Unit 2–Computer Systems

Unit 2–Computer Systems

BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

Module Booklet

Course: EDEXCEL BTEC Computing and Systems Development

Group:   Ed excel HND EV-1 

Module: Unit 2 – Computer Systems

Module type:  Core

Module Code: L/601/0446

Module Credit: 15

Teaching Period: (15 weeks)

Level: 4

Contact  Hours: ((15*3)=45+(6*3=18)=21=63

Lecturers:  15 weeks

Revision Clinic: 3 weeks

Feedback and assignment guidance: 3 weeks

Lecturer:      Mohammed Hasan

Start date: 27/01 /14

Day:   Monday   

Time: 06:00pm – 09:00pm

Room:           1302

Term:  Winter Term 

CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES     
• MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS   
• READING AND COURSE PREPRATION   
• LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES
• ASSESSMENT DETAILS  

INTRODUCTION
Most IT professionals will at some stage have to set up, use, customise and maintain computer systems. In order to do so effectively they will need to understand how computer systems work. Learners will understand the theoretical aspects of computer systems, and how information is processed. This unit explores the hardware, software and peripheral components that make up a computer system.
There are many different manufacturers of computer systems and each manufacturer will produce a wide range of models with different specifications. Deciding which particular model is appropriate for a given situation depends on a variety of factors. Custom-built computer systems are also an advantage when meeting specialised requirements, whilst maintaining performance and keeping costs low. These aspects are explored in this unit so that learners can make informed choices when designing a computer system for a given purpose.
Learners will be able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical application by building, configuring and testing a functional computer system which will meet a given specification. Computer users also need the skills required to set up and carry out routine maintenance of computer systems. Although this unit does not extensively cover fault finding and repair, it includes the basic maintenance skills that would normally be expected of most computer users.      

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Aim:
To enable learners to understand computer systems and apply theoretical knowledge to practical application when building, configuring and maintaining computer systems.    
 Key Objectives:

1. Understand the function of computer systems
2. Be able to design computer systems
3. Be able to build and configure computer systems
4. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems. 

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria: 
LO1 Understand the function of computer systems

• 1.1 explain the role of computer systems in different environments
• 1.2 explain the hardware, software and peripheral components of a computer system
• 1.3 compare different types of computer systems 

LO2 Be able to design computer systems

• 2.1 produce a system design specification to meet a client’s needs
• 2.2 evaluate the suitability of a system design specification 

LO3 Be able to build and configure computer systems

• 3.1 build and configure a computer system to meet a design specification
• 3.2 test and document a computer system 

LO4 Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems

• 4.1 perform routine maintenance tasks on a computer system
• 4.2 upgrade the hardware and software on a computer system. 

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Role of computer system in 21^st century public and private business sector.
• What are the key hardware, software and peripheral components required to build a computer system.
• Be able to analyse the user requirements and design a computer system accordingly.
• Be able to build and configure a computer system.
• Necessity of test and documentation.
• Be able to perform system maintenance, hardware and software upgrade task.

Indicative content:
1 Understand the function of computer systems

• Computer systems: microcomputers eg personal computers; mobile computers;
• minicomputers eg mid-range servers, workstations; mainframes eg large scale network. systems; supercomputers eg high performance systems; models; multiprocessing
• Environments: home, business, computer gaming, networking, real-time, communication.
• Function: main components (Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), control unit, memory and
• input/output devices), connection eg busses; Central Processing Unit (CPU) (control unit, arithmetic logic unit, registers, input/output); memory (Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), registers, programmable, cache), auxiliary storage; computer architecture
• Hardware: central processing unit; motherboard, power supply unit, cooling units, backing storage eg hard disc drive; controllers, ports, main memory, memory types, battery, specialised cards eg Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), network, graphics, modem, sound, optical drives; performance factors.
• Software: systems software eg operating systems, utility programs, library programs,
• translator programs; applications software eg special purpose software, be-spoke software; performance factors
• Peripherals: printers, plotters, cameras, scanners; keyboard and mouse; monitors, display adapters; multimedia devices; storage media; networking; portable drives; plug and play components; performance factors

