Assignment Brief

Scenario:
SoftNet (pvt) Ltd is an emerging ICT education provider in Sri Lanka. You are one of the system
administrators of the organization. And your organization is about to set up 03 different labs for
the students in the coming weeks.

a) Programming Lab
b) Auto CAD Lab
c) MS Office Lab for Word Processing, Spreadsheet Modeling and Presentations

As a systems administrator the management has requested your expertise on selecting proper
system configuration and necessary hardware equipment and software for the proposed labs.

Main Tasks:
Task 01:
The Computer Systems are playing different roles in many different sectors. Explain the role
of Computer Systems in different environments and comprehensively discuss the
significance of the computer system in the sectors of education and business providing
appropriate scenarios as examples. (LO 1.1) (M2.7)

Task 02:
Identify and explain various hardware, software and peripheral components of a computer
system. Provide an organizational chart with sub categories of hardware, software and
peripheral components with appropriate examples. (LO1.2)

Task 03:
There are many different classifications of computer system. Identify different types of
Computer Systems at least under 02 different classifications. (LO 1.3)

Task 04:
Produce system design specifications to meet the requirements in the labs given in scenario
above. (LO 2.1) (M1.1) (D1.1)

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Task 05:
Justify the suitability of system design specifications for the above tasks. (LO 2.2) (M1.1)
(D1.1)
Task 06:
You are required to perform following tasks.
a) Obtain the complete “System Summary" of the computer system. (Activity 04)
b) Check the settings and functionality the of the Display, Sounds and Input devices
through a “Diagnostic Tool” of the system (Activity 04)

And document the readings of the activities

c) Prepare a “Technical Support Document” to guide users on how to perform Activity
05, 06 and 07 (LO 3.2)

Task 07:
Later on, you’re given a task of upgrading a set of Windows XP installed computer systems
which has been using for a while to be upgraded to an advanced modern Windows
operating system. You are required to increase the RAM capacity of the system while
upgrading the operating system from Windows XP to Windows 7 to meet the requirements
of the given task. (Activity 8, 9)

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Table of Contents
Computer System...........................................................................................................................7
What is a computer system?.......................................................................................................7
What is a Computer?..................................................................................................................7
Function of a computer system...................................................................................................7
Role of Computer Systems in different Environment.....................................................................8
Support many ways in self study................................................................................................8
Role of Computer in Business Field...........................................................................................9
Role of Computer in Medical Field............................................................................................9
Role of in Computer in Management..........................................................................................9
Usage of IT in Everyday life...................................................................................................9
Software.......................................................................................................................................10
Application Software................................................................................................................10
Languages.............................................................................................................................11
Packages...............................................................................................................................11
System Software.......................................................................................................................11
Operating System..................................................................................................................11
Program Translator...............................................................................................................11
Utility Software....................................................................................................................11
Computer Hardware.....................................................................................................................12
Devices inside the system box..................................................................................................12
Motherboard.........................................................................................................................12
Processor..............................................................................................................................13
Memory................................................................................................................................13
Hard Disk..............................................................................................................................15
Power Supply........................................................................................................................15
Expansion cards....................................................................................................................16
Peripheral Devices........................................................................................................................16
Input Devices............................................................................................................................16
Out Put Devices........................................................................................................................17
Classification of Computer...........................................................................................................18

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 Classification by Technology...................................................................................................18
Classification by Capacity........................................................................................................19
Classification by their basic operating principle.......................................................................20
The Computer Evolution..........................................................................................................21
Disk Fragmentation.......................................................................................................................22
System Summery..........................................................................................................................28
Scan disk......................................................................................................................................30
The Best Hard Ware Configuration for AutoCAD........................................................................31
Best Hardware components for Programming LAB.....................................................................32
Best Hardware for Word Processing Lab......................................................................................33
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................34

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Computer System

What is a computer system?

A computer system is a collection of program and elements that
work together to achieve a common objective. A Computer system consists of Hardware,
Software, Firmware, live ware elements that support information processing.

What is a Computer?
A computer is a programmable machine that inputs process and outputs
data. Computer is an electronic device that can store and process data, converting into
information that is useful to people.

Input Process Output

Data / Instructions Information

Conversion of data in data into meaningful information is known as data processing.

Function of a computer system

 Speed
 Accuracy
 Reliability
 Memory and storage
 Multi Language
 Diligence – Performance a task continuously & Quickly
 Artificial intelligence

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Role of Computer Systems in different Environment
There are many ways in computer system is used different Environment. Now days a
computer system using in a many kinds of environment like wise engineering, data
processing and storage, planning and scheduling, networking, Education as well as
Business field, Health and Medical field.

