Technical IT Skills

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Assemble and disassemble standard computer hardware components
• Install, configure, and use operating systems
• Apply basic networking and security concepts to connect devices and access internet- based services
• Communicate and plan effectively with consideration of ethical issues and legislation.

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access your course material and submit assessments online. Our online courses may include reading, videos, quizzes or activities, and you may need to download content. For online learning you need:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable internet and data plan.  
  
  

Second computer requirement

You also need to have a second computer to do the practical requirement within this course. You will be disassembling and reassembling this second computer throughout the course.  

Requirements for the computer you will disassemble

• It can’t be a laptop or an all-in-one PC. You will need to have a desktop or mini tower computer to disassemble.
• The computer can be old, but it must work. It can be a second-hand computer that you might be able to find at a second-hand shop or TradeMe.
• You will need to have everything you need for a functional computer, this includes items such as power supply cords and cables, as well as the keyboard and mouse. 
• he computer will need to have an operating system that allows Windows 10 64bit to be installed.

Second computer specifications

The PC that you will dismantle can be reasonably old, but it will need these minimum specifications:   

• A dual core 2GHz CPU.
• 4GB of RAM.
• 60GB hard drive or SSD.
• A graphics card (may be integrated) that can run MS Windows 10 at least 1024x768 pixels.
• A network interface card (either integrated or a plug-in card).
• If you have no spare ethernet LAN ports on your internet router, you may need to purchase an ethernet switch to increase the number of ethernet ports available for your local network.
• An ethernet cable to connect your practice PC to your router/switch/wireless access point.
• An extra keyboard, mouse, and visual display unit.
• Power cables.

Antistatic equipment

You also need the following equipment to guard against static damage to electronic components: 

• Antistatic strap
• Antistatic work mat
• Antistatic floor covering
• Antistatic plastic bags.  

Get in touch

If you are unsure if your current computer, Windows or internet access will allow you to study online, please contact us before applying to enrol:

• Freephone 0508 650 200
• customerservices@openpolytechnic.ac.nz

Find out more about online learning