Individual Assessment Coversheet
To be attached to the front of the assessment.
Campus:
___Pretoria_______________________________________________________________________
Faculty: _____IT_____________________________________________________________________
Module Code: _____ITCNA112___________________________________________________________________
Group: ____1______________________________________________________________________
Lecturer’s Name: ____Mr. Kadiebwe
M______________________________________________________________________
Student Full Name: _____Adivhaho Khakhu
_____________________________________________________________________
Student Number: ____EDUV 4832147
______________________________________________________________________
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Plagiarism report attached
YAES
No
Declaration:
I declare that this assessment is my own original work except for source material explicitly acknowledged. I also declare that this assessment or
any other of my original work related to it has not been previously, or is not being simultaneously, submitted for this or any other course. I am
aware of the AI policy and acknowledge that I have not used any AI technology to generate or manipulate data, other than as permitted by the
assessment instructions. I also declare that I am aware of the Institution’s policy and regulations on honesty in academic work as set out in the
Conditions of Enrolment, and of the disciplinary guidelines applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations.
Signature
Date
01-04-2025
X
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Eduvos (Pty) Ltd. (formerly Pearson Institute of Higher Education) is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education
institution under the Higher Education Act, 101, of 1997. Registration Certificate number: 2001/HE07/008
2
Table of Contents
Contents
Question 1..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Question 2..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Question 3..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Question 4................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Question 5................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Difference of Inkjet Printers and Laser Printers ............................................................................................ 11
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Question 1
1.1.
1. Find the problem: Computer does not boot up, there is no display on the monitor and no
beep codes. Find out if there have been environmental or infrastructure changes where the
client works.
2. Come up with a theory for the cause and ask questions: Is the computer plugged into a
socket?
3. Inspect the theory to find a cause: The computer is plugged in.
a. New theory: There is no Beep. This would mean that power is not going to the
motherboard, or the central processing unit or power supply unit is acting badly.
4. Plan of action and its solution: Inspect the power connections, make sure that the power
supply unit is working, and the central processing unit is installed.
5. Confirm the functioning of the full system and, if necessary, put some preventative
measures.
6. Note down what is the found, the actions took, and what came out of it: The computer
was plugged into a socket, the motherboard was receiving power meaning that the CPU
was malfunctioning. The CPU was then installed.
1.2. The BIOS battery is the one that that keeps BIOS settings when the computer is not
plugged and brings free working of the hardware clock that is built-in. If the battery is exhausted,
when the motherboard has no power, BIOS does not store the settings and they are reset, like
the date and time. If the computer is old, there is a chance the battery is dead.
Recommended to get another battery. This does not need any engineering skills.
If getting another battery does not help, inspect the condition of the jumper that was used to
reset BIOS settings. (Jumper-> close to the battery->marked as CMOS / CLEAR / RESET).
There is a chance that someone left it in the RESET position. So, whenever when the
motherboard is put power, the BIOS settings are restart.
The next choice is improving the BIOS firmware which belongs to the motherboard. The
instructions to do it are on the website of the hardware vendor. The latest firmware has different
bugs placed.
If the date/time settings in Windows are always changing, look at the current time zone settings
and instructions of time adjusting with the outside time. In Windows 10->current time settings>Control Panel ->Clock and Region ->Date and Time.
1.3.
Key BIOS Settings for Optimal Performance
o CPU Settings (Overclocking): One main reason to dive into the BIOS is to overclock the
CPU. Overclocking includes spiking the CPU’s clock speed over its factory settings to
have better performance. Overclock the CPU: by fixing the voltage.
o RAM Settings (Memory Timings and Frequency): Fixing memory timings and frequency
can adjust the system for the best performance, usually in gaming and multitasking.
Adjust the ram timings: by adjusting the frequency timing.
o Fan and Cooling Control (Fan Speed Control): Perfect cooling is needed for a highperformance PC. Most BIOS/UEFI interfaces let you manually control fan speeds for
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great airflow and temperature management. Adjust Fan Settings: by locating the fan
Control or Q-Fan control section.
Changing BIOS settings can help:
o
Better performance by improving memory, CPU, and storage settings.
o
Better stability for overclocked elements.
o
Save energy by fixing power managing options.
o
Better hardware to suit specific needs, such as gaming or content creation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Modifying




