Unit 2.2 Task 5 M3 and D2

M3

The image above is a screenshot of Windows XP performance information. The base score helps user’s buy programs to match the computer's performance. However, this score doesn't reflect the overall quality only the performance aspects of the computer. Separate hardware components, such as your computer's CPU and RAM, are tested and the user receives their performance as a sub score. Your computer's base score is determined by the lowest sub score. The base score is not an average of the various sub scores.

For the computer that the screen shot above is from, the CPU score was rather high as a score of 7.1 and I believe that this is an overall decent score in terms of performance. However, the score for the computers RAM is even higher. It’s score is 7.3 and is rated by the operations per second but speed can be deceptive because it is not an importance in complex software systems. Both graphics scores are lower than the other scores but I still think that the score is good in terms of the scale of the marks. Having a score of 6.7 is alright on a scale of 1.0 to 9.9.

D2

I believe that performance is a very important factor. Normally, if a program runs slowly and shows a cursor that spins, users of the system are likely to become irritated with the program and look for another alternative. Keeping a reasonable level of performance requires some attentiveness on the user’s part. However, the earlier you start thinking about the changes the easier it is to catch and fix problems. Performance is an aspect that is often overlooked by many until it becomes a bigger problem.

Every Windows computer is exposed to viruses which are used to cause both major and minor issues for users so in order to enhance the speed of the computer’s performance the user should scan for Viruses, Spyware and Adware.  The user could also reinstall the operating system and its programs. If the computer doesn’t respond then reinstalling the OS and programs might be an option because all data and user settings are backed-up so the user can wipe the hard drive clean and also re-install the OS with all your original disks. Another way to improve the speed of the performance of the computer, the user can also uninstall unused programs because he/she may have gathered programs that you do not use over time. Removing these programs frees up space on the computer which allows the speed of the systems performance to increase. The final way to increase the speed of the performance of the computer is for the user to prevent them-selves from automatically starting programs. Programs use operating memory (RAM) so if the user doesn’t always use these programs, stopping them from automatically starting it speeds up the booting of your computer and of course its performance.

unit2.3 task6b M2

M2-

There are many different computer systems that could be used but most of these have different features like costs etc.

Price is important aspect when it comes to selecting between a PC and a Mac. The PC is reasonably low-priced than the Mac. However, the money spent on the Mac is worth it because there are no issues with security etc. In a big company though, the cost of several Macs would be fairly high which means PC’s would be cheaper to purchase. On the other hand, I personally believe that Macs are better in terms of saving money because they need less maintenances etc. and they are far more dependable than PC’s.

 A PC provides many different features compared to a Mac. Security is one of these as many people use PC’s which have Windows installed. The computer is therefore more vulnerable to security threats in comparison to Macs. Macs are a lot less vulnerable to viruses which would be much safer if being used by a company.

The operating systems on both computer systems are again different. The PC’s operating system is less composed; this is because many PC manufacturers still place pre-installed software onto these computers and this offers no advantage to the user. The Macs operating system is far more stable than the PC. However, many people dislike the layout of this operating system.

There is a huge difference when it comes to the software on the two computer systems. With the Mac, there is a poor amount of software that can be installed. However, with the PC, there are loads of different programmes and software that can be installed. With the aid of Boot camp, many Windows programmes can still be installed. This means that Macs could still be used within the corporation as they can perform the similar job as the PC.

With knowing all of this, I believe that the utmost appropriate computer system to use would be the Apple Mac for this company. I generally believe this because it is a much enriched/reliable computer e.g. security. Despite the fact that the cost is extra, the Mac is worth the money as the operating systems are advanced and innovative than that of PC’s. 