2 Be able to design computer systems

• Needs analysis: client and system requirements, problems/limitations with current/new
• system, functionality, costs, timescales, resources, investigation/analytical techniques eg interviews, questionnaires
• Selection: costs, client requirements, maintenance contracts, outputs required, compatibility; system integration eg home entertainment; storage capacity; accessibility; performance eg speed, time, power, efficiency, effectiveness, usability, alternative solutions
• System specification: client requirements, system requirements, system components,
• configuration, time, tools and resources, alternatives eg processor types, backup options; security measures; documentation

3 Be able to build and configure computer systems

• Health and safety: health and safety practices; electrostatic precautions eg antistatic mats, antistatic wrist straps
• System installation: hardware: assemble and disassemble a computer system; install
• motherboard, processor, heat-sink and fan, memory, power supply unit and connect to internal components; install hard disc drive, optical drive; install specialised cards eg graphics, network, modem, audio; install and configure software eg operating system, application software, utility software; install peripheral devices eg printer, scanner, camera; install communication devices eg modem, router
• System configuration: configure Basic Input Output System (BIOS) eg date/time, power
• management, security; install latest antivirus/security updates; update user profiles;
• configure desktop, icon size, font size, colour, background, customise menu; file
• management, files and folders, setting file/folder sharing permissions; peripheral devices, printer, scanner, camera; communication devices
• System testing: fault detection, Power On Self Test (POST), diagnostic faults, troubleshoot devices; technical support documentation eg reference manuals, online manufacturer support; test hardware eg input/output devices, peripheral devices; test software; documentation eg test plan

4 Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems

• Software maintenance: upgrade software eg virus definition files; patches/updates;
• scheduling maintenance tasks; utility software eg defragmentation, clean-up, back-up,
• system profilers; other third party utility software eg compression utilities, spyware/malware removal
• Hardware maintenance: upgrade hardware; install and configure new peripherals eg printers, scanners; install and configure additional or replacement devices eg hard drive, memory, graphics, sound, optical media, network; cleaning equipment

File management: manage files/folders; back-up procedures

• Programme Specification
• Accrediting Body:  EDEXCEL
• Course: BTEC HND IN Computing and Systems Development                            
• Unit: 2 Computer Systems

