BTEC Level 2 First IT Assessment Resource Pack … · Assessment Resource Pack Unit 3 Computer ......

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Unit overview This is an engaging and potentially exciting unit that can give learners the opportunity to engage with computer hardware in a way that is often overlooked on other courses and usually forbidden at home.

It provides a firm grounding in basic hardware and software, which learners will need in order to progress to higher level IT courses. Learners will work through the basic components of a PC system and gain an understanding of how a computer operates through its hardware, the movement of data throughout the system. Learners will also understand the software that works on top of the hardware and how an operating system controls everything from file management to network access.

It is important that delivery doesn’t just focus on classic computer systems such as desktop PCs. Learners should investigate other types of modern device that perform different tasks, and that are relevant to the learners’ own lives, such as smartphones, games consoles and embedded systems. This will allow learners to take forward a stronger technical vocabulary and be able to discern, from technical specifications, how appropriate a particular computer system is for a given user.

As many peripheral devices should be made available as is possible. If it is judged to be safe or appropriate, learners could bring in peripheral devices from home in order to allow for comparisons or discussions. This is particularly useful if the availability and variety of hardware components in your centre are limited. It is possible to deliver the unit and to provide the evidence for assessment by making only two hardware connections, but it would be a shame if learners are not given the opportunity to work with many different devices.

When undertaking the unit, learners will need to have a general understanding of the way in which computers are used. Different user types are covered as part of the unit content, but it may be worth opening the unit with some discussion as to where computers are used in the world today and how they fit into people’s lives. This will give learners an opportunity to start thinking about the roles that computers play, and how this affects their make up. These are important themes that run throughout the unit.

Health and safety is another area that should be an important focus. The practical elements of the unit are crucial as they form part of the assessment criteria. Even if some learners have experience of connecting devices at home (or on previous courses), they may not have done so safely. This means that health and safety risks and the practical procedures needed to work safely should be explained before any hardware connections are made.

Assignments for this unitThe unit gives learners the opportunity to tailor a system for a particular user and, throughout the assessment, learners should have this user in mind. This means that when they are designing a bespoke system for this user, learners must be provided with the user’s requirements in enough depth to allow them to consider the technical specifications in detail and to question whether or not they are fit for purpose.

The following ready-made assignments are available in this pack.

BTEC Level 2 First Information TechnologyAssessment Resource Pack

Unit 3 Computer Systems

Cert / Ex Cert / DipCredits: 10

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Unit 3 Computer Systems BTEC Level 2 First Information TechnologyAssessment Resource Pack

Assignment Learning outcomes Assessment and grading criteria

Summary

A1 Earl’s Ices LO1 Know the common components of computer systems

LO2 Know the different uses of computer systems

P1, P2, P3, P4, M2

Learners describe common computer components, the different types of computer systems and the way data flows round a computer system for a specified end user. They suggest suitable components to meet this user’s requirements, giving reasons for their choices.Evidence: presentation slides; block diagram with notes; written report; written set of reasons

A2 Building the system

LO3 Be able to connect computer hardware

LO4 Be able to configure computer software

P5, P6, M3, D2

Learners build part of the system they specified in the previous assignment, assembling the hardware and configuring the software, and explain how the software configuration will enable the user to operate his business more effectively.Evidence: photographs and screenshots; two written reports or video presentations

A3 Security alert

LO4 Be able to configure computer software

P7, M1, D1 Learners describe the security risks faced by the system they specified in the first assignment. They suggest two alternative setups to improve security. They describe the different ways to connect to a computer.Evidence: two written reports; presentation slides

Assignment guidance for tutorsA1 Earl’s Ices P1 P2 P3 P4 M2

This assignment requires learners to address an IT requirement for a business owner. This business owner is a retailer who needs an IT system to improve his business. This should allow staff to communicate with the owner using smartphones. Learners will need to convince the business owner of their knowledge and then provide suggestions that are tailored to the brief. Learners should keep focused on the needs of the user throughout the assignment. They will need knowledge of different methods of internet connectivity. They may also need to research the current features and functions of smartphones and have an understanding of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

The first three criteria (P1, P2, P3) can be evidenced in a presentation, allowing learners to place all evidence for these criteria in one place. However, as these criteria deal with the more theoretical elements of the unit, there are alternative ways to evidence learner achievement. Discussions form a great way of providing evidence here, as they allow learners to work together and develop their communication skills. If using discussions as a form of evidence for assessment, it is important to make sure that all learners have engaged completely and that you are is confident of the knowledge of everyone in the group. Directed questions are useful, as is keeping the discussions to small groups. Note: assessment evidence for every individual must be recorded in a tutor observation record, which should be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as an audio/video recording of the discussion.

