CS3 - Setting Up A System

TASK 1

Throughout this task I will take you through how to install a hardware printer and the printer's software. I will also replace the RAM, and lastly I will install a software program and test that it works correctly.

Replacing the RAM

To replace the ram firstly I equipped myself with an anti-static wristband so I did not damage the hardware, I then removed the cover from the computer and placed it on the anti-static mat.

Then I unclipped the RAM cards at each end of the RAM slots, and removed them.

I then replaced the computer with new RAM slots, by clicking the RAM cards into the RAM slots. You will find that you have to apply a little bit of pressure to get them to click back into place.

That RAM is now successfully installed, although the system will require a restart.

Installing A Hardware Printer & The Printer's Software

This is the Epson Stylus Printer that I will show you how to install correctly. I will also show you how to install the required software and drivers that the printer needs.

 Firstly I inserted the CD-ROM that the printer comes with, and clicked 'Install'. This then installs the printer software, the required drivers and any other additional/optional components.

Once the installation was complete, I then clicked Finish (you may need to register the hardware.)

 I then turned the printer on and plugged the USB cable into the computer, this then recognised the hardware and allowed me to print a document to test that it was working correctly.

This is a screenshot of the additional software that the printer comes with, also working correctly.

TASK 2

Throughout this task I will configure some of a computer's basic system settings.

I will include:

1. Changing the left and right mouse buttons.
2. Power saving options.
3. Screen resolution.
4. Desktop theme.

Left and Right Mouse Buttons

To change the left and right mouse buttons, firstly I went into 'Control Panel' which is located in the 'Start Menu'. I then clicked on 'Mouse', which opened up the 'Mouse Properties' window. Then in the first tab labelled 'Buttons', i clicked the option that says 'Switch primary and secondary buttons'.

To change the power options, firstly I went into 'Control Panel' which is located in the 'Start Menu'. I then clicked on 'Power Options' which opened the 'Power Options Properties' window, from here i could adjust various power options.

To change the screen resolution, I firstly right clicked on the Desktop and then clicked 'Properties'. In the 'Properties' window, i then clicked on the 'Appearance' tab which then allows you to adjust the screen resolution at the bottom of the window.

To change the desktop theme, I firstly right clicked the desktop and then clicked 'Properties'. From this window I then clicked the first tab called 'Themes', from here i could then adjust the theme.

TASK 3

Throughout Task 3 I will test a configured computer system for general functionality.

See attached test plan document.

TASK 4

Throughout this task I will undertake some routine maintanance tasks on a standalone computer system.

These include:

1. Organising and naming files.
2. Replacing an ink cartridge.
3. Replacing a damaged component.

Organising and Naming Files

For my coursework, i created a file structure in which to organise and store my work documents. I seperated the work into the various units.

Replacing an Ink Cartridge

To replace an ink cartridge on the Epson Stylus S22, I firstly lifted up the printer lid and then clicked the 'Maintanance' button, this released the cartridge holder so i could pull and remove the old ink cartridge. I then got the new ink cartridge, slotted into the empty slot, closed the lid and restarted the printer.

Replacing a Damaged Component

Lastly, I replaced the damaged video card that was in my the system with a working one. I did this by unscrewing the video card and pulling it out, then I screwed in the new video card and restarted the system. I made sure to wear an anti-static wristband throughout.

Task 5 (M3)

Throughout this task I will discuss how the configurations I made to the computer system throughout task 2 have made it more appropriate for its specified purpose. Because the systems are being built for children living in Tanzania, certain configurations can be made to make the systems easier to use, or more sustainable for the children.

These are a few examples of the configurations I made, and how these will benefit the children:

Power-saving options: I decided to enable the power-save options as the systems will be for public use, and therefore will be turned on for the majority of the time. With power-saving options, this means that when a system is not being used it can go into power-save mode and therefore save the village schools energy costs, not only this but it preserves the systems.

Screen resolution: I decided to change the screen resolution  options, to make the screen more visibly clearer for the children, and also to make the text easier to read for them as some of them may still have difficulty reading, or may have eyesight issues.

Desktop Theme: I decided to change the desktop theme of the system with the intention to make it seem more appealing to the children. I went for a bright blue XP theme, rather than the traditional grey classic theme. By doing this, it should make the children feel more at ease with using the system, and also motivates them to use it.

Another potential change that I could of made in Task 2 would of been to change the default language settings, as the children live in Tanzania.

Task 6 (D2)

Throughout this task I will explain and justify improvements that can be made to a computer system, taking into account the costs involved and the potential benefits gained.

The potential improvements that I will discuss are:

• Upgrading the Operating System
• Installing Office
• Installing a Projector

Upgrading the Operating System

Currently the systems are running XP, although with an operating system upgrade to Windows 7 there are various potential benefits for the children to gain.

Initial Cost

The initial cost of updating a system from XP to Windows 7 is £81.95 (Amazon.co.uk), although their are specialist student sellers who can offer the software at discount prices such as studentbeans.com. Not only this, but if the schools were to buy in bulk they would get a lower price per unit overall.

