Unit 03Unit 03 – Computer Systems

M/601/7261

LO2 - Be able to Recommend Computer Systems for a Business Purpose

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The purpose of this unit is to prepare the learners to undertake part of the role of IT technician. They will investigate a range of hardware components including looking at the technical specifications and how the components work together in a computer system. They will explore at least two types of operating systems and software utility programmes. With the knowledge gained from investigating the components and software the learners will be required to recommend a range of systems to meet different user needs.

The learners will be expected to have the opportunity to practice the installing hardware and software components, configuring the systems to meet the user’s needs and to test the systems. This unit aims to give learners an understanding of the different components in a computer system and the skills to be able to recommend, set up and maintain computer systems for business use.

P1.1 – Uses of Spreadsheets - Scenario

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Learning Outcome (LO) The learner will:

Pass The assessment criteria are the pass requirements for this unit. The learner can:

Merit For merit the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to:

Distinction For distinction the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to:

1 Understand the components of computer systems

P1 Explain the function of computer hardware components

M1 Compare the different backing storages available

P2 Explain the purpose of operating systems

P3 Explain the purpose of different software utilities

D1 Explain how the performance of computer systems can be improved with the use of software utilities

2 Be able to recommend computer systems for a business purpose

P4 Recommend a computer system for a given business purpose

M2 Justify how final recommendations meet a given business purpose

3 Be able to set up and maintain computer systems

P5 Set up a standalone computer system, installing hardware and software components

P6 Configure a computer system to meet user needs

D2 Recommend computer system improvements based on feedback from users

P7 Test a configured computer system for functionality

M3 Analyse the test results identifying any discrepancies

P8 Undertake routine maintenance tasks on a standalone computer system

LO1 - Assessment Criteria

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Assessment Criteria P4 Learners must be given a detailed scenario or specification from which they are

able to identify client requirements to recommend at least two computer systems including the software which meets an identified business purpose. These assessment criteria could be evidenced independently to other areas within the unit and will give the learner the opportunity to include the more unusual components or software.

The learners recommendations for the computer system could be presented as a report, table or presentation that shows their choice of components and includes them making reference and consideration to the business purpose. The recommendations made must include all the hardware and software components that are needed for the system to work.

Assessment Criteria M2 Learners will need to justify which one system from the two options

investigated they will recommend to the user. The justifications for their recommendation need to be clearly presented with reference to the user’s needs. This could be evidenced by a report or an annotated specification document.

LO2 - Assessment Criteria P4 and M2

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With their knowledge and understanding from Learning outcome 1 and using discussions or debates, which can be tutor led, the learners must understand the considerations that must be made when selecting computer systems for a business purpose. Learners should be given a variety of case studies in which they have to devise questions which support the decision making process for the creation of the most appropriate system, comparing the good and bad points of a given system for a business and recommend improvements. When planning to create a system, learners should look at both commercially available computer systems as well as building a system from individual components and understand the parameters and constraints e.g. time, budget. They should plan systems to defined specifications then compare these with others in the group to identify alternatives or improved options. This will lead them to consider all options and alternative solutions.

LO2 - Be able to recommend computer systems for a business purpose - Scenario

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Mob mentality have produced a client Brief for two different specifications, a low end office level and a higher end graphics set up. From this set up you will need to both specifications and research two different solutions to the considerations within the budget set. They have to be new components from a reliable source, not eBay and can be customised from different sources. All evidence needs to be explained.

P4.1 – Task 01 – Using the specification, source two solutions for the client needs. Evidence this research.

This is a large part of this LO and requires depth and variety in the sources and results. Look at magazines as well as the internet. It will count.

P4.1 – Task 02 – Using the table, compare the specifications of the two solutions found and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each hardware and software solution.

P4.1 - Recommend computer systems - Considerations

Specification Solution 1 Advantages and Disadvantages

Solution 2 Advantages and Disadvantages

Preferred choice with justification.

Hardware

Separate line for each Hardware component

Software

Separate line for each Software component

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P4.2 – Task 03 – Using the specification, source two costed solutions for the client needs and discuss the solutions in terms of Cost. Cost – Financial – You have to stick to the budget, for both halves

of the scenario. Customising the purchase from different sources is good, companies like Overclockers.co.uk and Scan.co.uk both supply the right components but at different prices. PC World can supply a completed machine but the specification will need to be adapted to meet.

