Computer Technician Award

This course will help learners to understand basic concepts related to computer hardware, operating systems, software, basic networking, security, operational procedures and customer service. It will also offer learners, hands-on experience focused on Assembly and dis-assembly of a computer system together with the installation and customization of an Operating System.

This course is designed in a way to give to participants the means to: support computer users, install, configure, optimize, diagnose, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance. Also, besides covering the fundamentals of computer technology, this course helps learners to come to grasps with communication skills and professionalism which is a requisite of all entry-level IT professionals.

This is a 90 hr guided learning course.  Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held twice a week at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Paola between 1700 hrs and 2000 hrs.  Each lesson is of 3 hours duration.

This course is divided into two units:

Unit 1:- Fundamentals

Learning Outcome 1: Explain the function and use of the different computer hardware components

Unit Content

• motherboard components, their purpose and properties
• CPU types and features
• the appropriate cooling method
• Connection interfaces
• types and features of different display devices
• Connector types and associated cables
• RAM types and features
• Storage devices
• Peripheral devices
• Expansion cards

Learning Outcome 2: Carry out hardware installation and configuration of a computerised environment

Unit Content

• Expansion cards
• Storage devices  with appropriate media
• Appropriate power supply based on a given scenario
• Appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs
• Peripherals devices
• BIOS settings

Learning Outcome 3: Compare and contrast the different types of network devices and their function

Unit Content

• Network cables and connectors
• Characteristics of connectors and cabling
• Wireless networking standards and the importance of encryption
• Internet connection types and features
• Various types of networks
• Network devices, their function and features

Learning Outcome 4: Distinguish between different types of printers, their installation and configuration process.

Unit Content

• The differences between various printer types and the associated image process
• Install and configure printers

Learning Outcome 5: Carry out the installation and configuration of laptop hardware and components

Unit Content

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components
• Laptop features

Learning Outcome 6: Use professional best practice and correct customer care procedures

Unit Content

• Appropriate safety procedures
• Environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
• Proper communications and professionalism
• The fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/ activity

Unit 2: – Operational Methods

Learning Outcome 1: Explain the different functions of the Operating Systems

Unit Content

• The features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems
• Command line tools
• Operating system features and tools including the Control Panel
• The process of installing and configuring a Windows network on a client/ desktop
• The differences among basic OS security settings

Learning Outcome 2: Perform the installation and configuration of a Microsoft operating system on a computer workstation

Unit Content

• Install and configure an operating system
• Perform preventative maintenance using appropriate tools

Learning Outcome 3: Distinguish between the various security systems implemented in a computer system or a computerized environment

Unit Content

• Common prevention methods
• Common security threats
• Security best practice to secure a workstation

Learning Outcome 4: Perform the basic configuration of a mobile device

Unit Content

• Basic features of mobile operating systems
• Basic network connectivity and configure email
• Hardware differences in regards to tablets and laptops
• Configure mobile device synchronization

Learning Outcome 5: Implement a variety of systematic troubleshooting methodologies

Unit Content

• The troubleshooting theory
• Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power
• Troubleshoot hard drives
• Troubleshoot common video and display issues
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless networks
• Troubleshoot operating systems problems
• Troubleshoot common security issues
• Troubleshoot and repair common laptop issues
• Troubleshoot printer issues

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed:

Pre-requisites:

• Completed Compulsory Education
• Basic computer skills in hardware installation and configuration

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria and also choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.
• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded the MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test and time constrained test.  However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

There are no additional costs to pay or special materials/equipment to bring