BTEC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA

Assignment

Institute Name : IDM Computer Studies Pvt. Ltd.

Unit Name : Computer Platforms

Unit Value : Unit 1

Assignment Title : Old Students Association

Date given : 20th January 2010

Date to be submitted : 20th March 2010

Lecturer : Mr. S. Mayuran

Rational
The objective of this assignment is to assure that the students have gained the relevant knowledge according
to the outcomes specified in the syllabus.

Assessment requirements to meet learning outcomes

1. Investigate computer systems

2. Investigate operating systems

3. Design a computer system

4. Test your computer system.

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ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Criteria for PASS Possible evidence Feedback

Y N Comment
P1.1.1 Select machine Explain the Total Computer System
components or sub-systems (Task 1.1, 1.2)
appropriate to given tasks
P1.1.2 Evaluate the performance Select the appropriate computer system.
of the selected system (Task 1.3)

P1.2.1. Contrast the functions and Analyze the history & the evolution of the
features of different types of OS (Task 2)
operating systems
P1.2.2 Understand how to Identify the common features of
customize operating systems Windows OS (Task 2)

P1.3.1 Investigate and identify Classify the primary components

the key components for a (Task 2, Task 3)
computer system for a particular
user
P1.3.2 Specify a complete Understanding the PC installation
computer system to suit a given requirements and Realizing the function
task of the motherboard. (Task 2, Task 3)

P1.4.1 Produce a plan that checks Prepare justification for upgrade /

the main hardware and installation of new hardware
software components, using (Task 3)
standard techniques
P1.4.2. Produce user Produce a document describing the
documentation for your system system requirements (Task 3)
P1.4.3 Produce a security policy Not assessed in this assignment
for your system.
P1.4.1 Demonstrate that the Not assessed in this assignment
system meets health and safety
requirements

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Grade Descriptors for MERIT Feedback
Y N Comment
M1 Identify and apply strategies Conduct research about the latest
to find appropriate solutions hardware and software resources which
can be used in the computer system and
include the specifications.
M2 Select / design appropriate A range of techniques has been used to
methods / techniques help inform technical and non-technical
users of the operating systems (e.g. user
manual)
M3 Present and communicate Presentation and report provides a
appropriate findings descriptions about the various new
systems and peripherals.

Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION Feedback

Y N Comment
D1 Use critical reflection to Consider two three hardware and
evaluate own work and software configurations and perform a
justify valid conclusions critical comparison.

D2 Take responsibility for Substantial activities or investigations

managing and organizing have been planned, managed and
activities organized
D3 Demonstrate Student has shown extensive creative
convergent / lateral / thinking in assembling the computers in
creative thinking order to improve the efficiency.

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Case Study
The Old Students Association of the school has asked the school management to get a technical and
financial feasibility report on the implementation of the new student computer center. They also promised to
undertake 50% of the total cost as their contribution to their old school. When you discussed this with the
teachers and the management of the school you documented the following requirements.
• The computers should be in a position to run the latest GUI OS (Windows XP or later)
• Office productivity tools like MS Office XP / Open Office, Image manipulation, Web Development
and Software Development tools, Anti Virus, Internet Browsers, System Utilities and Network
Troubleshooters. Wherever possible free and open source software are to be considered.
• They want to use network enabled media for accessing and saving the student assignments and
tutorials.
• They would like to use a USB based image scanner, optical media backup, multimedia keyboard and
a networked printer in the new setup.
You have written a comprehensive report covering the above items with features, comparisons, cost –
benefits and pros and cons, if any, of the suggested products. The school management is quite happy about
your report and has awarded your company the contract to build the computer center with the following
specifications.
1. Windows XP
2. Office productivity tools
3. GIMP or IrfanView
4. A free antivirus (such as AVG antivirus)
5. FireFox browser
6. Mozilla Thunderbird
7. Installation of Printers, optical media and scanner

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Task 1
Prepare a good report to identify the computer environment of school with completing following needs:
1.1 Explain the Total computer system (P1.1.1)
1.2 Identify and explain the functions of the parts of the entire computer system(P1.1.1)
1.3 Select the appropriate computer system with convince the customer requirements (Namely) (P1.1.2)

Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Outcome Assessment Criteria
Investigate computer Systems • Select machine components or sub-systems appropriate to
given tasks (1.1, 1.2)
• Evaluate the performance of the selected system (1.3)

Task 2 (P1.2.1, P1.2.2, P1.3.1, P1.3.2)

Research and prepare a word – processed document to describe the various new systems and peripherals
available in the market which could be used to implement the recommended solution.
1. New system boards
2. Processor and memory architecture.(Intel / AMD)
3. Disk drive systems (ATA / SATA)
4. Peripherals (USB / Firewire, Bluetooth and Wi – Fi Access)
5. Printers (Laser / DeskJet)

Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Outcome Assessment Criteria
Investigate operating systems • Contrast the functions and features of different types of operating
systems (Task 2)
• Understand how to customize operating systems(Task 2)
Design a computer system • Investigate and identify the key components for a computer
system for a particular user (Task 2)
• Specify a complete computer system to suit a given task (Task 2)

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Task 3 (P1.3.1, P1.3.2)
First explain the topologies and their advantages / disadvantages. Discuss the network topologies that suits
for this environment.

Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Outcome Assessment Criteria
Design a computer system • Investigate and identify the key components for a computer
system for a particular user (Task 3)
• Specify a complete computer system to suit a given task (Task 3)
Test a computer system • Produce a plan that checks the main hardware and software
components, using standard techniques (Task 3)
• Produce user documentation for your system (Task 3)
• Produce a security policy for your system. – Not assessed
• Demonstrate that the system meets health and safety
requirements - Not assessed

End of Assignment

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