Overclocking Too Aggressively:
Pushing the CPU or RAM over its limits can end with crashes, data corruption, and
damage to the hardware.
Ignoring Cooling:
When overclocking, always make sure the cooling system is able to handle more heat.
Skipping Stability Tests:
Always run stress tests (like Prime95, AIDA64) after fixing to achieve stability.
Ignoring BIOS Updates:
Out of date BIOS versions can lead to compatibility problems with new hardware.
Question 2
2.1.A. A MAC address is a software element. It connects people to the web and takes data to
devices. The purpose of a MAC address in a network is:
 give a specific identifier for every device.
 to recognize devices in a local network
 better communication in the local network
 make sure data goes to the right device.
2.1.B. MAC addresses are always 12-digit numbers. The numbers are divided every two digits
using a colon or hyphen.
Once data from the web gets to a router, it must send the data to the correct device on its
network. It uses MAC addresses to do so, giving a private IP address to each device connected
to the network basing it on that device's MAC address. The router does data tracking requests.
Once the data gets back, it gives the correct private IP to the data, then transfer it to the
device's MAC address matching that private IP.
2.1.C. The Tool, Settings- The internet & Network - The Settings(network)- The connection
properties and Hardware
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2.2. In simple words, Collison Domain is a network part where a device can give data at a time
to one device. If more than one device tries to send data at the same time, a collision happens,
and data can be lost. Collisions lessen the improvement and conducting of a network, as
gadgets wait and send their data again after a random period.
Hubs: Hubs put out data to all connected devices, making huge domains. There is only one
domain, which heightens the risks of collisions.
Switches: Switches divide collision domains into many parts, where each device will have a
separate domain. Only machines connected to the same port will clash. This reduces the
chances of collisions.
2.3. Unmanaged switches are made to plug in and work, with no settings to sort out. They are
good for small networks with simple needs. Can be used for surveillance cameras.
Managed switches are fully arrangeable, can be customized, and give much data on
performance. They are more perfect for bigger networks and networks supporting important
chores. Such networks power universities and healthcare organizations.
Question 3
3.1.
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Cloud Computing
Virtualization
Cloud Computing is storing the
data and programs on servers
hosted on the internet instead of
a computer’s hard drive.
Virtualization is for efficient use of physical
computer hardware and is the foundation of
cloud computing. Exists in 5 classes: desktop,
application, server, storage and network
virtualization.
For giving resources that can be
accessed any time.
For making a lot of simulated spaces using a
hardware setup.
Complicated to setup.
Easy to setup.
Highly scalable.
Low scalable.
Very flexible.
Less flexible.
Relies on multiple devices, in
case a disaster happens.
Relies on one device.
Less workload.
Big workload.
Total price is more than
virtualization.
Total price is less than cloud computing.
Gives unlimited storage space.
Storage space is based on physical server
space.
Enterprise cloud computing is using virtual IT resources like servers from outside, processing
power, data placing, databases, developer tools, and networking infrastructure by companies.
Cloud computing can benefit an enterprise by:


Separating their data, applications, and resources.
Getting business scalability.

Lessening infrastructure prices.

Answering flexibly to changes in the market.

