About Core Competency in Computer Systems Servicing

Install and Configure Computer Systems

Set-up Computer Networks 

Set-up Computer Servers

Maintain and Repair Computer Systems and Networks

Core Comptency 1 is the first competency that a student must learn. It includes essensial skills required in Computer Systems Servicing under Information and Communication Technology. Installation and configuration plays an important role that ensures computers are set up correctly. This gives learner hands-on experience,, a practical training and equipping them with the knowledge and technical skills needed to effectively set up and maintain computer systems.

Using tools like Rufus and Power ISO, students learned how to create bootable flash drive which is crucial step in performing clean installations of operating system. Students are required to install Windows 10 and Windows Server 2012 R2, two operating systems that are commonly used both in personal computing and enterprise server management.

To enhance their technical skills even more, students took apart and reassembled desktop computers. This helped students understand the physical components of a computer, understand what each part does, and learn how to handle them correctly. Getting familiar with hardware troubleshooting and upgrading computer systems.

Core Competency 1 also covered system configuration, including changing of the computer name, which is essential for managing devices on a local area network (LAN). Students also explored advanced sharing settings and Windows Firewall configuration, which includes managing file and printer sharing, network discovery, and keeping the system safe from unauthorized access.

Finally, the training included configuring services.msc, where learners managed essential background services in the Windows operating system. Knowing how to start, stop, or adjust the startup type of various services empowers future ICT professionals to optimize system performance and tackle service-related issues.

Core Competency 2 focuses on developing learners’ practical skills in basic networking, starting from physical cable preparation to configuring network settings. These competencies are essential in setting up and maintaining local area networks (LAN) in various environments such as schools, offices, and businesses.

The learning process began with the creation of Ethernet cables, where students were taught how to make both straight-through cables used to connect different types of devices (e.g., computers to switches or routers) and crossover cables, which are used for connecting similar devices (e.g., computer to computer or switch to switch). Using proper crimping tools and RJ-45 connectors, students followed the T568A and T568B wiring standards to ensure accurate cable construction.

After assembling the cables, learners conducted cable testing using a network cable tester. This step was crucial in verifying the integrity and correctness of the connections, checking for continuity, miswiring, or open lines, ensuring that the cables would function properly in a network setup.

With the physical network in place, the activity progressed to IP addressing, where students learned how devices are identified within a network. This included understanding IPv4 address structure, and differentiating between private and public IP addresses.

It also introduced various network devices, such as routers, switches, modems, and access points. Learners examined the roles of each device and how they interact to enable communication within and beyond the local network.

Following the hardware familiarization, learners performed network configuration tasks. These included:

• Changing the default gateway, which directs devices on a network to communicate outside their local subnet.

• Modifying the SSID and Wi-Fi password on wireless routers for wireless network management.

• Configuring DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to allow automatic assignment of IP addresses to connected devices.

To solidify their understanding, students practiced both dynamic and static IP addressing. They manually assigned static IP addresses to ensure consistent device identification and practiced dynamic IP addressing using DHCP servers to automate the process.

This progression from hardware setup to software configuration provided learners with a holistic view of network setup and administration. It also ensured they gained hands-on experience necessary for future roles in ICT support and systems maintenance.

Core Competency 3 centers on the installation, configuration, and administration of server roles and services, which are essential in building a managed network environment. This training provided learners with hands-on experience in setting up a Windows Server 2012 R2 system and deploying vital server roles that support centralized management in an enterprise setting. The process began with the installation of Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS), which enabled the creation of a domain structure for managing users, computers, and network resources. Alongside this, learners configured the Domain Name System (DNS) to facilitate the translation of hostnames into IP addresses, and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to allow automatic IP address assignment to client machines. Other key server roles included the Print and Document Services for managing shared printing resources, and Web Server (IIS) for hosting internal websites and applications.

Once the core server roles were installed and operational, students created and configured Organizational Units (OUs) within Active Directory to logically group user and computer accounts based on roles, departments, or access levels. They then created user accounts within these OUs, practicing proper user account management and security principles. To enhance the functionality and control of the domain environment, the learners also configured folder redirection, ensuring that user files are stored centrally on the server for easier access, backup, and security. Group Policy Objects (GPOs) were then applied to enforce specific settings across user devices, such as desktop restrictions, software deployment, and login scripts, providing a consistent and secure computing experience for all users.

To complete final process, the student must connect client computers to the domain and make sure that it fully functional. The student verified domain connectivity and the proper application of policies and settings configured at the server level. This competency provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the enterprise level server administration, preparing them for roles in IT infrastructure management, system administration and network support.

Core Competency 4 focuses on the proper maintenance and care of computer systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity. In this part of the training, learners were taught how to carry out routine maintenance tasks that help prevent system issues and data loss. They learned how to perform regular system checks such as disk defragmentation to organize fragmented data and check disk (CHKDSK) operations to scan and fix file system errors. These tools help improve system speed and stability, especially on older machines. Additionally, the training emphasized the importance of data backup and restoration, teaching students how to securely back up files and restore them when needed. This is a critical skill for minimizing downtime and data loss in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion. Overall, Core Competency 4 helped learners develop the habits and technical know-how to maintain healthy computer systems an essential responsibility for anyone working in IT support or systems management.