Potential Benefits

• The overall desktop is a lot more aeshtetically pleasing, and offers a lot more functionality for the user. The children would find it easier to navigate around the desktop, with clever tools such as 'Jump Lists' that provide integrated shortcuts to programs, files and folders.
• The search options are a lot more functional on Windows 7, so the children will be able to browse the system easier and locate the files they need in a more simplistic manner.
• With Windows HomeGroup the children can share files and connect devices with one another a lot easier. With minimum fuss the children could share movies, musis, pictures, documents etc.
• Windows 7 has key performance improvements which use less memory, and prioritise background processes unlike Windows XP. So therefore, the children will experience a better system with a better performance.
• Windows 7 also offers easier to networking options to get the children online in a couple of clicks. Not only this but it also supports IE 9 and Windows Live, so the children can gain and experience a better online experience.

Installing Office

Currently the systems do not have any Office package installed. Installing Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010, would bring huge benefits to the children.

Initial Cost

The initial cost of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010 is £84.79 for 3 systems (Amazon.co.uk). Although, once again discounted prices can be found for students online.

Potential Benefits

• With Office Home & Student 2010, the children can create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and organise their work with OneNote. 
• It is easy to use, visually attractive, and can help the children improve their writing skills, design skills, calculation skills, organisation skills etc. 

Installing a Projector

Purchasing and installing a projector would also benefit the children hugely, as they could present presentational work on it. It is also a great teaching tool,   and can offer interactive functionality.

Initial Cost

The initial cost of a good high resolution projector is between £150 to £200.  Depending on how high they want the picture quality affects the price.

Potential Benefits

• It is a great teaching tool that would get everyday use in a primary school to present to the children.
• It can also be used for the children to present and show their work to peers. 
• By presenting work, it also aids the children's presentational and speaking skills.
• The children could use the Office Powerpoint software with this piece of hardware.

CS1 - Decoding The Jargon - All Tasks

The Components Involved In a PC System

Throughout this blog, I will outline the components involved in building a PC system explaining there various functions and the technical relationship between them. Not only this, but I will explain how to install each component. Then lastly I will also look at various operating systems and their differed purposes.

The Bare Essentials

• CPU
• Heatsink and fan
• RAM (memory)
• Motherboard
• Graphics card
• Monitor
• Hard Drive
• Keyboard
• CD/DVD-Drive
• Case
• IDE cable's (normally with motherboard)
• Power cable (normally with case)

These are the bare essentials in which to build a functional PC system, now I will describe what each of the components contribute to the system.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU or processor is basically the ‘brain’ of a computer, it executes instructions for the system and transports data. It is regarded as the most important element of a computer, as without it there would be no communication between hardware components, and no list of sequenced instructions for the system to follow, and therefore function.

The CPU is located on the motherboard inside a small chip known as a microprocessor. It plugs directly into a CPU socket that is located on the motherboard. Certain motherboards only support certain CPU’s, so when installing/upgrading it is essential to check the manufacturer specifications of both pieces of hardware.

There are two main components of the CPU:

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) – This performs basic arithmetic and logical operations (calculations).

The Control Unit (CU) – This extracts instructions from memory (RAM), decodes and then executes them. It can interact with the ALU when necessary.



This is a standard CPU Chipset



Modern CPU’s sometimes have a small fan and heat sink that are attached, this is to try to aid heat dissipation to keep the CPU running efficiently. The CPU interacts with the system via the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) which is where it can execute its set language instructions for each component in the system. It receives these instructions from the device driver that is installed in order to allow communication between a device and a computer system. The CPU chipset has a two north and south bridges. The north bridge controller interacts with the Hard disk, and the south bridge performs lower speed tasks like interacting with USB and I/O components.

Heat sink & Fan

A heat sink is a component used in which to transfer heat from within a solid state to an air or liquid state in an attempt to reduce the heat that is being applied directly to the solid component. These are often found on a motherboard attached to a modern CPU to keep it running in a cool and efficient manner. They often come with a fan also, which extracts cool air from outside the computer case and circulates around the PC in an additional attempt to aid cooling.

How to install/upgrade the CPU, heat sink & fan

1.)     Locate the CPU socket that is on the motherboard, it will appear a small square socket with numerous pinholes in it. Lift the safety catch to the side of the socket to allow the CPU to be plugged into it.

2.)     To mount the CPU, align the CPU pins to the CPU pinholes and apply pressure until the CPU clicks into place. Then push the safety catch lever back down to lock the CPU into place.

3.)     Often it is recommended to use some form of thermal compound when installing the CPU, this is applied between the CPU and the heat sink in an effort to reduce the CPU’s temperature. A thermal paste can be used for this, and is available to purchase from most computing stores.

4.)     Before installing a heat sink it is important to check whether or not a cooling fan has to be attached to the heat sink before the heat sink is attached to the CPU, you will be notified of this in the manufacturer booklet. When you’re ready to mount the heat sink, most come with small levers in which to clamp the heat sink directly above the CPU, although some require a screw fitting. You will be instructed of the exact installation procedure in the manufacturer booklet.