Cost – Time – You need to comment on the time it will take to set up compared to the logistics of buying a pre-set specification. Time is money and installing new hardware will take time.

Cost – User – In terms of training, demonstrating and managing, discuss the logistics of cost after the machine is configured. For every member of staff there will be a different training need, there will some assumptions form the job applications like Office skills, others like graphics training might take time.

P4.2 - Recommend computer systems - Considerations

Financial Time User

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Mob mentality have are just sorting this out now, the company has just started with this budget and will need to arrange the set-up and configuration as well as the training needs of staff before the shop opens. One of the members of staff has physical limitations so will need extra setting on the computer configured for speech recognition and screen control.

P4.3 – Task 04 – Using the specification, discuss the user requirements and the considerations that will need to be taken when the machines have been configured. Software – Discuss the different software packages, specifically Office, Adobe and the 3D

packages and how they will function and support the company. Discuss the larger packages and how they will benefit the purpose of the company in terms of output and quality of constructed products.

Network sharing – Discuss the logistics of the network setup on the specification you have suggested. How will it be networked, what will the speed be like, what Network management would you suggest.

Maintenance – Are the products covered, will there be maintenance, discuss the needs of the users in terms of controlling the machines, bugs, hardware incompatibilities and likely issues with hardware and software on the suggested configuration.

Outputs – Discuss the printers suggested in the scenario and the how they can be fit for purpose for this particular company. Discuss the suggested suitability of the products you have selected, will they be capable for the task.

P4.3 - Recommend computer systems - Considerations

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Integration – How will the Mac work with the PC’s, how will they network, what will the client be, will it allow file access and transfer, who will control it all, how will the accounts be set up. All these are considerations, someone has to sort it.

Accessibility – For the member of staff, what issues need to be taken into consideration, what solutions will need to be drawn up. How will mobility problems affect the working environment.

Experience – How can the company get up and running quicker by hiring those with prior experience, how can tis be proven, how can it help. Name the jobs and what experience would be good to have when the company first opens.

Level of understanding – We all have some degree of IT experience and understanding, how does this help. What things on a CV should the company look for, what courses, what work experience, what demonstration of skills should be set at an interview.

Training – New staff will need training, discuss how this will help. Suggest methods of training that would be beneficial, find courses, DVD’s websites, practice materials.

Special requirements – In terms of additional hardware, what will the user who has physical limitations require. How will customisation help, what OS accessibility features can be set up to benefit the user and how successful are these likely to be.

P4.3 - Recommend computer systems - Considerations

Software Network sharing Maintenance Outputs Integration

Accessibility Experience Level of understanding Training Special requirements

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Before Mob Mentality go ahead with the recommended solution, they want to know why your recommendations for the hardware and software solutions meet the clients needs. Using the brief associated purpose, specify and argue why the chosen solution meets the associated purpose in terms of current and future intentions.

To do this, outline the needs and specify how the solution might meet that target, in terms of quality, hard ware, researched potential, going beyond the specifications requested, costs, and training needs that might be necessary.

The justifications for their recommendation need to be clearly presented with reference to the user’s needs.

M2.1 – Task 05 – Justify how final recommendations meet a given business purpose. Hardware – Discuss the chosen options, state how they are good enough, fast enough,

powerful enough. State their compatibility, their technical details, their cost in comparison, state what you would have preferred if the money was right and what you rejected with reasons.

Software – State what software options you choose in terms of licences or single copies, why you chose them, what other options were there, was there a compatibility issue, did you take the user requirements and the accessibility into consideration.

Overall – From looking at the hardware and software, what did you learn, what would you have done better, do you know more now that before about the hardware and software variety and issues.

M2.1 - Recommend computer systems - Considerations

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P4.1 – Task 01 – Using the specification, source two solutions for the client needs. Evidence this research.P4.1 – Task 02 – Using the table, compare the specifications of the two solutions found and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each hardware and software solution.P4.2 – Task 03 – Using the specification, source two costed solutions for the client needs and discuss the solutions in terms of Cost.P4.3 – Task 04 – Using the specification, discuss the user requirements and the considerations that will need to be taken when the machines have been configured.M2.1 – Task 05 – Justify how final recommendations meet a given business purpose.

LO1 - Assessment Task List