Support many ways in self study

E – Learning (or eLearning) is the use of electronic educational technology in learning
and teaching. Many students assume control of their learning experience and use it to
their own specific needs. They can learn take place anytime and any where, and also
student can learn very faster’s learning is good way for making lesson more attractive,
using online learning.

E-book An electronic book (e-book, eBook, e-Book, eBooks, and digital book) is a book.
In this e book length publication in digital form, their consisting of text, images, or both
we can readable on computer or other electronic devices.

Online examination It Isa technological term for conducting exams on computers. So it

becomes important for every student to be well acquainted with thee online examination
skills and technology

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Role of Computer in Business Field
Computer in Business helps for communicate among employees, clients and customers.
Managers can show training videos, make conference calls, and even organize and
webinars or web- based seminars online with computers. This inter communication
among business, client and customers can manage or organize internationally.

Role of Computer in Medical Field

Computers play different key role in any object that is completely round of our life. The
circuitry and logic in most of the medical equipment is basically a computer. The
function of hospital – bed beeping systems, emergency alarm systems, X-ray machine,
ECG machines and several such appliances is based on computer logic.

Role of in Computer in Management

In management field the computer plays a vital role directly or indirectly. Information
systems are typically computer systems used for data managing.

Usage of IT in Everyday life

 Business administrator system : Airline booking system, Insurance claims
processing, online baking
 Use of large scale computer applications within government : Vehicle registration
systems, revenue collection
 Use of computer within hospitals and health care systems: patient record systems,
ambulance control system, diagnostic tools and specialist surgical equipment.
 Use of computer applications in education: student registration and timetabling,
Computer based training, (CBT), using the internet as a homework resource,
Distance Learning System (E – Learning).

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Software
Software collection of program this collection of software this collection of software
programs we can get the internet. Software can be divide two parts there are Application
software, System software.
Software

Application software System software

Generic S/W Bespoke S/W O/S Utility S/W Language/T

Application Software
Application Software very helpful in writing letters, storing files, managing finance,
drawing picture, analyzing number, There are some popular brand of application
software.
 Business software
 Scientific and engineering software
 Real Time software
 Embedded software ( Printer, Modem, Cell phone, Battery Charge, Fax machine,
Network cards, Washer and dyers, Video phone )
 Personal computer software
 Artificial intelligence software
 Open – Source software
 Readymade software ( Tally, Busy, Ex, Professional Accounts )
 Commercial off the shelf software

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Languages(Java, Pascal, Visual basic, FORTAN, C++) Programming language is a
programmer to write instruction that a computer can understand.
Packages (Graphic, Corel draw, Word processing “Word”, spreadsheet “MS Excel”, Data
base “MS Access”, Animation “Flash / 3D”)

System Software
System software is a collection of programs written to service other programs.The
System software is controlling the hardware resources and supports the application
software.

Operating Systemis the main controller within a computer .All hardware installed or
connected to a computer system. (Windows XP, UNIX, UBUNTU, MAC, Linux, DOS)
Program Translator (Compilers, Interpreters)
Utility Software(Merging, Storing)

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Computer Hardware
Hardware means computer components (equipment).Computer hardware can be
classified into two categories

 Peripheral Device.
 Devices inside the system box.

Devices inside the system box

Motherboard
Motherboard can be classified into various types mainly by their size, features and layout
arrangements and internal components.Most motherboard comes with the “onboard
device” concept there is a lot of interface cards to the motherboard itself. it is a Printed
Circuit Board that contains the main components. Input, Output, processingStorage like
all the devices is connected to it……….

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Processor
The CPU or sometimes we are called processor. Central Processing Unit is an integrated
circuit or “chips” which process instruction and data.
Processor types:
 Single core
 Dual core
 Quad core
 Octa core

Memory
The Computer need a working memory for store, retrieve and save instructions and data.
This working memory is called the main memory or primary storage. Memory can be
divided two parts they are:
 Primary Storage
 Secondary Storage

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Primary Storage

 RAM (Random Access Memory)

 ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM (Read Only Memory)

It is a kind of memory chip. The data and program in Rom can only be read by a
computer. Information is not lost by ROM even if the power is switched off. The contents
of ROM are fixed when the ROM chip or compact disk is manufactured. ROM BIOS
chips are used for storing information. These chips are also used for storing programs.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Ram is the main working memory used by the computer. When the operating system
loads from the computer

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

It is the most ordinary kind of memory chip. It’s used for the computers main memory.
All information stored in DRAM is not permanent. Size is measured in MB & GB. Cost
is lower than Secondary Storage.

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

It is a special high speed memory used inside the processor. This uses small memory cells
called resistors, and small memory area called cache memory resistors sizes are measured
in bits & bytes.