Wk	Lecture Schedule	Outcome of session	Activity/seminar and formative assessment	Resources
1	Course Introduction, Computer systems: microcomputers eg personal computers; mobile computers; minicomputers eg mid-range servers, workstations; mainframes eg large scale network systems; supercomputers eg high performance systems; models; multiprocessing	Introduction to the module, mode of assessment, awareness of the awarding body, assessment criteria and the mode of assessment. End of this lesson learner will be able to know different types of computer systems.	Role play and individual induction, helping to know each other. Addressing the learning outcome 1.3.	Module handbook. Power point slide from Dick D.
2	Environments: home, business, computer gaming, networking, real-time, communication Function: main components (Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), control unit, memory and input/output devices), connection eg busses; Central Processing Unit (CPU) (control unit, arithmetic logic unit, registers, input/output); memory (Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), registers, programmable, cache), auxiliary storage; computer architecture	By the end of the session you will be able to: Explain briefly the role of the computer systems in different environments.	Case study and addressing the learning outcome 1.1 Activity - Research based on the computer applications and its pros and cons.	Power point slides from: Stallings W. And Dick D., Research
3	Hardware: central processing unit; motherboard, power supply unit, cooling units, backing storage eg hard disc drive; controllers, ports, main memory, memory types, battery, specialised cards eg Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), network, graphics, modem, sound, optical drives; performance factors	Learners will be able to know the key hardware and devices for computer system.	Tutorial and addressing partly the learning outcome 1.2 Activity – Research on computer Hardware components specification.	Power point slides from: Stallings W. And Dick D., Research
4	Software: systems software eg operating systems, utility programs, library programs, translator programs; applications software eg special purpose software, be-spoke software; performance factors Peripherals: printers, plotters, cameras, scanners; keyboard and mouse; monitors, display adapters; multimedia devices; storage media; networking; portable drives; plug and play components; performance factors	Learners will be able to know the key software and peripheral devices for computer system.	Tutorial and addressing the learning outcome 1.2 Activity – Research on computer Software components specification.	Course Notes, Research
5	Needs analysis: client and system requirements, problems/limitations with current/new system, functionality, costs, timescales, resources, investigation/analytical techniques eg interviews, questionnaires Selection: costs, client requirements, maintenance contracts, outputs required, compatibility; system integration eg home entertainment;	Learners’ will be able to collect and analyse the user requirement to specify and select the components for a complete computer system	Case study and addressing the learning outcome 2.1 Activity – Research on computer Peripheral components specification.	Course Notes, Research
6	Selection: storage capacity; accessibility; performance eg speed, time, power, efficiency, effectiveness, usability, alternative solutions	Learners’ will be able to evaluate the suitability of selected components for computer system according to user requirement.	Case study and address the LO 2.2 Activity – In class exercise to design a computer system and sub system.	Course Notes, Research
7	System specification: client requirements, system requirements, system components, configuration, time, tools and resources, alternatives eg processor types, backup options; security measures; documentation	Learners’ will be able to evaluate the suitability of selected components for computer system according to user requirement.	Case study and address the LO 2.2 Activity – In class exercise to design a computer system and sub system.	Course Notes, Research
8	Health and safety: health and safety practices; electrostatic precautions eg antistatic mats, antistatic wrist straps	Learners’ will know the health and safety issues for computer use and learn practically to assemble the computer hardware.	Tutorial and address partly the LO 3.1 Class Practical – Assembling Computer Hardware	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
9	System installation: hardware: assemble and disassemble a computer system; install motherboard, processor, heat-sink and fan, memory, power supply unit and connect to internal components; install hard disc drive, optical drive; network, modem, install communication devices eg modem, router	Learners’ will know the health and safety issues for computer use and learn practically to assemble the computer hardware.	Tutorial and address partly the LO 3.1 Class Practical – BIOS Configuration	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
10	System installation: audio; install and configure software eg operating system, application software, utility software; install peripheral devices eg printer, scanner, camera;	Learners’ will be able to learn practically to install and configure hardware and software to build computer system.	Tutorial and address the LO 3.1 Class Practical – OS Installation and Configuration.	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
11	System configuration: configure Basic Input Output System (BIOS) eg date/time, power management, security; install latest antivirus/security updates; update user profiles; configure desktop, icon size, font size, colour, background, customise menu; file management, files and folders, setting file/folder sharing permissions; peripheral devices, printer, scanner, camera; communication devices	Learners’ will be able to learn practically to install and configure hardware and software to build computer system.	Tutorial and address the LO 3.1 Class Practical – OS Installation and Configuration.	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
12	System testing: fault detection, Power On Self Test (POST), diagnostic faults, troubleshoot devices; technical support documentation eg reference manuals, online manufacturer support; test hardware eg input/output devices, peripheral devices; test software; documentation eg test plan	Learners’ will be able to perform hardware and software testing and produce the test document.	Tutorial and address the LO 3.2 Practical – Software Testing	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
13	Software maintenance: upgrade software eg virus definition files; patches/updates; scheduling maintenance tasks; utility software eg defragmentation, clean-up, back-up, system profilers; other third party utility software eg compression utilities, spyware/malware removal	Learners’ will be able to perform the software maintenance activities.	Tutorial and address the LO 4.1 Practical – Hardware Testing	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
14	Hardware maintenance: upgrade hardware; install and configure new peripherals eg printers, scanners; install and configure additional or replacement devices eg hard drive, memory, graphics, sound, optical media, network; cleaning equipment	Learners’ will be able to perform the hardware maintenance, file backup activities.	Tutorial and address the LO 4.2 Practical – Software and Hardware Maintenance.	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
15	File management: manage files/folders; back-up procedures	Learners’ will be able to perform the hardware maintenance, file backup activities.	Tutorial and address the LO 4.2 Practical - Software Update: OS, Antivirus, Firewall etc.	Course Notes, and Lab Practical, online video tutorial.
16	Revision	Revision	Revision	Revision
17	Revision	Revision	Revision	Revision
18	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback
19	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback
20	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback
21	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback	Assessment and Feedback

