Assignment brief

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Assignment title

Assignment 3: Setting up the system

Purpose of this assignment

LO3: Be able to set up and maintain computer systems.

Scenario
You have been given the task of setting up a stand-alone computer with windows 7 or setting up the
raspberry Pi computer and evaluating the raspberry pi device for the suitability of educational instruction
on the basics of computer systems. The environment in which the instructions would be given could be
a school, college or company training scheme. A set of raspberry Pis and ATX PC has been procured
along with HDMI-VGA adapters, a power source and SD memory cards, Keyboards, mice and monitors
have also been made available for class activity.

Task 1: Setting up a standalone computer. (Working in small groups)

a) In order to eliminate possible bad connections and check each component, dismantle and
rebuild the base unit - but do not remove the motherboard, CPU or power supply unit. Use
necessary precautions. (Add BIOS evidence)
b) Document either a PC or a raspberry Pi device and install a suitable operating system.
c) Demonstrate safety precautions when setting up each system. (Add wearing strap)
Tutor observation records will provide evidence for [P5]

Task 2: Configure a computer system to meet student needs (Working in small groups)
Choose some suitable basic system settings for either the windows OS or Pi device such as:
Mouse settings, Powersaving options, Screen resolution
Desktop theme (choosing eg icon size, font size, colour, background, icon choice)
Computer name, Domain/workgroup and user accounts with different privileges
Creating start-up options & Selective start-up
Tutor observation records will provide evidence for [P6]

Task 3: Testing the functionality of a computer system

Create a test plan and carry out testing of the Raspberry Pi system or a PC system. Ensure that you test
all hardware and software components and as many OS functions as possible. Amongst these ensure
that you check keyboard configuration, time-zone and over-scan. This is a functionality (not
performance) test.
This provides evidence for [P7]

Task 4: Routine maintenance

Prepare a presentation to :a) Explain how a student could organise their folders using the Pi or the PC system.
b) Explain how students could reliably back up their work and use all the memory on an SD card
containing the operating system for the Raspberry Pi.
c) Explain how you would (Re-flash) a faulty operating system for the Raspberry Pi.
This provides evidence for [P8]

Task 5: Evaluating Performance

Create a written report to include the following:a) Explain what tests are usually carried out on standalone computers to evaluate their
performance. In each case give an example of a scenario where good performance in that test
is important (hint: use Performance Monitor)

b) Working in small groups install a freeware benchmarking system on your standalone Raspberry
Pi or the PC system. Carry out the tests and provide screenshots such as PC Cleaner,
Performance tools in Windows 7.

c) Compare the performance of your Raspberry Pi and a PC.

This provides evidence for [M3]

Task 6: Improvements to a computer system

It is proposed that the computers be upgraded / modified for one of the following specific user:
A PHP developer who will be using XAMPP and Notepad++
A trainee Java Developer using Eclipse and Greenfoot

A student studying a diploma in Digital Arts using graphic editing software.

In a report format, explain how the Raspberry Pi or a PC system you have used could be improved;
consider costs involved and potential benefits gained. (Minimum 300 words)
This provides evidence for [D2]