Getting to grips with ROM and RAM and megabyte and gigabyte measurements of storage may leave some people scratching their heads.
But students at City of Bath College know just what they are doing when it comes to solving computer troubles.
The talented students are running their own computer helpdesk for four weeks as they seek to gain a taste of the world of work.
They answer the phone calls and emails of staff and students who need help with a wide range of queries.
The IT (Web Design and Developing Computer Games) Level 2 BTEC Diploma students have found themselves re-setting passwords, and dealing with slow-running computers, viruses and corrupt files.
They have also had to sort out printer jams, and answer questions on how to use the College’s digital and video cameras.
The students have carefully logged each problem onto an IT database and managed their own workload to solve issues and offer further advice.
IT lecturer Sarah Chappell said: “As well as putting their technical skills to the test, the students learn the importance of team work and how to deal with customers.
“It’s very similar to an IT Helpdesk at any company, it’s a real-life work project that makes students more employable.
“Employers sometimes say teenagers have the qualifications but not the communication skills. But this project improves their people skills and confidence.”
Teams of students are taking it in turns to cover the IT helpdesk on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The students had to fill in application forms and attend formal interviews to be awarded the various helpdesk job roles.
One team heading up the IT helpdesk is the ‘Geek Squad’, which is made up of Helpdesk Manager Marcus Sullivan, 16, Project Manager Luciano Capozzoli, 16, IT Administrator Will Lacey-Brain, 17, and Website Designer Angus McCaffer, 16.
Angus said: “It’s a great experience as it goes on our CVs and show we have experience in a working environment.
“The most common issue is people forgetting their passwords, but not everything has been quite so straight forward, we’ve had to deal with some challenging problems.
“You never know what problem you will be getting next, so you have to be ready.”
The students are also producing a set of user guides to suggest simple IT solutions.