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Learners must provide descriptions of the common components of a computer system for P1. In this context, the term ‘component’ covers both hardware and software, including internal components, such as RAM, as well as peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners. These descriptions should be meaningful but brief. In other words, learners must show that they understand the function of the component but they do not need to go into any detail as to how it operates. For instance, they may describe a keyboard along the lines of: “A keyboard is an input device that allows the user to select from the alphabet, single numbers or various function keys. The computer recognises the key that has been pressed and reacts accordingly.” Learners can provide greater detail on networking components in order to evidence M1. However, in the assignments in this pack, this criterion is evidenced in a separate assignment. Note: there is a high risk of plagiarism as learners will be tempted to copy and paste information that can easily be found on websites. To prevent this, either use plagiarism software or insist that learners record or make an audio presentation.

Images are a useful addition to any written evidence or presentation slides for P1, and this also applies to evidence for P2, for which learners must describe the purpose of different types of computer systems. Learners must describe the different types of system rather than simply identify them, providing some information on the components of each system, an indication of typical users and one or two to why this type of system was created in the first place.

P3 demands a straightforward representation of how data flows around a computer system. The assessment guidance recommends a diagram which shows the input – process – output structure. If a learner is uncomfortable with producing a diagram (because, for example, the learner is partially sighted or it does not suit their learning style), then a verbal or written description could be submitted. You would need to use your discretion to ensure that this does not become too lengthy.

The final two criteria covered by this assignment can be evidenced together, as each component recommended for a system that meets the owner’s requirements (for P4) can be justified during the selection (for M2). The justifications could also be added to the end of the P4 evidence or evidenced in a separate document. The scenario must be considered here. Learners must consider the specified user in selecting every single component and selecting appropriate hardware and software. The software needs to include an operating system, applications software and utility software. Although utility software may be generic for most users, learners must still be able to give justifications. They will need to say something like: “Because my user edits a lot of video, they will need a lot of storage space. They will be copying and moving large files, which will eventually become split over the driver. This means that they will need to use disk defragmentation...”

Ideas

As well as presentations and discussions, other ways of presenting evidence include brochures, audio blogs or even role play, with one learner acting as the client. It could even be possible for learners to use software wizards to create simple web pages.

The focus of this unit is end user requirements. This means that the unit could work well if delivered alongside with Unit 5 Supporting Organisations with IT, and some assignment work could be combined with Unit 5’s learning outcome 4 where learners need to plan a working environment that incorporates IT.

A2 Building the system P5 P6 M3 D2In this assignment, learners need to perform some hardware installations, explaining the health and safety practices that they followed, and then perform a software installation and configuration for P6, and finally record a discussion as to how this configuration will help the user perform specific tasks.

To achieve the P5 and P6 pass criteria, learners do not need to use the hardware and software that they specified for the system in the first assignment for this unit and they certainly do not need to construct an entire PC system from its basic components (as required by Earl’s Ices). However, it would be entirely appropriate, and more satisfying for learners, if this work followed on from the previous assignment. You may want to take this into consideration when writing scenarios for the first assignment. These criteria involve practical work, and each learner must connect hardware devices and configure software individually. Learners will need to know how to take digital photographs as part of their evidence, and this will need to be backed up with observation sheets.

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For P5, learners must perform the hardware installations and connect at least two peripherals or internal components. You can provide a checklist, so that learners can follow a step-by-step process to work safely. Learners should then explain the health and safety practices that they followed for M3. They must show evidence of the components being connected safely. It may be necessary to explain some health and safety procedures that they were not able to perform themselves in order to show as much of the unit content as possible. This could be achieved by, for example, producing a handout on health and safety when working with equipment.

Next, for P6, learners should perform a software installation and configuration. This work needs to be on a system which allows learners to configure the operating system and the applications software. Learners must also be allowed to run utility software, which is often not permitted on normal classroom PCs. This configuration needs to be for a given user requirement, but not necessarily that specified in the previous assignment. Although one over-riding scenario is more satisfactory from a vocational viewpoint, if your centre’s equipment limits the configuration that can take place, then alternative user requirements can be used.

Note: not all the computer systems listed in the unit content will be sophisticated enough to enable learners to use them to meet this criterion. They couldn’t use smartphones, for example, but some netbooks and laptops will have perfectly appropriate operating systems and utility software for this activity.

To achieve D2, learners must be very specific about how the configuration helps the user specified in the scenario to achieve certain objectives and successfully complete their tasks. Evidence, therefore, should be focused on the user and any discussion should explain the benefits of the configuration, with examples. This discussion could be captured through a video or audio diary.

Idea

These criteria could also be assessed in a real work environment. The best situation would be a work placement where a learner is working for a computer systems provider and assembling systems to real user requirements, or working for a procurement department where users needs are analysed and interpreted.