Improving customer service quality.
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Virtualization can benefit an enterprise by:
 Getting more efficiency
 Lessening prices
 Keeping privacy and security
 Promoting change.
3.2. Server virtualization is something that makes and uses many virtual instances on a single
server. Computer hardware and software designs used to use single applications. The costs,
storage, power, fan and connections pushed data centres to their limits. Server virtualization
redefined this.
Hypervisor: A part of software of virtualization. The software layer that starts virtualization by
managing and running virtual machines. Virtualization changes physical resources into virtual,
logical, equivalents.
Virtual Machines (VMs): The individual instances of virtualized servers. The hypervisor handles
the computer's virtualized resources, making them into logical instances called virtual machines.
Virtual Machine Monitors (VMMs): The software components that manage VMs.
Improved Hardware Utilization: Focuses on resource utilization. Virtualization managed by
hypervisors can run many Virtual Machines made from the computer's resources. This reduces
server counts, increases the IT flexibility and lowers cost of IT tasks for the company.
Abstracted Infrastructure Layer: Virtualization on the server sees underlying infrastructure
components such as networking, storage, and compute. The main advantage of a hypervisor is
not abstraction, but the use of its resources. A hypervisor makes use of virtualized resources to
make sense of computers, or Virtual Machines.
V2 Cloud Solution
V2 Cloud is a virtualization place for remote desktop and application allowing for small
businesses. V2 Cloud’s fast, easily changeable, budget-friendly platform makes it the number
one choice among businesses. Businesses can enter cloud-hosted desktops and applications
safely from anywhere, on any device.
Key Features
Great cloud security: Has biggest level of data protection with security measures, desktops and
applications are protected against increasing cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Scalability & Reliability: Allows businesses to sustain different workloads without affecting things
badly. Users can, at once, run many times on the same application on the same device without
potential clashes.
User-friendly management: Different ease of use with its spontaneous and easy-to-use
management console.
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Automated backups: Controls the backup process, making sure of the safety and availability of
important business data, giving peace of mind and fast recovery options in case of unexpected
incidents.
Multi-factor authentication: Improves the security of virtual spaces with multi-factor
authentication (MFA), putting another layer of protection to stop unauthorized access.
3.3. Organizations face the following Cloud Security challenges:
1. Cyberattacks.
Cloud spaces face similar attacks that premises environments face. Attacks like DoS,
ransomware, phishing and others. These cyberattacks can result in customers
introducing data loss, malware, and more without knowing.
Steps for preventing cloud cyber-attacks:

Protect all data in the cloud.

Watch how employee’s use the cloud.

Make backups of cloud work and data.

Use technologies that prevent data loss.
2. Data breach.
They are a top cloud security issue - A data breach will possibly bring an enterprise to its
knees, leading to harm that’s irreversible, costly problems due to results, legal problems
and decreased value in the market.
Steps for preventing a data breach:

Do data tasks for possible risks.

Protecting data with encryption.

Keep up a plan for responding with incidents.

Make policies for secure data removal and disposal.
3. Compliance.
Keeping up with cloud compliance regulations like HIPAA is a responsibility of both the
customers and cloud service providers. Noncompliance can lead to legal action, costs,
disruptions of the business and breach/loss of data.
Steps for maintaining compliance:

Explain strong access points.

Do an audit for compliance.
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
Do a cloud security policy.

Frequently update and patch systems.
4. Identity, key management, access and credential.
Some threats are not proper protection of credentials, lack of automated cryptographic
key, scalability problems and password hygiene.
Steps for preventing identity security issues:

Use of multi-factor authentication.

Regularly be aware of who uses the accounts.

Take off unnecessary credentials and their access.

Follow best practices of passwords.
Question 4
4.1.a.

