CSS: Computer Systems Servicing NCII

What is Computer Systems Servicing (CSS NCII)?

Computer Systems Servicing (CSS NCII) is the upgraded version of what is then called Computer Hardware Servicing (CHS NCII) qualification. During the late CHS, the qualification was said to be of the NCII level, meaning that in a ranking basis, it is the baseline level.

Some competencies have the NCII, NCIII and NCIV levels. CHS was given an NCII level because, well, for a fact, it was not that difficult to pass, but still, many students and/or even professionals fail.

When TESDA decided to upgrade the CHS competency, they forgot or maybe they have just decided not to adjust its ranking level. Most IT professionals would certainly agree that the CSS competency deserves to be of the NCIV level.

What are the differences between CHS NCII and CSS NCII?

The old CHS competency covered just two (2) modules and you are only expected to perform a couple of tasks to pass the actual examination. The examination includes a question and answer portion before proceeding with the actual hands-on configurations and the same goes for the CSS NCII exam.

To cope up with the hastened trend of technology advancement, CSS was introduced, and instead of having just two (2) modules, this new competency has four (4). This seems to be a great move to ensure that we are not left behind on what is the new global standard in technology.

What are the four (4) modules of Computer Systems Servicing?

Install and Configure Computer Systems

This module expects that you can do the following:

1. Disassemble a computer system
2. Take inventory of everything that you remove from the system until the case is empty
3. Assemble the computer
4. Create a bootable USB  using Rufus application or DISKPART command
5. Configure Basic Input Output (BIOS) setup
6. Install an Operating System
7. Create multiple partitions (three (3) partitions) with corresponding percentages
8. Install the drivers
9. Install the applications (MS Office, Anti Virus) and pin them on the desktop

For personal practice, you will need the following:

1. 1 computer set
2. 1 screw driver
3. 1 USB
4. Rufus Application
5. Microsoft Office (any version) installer
6. Anti-virus software
7. Computer drivers (Driver Pack Solution)
8. Microsoft Operating System ISO image

The tasks are fairly easy to perform. The catch though is that you should be familiar about the different hardware components of the system, their versions, functions and importance.

The good news is that we will tackle every important detail about this and every module on each succeeding post on this blog. Links on the tools (software / installers) will also be provided.

Setup Computer Networks

This module expects that you can do the following:

1. Create cables – crossover, straight-through, patch panel
2. Configure a wireless router
3. Configure an access point
4. Connect the devices – one (1) laptop, one (1) desktop client, one (1) desktop server
5. Test connectivity
6. Create folders and configure shares

For personal practice, you will need the following:

1. One (1) laptop
2. Two (2) desktops
3. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables
4. Registered Jack #45 (RJ45) 
5. Crimper
6. Cable Tester
7. One (1) router
8. One (1) wireless access point (WAP)
9. One (1) patch panel with modular box
10. One (1) Screw driver
11. One (1) switch

If these items are not available, you can just create your Virtual Lab for configuration practice. But the making of the cables should be practiced separately.

In the future post, we will configure a Virtual Lab environment for module two (2) practice which can also be maximized for module three (2).

Setup Computer Servers

This module expects that you can do the following:

1. Install and configure a Windows Server 2008/2012 OS
2. Promote the server to a Domain Controller
3. Configure the Domain Name Service (DNS) role on the server
4. Configure the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) role on the server
5. Create an Organizational Unit (OU) and create two (2) user accounts
6. Join the clients (laptop and desktop) to the domain
7. Install the File and Storage role on the server
8. Create a share in the server and map it on the clients
9. Create a folder in the server; share it (read/write) for FOLDER redirection.
10. Redirect documents and desktop of the clients
11. Configure remote desktop on all the machines
12. Install Print Management
13. Install a printer in the server, install the driver
14. Configure printer deployment

For personal practice, all these can be done on our Virtual Lab.

Maintain Computer Systems

This module expects that you can do the following:

1. Create a system restore point
2. Create a system backup image
3. Use the created restore point to restore the system
4. Use the created backup image
5. Use disk defragmenter
6. Use disk cleanup
7. Scan the system for viruses

For personal practice, all these can be done on our Virtual Lab.

There we go! All these tasks for eight (8) hours but I assure you, you would not need that much time.

Next, we will start with module one (1), definition of terms, the technologies, their functions and importance before we proceed with the actual task performance.

For suggestions and requests, please leave a comment.