A3 Security alert P7 M1 D1This assignment asks learners to focus on a system’s security. This involves understanding the various attacks on a system and then suggesting improvements.

Learners need to identify security issues for P7, producing a document that explains potential risks and how they can be prevented. For D1, they need to suggest an alternative set-up to the one in the system they are attacking. Both hardware and software needs to be considered here. They need to provide details on networking components in order to evidence M1. Learners will need to include all of the components which allow a network connection and briefly describe how this is done.

Ideas

This has been written as a theoretical exercise, one in which learners describe the potential risks and the steps that can be taken to improve system security. However, this could be turned into a practical activity if it is feasible for learners to mount attacks on a system to test its security. Learners would need access to a machine that can be tested. You will need to have a good knowledge of security risks and you will need a stand-alone machine that can be infected with a virus or other security risks and be configured in a way that allows learners to suggest security improvements.

The P7 criterion can also be linked with the evidence produced for P4, whereby learners could be asked to provide the client in the given scenario with a description of the chosen components and explain how they will address potential security risks.

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Unit 3 Computer Systems BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology

Assessment Resource Pack

A1 Earl’s Ices BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems

Learner name Assessor name

Date issued Deadline

Scenario Earl Atkinson is the owner of a chain of ice cream shops that operate in different coastal towns in the UK. Earl makes his own ice cream and wants to maintain an old-fashioned feel for his customers. However, his shops are not as profitable as they used to be and, because the shops don’t have any way to communicate with each other, they always end up with either too much or too little stock.

Earl has asked you to provide his shops with an IT system that will allow his shop managers to send information to each other. He wants them to have an email system, and he has heard about free internet phone systems that they could use.

After an initial meeting with you, Earl has decided that his staff will need smartphones so that they can send emails and make cheaper (or even free) phone calls. Earl knows that this will save him money. He also wants you to provide him with a PC so that his staff can synchronise their smartphones when they visit head office. He will need a system to create spreadsheets and he will need the hardware and software required to make free internet phone calls. Earl will also need to create paper copies of his spreadsheets and make digital copies of the receipts that he receives as part of day to day business.

He doesn’t want to buy anything unnecessary, so you will need to explain what each device does. To save money, Earl has asked that you build the PC from components rather than buying everything in a readymade package.

In this assignment you will have the opportunity to provide evidence towards the following criteria:

P1 identify the common components of a computer system

P2 describe the purpose of different types of computer systems

P3 represent how data flows around a computer system

P4 specify suitable components to meet user requirements

M2 give reasons for the choice of components to meet a given need.

TASK 1 – Computer components P1 Create a presentation that Earl can watch that explains the components of the most commonly found computer systems.

Guidance

● You should describe the common hardware and software components that Earl would need for a computer system that would meet the needs of his business.

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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology Assessment Resource Pack

● The hardware should include input devices, output devices, storage devices both fixed and removable, and computer network connectivity.

TASK 2 – Data flows around a computer system P3 Earl is unsure about why you need some of the components. Create a block diagram that shows how data flows around a computer system.

Guidance

Make sure that your diagram shows arrows which point in the direction that the data is flowing.

TASK 3 – Computer systems P2 After some internet research, Earl has become confused about different types of computers. Add an extra section to your presentation that describes the purpose of different types of computer systems.

Guidance

Remember you need to be clear about the uses of each type of system.

TASK 4 – Specifying a system for Earl’s Ices P4 Now Earl is clearer about computer systems, provide him with a list of the components, peripherals and software that he needs in order to create a system that meets his requirements.

Guidance

You should include prices and a reference to where you found each piece of information.

TASK 5 – Justifying your choices M2 Earl wants you to justify the choices you have made. Give reasons why you have chosen each component.

Guidance

Make sure that Earl has all the information he needs to see that you have made the best choice for his system.

Useful sources of information

Student Book pages 54–66 may be useful for Task 1



Your tutor will have a list of sources of information that you can use for this assignment

Evidence checklist

TASK 1 presentation slides

TASK 2 block diagram with notes


TASK 4 list of components, peripherals and software

TASK 5 written set of reasons.


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Unit 3 Computer Systems BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology

Assessment Resource Pack

A2 Building the system BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems



Scenario Earl has accepted your main recommendations. You have

now been asked to help put together the PC system for Earl’s

Ices. The main PC has already been built and the Windows 7

Professional operating system has been pre-installed.


P5 connect hardware safely to a computer system, testing for functionality

P6 configure software for a given user requirement

M3 explain working practices and health and safety procedures when connecting hardware devices

D2 discuss how the configuration of software will help a given user perform their tasks.

TASK 1 – Building the system for Earl’s Ices P5, P6 You must connect together the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and webcam. You must also install and configure Microsoft Office for Business and Home, Skype and virus protection software.