5.)     Once your CPU, heat sink and fan are mounted you need to locate the CPU fan header on the motherboard, and connect the heat sink power cable to the header. Again it is essential that you read your manufacturer documentation to ensure the correct fitting.               

6.)     Lastly, you need to configure the BIOS which will detect the type and speed of the newly installed CPU, again check the manufacturer documentation for the exact procedure in which to follow.



This is an example of a heatsink and fan.





CS2 - The Best Solution - Task 1

Software Utilities

Computing utility software is used to analyse, configure and maintain the main infrastructure to a computer system. Rather than focusing on application tasks and management, utility software is associated more with the operational side of the system and is designed to manage hardware, operating systems, driver software and data storage for example. Because of this, utility software is often quite technical to manually configure.

Throughout this blog i will discuss various software utilities, and highlight their uses. I will discuss virus protection software, clean up tools and drive formatting.

Virus Protection

Anti-virus utility software is designed for the prevention, detection and removal of malicious software such as trojans, worms, spyware, adware etc.

Anti-virus software detects malicious software by scanning executable code on the system that is known to be of a malicious nature, or is similiar to pre-existing malicious code. Some anti-virus software also runs potential malicious software in a 'sandbox' area of the system to see if the software intends to run any malicious actions, if it does then the anti-virus utility can remove the malicious software before it is implemented into the system.

There are evidently large benefits to the use of anti-virus utility software, such as the protection it offers to a computer system and the general maintenance that some anti-virus software offers e.g pop up blockers, registry cleaning etc.

Although there are also some drawbacks, firstly anti-virus software and the RAM in which it uses maintaining a system can cause a system's performance to drop. Also the prompts and actions in which it poses to the user can often be quite technical, resulting in malicious attack if the user fails to do what is necessary to prevent it.

Common anti-virus developers are Norton, Mcafee, AVG etc.





This is a sample of an anti-virus utility. You can see that it offers the user the ability to scan their system, configure privacy settings, track system activity and view a basic overview on how well the system is protected.

Clean up Tools

Disk Cleaner

A disk cleanup tool is a software utility designed to free up hard disk space on a system. It works by analyzing and detecting files that are no longer used by the system, and then removes them. It also prompts the user with files that may be in use, but are recommended for removal these are usually files that lack in importance, but are relatively large in size (e.g temp files).

Many disk clean up utilities also offer the user the ability to compress rarely used files which improves disk space, and prioritise frequently used files to maintain quick file access times.

Common areas in which disk clean up tools target are:

• Temp folders
• Downloaded program files
• Recycle Bin
• Unused applications & components
• Log files

The most used clean-up tool is 'Disk Cleanup', which is a Windows utility that comes pre-installed with Windows software. Although other alternatives exist such as CCleaner, Red Button etc.

Registry Cleaner

A registry cleaner utility is designed to remove unwanted/redundant data from a system's registry in an attempt to improve the system's overall functionality. It works by scanning the registry, and repairing or deleting unnecessary values that are often left from uninstall failures, previous malware operations etc.

The clear advantage to registry cleaners is that due the registry's complexity, being able to maintain it manually would be virtually impossible. So a registry cleaner is essential in maintaining a functional registry.

Although registry cleaners have been known to pose some disdvantages, some experts argue that many registry cleaners classify minor detected errors as being 'critical' and therefore delete vital registry data, which can lead to the system crashing, booting failure and other general errors. This type of utility is also popular among malicious software developers, as it gains access to the system's registry where all the system's configuration settings are stored.

Registry cleaner developers include MAXpc, FixCleaner and Registry Booster.

  

Drive Formatting

Disk formatting is a utility that is built to prepare hard disk drives for an operating system installation, and can completely clean a hard disk of all data so its back to its manufactured state.

Formatting a disk works in three steps:

1. Low-level formatting - Low level formatting is the first step, the utility makes surface markers on the disk in which to indicate the start of a recoding block equipped with the foundation information, for the disk to be able to read/write data. This returns the disk to its initial state (factory settings).
2. Partitioning - Partioning then occurs, and this is to structure the disk data into various areas to raise the disk efficiency. Defective files and sectors are also detected in this stage.
3. High-level formatting - High level formatting is where the utility restores the disk's logical file system, and allows the disk to be detected and accessed. This may occur when installing the operating system. 

Disk formatting is a utility that is pre-installed with all Windows systems, and can simply be executed by the FORMAT command. It works by clearing the FAT entries by changing them 0x00, the root directory is then cleared by changing all values to 0x00 and finally all clusters are tested to ensure disk is fully operational.

Performance

A software utility's primary goal is to improve the overall performance of a computer system, it does this by keeping the system's logical structure maintained and organised. Software utilities can scan a computer system and delete unwanted and corrupt files, re-organise files and other general maintanance tasks in which to ensure that a system is running at its optimum performance level.