Hardware and Software Project - Uxbridge College project solution

Scenario

You are a consultant for a local IT & Networking company called ‘Uxb-Com’ which specialise in providing professional solutions to various types of companies who are looking for support for their IT infrastructure.

Your work mainly involves dealing with client equipment, which comes into the main ‘Uxb-Com’ office for servicing and fixing of faults.  You can also be involved with ensuring this equipment is correctly serviced ready for re-distribution to the clients.

‘Uxb-Com’ is also actively involved in promoting employment links with the local area and part of this drive involves the development of an apprenticeship scheme; providing the opportunity for a selected group to work   in their premises and to learn about their systems and procedures in relation to PC maintenance.  Some of your work may also involve ensuring this scheme runs as effectively as possible.

Task 1 - Hardware

Your first task involves preparing documentation for the apprenticeship scheme.  

Before an apprentice begins work ‘Uxb-Com’ likes them to have at least a rudimentary understanding of hardware and software concepts.

You are going to help create suitable documentation to help ensure they have the pre-requisite understanding before starting their apprenticeship.

You are going to write an introductory guide to basic computer hardware that can be given to prospective apprentices to study prior to them beginning their work in the company.

The contents of your guide:

1. Explain what a motherboard is, and what its purpose is in relation to a computer system.
2. Look at the images on the following four pages.  They are hardware components that all make up a computer system.  Identify each of the numbered items.
3. When you have done so provide a detailed description as to what their purpose actually is.

Hardware Identification

Look at the diagram below and try identify the common parts of the motherboard and what they are used for. 

Task 2 - A software guide

You are going to write an introductory guide on software basics that can be given to prospective apprentices to study prior to them beginning their work in the company.

Ensure you provide clear explanations for all descriptions with images of items where possible.

The contents of your guide must include:

1. A description of the purpose and function of an operating system (AC 1.4).  Ensuring you include the following:
1. What is the desktop?
2. The taskbar?
3. The system tray?
4. File manager?
2. What is meant by the term application software?  Describe the purpose of application software. (AC 1.4)
3. Give examples of typical application software used in industry and briefly describe their individual purpose.
4. What is meant by utility software? (AC 1.4).  Describe the purpose of utility software and specifically describe what is:
1. An anti-virus
2. A firewall
3. A Defragmenter
4. A Scan Disk utility
5. A Drive formatting utility
5. What are the potential issues in relation to installing software into a PC system? (AC 5.5).
6. Consider the legal ramifications of installing illegal software in a corporate environment and the dangers of infringing copyright when doing so. (AC 5.5).

Task 3 - Task 3 - Assemble A PC & Install operating system/applications

A new Spanish client called ‘Ultra.es’ has approached ‘Uxb-Com’; looking to implement a new computer system into the new IT regional offices located in London.  This will include installation of new hardware and software.

Demonstrate the ability to build a computer – You will be expected to build a PC and this will be expected to work fully.  You will then be expected to record the details of the process and any problems encountered. (AC 3.1) (AC 4.1)

The client wants to get an idea of the quality of the new machines you are planning to roll out.  In order to do this you are going to build a sample PC using hardware provided by your assessor, which is of similar specification to your design.

Upon completion of the PC build you need to test the system. This should include a series of basic tests that can be performed in order to check the viability of the system and to ensure it is working as expected.

You will need to document the entire procedure of building the PC.

This will include health and safety considerations in the building of PCs.

Your PC build will consist of:

• Installing the Processor and RAM on motherboard
• Installing the motherboard into case
• Installing the Hard Drive and Optical Drive (DVD)
• Installing the graphics card.
• Connecting all relevant cables including SATA, IDE, ATX and all relevant front panel connectors.
• Connect keyboard, mouse and monitor and test PC operation.

Task 4 - Demonstrate the ability to install relevant software (including operating system and other applications) 

1. Install all necessary software on the PC to run correctly. You will be expected to record the details of the process and any problems encountered.  The software will include:
1. Windows 7.0 (AC 5.1)
2. Anti-virus (install both AVG and Avira anti-virus – run a virus scan using both and uninstall the anti-virus program you feel is the least effective for the user)
3. Office application (Office 2007) (AC 5.3)
2. Configure the system – Configure the Windows environment in order to ensure it is as user-friendly as possible.  You should then provide screenshots of your configuration and explain the reasons for your choices of configuration. You will need to document the entire procedure during the installation and configuration of software on the PC using the documentation provided by your assessor.

Task 5 - Carry out preventative maintenance on a computer system

Ultra.es have requested that you provide some preventative maintenance on some older systems to make sure they are running at an optimum level, which have come into the office.  They intend to use these systems in the event that any PCs in their main office breakdown and they need replacement units.  They may contain some old files that need to be backed up before maintenance is performed.

Carry out the following maintenance procedures in the order listed:

• Connect the keyboard, mouse and monitor and turn the PC on.
• Back-up all documents in the system using Microsoft Disk Backup, using the filename, which consists of the date the backup is performed (Provide Screenshot).  Transfer the backup file onto the removable media provided by your assessor. (AC 6.1)
• Benchmark the PCs overall performance using the software provided by your assessor (AC 2.1) (Provide Screenshot). 
• Turn the PC off and disconnect the mouse, keyboard and monitor from the base unit. 
• Open the PC, install more RAM into the PC and close the PC case. (AC 2.1)
• Load Microsoft Windows and re-benchmark the PC analysing improvements in the performance.  (AC 2.1) (Provide Screenshot) 
• Configure Windows Updates to be installed once a week. (AC 2.1) (Provide Screenshot)
• Defragment the C Drive of the PC. (AC 2.1) (Provide Screenshot)
• Delete all unwanted temporary files. (AC 2.1) (Provide Screenshot)
• Save all screen prints you needs as evidence and shut down the PC.
• Connect the printer provided replace the printer paper and toner cartridge. (AC 4.1)
• Disconnect the printer, keyboard and mouse. (AC 4.2)

Task 6 - Carrying out Hardware Maintenance

Ultra.es have also found some even older PCs in their store room, which do not currently run.  You are required to carry out a maintenance procedure on a workstation, consisting of a base unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and to report and/or rectify any problems found.  They are systems, which ‘Uxb-com’ wants to re-utilize for trainees to use.

Task A

1. Visually inspect all system components externally for damage and deterioration. Using the Fault Reporting Log Sheet provided, identify any problems and propose actions to be taken.
2. Visually inspect the interior of the PC system for damage and deterioration. Identify problems encountered and rectify defects. Using the Fault Reporting Log Sheet, record details of any damage or deterioration and any actions you took.
3. Refit covers; reconnect the system as necessary and boot-up.

Task B

Now that you have completed the practical activity write a report/summary evaluation of the entire activity you have conducted.  Ensure you include all of the activities listed below:

• All damage to the PC systems themselves including what the faults actually were.
• What tools were used to diagnose the problems and what you did (if possible) to rectify the faults?

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