Make sure that you connect the components together safely. You must be observed doing all these activities. Everything that you do needs to be captured in photographs and screenshots to provide evidence for assessment.

TASK 2 – Health and safety issues M3 Write a short report or record a video explaining the health and safety practices you followed when connecting the hardware. Describe any other health and safety practices that should generally be followed when connecting hardware devices but were not applicable on this occasion.


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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology Assessment Resource Pack

TASK 3 – Justifying the software configuration D2 Describe in a short report or video presentation the software that you installed on the PC system. Explain how you configured the software. You need to justify each choice or decision you made in the configuration process and explain how configuring the software in this way will help Earl’s Ices work in a more productive manner.



Evidence checklist

TASK 1 photographs

tutor observation record

TASK 2 written report or video presentation

TASK 3 written report or video presentation.


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Unit 3 Computer Systems BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology Assessment Resource Pack

A3 Security alert BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems



Scenario Earl is concerned that his new PC may be vulnerable to any hackers who might want to steal his ice cream recipes. He has asked you to look at his system again with a view to making it more secure.


P7 identify potential security risks

M1 describe different ways to connect to a computer network

D1 suggest alternative setups based on user feedback.

TASK 1 – Security risks P7 You decide that Earl’s system could be fall victim to one or more of these security risks:

● phishing ● malware ● viruses ● spam.

Write a short report for Earl that explains what each of these risks are and which sets out how they may be prevented.

TASK 2 – How to connect to a computer network M1

Earl doesn’t really understand networking components. Produce a short presentation that will help him understand all of the different ways that it is possible to connect to a computer.

TASK 3 –More secure options for Earl’s Ices D1 Earl feels that the system you specified in the previous assignment it is not secure enough. He would like you to suggest some other options. Write a report that describes two alternative solutions to the one that you originally provided for Earl in the previous assignment. These solutions should offer more security.



Evidence checklist

TASK 1 written report


TASK 3 written report.

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Sample learner work and assessor commentsSample learner work and assessor comments follow for the assignment A1 Earl’s Ices (P1, P2, P3, P4, M2).

The assignment – as the sample learner work shows – is quite reliant on internet research. If this proves to be difficult in your centre, then ensure that learners have access to computer magazines that carry plenty of product advertising. There are many PC magazines that are essentially listings of components from different sellers, and these are ideal for this assignment. Learners should be able to obtain up-to-date prices so that they have an awareness of how much things can cost.

As the sample work shows, this learner failed to achieve two of the pass criteria. She needs to do further work on this assignment, as well as complete the other unit assignments, before an overall unit grade could be awarded.

This learner resubmitted her work and eventually passed the unit. Her original work has been reproduced here to show how Level 2 learners can sometimes make simple mistakes which require them to undertake further work to produce evidence that meets the assessment and grading criteria. In fact, this learner is quite a capable student, although she tended to prefer the application-based units to the more practical units. She struggled greatly with the hardware installation and software configurations needed for this unit, and found it difficult to connect her understanding of hardware with need to follow health and safety procedures when undertaking practical work.

Meeting local needs – Earl’s Ices

This assignment has been used by 16–19 groups and adults learners. It suited both groups well, as it is an easy scenario to understand and there is a clear end user. One tutor noted that they were pleased to see a scenario that focuses on the alternative types of computer systems, such as smartphones, rather than this just the content that is delivered usually in class. It is important to run assignments that feel fresh, especially, for experienced tutors as well as learners. One way to freshen the assignment or adapt it to meet local needs is to change the scenario.

If learners are unable to understand the requirements because the type of user role is alien to them, then clearly the scenario should be changed. Some learners may not be able to understand the needs of an ice cream business, so this could be adapted. You could supply a different context, such as people working in an IT department or sales staff working on the road. Learners need to be able to think through all of the user’s requirements and then match hardware and software to specify a system that meets these needs.

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Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices

Unit 3: Computer SystemsTask One - Computer Components (P1)

I have created a presentation which explains the components of a computer system which are most commonly found. It will cover different types of computer systems showing assurance that I have a full understanding of different types of computer systems, the components that make them up and the software that is used on it.

By Ellen Baldwin

Tasks 1 and 3 Computer components and systemsThis is my presentation about components and computer systems for Earls ices.

IntroductionIf you need to select and design a computer you will need to anallyse user needs and select hardware matched to a machine specifi cation. This presentation will look at these categories:• Input Devices• Output Devices• Inside the Tower• External add on Devices• Operrating Systems• GUI (Graphical User Interface)• Softwere• The outer cassing of a PC • Do you need a mainframe?• Different types of computers

Input Devices

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Scanner

• Digital camera.

