Technology and Computer Science
HND Computing Programme
One
Level:
Unit: COMH101: Computer Platforms
Assignment:
1 (RePro System Specification)
Issue Date: wk beg 29/9/03
Return Date: wk beg 3/11/03
Estimated Completion time: 16 hours
Lecturer: Stuart Cunningham
Verified by: Vic Grout
To be completed by student
Name ...................................................... Date Submitted......................................
Course:....................................................................
Student Signature:……………………………
Certification: I certify that the whole of this work is the result of my individual effort and that all quotations from
books, periodicals etc. have been acknowledged
To be completed by lecturer
Comments
Assessed Common Skills
Grade
(1) Manage own roles and responsibilities
(8) Receive and respond to a variety of information
(10) Communicate in writing
Coleg Cyswllt Prifysgol Cymru
Assignment
Grade / Mark
Associated College University of Wales
Athrofa Addysg Uwch Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru Plas Coch, Ffordd Yr Wyddgrug, Wrecsam, Clwyd LL11 2AW
North East Wales Institute of Higher Education
Plas Coch, Mold Road, Wrexham, Clwyd LL11 2AW
Ffon/Phone (01978) 293050 (School)
Cyflun/Fax (01978) 290008
Computer Platforms - Assignment 1
Title RePro System Specification
Information about the Task
‘RePro’ is a small design and printing business which has been trading for over fifteen years. The
company relies heavily on old-fashioned, traditional, printing techniques. In order to compete with
the many high-tech rival companies, RePro wants to bring their technological capability up to date,
by implementing an IT strategy.
The company already has two old computers in the office that are used for basic desktop publishing
applications and designing the occasional logo or graphic. These computers each have: Pentium 2
300MHz processor, 32Mb RAM, 2Gb hard disk drive, and a 15 inch CRT monitor. One of the
computers has a 100Mb Zip drive connected to it, as well as a greyscale hand-scanner. RePro wants
to purchase two new computer systems to provide them with the technology to support them in
future years.
One computer system will be used for the acquisition of images from photographs and documents,
and also be able to connect to a high-performance digital camera. This computer will be used to run
image manipulation software. This computer should also be able to produce good quality colour and
black and white hard copies of work.
The second computer system will be used to perform desktop publishing, page layout, and printing
of final, high-quality, documents for clients, which are needed in a variety of colours, sizes, and
paper types. This machine will also be used to save and read existing work from a digital archive,
which requires some form of permanent, mass storage device.
Both computers require some form of portable storage media, to keep a variety of different things
on, such as images, graphics, text, and customer documents. RePro would also like to keep the old
computers that it has, and put them to good use, rather than disposing of them.
The Task
You have been hired as an IT consultant by RePro to recommend two new computer systems to
meet their requirements, as well as analyse the upgrade options for the existing computers. You
should present your recommendations in the form of a report, which is to be given to the
management team at RePro.
Your job for RePro can be split into two main tasks:
1. Recommend two brand new computer systems that meet the requirements that have been laid
out by RePro, which should include the specification of the hardware (the computer and any
devices which will be attached).You should provide technical information about any
components and devices that you specify, and clearly explain their functions, and why RePro
need these items.
2. Analyse the existing computer systems (make assumptions for anything you don’t know) and
state whether or not these computers will need to be upgraded, and why. If you choose to
upgrade these machines then explain the upgrade options available and what you recommend
doing to improve the systems, and why.
RePro would like you to recommend specific computers and devices that are available off the shelf,
and that you indicate what these devices will cost, as well as giving an overall valuation for the
implementation of your IT strategy.
Guidance
You should work individually on this assignment and clearly distinguish between content created
entirely by you and that obtained from elsewhere. Your report should be approximately 4 pages for
the first task, and at least 2 pages for the second task. You should also include an introduction and
conclusion in your report, as well as a list of references or sources if appropriate.
You may obtain further guidance from the lecturer.
Submission
You should produce a word processed report, along with this specification and a completed and
signed front sheet. You may use diagrams and images, where appropriate.
The printed report should be submitted to your lecturer in the first module class after the stated
week beginning submission date on the front sheet.
Learning Outcomes
The following Learning Outcomes will be covered by this assignment:
Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate performance of a selected
computer system
3. Upgrade a computer system
Assessment criteria
•
select machine components or sub-systems appropriate to
given tasks
•
specify a complete computer system to suit a given task
•
evaluate the performance of the selected system
•
determine the upgrade opportunities for a computer system
•
specify the upgrade of a computer system
Assessment
This assignment will carry half of the marks for this module.
To obtain a Pass all elements of the task must be completed and submitted by the due date and your
assignment must satisfy the learning outcomes.
To obtain a Merit, some elements of quality and good presentation and structure must be evident, as
well as evidence of relevant research.
To obtain a Distinction, all aspects of your assignment should demonstrate quality of a professional
standard, individual thought, and significant research.
For a definition of quality refer to the following table, taken from the Guidelines for Higher
National Computing Courses:
Merit
In order to achieve a Merit the student must:
• use a range of methods and techniques to collect,
analyse and process information;
• apply and analyse detailed knowledge and skills,
using relevant theories and techniques;
• coherently present and communicate work using
technical language appropriately.
Distinction
In order to achieve a Distinction the student must:
• check validity when collecting, analysing and
processing complex information/data;
• evaluate and synthesise relevant theories and
techniques to generate and justify valid
conclusions;
• show an individual approach in presenting and
communicating work coherently, using technical
language fluently.