Technical Support
SAQA ID: 78964; NQF LEVEL: 4; CREDITS: 163
The purpose of this qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, specifically into the field of Systems Support, covering basic knowledge needed for further study in the field of Systems Support at Higher Education Levels. A Qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded entry-level Systems Support professional with a good fundamental knowledge of the Information Technology field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, allowing for specialization in one of the following Systems Support fields:
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers
- Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products
- Data Communications and Networking
- (and any new field not specified yet, allowing for new specializations in this area)
IT Support Specialist. Systems Administrator. Network Engineer. Database Administrator. IT Project Manager.
• Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
• Demonstrate an understanding of problem-solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
• Select and use materials and equipment safely for technological purposes.
• Work effectively as a team member within a support team.
• Carry out, under supervision, a small size task to demonstrate knowledge of techniques & skills needed in one or more of the following areas of majoring/specialisation:
– Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Personal Computers.
– Hardware and Infrastructure Support for Office Products.
– Data Communications and Network Support.
The learners will be required to compile a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) that has both Formative and Summative assignments. Learners are expected to complete and submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) to meet the specifications of the qualification and to demonstrate understanding in practical activities. The PoE evidence will be assessed by a registered constituent Assessor and moderated by a registered constituent Moderator and the external moderation will be conducted by the SETA during their verification for learner endorsement. The Certificate of Competence and Statement of Results will be issued by the SETA.
Grade 12 – Matric. Communication and Mathematical literacy. Computer Literacy. Recognition of prior learning is applicable.
Learning material, stationery, and learning supporting aids will be provided at the campus. Learner will receive electronic versions of the learning guides for this programme.
Outline
Introduction to Computer Technician
• Introduction and Overview
• General model of a computer
• Types of Computes
• Computer Hardware
• Software
• Advantages and disadvantages of computers
• Data and information management
• Internet
• Information systems
• Computers, Devices, and the Web
• Connecting and Communicating Online: The Internet, Websites, and Media
Computer Architecture and Networking
• RISC and CISC CPU architectures
• MIPS Assembly language
• Pipelining – Multicore CPUs
• Cache architectures
• Virtualization
• Performance and benchmarks
• Memory / SDRAM
• Secondary storage: hard drives, solid-state drives and RAID
• USB – General purpose GPUs
• Open-Source Hardware
• Operations Architecture
• OSI Model
• Cloud Networking
• Network Management
• Infrastructure
• Network Security
• Summary and concluding remarks
Operating Systems
• An introduction to operating systems
• Understanding the Role of the Operating System Software
• Types of operating systems
• OS Classification
• Network operating systems
• Software–systems and application software
• Organizing and storing data
• Security, privacy and ethical issues in information systems
• OS Structure
• Windows Operating Systems
• Operating systems installation and maintenance
Computer Maintenance
• Introduction to Computers
• Computer architecture concepts
• Discuss how a modern computer works
• Provide appropriate customer support
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
• Apply troubleshooting skills to diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
• Operating Systems
• Understand the design of a pipelined CPU and cache hierarchy
• Types of computers
• Understanding of hardware design of multiprocessors including cache coherence and synchronization
• Issues affecting the nexus of architecture, compilers and operating systems
• Understand the basics of networking and security
• Purchasing and Managing Client Computers
Data Communication and Networking Support
• Introduction to Networks
• Designing a Network
• Network Topologies
• Types of Networks
• Understanding Networking
• Understanding Network Cabling
• Understanding Network Hardware
• Making WAN Connections
• Understanding Networking Protocols
• Exploring Directory Services
• Connections from Afar
• Remote Network Access
• Securing Your Network
• Network Disaster Recovery
• Network Servers