• Tablet

• Intiractive Whiteboard

Assessor’s comment: Martha, watch your spelling on this slide.

Assessor’s comment: This isn’t a description, just a list.

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Inside the Tower• Processor• Storage devices

◦ Disc Drives (hard disk drives, fl oppy disk drives, CD drives) ◦ RAM (Random Acess Memory) Temparary storage◦ ROM (Read Only Memory) Permanant storage

• Sound Card• Video Card• Graphics Card• Ports are sockets athese are at the back of the main processing case (or base unit)

and then are used to attach PERIPHERAL devices, like◦ Printer◦ Monitor◦ Keyboard◦ Mouse◦ USB etc

Inside the Tower contGeneric type Particular

typeSpecial features

INPUT Keyboard QWERTY keyboard is the standard but sometimes applications might be needing a concept keyboard.

Mouse Mouse design can be very simple with left and right buttons. They may have a central roller button. They may use infrared not than a cable connection.

Scanner Scanners could be single purpose or have some other features such as ‘straight to fax’.

Digital camera

As with manual cameras there are lots to choose from. Reslution from 2.0 MP up, optical zoom (2x, 3x etc.) digital zoom (3.2x, 3.6x); different sizes of LCD to look at the pictures (1.8” LCD, 2.5” LCD) and other features like fast autofocus. Also the option for a video camera might have bluetooth technology.

Joystick / Joypad

May only bee needed for some applications like games.

Output Devices• Monitor

◦ Including Touch Screens◦ And also Projectors

• Printers ◦ Inkjet◦ Laser◦ Black and white or colour◦ Gloss papers printing

Assessor’s comment: Again output devices listed.

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External add on devices• USB

◦ USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. Its a better way to conect devices to your PC. You can also store large amounts of data on it.

• External Hard Drive◦ A large removable storage device that means you can

now back up your computer and not risk data being lost.

Operating systemsOperating systems are programs designed to control operation of a computer system. The operating system is like a brain between software aplications and the hardware that they are running on. The operating system takes commands from the computer user, and carries them out to perform operations. Types of Operating Systems include

• Windows Vista, Windows 2007 etc

• Linux

• Mac OS

Every little bit of the system must be controlled and cordinated so the millions of operations that happen every second are correct and on time.

Inside the Tower contPROCESSOR Microprocessor The choice is down to the chip (Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron etc), the

processar speed (1.8GHz, 2.0GHz, 2.2GHz, etc.) with maybe extra enhancers (e.g. Intel Speedstep Technology).

STORAGE Hard disc drive SCSI based hard drives may give a better performance, but E-IDE drives give more cost effectively solution.

Floppy disk drives

May not be needed apart from linking to data this is in older systems.

CD/DVD drive As technology is always better it is good to always buy the best so DVD may better than CD. At least one DVD/CD drive should be recordable.

OUTPUT Screen/monitor LCD screens save you space on a desktop, use less power, and look good, but CRT have best resolution. Sizes range from 15” up.

Printer Printers can be brought for black and white printing or colour printing. The printing may be by laser or ink jet.

EXTRAS Modem Modems can be in build or seperate from processor, but linked through cable.

Assessor’s comment: This shows good understanding of operating systems.

Assessor’s comment: You have shown good understanding of internal components.

Assessor’s comment: Ellen, this is a rather limited list of additional peripherals.

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SoftwareNow, computers may come with preloaded software,

and it may be good for the buyer to go for this instead

of buying the software seperately and loading everything

from scratch.

But a user may need other software not offered with the

package, so you may need to select extra software, or

choose an upgrade option.

GUI Graphic User InterfaceAnother form of operrating environment that is called Graphical User Interface (GUI), has got popular recently. Just like the Windows desktop these GUIs use a graphics display to represent procedures and programs that can be done by the computer. These programs often use small pictures, that are called icons, to represent different programs.

The good thing about a GUI is the user doesn’t have to remember tricky commands or code to use a program.

Software contApplication Purpose

Word processing

To input text through a keyboard or a stored text fi le. To process text by putting in new and deleting text. To format text. To produce documents.

Graphics To capture screen images or make new images. To process images by enlarge, rotation, cropping and more To produce graphics.

DTP To combine material from text and graphics in a page layout. To produce document.

Presentation To input text and graphics on slide formats. To control movement when you are going through slides in the presentation. To generate notes to go with a presentation. To produce a slideshow.

Spreadsheet To input text labels and numeric data. To make formulae based on data in cells. To create charts from numerical data. To produce statistical info.

Database To input text and numbers and graphics into a structure. To change the data in the structure. To search the data and produce new information. To sort the data and present it in a given order. Give answers to queries.

Communication To transfer data from one computer to another like with e-mail e-mail. To code the outgoing data ready for transmisions and decode incoming data.

