Unit 03 – Computer Systems
M/601/7261
LO2 - Be able to Recommend Computer
Systems for a Business Purpose


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.
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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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:
1
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
Understand the
components of computer
systems
2
Be able to recommend
computer systems for a
business purpose
P4
Recommend a computer system
for 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
P7
Test a configured computer
system for functionality
P8
Undertake routine maintenance
tasks on a standalone computer
system
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
1
2
33
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Distinction
For distinction the evidence
must show that, in addition to
the pass and merit criteria, the
learner is able to:
D1 Explain how the
performance of computer
systems can be improved with
the use of software utilities
M2 Justify how final
recommendations meet a given
business purpose
D2 Recommend computer
system improvements based on
feedback from users
M3 Analyse the test results
identifying any discrepancies
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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.
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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2
33
44
55
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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.
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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2
33
44
55
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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.

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
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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2
33
44
55
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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.
Financial
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
Time
1
2
33
44
User
55
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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.
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Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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33
44
55
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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.
Software
Network sharing
Maintenance
Outputs
Integration
Accessibility
Experience
Level of understanding
Training
Special requirements
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
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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.
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Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
1
2
33
44
55
6
7
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10
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15
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.
Scenario
Criteria
Tasks
1
2
33
44
55
6
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