Slow network speed- There could be a network overload, where it is too busy, so it
causes delays in accessing the shared files.
 Network security- Some security settings on the network could be interfering with her
computer’s ability to maintain a connection, making it intermittently disconnect from the
network.
 IP Address conflicts- More than one device on the same network can cause inability of
devices to communicate, resulting in frequent interruptions during VoIP calls.
4.1.b. 1-Do network performance and network connectivity monitoring: Use an application like
OBKIO (looks at end-to-end network performance and network connectivity with fake traffic
using Network Monitoring Agents. The Agents use traffic to weigh network statistics, between
each other, find network issues and take the information to help the troubleshoot).
2. Monitor Network Metrics Related to Network Connectivity Issues: Once the agents
start working, they will count the metrics (latency, bandwidth, packet loss, jitter) to find if the
network is experiencing performance or connectivity issues. Recommended time is at least 3
hours.
3. Remove the Network Connectivity Issue: To start troubleshooting the issue, it needs to
be caught first. This means seeing where the issue is happening in the network, and if it’s a
network issue at all. To do this, compare the monitoring times between the two Public Monitoring
Agents used.
4. Monitor Network Devices That May Be Causing Network Connectivity Issues: If a
network connectivity issue is happening on both network sessions, use Obkio’s Device
Monitoring tool for comparing the data to see if the network problem is happening on Sarah’s
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end, or over the Internet, in the Service Provider’s network. Watch the performance of devices
like routers, switches, firewalls and more.
4.1.c. The next steps will start on the type of issue and its cause, but here are some basic steps
to take depending on the network connectivity issue:
1. Find the extent of the problem: find out if the issue is on one or more devices or just an
application, website or service.
2. Inspect physical connections: Make sure cables are well connected and not in need of repair.
Verify that switches, routers, and access points are on and working.
3. Reboot devices: Boot the ones with the problem again. Sometimes a restart can fix
connectivity issues.
4. Inspect the network Indicator: Check for the LED lights on the devices to for connectivity
issues. The colours or patterns can show the issue.
5. Examine other Devices: Look to see if other devices can connect. It could be an issue on one
device.
6. Find Professional Help: If all the troubleshooting options are done and the issue is still there,
contact a professional network technician or IT support for help.
Question 5
Difference of Inkjet Printers and Laser Printers
Inkjet Printers
Laser Printers
Cheap to purchase.
Expansive compared to inkjets.
Has a nozzle that sprays onto the paper,
and it gets printed.
They have no nozzle.
Ink is a liquid, which means it dries if not in
use.
Ink is a toner (powder), so it can’t dry up if not
in use.
Ink needs to be refilled quickly, which
makes it costly.
Ink lasts a while, so refilling the bar over and
over is not necessary.
Purchasing these printers is not costly but
using it over time is.
Purchasing these printers is costly in the
beginning but using it costs less.
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Inkjet Printers
Laser Printers
It’s a preference to print projects,
assignments or coloured pictures.
It’s preferred to print text documents, normal
pages or PDFs.
Advantages (Inkjet Printers)












Good Print Quality: They give great print quality, usually for photographs and variety of
pictures, with smooth degrees and energetic tones.
Reasonable Cost: They are normally less expensive to buy than laser printers, making
them a good enough choice for home clients or private ventures with light printing needs.
Minimized and Lightweight: Inkjet printers are easier to store and lighter than laser
printers, making them great for little spaces or workspaces.
Disadvantages (Inkjet Printers)
High Cost of Ink: Cartridge for inkjet printers is expensive. They are used more so the
cost of one page is higher.
Slower Printing Speed: They are slower, like when it comes to printing many documents.
Too much maintenance: This is different with other printer brands where problems, like
blocked prints heads in inkjet printers need cleaning, which is sometimes not good.
Advantages (Laser Printers)
Speed Printing: Laser printers are fast and more suitable for large organizations and
printing needs.
Lower Cost Per Page: laser printers are more cost-effective than inkjet printers in the
long run, even with a higher cost because of the longer usability of the toner cartridge
plus small maintenance need.
Durability and Longevity: Laser printers are last more compared to inkjets, and they can
work for extended hours, making them perfect for businesses in the long run.
Disadvantages (Laser Printers)
Higher Beginning Expense: Laser printers are extra expensive than inkjet printers,
making them less of a choice for clients with a specific budget.
Restricted Photograph Quality: Laser printers are not great for great photograph printing
because of their lower variety and less lively product contrasted with inkjet printers.
Massive and Weighty: Laser printers are normally bigger and heavier than inkjet printers,
needing more space, which might be a disadvantage in more modest work areas or
homes.
In Closing:
Choosing between inkjet printers and laser printers is dependent on printing needs and the
budget.
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So, the Laser Printer is best for meeting the growing needs of the company, because they need
a fast printer as printing is an important part of their operations and it’ll prevent the long queues.
Laser printers meet the cost-efficiency as they have a lower cost per page. The ink lasts a while,
so it will not be necessary to refill the bar repeatedly, which will enhance employee satisfaction.
13
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