Assessor’s comment: This is a good list of software.

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How you want it to look• The outer casing of a PC can vary and this depends

on the make. Lots of people make PCs. The outer casing does not effect the performance of the PC so you can choise

• Dell• HP • Apple Mac• Samsung• ACER and more

Assessor’s comment: Sorry Ellen, you have listed the common components of a computer system but you should have added more description, have another attempt at this and resubmit it. P1 not yet achieved..

Different types of computers• Different types of computer systems

◦ Laptops a portable PC, that are about the size of a large book. They do the same job as a Desktop PC. The memory might be smaller.

◦ Desktops – these are PCs that sit on your work desk or work area and take a small space. They are used for offi ce documents games etc…

◦ PDA (personal digital assisstant)– a smaller computer device that goes in your hand. Many mobile phones like iPhone are now replacing the PDA as the iPhone can do basic things that a PC can do and connect remotely to a PC.

◦ Tablet PCs – portable PCs that have one big touch screen which allow a styllus to be used

• Servers – computers that serve a purpose! They may be web servers or fi le servers and their main point is to let other computers connect to them and access fi les.

• Smart phones – mobile phones which run different applications. Used for most commonly◦ Send emails◦ Surf websites◦ Play music◦ View documents

Different types of computers• Different types of computer systems

◦ Games Consoles– Computer systems that are mainly designed for playing games, they can

sometimes connect to a TV and are starting to have even more features like surfi ng the web and chatting with friends

– Consoles have similar internal components like a processor, motherboard and hard disk drives

• Embeded Devices◦ These devices could be a TV or a washing machine which has got

computer components inside it in order to do its job better. Embedded devices are becoming more common, especially in cars Sat Navs are very common these days and cars which have computers in them can tell the driver when they need petrol or service.

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ConclusionIn this presentation we have looked at the following:• Input Devices• Output Devices• Inside the Tower• External add on Devices• Operating Systems• GUI (Graphical User Interface)• Software• The outer casing of a PC

You should now be able to make an informed decision as to how you want your PC to be and this will hopefully save you money and we also need to make sure the PC allows your staff to synchrronise their smart phones when they visit head offi ce. For this we will look at local wireless network access across the Internet or Bluetooth connections. We will also need to look at the right software needed for the PCs and the staff mobile phones like PTvncS Smartphone.

Assessor’s comment: Ellen you have covered everything you needed to for P2, well done.

A Firewall will helpprotect your PC fromunwanted users and

viruses.Wireless networks and internet access

means data on your PC can be sent and received toand from external devices also with internet access.

For example, Smart phones, Laptops, etc…

Storage devices are used by theprocessor to temporarily or permanently

store data so that it can be retrievedat a later time. For example, RAM, ROM,

hard disks, USBs, CD-ROMs, DVDs

External harddrive, USB,

etc…

The computer processes the information by the CPU and acts on theprocedure it is being asked to peform, it is the brain of the computer.

The user inputs the data on software, thats the part the user sees on the GUI

A user inputs datainto the computer via an inputdevice such as a keyboard,

scanner, mouse or tablet PC.

A smartphone can beused to access the network

Wirelessly.

Output Devices – Displays/sendsout the information you have

asked it to either on the monitor,project screen, printer, speakers, etc…

Task 2 How data fl ows around a computer system

Assessor’s comment: Ellen, this is a wonderful diagram and it shows that you understand the way different external devices communicate with a computer system. Unfortunately, you have not shown all of the internal fl ows accurately. The diagram should show the inside of a computer system as well as the devices that are connected to the system. You need to show how data fl ows from the storage devices, e.g. Disk, directly to the CPU. Also, as mentioned in class, RAM is part of the CPU and not a storage device, since the data in RAM is lost when the power is switched off. A block diagram (as we discussed in class) would show this better. I’m afraid you cannot get P3 until diagram fl ows are correct. Come and see me if you need any extra guidance, and you can resubmit this with the additional work you need to produce for Task 3. Also, Ellen, the user does not input data on software. The software instructs the processor to read the data from the input device - keyboard.

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Pearson Education Limited is not responsible for the content of any third party websites. All details provided in the tables are for example only and were correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.


Task 4 Specifying a system for Earl’s ices

Earl, you will need to buy an Apple iPhone for all of your staff in the shops. If you use the iPhone they will be able to email each other stock informmation and any fi les that they will need to open should be compatible, if it is not then there will be an application from the app store which you could download.

The iPhones can be bought on pay as you go for £499.00 for the 16GB model, i don’t think the staff would not need a bigger model. These can be found at http://store.apple.com/uk/

The table below lists your new PC requirements.