 Recommended text and links
Books

• Anfinsin, D – IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide (Cisco Press, 2010) ISBN 158713263X
• Dick, D – The PC Support Handbook: The Configuration and Systems Guide (Dumbreck Publishing, 2009) ISBN 9780954171131
• MacRae K – The Computer Manual: The Step-by-step Guide to Upgrading and Repairing a PC (Haynes Group, 2002) ISBN 1859608884
• MacRae K and Marshall G – Computer Troubleshooting: The Complete Step-by-step Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing Common PC Problems, Second Edition (Haynes Group, 2008) ISBN 1844255174
• White R and Downs T – How Computers Work (Que, 2003) ISBN 0789730332
• Stallings W. “ Computer Organisation and Architecture ”. 2001. Pearson US imports.
• Tanenbaum A.S. “ Structured Computer Organisation ”. 2005, 5^th Edition. Prentice Hall

 Journals

• Computer Weekly
• Which? Computer

 Websites

• www.bized.co.uk
• www.computerweekly.com
• www.misco.co.uk 
• Lecturer: Mohammed Hasan
• Campus: Wentworth house
• Contact details: hasan@ukcbc.co.uk

Assessment:

• The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel.
• Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified. 
• Contribution: 100% of the module
• Outline Details: Individual report approx 4000 words.   Details enclosed in the assignment brief.
•  Teaching and Learning Activities           

The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business environment.
2.3       Teaching Ethos
The college’s approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of UKCBC  is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote success in both their academic studies and subsequent career.
2.3.1 Methods of Delivery:
LECTURES:
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their private study time more effectively.
SEMINARS:
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral communication skills.

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CASE STUDIES:
An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learner’s ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work.
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)
Assessment:

• The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel.
• Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified. 
• Contribution: 100% of the module
• Outline Details: Individual report approx 4000 words.   Details enclosed in the assignment brief. 

ASSESSEMENT and ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Unit 2 : Computer Systems                                                                 UNIT CODE: L/601/0446
Learning Hours:  45 Hours.                                                       Self-learning hours:  90 hours.
Course: HND CSD – Level 4                                                                                Credits: 15
Term:
Module Leader: Mohammed Hasan	Verifier: Raj Kanapathi

Learners Name
Registration Number
Learners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:
Signed:
Hand out Date:    10/03/2014 Submission Date: 19/05/2014

The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:

Center Name:	UKCBC
Center Number:

Please note that the assessors signature below denotes conformation that he/she has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:

Assessors Name:	Mohammed Hasan
Assessors Signature:
Has the unit been Internally Verified?                                                                            Y/N Date of verification:
Internal verifiers signature:
Internal verifiers assignment brief:

        

Due Dates
Issue Date		Final Due date	19/05/2014
Due Task- 1	17/02/2014	Presentation	21/04/2014
Due Task- 2	10/03/2014	Final Due Date for September 2013 intake	06/08/14
Due Task- 3	31/03/2014	Final due date for Jan 2014 intake	06/11/14
Due Task- 4	21/04/2014

 Unit Outcomes                                                                                                     

Outcome

Evidence for the criteria to pass.

Assessors decision

Internal verification decision. (agree, disagree)

TASK 1 : You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P1.1, P1.2 and P1.3. The answers need to be reflected in general computer industry. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission.

Task L 1. Understand the function of computer systems

P1.1-  explain the role of computer systems in different environments  such as home, business, computer gaming, education, banking, communication etc.

P 1.1 (P,M,D)

P 1.1 (P,M,D)

P1.2- explain the hardware such as RAM, CPU, HDD etc, software such as win XP, 7, 8, OSX, Windows server 2000, NT, Unix and peripheral such as keyboard, mouse, printer etc components of a computer system.

P 1.2 (P,M,D)

P 1.2 (P,M,D)

P1.3- compare different types of computer systems such as super computer, mainframe, microcomputers eg personal computers; mobile computers; minicomputers eg mid-range servers, workstations; mainframes eg large scale network systems; supercomputers etc.

