K4.
Carry out procedures for adding and removing devices. K5.
Perform the launch of DOS and Windows applications. K6.
Set up and configure printers. Objective
L: Procedures for
Solving Operating System Problems L1. Identify and locate critical operating system files. L2.Recognise and resolve common networking problems. L3.Explain in detail the role of system utilities. L4.Use system utilities including backing up and restoring of files. L5.Describe problems associated with computer viruses
and methods of protection against software
corruption. L6.Install and update anti-virus software. L7. Explain actions to take when a virus is detected |