What you need Available at Description Cost

Components

Processor www.dabs.com/products/intel-core-2-quad-q8300-2-50ghz-lga775-fsb1333-4mb-retai-695D.html

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.50GHz LGA775 FSB1333 4Mb

£115.66

Fan www.dabs.com/products/best-value-520w-grey-psu-8cm-fan-sata-5HMH.html

Best Value 520W Grey PSU 8cm Fan SATA £13.01

Motherboard (including sound card and graphics card)

www.dabs.com/products/asus-s775-intel-g31-matx-ddr2-audio---ethernet-64N4.html

Asus S775 Intel G31 mATX DDR2 Audio & Ethernet

£36.00

RAM www.dabs.com/products/crucial-2gb-800mhz-ddr2-pc2-6400-55XM.html

Crucial 2GB 800MHz DDR2 PC2-6400 £32.90

Hard Drive www.dabs.com/products/seagate-barracuda-7200-10-80gb-s300-8mb-4MRK.html

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 80GB S300 8MB £30.63

CD-DVD Drive www.dabs.com/products/best-value-sony-24x-internal-dvdrw-sata-black-bare-647J.html

Best Value Sony 24x Internal DVDRW SATA Black Bare

£14.98

SATA Cables (x2, for hard drive and Disk Drive connect)

www.dabs.com/products/akasa-short-sata-2-data-cable--red---15cm--ideal-for-itx-and-small-cases-67B6.html

Akasa Short SATA 2 DATA Cable, Red - 15cm, Ideal for ITX and Small Cases

£2.02 (x2)

Power supply (x2, DVI cable for monitor if not with monitor and Kettle lead for main power supply)

www.dabs.com/products/best-value-iec-5a-uk-mains-lead-1-8m--black-2WP0.htmlwww.dabs.com/products/best-value-dvi---dvi-cable-2m-2SZB.html

Best Value IEC-5A UK Mains Lead 1.8M- BlackBest Value DVI - DVI cable 2M

£1.48£5.13

Peripherals

Monitor www.dabs.com/products/best-value-18-5--black-lcd-monitor---dvi-7032.html

Best Value 18.5” Black LCD Monitor + DVI £81.06

Tower Case www.dabs.com/products/best-value-1010b-black-midi-case-no-psu-63L8.html

Best Value 1010B Black Midi Case No PSU £11.33

Keyboard www.dabs.com/products/best-value-ps-2-silver-black-economy-keyboard-5KD7.html

Best Value PS/2 Silver/Black Economy Keyboard

£3.26

Mouse www.dabs.com/products/best-value-black-usb-optical-mouse-5KDH.html

Best Value Black USB Optical Mouse £3.26

Printer www.dabs.com/products/epson-stylus-sx415---multifunction---printer---copier---scanner-----colour---inkjet-65NJ.html

Epson Stylus SX415 - Multifunction (printer / copier / scanner) colour inkjet

£46.98

Assessor’s comment: Good Ellen, you have addressed the requirements of the staff.

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What you need Available at Description Cost

Microphone www.dabs.com/products/trust-high-sensitive-microphone-2FLG.html

Trust High Sensitive Microphone £6.68

Webcam www.dabs.com/products/best-value-foldable-webcam-5KYC.html

Best Value Foldable Webcam £6.00

Speakers www.dabs.com/products/logitech-s150-digital-usb-black-multimedia-speakers-1-2-watt---business-50MV.html

Logitech S150 Digital USB Black Multimedia Speakers 1.2 Watt - Business

£10.31

Software

Operating System http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/en-GB/Microsoft/Windows/Windows-7

Windows 7 Professional £219.99

Microsoft (Business)

http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/en-GB/Microsoft/Offi ce-Home-and-Business-2010

Microsoft Offi ce for Business and Home. £239.99

OpenOffi ce www.openoffi ce.org/ OpenOffi ce Suite Free

Internet Service Provider

www.totalvalue.bt.com/esaver/ Including internet access, phone line and email address

£8.88

Skype www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/home Free internet phone systems with video conferencing facility

Free

Virus protection http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

Protection from viruses Free

Total

(with Microsoft Offi ce) £891.57(with OpenOffi ce)£651.58

Assessor’s comment: Good work Ellen, you have specifi ed all of the components needed to build a PC system for Earl and you have identifi ed an appropriate smartphone for the shop staff. P4 achieved.

Task 5 Justifying my choices

What you need Description Reason for purchase

iPhone A smartphone which can run thousands of different applications dapending on the needs of the user.

There are cheaper options out there but the iPhone is the best choice because it is very easy to use and because of all of the Apps available it is more ready for the future than other options.

Processor Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.50GHz LGA775 FSB1333 4Mb

A deccent processor is needed to run the computer. This is the brain of the computer and without one it cannot function.

