ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Unit 9. Computer Systems Architecture

Student Name/ID
Number

Unit Number and Title Unit 9. Computer Systems Architecture

Academic Year & Batch 2023 – Computing - 17

Unit Tutor Eng. A.L. Jubailah Begum

Assignment Title Computer Architecture

21/08/2023
Issue Date
Submission Date 30/09/2023

Submission Format

Soft copy of a Microsoft Word document, MS PowerPoint Presentation slide sets

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1 Explain the relationships between hardware components and the subsystems used in
a computer system
LO2 Categorise the key features and services provided by different computer operating
systems and hardware
LO3 Use network communication technology and the associated services to connect
computer systems
LO4 Demonstrate diagnostic and troubleshooting skills to solve hardware, software and
networking related issues.

Transferable skills and competencies developed

The four main subsystem of Von Neumann Architecture, the CPU – processor
functionalities, input/output systems and structure, ALU subsystems, program code and
language, fetch, decode, execute, halt, branch, control, Program Counter (PC), Instruction
Register (IR) and Instruction Decoder (ID), Operating system types and hardware,
Installing and configuring common peripheral devices, Operating Systems Architecture,
Network protocols HTTP, SMTP, TCP, UDP, ports, 7-layer OSI model, Hardware and
network addresses, Network devices and component, network topologies including
physical and logical: bus, star (extended star), ring and mesh etc.
Vocational scenario

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As technology develops, it is important to have a working foundation of computer
systems architecture on which to build technical knowledge. Also the foundations of
computer systems architecture, and the integrated hardware and software components
and subsystems that enable and allow data to be input, processed and output should be
learnt in detail.

The CPUs, memory, input and output devices, ALU operations, program execution,
operating systems (including kernel, file systems, API and system calls), hardware
management, installation, firmware, device drivers, networking (including OSI and TCP/IP
models), error and information gathering, fault diagnostics, security and problem
resolution are important chapters for a networking students.

Assignment activity and guidance

PART 1
Task 1 (P1, P2, M1, D1)
1. Prepare A Microsoft® PowerPoint® style presentation that:
• introduces what a computer system is
• identifies the main subsystems of a computer and explains how they
are organised and connected
• explains the purpose and operation of the CPU
• assesses CPU dependency and performance with regards to associated
systems and subsystems.

2. A presentation handbill that provides additional information on the points

discussed.

Part 2
Task 2 (P3, P4, M2, D1)
1. A Microsoft® PowerPoint® style presentation that:
• describes a range of different operating systems including the purpose,
use and hardware requirements of each
• discusses the key features associated with the architecture of an
operating system
• analyses the services provided by an operating system with regards to
user interaction, memory management, file management and
hardware support.

2. A technical hand-out that evaluates the structure and functions of an operating

system, including memory, processor, devices, file, security, performance and
error management with regards to functionality, operation and dependency.

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 You are required to submit two reports for the tasks 3 & 4. The reports should contain
all the relevant and appropriate details about which are mentioned in the unit descriptor.

Part 3
Task 3 (P5, P6, M3, D2)

1. Explain the relationships between hardware and network addresses including their
use with regards to networking devices and components.

2. Setup, configure and document appropriate hardware and software systems to

establish computer based network connectivity.

3. Compare common physical and logical networking topologies and explain the
differences and purposes of each.

Hint: Evaluate the OSI and TCP/IP models with regards to hierarchy, layers and services
including information on the associated protocols and hardware.

Part 4
Task 4 (P7, P8, M4, D3)
1. Use information gathering methods to assess, troubleshoot and document
solutions to a number of different technical hardware, software and networking
issues.

2. Conduct and document a range of maintenance activities with regards to

computer hardware and software.

3. Review different diagnostic and troubleshooting skills including data gathering

methods and techniques.

Hint: Assess any future improvements that may be required to ensure the continued
effectiveness of a computer system.

Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in
your research – the list is not definitive.

• Docter, Q., Dulaney, E. and Skandier, T. (2015) CompTIA A+ Complete Study

Guide: Exams 220–901 and 220–902. USA: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
• Mueller, S. (2015) Upgrading and Repairing PCs. USA: Que Publishing.
• Patterson, D. and Hennessy, J. (2013) Computer Organization and Design:
The Hardware/Software Interface. USA: Elsevier

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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1 Explain the relationships between hardware

components and the subsystems used in a computer system

P1 Identify the main subsystems M1 Review the D1 Evaluate the structure

of a computer and explain how operation of the CPU and functions of an
they are organised and and assess its operating system, including
connected. dependency and memory, processor, device,
P2 Explain the purpose of the performance with file, security, performance
Central Processing Unit (CPU) and regard to associated and error management
include details on its operation. systems and with regard to
subsystems. functionality, operation
and dependency.
LO2 Categorise the key features and services provided by
different computer operating systems and hardware

P3 Describe a range of different M2 Analyse the services

operating systems, including the provided by an
purpose, use and hardware operating system with
requirements of each. regard to user
P4 Discuss the key features interaction, memory
associated with the architecture management, file
of an operating system. management and
hardware support.

LO3 Use network communication technology and the associated services to connect
computer systems

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P5 Explain the relationships
between hardware and network
addresses, including their use
with regard to networking
devices and components.
P6 Set up, configure and
document appropriate hardware
and software systems to
establish computer-based
network connectivity.
LO4 Demonstrate diagnostic and troubleshooting skills to
solve hardware, software and networking related issues.
P7 Use information gathering
methods to assess, troubleshoot
and document solutions to a
number of different technical
hardware, software and
networking issues.
P8 Conduct and document a
range of maintenance activities
with regard to computer
hardware and software.
M3 Compare common D2 Evaluate the OSI and
physical and logical TCP/IP models with regard
networking topologies to hierarchy, layers and
and explain the services, including
differences and information on the
purposes of each. associated protocols and
hardware.
M4 Review different
diagnostic and
troubleshooting skills, D3 Assess any future
including data gathering improvements that may be
methods and required to ensure the
techniques. continued effectiveness of
a computer system.
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