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Secondary Storage
Hard Disk
It is a magnetic disk. Hard disks hold more data and are faster than floppy disks. A hard
disk can store anywhere from 10 to more than 100 gigabytes. A single hard disk usually
consists of several platters. Each platter requires two read / write heads are attached to
asingle access arm so that they cannot more independently. Each platter has the same
number of track location that cuts across all platters is called a cylinder.

Power Supply
There is a power supply in every computer. The unit of measurement of power supply is
watts. The power supply is what feeds electrical power to every part in the pc.

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Expansion cards
Video card, sound card, Modem, Network Interface Card, TV/Radio Card. These cards
expand the functionality of the computer. Add additional functionalities to the mother
board.

Ports and slots available in the computer

Ports and slots can be used to connect interface cards as well as external devices to the
motherboard. Latest motherboards are having newer and faster interfaces for connecting
devices.
 IDE interfaces are replaced by SATA
 AGP slots are replaced by PCI express slots which support newer VGA cards

Peripheral Devices
It is a piece of equipment in a computer system that is not actually inside the computer.
Peripheral devices can be divided in two parts. They are
 Input Devices
 Output Devices

Input Devices
It is a device for entering information into a computer. Input Devices are Keyboard,
Joystick, Mouse, Light Pen, Touch-sensitive screen, Graphic Tablet etc…….

Joystick
It is an input devicethat is used to move the cursor or other objects on the visual display
unit. It is usually used with video games for moving car or a plane.

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Keyboard
Keyboard is the commonest way of entering information in to a computer. There are a
number of different types, including hose specially designed for use with Microsoft
Windows.
Mouse
It is a device which is used with computer. The mouse came into common use on a PC
with the introduction of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Light Pens
A light pen is used to allow users to point to areas on a screen and often used to select
menu choice.
Touch Pads
A touch pads is a desktop devices and response to pressure used in conjunction with a
special pen they can be used by graphic artists wishing to create original digital art work,
they are also used in laptops as the mouse.
Out Put Devices
It is a device by which a computer can communicate. The most common output devices
are Speakers, Printer, Plotters, Projectors,
Plotter
A plotter is an Output device similar to a Printer, but normally allows printing larger
images.
Speaker
Most computers are sold with the capability to add a pair of speaker to our system unit. In
fact, in some cases, the monitor may have speakers built directly in to educational and
presentation products and can now be considered a started PC components.

Printer
Beside the monitor,the other important output device is the printer.Generally printers fall
into two categoris: Impact and Non impact.

Non impact printer:create an image by using pins or hammers to press an inked

ribbonagaints paper

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Classification of Computer
Computer machines can be classified in many ways. They can be classified by the
Technology and Purpose or Size, and Performance.

 Classification by their Size

 Classification by Technology
 Classification by Purpose
 The Computer Evolution

Classification by Technology

Flesh - Before the advent of any kind of computing device at all, human beings
performed computation by themselves. This involved part of the body.

Wood - Wood became a computing device when it was first used to design the abacus.

Metals – Metals were used in the early machines of Pascal, Thomas and the production
versions form firms such as Monroe.

Elector Mechanical Device – As differential analyzers. These were present in the early
machines of Zeus, Aiken and many others.

Electronic Elements – These were used in the colossus, ABC, ENIAC, and the stored
program computers.

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Classification by Capacity

Mainframe Computer – It is a large and powerful Computer. Mainframes are mostly

used in large Organizations like banks, insurance companies, and government offices.
The Size and speed of a mainframe are very much greater than that of a Mini Computer.

PC (Personal Computer) – Single user computer system, moderately powerful Micro

Processor

Mini Computer – Multi User Computer system capable of supporting hundreds of users
simultaneously.

Super Computer–An Extremely fastcomputer, which can perform hundreds of millions

of instruction per second. Super computers are very expensive. Other uses of Super
computers animated graphics, fluid petroleum exploration.

Micro Computer – Micro computers are the most common types of computers used by
people today. It is use at school or on the desk at home.

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Classification by their basic operating principle

Analog Computer – Process data that are represented in the form of continuous variable.
Inputs are from measurements of physical properties like voltages, temperate, pressure
distance and volume.
Ex: Machines used in steel manufacturing plant.
Early medical diagnostic equipment (ECG)

Digital Computer – Most computers today are digital. Digital computers manipulate
most data more easily than analog computer. They are designed to process data in express
the result from their mathematical operations of additions, subtraction, multiplication and
Division.

Hybrid Computer – Use both digital & analog data and analog, digital signals.

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The Computer Evolution

Generation in computer terminology is a change in technology a computer is was being

used initially the generation term was used to distinguish between varying Hardware
Technologies.

Generation Year Description

1 1940-1956 Vacuum tubes

2 1956-1963 Transistors

3 1964-1971 Integrated Circuits ( IC )

4 1971-present Micro Processers

5 Present Artificial Intelligence & neural

network.

Disk Fragmentation
What is disk Defragmentation?