Fan Best Value 520W Grey PSU 8cm Fan SATA

The fan is needed to stop the power supply and components in the tower from getting too hot. It is essential that the components are kept at the right temperature or the computer will stop functioning.

Motherboard (including sound card and graphics card)

Asus S775 Intel G31 mATX DDR2 Audio & Ethernet

The motherboard holds all the essential components inside the tower case. It holds everything the processor needs to make it run, including the sound and graphics cards so that you can see the GUI and hear sounds on the PC.

RAM Crucial 2GB 800MHz DDR2 PC2-6400

RAM is needed for all the stock and staff data that will be stored and then put in a archive over the years. The more RAM the better you PC will run.

Assessor’s comment: Martha, watch your spelling in this section

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What you need Description Reason for purchase

Hard Drive Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 80GB S300 8MB

The hard drive is also for storing data and it helps the processor run the current active software and the operating system.

CD-DVD Drive Best Value Sony 24x Internal DVDRW SATA Black Bare

This is someting extra for Earl to have if he wants too, but if he decides to do DVD demo or back up his data on CD Discs then he will need the CD-DVD drive.

SATA Cables (x2, for hard drive and Disk Drive connection)

Akasa Short SATA 2 DATA Cable, Red - 15cm, Ideal for ITX and Small Cases

Cables are needed to connect the components all together.

Power supply (x2, DVI cable for monitor if not provided with monitor and Kettle lead for main power supply)

Best Value IEC-5A UK Mains Lead 1.8M- BlackBest Value DVI - DVI cable 2M

Power supplies are needed to supply power to the right components.

Monitor Best Value 18.5” Black LCD Monitor + DVI

A monitor is needed so that the user can see the GUI and can move round the computer system.

Tower Case Best Value 1010B Black Midi Case No PSU

The case holds all components in it.

Keyboard Best Value PS/2 Silver/Black Economy Keyboard

The keyboard will allow the user to input data and also provides another navigation system.

Mouse Best Value Black USB Optical Mouse

The mouse lets the user navvigate around the computer without having to use keyboard shortcuts.

Printer Epson Stylus SX415 - Multifunction (printer / copier / scanner) - colour - inkjet

The user can print off data and have a paper backup of his data and stock system.

Microphone Trust High Sensitive Microphone

A microphone will let the user communicate by using the free Skype facility making voice calls.

Webcam Best Value Foldable Webcam A webcam will let the user communicate by using the free Skype making video calls.

Speakers Logitech S150 Digital USB Black Multimedia Speakers 1.2 Watt - Business

Speakers allow the user to here sounds on the computer including other peoples voices on voice or video calls.

Operating System Windows 7 Professional The operating system controlls the running of the software and PC components. It is essential to the running of a PC.

Microsoft Offi ce (Business)

Microsoft Offi ce for Business and Home.

Optional – this is needed if Earl wants to make written documents and send them to other bussinesses electronically, as they are probably going to use the same software.

OpenOffi ce OpenOffi ce Suite This is the free alternative option instead of Microsoft Offi ce for Business and Home. It will do the same thing but the fi les are stored in a different format. If fi les are being shared only within the company then this will be quite adequate.

Internet Service Provider

Including internet access, phone line and email address

An ISP is needed to gain access to the internet.

Skype Free internet phone systems with video conferencing facility

Skype will allow free messages, phone calls, and video calls.

Virus protection Protection from viruses Will protect Earl’s system from virus. For more protection i would suggest looking at fi rewalls, but this could cost lts.


Assessor’s comment: Well done Ellen, you have given good reasons for each of the components that you have chosen. M2 achieved.

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QualificationEdexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma in IT

Assessor name Martha Snead

Unit number and title Unit 3 Computer Systems Learner name Ellen Baldwin

Assignment title A1 Earl’s Ices

Criteria reference

To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to: Achieved?

P1 identify the common components of a computer system Y

P2 describe the purpose of different types of computer systems N

P3 represent the data flows around a computer system N

P4 specify suitable components to meet user requirements Y

M2 give reasons for the choice of components to meet a given need Y

Learner feedback

I am disappointed that I didn’t get P2 and P3 but I am sure that when I redo this work I will be able to get a pass for the unit. I am pleased about M2 and I will try and get the rest of the criteria if I can.

Assessor feedback

Ellen, you have produced some good work for this unit and I am confident that you will achieve the criteria that you missed out on in the next submission.

You must pay attention to the wording of the tasks – the need for a block diagram was clearly stated. You must also write down notes in class, such as when we talked about the different types of computer systems.

Action plan

Draw and submit a block diagram that shows how data flows within a computer systemAdd a description of the purpose of netbooks, games consoles, servers and embedded devices.

Assessor signature Martha Snead Date 8.10.10

Learner signature Ellen Baldwin Date 25.10.10

Assessor’s comments

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