unit 2.3 task 6a p4

P4-

Product	Price	Justification
iMac 27-inch: Has a Core i7 processor going up to 3.5GHz. Basically meaning that its speed is built in. Has incredible Intel HD Graphics 5000 built in, meaning the experience of HD videos and 3D games are definitely on the cards.	£1, 449	It is the best for graphic use. Has great display. Comes with Keyboard and mouse already. Also comes with Keynote and iPhoto.
HP Color LaserJet Pro Multi-function Printer M476dw	£369.95	·         Enable you to print, scan, copy and fax. Has a print speed of 20 pages per minute. Is a colour laser printer.
Adobe Photoshop CS6 Mac Full Edition	£329.95	Creates images with outstanding precision and control. Design anything you can imagine at amazing speeds. You can even put your ideas in motion by creating stunning videos.
Digital Camera- Olympus OM-D E-M10	£419.95	Intuitive controls, rapid, high definition electronic viewfinder (EVF) and ultra-high-speed 81-point FAST AF give you total control of your image capture. The 3-axis in-camera VCM IS delivers super-sharp shake-free images you can depend on. With a large electronic viewfinder, high performance 3-axis image stabilisation and high-speed auto-focus, it also comes equipped with built-in flash and Wi-Fi.
Intuos Pro Large	£429.99	Reasonably sized. Uses a pen which makes it easier and makes the outcome more precise. It has both right and left handed options and is wireless. It’s compatible with mac and is easy to operate as the features on it are simple.
The Epson PowerLite		This projector delivers near-excellent data image quality with an appropriate brightness for a midsize conference room.
iDraw	£15.96	Packed with easy to use features designed to give the best outcome. It is a vector design and illustration application which is specifically designed for Mac OS X.
iStudio Publisher	£12.99	Specifically for Mac, this software is perfect for designing anything you want in terms of its layout and print. It enables you to create professional quality documents with ease. This includes things from flyers to yearbooks. You start with a professionally designed template or a blank document of any size and then do as you please.
Paintbrush	£890	Paint program for Mac provides users with a means to make simple images quickly. Really easy to use and quickly accessed using the Mac OS.

Unit 2.2 Task 4 P8

Witness statement
Learner name		Lara Cunningham
Qualification		BTEC National 1st certificate in IT
Unit number and title		Unit 2.2 computer systems.
Assignment
Description of activity undertaken (please be as specific as possible)
Using the computer system provided, carry out the following routine maintenance: •       Create a file structure under user as follows A folder labelled with your name and within this folder create 3 folders labelled Home, Work and Study •       Configure the operating system to perform the following: •       back-up procedures •       automatic scheduling and deletion of unwanted data •       archiving •       defragmentation  •       deleting temporary files  •       Cleaning keyboard, mouse, display screen of the computer provided •       replacing consumables printer paper in the printer provided ·         replacing the damaged mouse
Assessment and grading criteria
Task 4. Undertake routine maintenance tasks on a standalone computer system. P8
How the activity meets the requirements of the assessment and grading criteria, including how and where the activity took place
I watched Lara create a file by going onto her documents and clicking ‘New Folder’. She named it Lara Cunningham. She then opened the folder and clicked ‘New Folder’ three times. She ten labelled them ‘Home’, ‘Work’ and ‘Study’. Lara then did most of these tasks using the control panel. She then cleaned the keyboard, mouse and screen of the computer and was also able to change the consumables printer paper. All of the tasks were completed really quickly and efficiently.
Witness name	Shannon Sludden		Job role	Student
Witness signature			Date	13/11/2014
Assessor name
Assessor signature			Date

Unit 2.2 Task3 P7

Test	Method	Expected outcome	Actual outcome	Action required?
1-     software applications open and work as intended	Click Start- all programmes- office – Microsoft Word.	Word will open and work properly with no complications	Word opened and all the features worked as normal	n/a
2-     default folder settings are correct	Log on to the newly installed computer – click start – computer – check if the default folders are there.	Once logged on the default folders ‘documents’, ‘pictures’, ‘music’ and ‘videos’ are there and when they are click on the folders are in there.	When I logged on I clicked start and computer. When the window appeared the default folders were there and when clicked on, worked as normal.	n/a
3-     desktop shortcuts go to the right place	Right click on the desktop – new – shortcut – type in the location of the files - name the shortcut – click finish.	The links on the desktop should automatically open the right document or programme	When the desktop shortcuts were clicked they went straight to that specific document or programme	n/a
4-     the correct device drivers are installed	Connect device- the right drivers should be set up for the device	On the device management all of the devices like printers and the mouse should be there	All the right devices were installed. They were also easy to find in the management	n/a
5-     the correct paper sizes are set for printing	Click print- printer properties- Paper	The printer setting to be set at A4	The setting for the printer were set at A4 and no changes needed made	n/a
6-     menu options work as intended	Open a document- Options should be displayed	When a document is opened more options should be shown which helps choose which programme to use	On the document all options were shown	n/a
7-     the correct date and time are set	Click start- Control panel- Time and date- menu will pop up	The correct date and time should already be correct	As I opened the date and time setting the date was set wrong	Click Start – control panel – date and time – change the date so it is correct