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.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Criteria for PASS Possible evidence Feedback

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

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

P1.3.1 Investigate and identify the Classify the primary components

key components for a computer (Task 2, Task 3)

IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 1 of 6

system for a particular user
P1.3.2 Specify a complete computer
system to suit a given task
P1.4.1 Produce a plan that checks the
main hardware and
software components, using standard
techniques
P1.4.2. Produce user documentation
for your system
P1.4.3 Produce a security policy for
your system.
P1.4.1 Demonstrate that the system
meets health and safety
requirements
Understanding the PC installation
requirements and Realizing the function of the
motherboard. (Task 2, Task 3)
Prepare justification for upgrade / installation
of new hardware
(Task 3)
Produce a document describing the system
requirements (Task 3)
Not assessed in this assignment
Not assessed in this assignment
IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 2 of 6
Grade Descriptors for MERIT Feedback
Y N Comment
M1 Identify and apply Conduct research about the latest hardware
strategies to find and software resources which can be used in
appropriate solutions the computer system and include the
specifications.
M2 Select / design A range of techniques has been used to help
appropriate methods / inform technical and non-technical users of
techniques the operating systems (e.g. user manual)
M3 Present and Presentation and report provides a
communicate descriptions about the various new systems
appropriate findings and peripherals.

Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION Feedback

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

D2 Take responsibility for Substantial activities or investigations have

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

IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 3 of 6

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

IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 4 of 6

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
Investigate operating systems
Design a computer system
Assessment Criteria
• Contrast the functions and features of different types of operating
systems (Task 2)
• Understand how to customize operating systems(Task 2)
• 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)

IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 5 of 6

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
Design a computer system
Test a computer system
Assessment Criteria
• 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)
• 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
IDM/HND/Computer Platforms Page 6 of 6