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Fragmentations happen to a hard disk over a time as you save, change, or delete files. The
changes that you save to a file are often stored at a location on the hard disk that’s
different from the original file. Additional changes are saved to even more locations.

Disk fragmentation
Windows provide the disk defragmenter utility
 Reorganizes clusters contiguously.
 Improves Performance.
 Minimize movement of the read / write heads.
 Use regularly to ensure system runs at peak performance.

Fragmented disk

After defragmentation

How to do a defragmentation

Go to the Start button My ComputerLocal Disk (C) Properties Tool

Defragment

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 Disk Cleanup
Go to the start button My ComputerPropertiesGeneral

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System Summery

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Scan disk

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The Best Hard Ware Configuration for AutoCAD

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
Hardware
 Motherboard – ASUSLGA 1150 Z97
 CPU – Intel Core i5-4690k Quad core 3.5Ghz 6MB Cache
 RAM–2GB DDR3/1333Mhz
 Hard Disk –2GB
 Monitor – 18.5 Led Monitor
 DVD Writer
 Power supply – Thermal take 500W
 Keyboard –USB Logitech
 Mouse –USB Logitech
Software
Auto CAD 20103
Auto CAD 2013 does not support the latest version of Mac OS-OS x. An update for this
Auto CAD should be installing Microsoft Windows 7.This doesn’t not mean it
won’twork, it is mean that it will work or wok properly. And also I’m using Intel core I5
– 4690k Quad core 3.5Ghz 6MB make sure It has a good processor. So in this
programming Lab using in student. And also I’ll using Hard Disk 2GB because it is very
faster hard drive good too and we need “enough” Memory. Student needs more storage
because saving their files and documents. I’m using 4GB DDR3 1333Ram because of the
Auto CAD Software And install Operating system install to need more space minimum
provide the smooth performance. I’m using DVD Writer to install other programming
software. And also I’m using power supply 500wenough to provide power.ps2 Keyboard
there is 1ps2 port for plug Keyboard mouse there are several ph2 port available in
Motherboard.18.5 LED monitor it is suitable programs. Because of it size and Led
technology are best power saving in other monitors.

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Best Hardware components for Programming LAB
Processor - Intel core I3 4330 3.5GHZ
Motherboard – Intel Desktop Board DH87RL
Ram- 4GB DDR3 1333 Ram (Kingston)
Hard Disk – 500GB
DVD writer
Power supply- 450w
Keyboard- USB (Standard)
Mouse-USB (Optical)
Monitor-18.5 LED
Software - Visual Studio 2010
Operating System – Microsoft Widows 7 Professional

Reason for choose Intel 4 Generation Processor. It is new and faster processor In modern
days. In power full windows 7 and visual studio (Java) to get better performance. The
DH87RL mother board is the best suitable and supported mother board for Intel 4
generation processor to run widows 7 need minimum1GB of Ram. But i chose 4 GB of
DDR 3 because of to get smaller performance. While doing programming. I selected
500GB Hard Drive to install windows 7 ( It require 20 GB of Hard Drive.) visual studio
2010 space 4GB space, and other rest of capacity of the Hard Disk can use for file saving.
We need the DVD writer to install other programming software. And also I choose DVD
writer because of it can do write and read CD’s and DVD’s. The 450W powers supply
enough to provide power. We have to choose USB Keyboard /Mouse because there are
no Ps2 ports in mother board.
18.5 LED monitor it suitable programmers, because of It size is medium the LED
Technology. Power saving other monitors. Visual studio 2010 not to old and no so new
so standards can easy to work. Visual studio 2010 design for windows 7 and it similar to
other new versions for advantages of Microsoft windows.

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Best Hardware for Word Processing Lab

Processor - Intel 3.0GHz Pentium G2030

Motherboard – Intel H61
Ram – 2 GB DDR3
Hard Disk-500 GB
DVD writer
Power supply - 450w
Keyboard – USB Ps2e
Mouse – USB (Logitech)
Operating System - Windows 7
Software - Ms Office 2007
Intel -3.0 GHz Pentium Gz030 is a dual core processor which is powerful to done multi
tasking and word processing. It is Cost is very low average. The H61 Intel Motherboard
lows budget and supported to Intel Pentium G2030 Processor are using 2GB Ram
because the Operating System needs for 1GB Ram minimum provide the smooth
performance. And also I’m using Hard disk is 500 GB because student need “enough”
storage capacity to save their Files and documents. I’m using DVD Writer to install other
programming software and I’m using power Supply 450w enough to provide power.Ps2
Keyboard, mouse we plug keyboard to this port. We have use USB Optical mouse.
Because there are several PH2 port available. I’m using Operating System Widows 7 and
install Ms Office 2007 because student can work and features are very simple and easy to
understand.

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