P 1.3 (P,M,D)

P 1.3 (P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 1 (reflecting 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 Pass merit and distinction.)

IV  comments towards Task 1

TASK 2: You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P2.1 and P2.2. The answers need to be reflected to the given organization Smith Solicitor on the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission.

Task L 2. Be able to design computer systems

P2.1- produce a system design specification to meet a client’s (Smith Solicitor) needs.

P2.1 (P,M,D)

P2.1 (P,M,D)

P2.2- evaluate the suitability of a system design specification for Smith Solicitor.

P2.1 (P,M,D)

P2.1 (P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 2 (reflecting 2.1 and 2.2 Pass merit and distinction.)

IV  comments towards Task 2

TASK 3: You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P3.1 and P3.2.  The answers need to be reflected to the given organization Smith Solicitor on the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission.

Task L 3. Be able to build and configure computer systems

P 3.1 – build and configure a computer system to meet Smith Solicitor a design specification.

P 3.1 (P,M,D)

P 3.1 (P,M,D)

P3.2 – test and document a Smith Solicitor’s computer system

P 3.2 (P,M,D)

P 3.2 (P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 3 (reflecting 3.1 and 3.2 Pass merit and distinction.)

IV  comments towards Task 3

TASK 4 : You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P4.1 and P4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the given organization Smith Solicitor on the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission.

Task L 4. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems

P4.1  - perform routine maintenance tasks on a Smith Solicitor’s computer system

P 4.1 (P,M,D)

P 4.1 (P,M,D)

P4.2  - upgrade the hardware and software on Smith Solicitor’s computer system

P 4.2 (P,M,D)

P 4.2 (P,M,D)

Summarized Feedback for Task 4 (reflecting 4.1 and 4.2 Pass merit and distinction.)

IV  comments towards Task 4

Merit grades awarded

M1

M2

M3

P1

P2

P3

P4

Distinction grades awarded

D1

D2

D3

Resubmit :

Any other comments

Grade given by the tutor:   Pass                                            Merit                                           Distinction            Tutors Signature:                                                               Date:

IV Grading Check:                                    Comments if any: Agree               Disagree                                                   Modify grade to IV signature:                                                                          Date:

Student feedback: Student signature:                                                                 Date: Plagiarism: Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies’ regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below: Plagiarism is presenting someone’s work as your won. It includes copying information directly from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual effort; copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework form another student and submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

 ASSIGNMENT
 TASK 1: 
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P1.1, P1.2 and P1.3. The answers need to be reflected in general computer industry. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission. 
P1. Understand the function of computer systems 
P1.1-  explain the role of computer systems in different environments  such as home, business, computer gaming, education, banking, communication etc.
P1.2- explain the hardware such as RAM, CPU, HDD etc, software such as win XP, 7, 8, OSX, Windows server 2000, NT, Unix and peripheral such as keyboard, mouse, printer etc components of a computer system.
P1.3- compare different types of computer systems such as super computer, mainfreame, microcomputers eg personal computers; mobile computers; minicomputers eg mid-range servers, workstations; mainframes eg large scale network systems; supercomputers etc.

Case Study: Smith Solicitor Is a London based law firm. They have an office suite with 20 staffs working in different departments such as 1 staff in reception area, 8 staffs in admin and accounts department, 10 lawyers in lawyers department and separate chamber for Mr. Smith. The lawyers handle the various clients’ case with highest confidentiality. The lawyers also need to consult between each other for some cases. The admin staffs handles the payments, client’s information, maintain liaison with the clients, partners information and keep record of staff in and out etc. Currently they use very old Computer to do their every day task such as creating client’s case draft, admin and account documentation etc. which they often face serious problem to doing their work on old office computers because of poor performance of these old computers. Particularly these computers are not serving well for internet access and multimedia application to create document. Due to confidentiality of work, they do not want to allow access to anyone from outside their offices, and they want the partners’ computers to be accessible only to the specified user. Upload Your Assignment Mr. Smith has decided to change the entire old PC and want to buy new PC which should make the office work easier and faster. You been contacted by Mr. Smith and assign the task to buy standard computers and other required equipment within the budget for all staffs. All computers must able to deliver the required job. The selected computers should be able to handle and run the software effectively and promptly which use to create lawyers sophisticated multimedia documents, process accounting, and spread sheet etc. Also all the New PC must be capable of handle highest security for accessing computer, internet and files saved in hard drive. The components you have to select are processor, motherboard, memory, hard disk, monitor, keyboard, mouse, cooling fan, CD-ROM, printer, Operating systems, case etc.

 TASK 2:
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P2.1 and P2.2. The answers need to be reflected to the organization Smith Solicitor given in the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission. 
P2. Be able to design computer systems
P2.1- produce a system design specification to meet a client’s (Smith Solicitor) needs.
P2.2- evaluate the suitability of a system design specification for Smith Solicitor. 
TASK 3:
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P3.1 and P3.2. The answers need to be reflected to the organization Smith Solicitor given in the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission. 
P3. Be able to build and configure computer systems
P 3.1 – build and configure a computer system to meet Smith Solicitor a design specification.
P3.2 – test and document a Smith Solicitor’s computer system
TASK 4:
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and give a feedback of the findings on P4.1 and P4.2. The answers need to be reflected to the organization Smith Solicitor given in the case study. Answers without application to an organization or without examples will be marked as Resubmission.
P4. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems
P4.1  - perform routine maintenance tasks on a Smith Solicitor’s computer system
P4.2  - upgrade the hardware and software on Smith Solicitor’s computer system 
Assignment Guidelines: 

• Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size 12.
• Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word limit of 4000 to 4500 words.
• Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
• The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.
• Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a soft copy on the submission date.
• It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline and submitted to -------- and sign the submission form of the college.
• Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating and may be entitled for a late fee.
• Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.
• Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.
• Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard referencing system.
• All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of visit), etc.
• Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
• In order to pass you need to address all the LO and Assessment Criteria’s.
• In order to get a merit you need to address the characteristics of M1, M2,M3
• In order to get a Distinction you need to address the characteristics of D1, D2 and D3.                                               Use a common format for the questions, for example:
• Introduction (analyze the question.)
• Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)
• Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)
• Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)

Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction:
Name:                                                                             Registration Number:
Unit 2: Computer Systems 

Outcomes/criteria:	Indicative characteristics	Possible evidence	Feedback
L 1. Understand the function of computer systems L2. Be able to design computer systems L3. Be able to build and configure computer systems L4. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems	As per the assessment criteria specified for pass  Do  Do  Do	Task 1 Task 2  Task 3  Task 4
Merit Description:
M1. Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions.	. Relevant theories and techniques have been applied.
	. Effective judgments have been made.
	. Complex problems with more than one variable have been explored.
	. An effective approach to study and research has been used.
M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate methods/ techniques.	. A range of methods and techniques has been applied.
	. A range of sources of information used.
	. The selection of methods and techniques justified.
	. Complex information/data have been synthesized and processed.
	.Appropriate learning methods/ techniques applied.
M3. Present and communicate appropriate findings.	. Appropriate structure and approach has been used.
	. Logical and coherent arguments have been presented
	. Technical language accurately used.
	. A range of methods of presentation has been used.
	. Familiar and unfamiliar contexts have been used.
	. It is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences.
Distinction Description:
D1. Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusion.	. Synthesis has been used to generate and justify valid conclusions
	. The validity of results has been judged
	. Self-criticism of approach has taken place.
	. Evaluation has taken place using defined criteria
	. Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.
D2. Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities.	Autonomy/independence demonstrated
	Substantial activities/projects or investigations have been planned, managed and organized.
	The unforeseen has been accommodated.
	The importance of interdependence has been recognized.
D3. Demonstrate convergent, lateral and creative thinking	Ideas generate and decisions taken
	Convergent and lateral thinking have been applied
	Capacity for innovation and creative thought has been used.
	Receptiveness to new ideas has demonstrated.
	Unfamiliar contexts have been applied.