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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 C
omputer Systems
Unit overview
Credits: 10
Cert / Ex Cert / Dip
This is an engaging and potentially exciting unit that can give learners the opportunity to engage with
computer hardware in a way that is often overlooked on other courses and usually forbidden at home.
It provides a firm grounding in basic hardware and software, which learners will need in order to progress
to higher level IT courses. Learners will work through the basic components of a PC system and gain an
understanding of how a computer operates through its hardware, the movement of data throughout
the system. Learners will also understand the software that works on top of the hardware and how an
operating system controls everything from file management to network access.
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It is important that delivery doesn’t just focus on classic computer systems such as desktop PCs.
Learners should investigate other types of modern device that perform different tasks, and that are
relevant to the learners’ own lives, such as smartphones, games consoles and embedded systems. This
will allow learners to take forward a stronger technical vocabulary and be able to discern, from technical
specifications, how appropriate a particular computer system is for a given user.
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As many peripheral devices should be made available as is possible. If it is judged to be safe or
appropriate, learners could bring in peripheral devices from home in order to allow for comparisons
or discussions. This is particularly useful if the availability and variety of hardware components in
your centre are limited. It is possible to deliver the unit and to provide the evidence for assessment
by making only two hardware connections, but it would be a shame if learners are not given the
opportunity to work with many different devices.
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When undertaking the unit, learners will need to have a general understanding of the way in which
computers are used. Different user types are covered as part of the unit content, but it may be worth
opening the unit with some discussion as to where computers are used in the world today and how
they fit into people’s lives. This will give learners an opportunity to start thinking about the roles that
computers play, and how this affects their make up. These are important themes that run throughout
the unit.
Health and safety is another area that should be an important focus. The practical elements of the
unit are crucial as they form part of the assessment criteria. Even if some learners have experience of
connecting devices at home (or on previous courses), they may not have done so safely. This means that
health and safety risks and the practical procedures needed to work safely should be explained before
any hardware connections are made.
Assignments for this unit
The unit gives learners the opportunity to tailor a system for a particular user and, throughout the
assessment, learners should have this user in mind. This means that when they are designing a bespoke
system for this user, learners must be provided with the user’s requirements in enough depth to allow
them to consider the technical specifications in detail and to question whether or not they are fit for
purpose.
The following ready-made assignments are available in this pack.
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Assignment
A1 Earl’s Ices
Learning outcomes
Assessment
and grading
criteria
Summary
LO1 Know the common
components of
computer systems
P1, P2, P3,
P4, M2
Learners describe common computer
components, the different types of
computer systems and the way data
flows round a computer system for
a specified end user. They suggest
suitable components to meet this user’s
requirements, giving reasons for their
choices.
Evidence: presentation slides; block
diagram with notes; written report;
written set of reasons
P5, P6, M3,
D2
Learners build part of the system they
specified in the previous assignment,
assembling the hardware and
configuring the software, and explain
how the software configuration will
enable the user to operate his business
more effectively.
Evidence: photographs and
screenshots; two written reports or
video presentations
LO2 Know the different
uses of computer
systems
A2 Building the
system
LO3 Be able to connect
computer hardware
LO4 Be able to
configure computer
software
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A3 Security
alert
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LO4 Be able to
configure computer
software
P7, M1, D1
Learners describe the security risks
faced by the system they specified in
the first assignment. They suggest two
alternative setups to improve security.
They describe the different ways to
connect to a computer.
Evidence: two written reports;
presentation slides
Assignment guidance for tutors
A1 Earl’s Ices 
P1 P2 P3 P4 M2
This assignment requires learners to address an IT requirement for a business owner. This business
owner is a retailer who needs an IT system to improve his business. This should allow staff to
communicate with the owner using smartphones. Learners will need to convince the business owner
of their knowledge and then provide suggestions that are tailored to the brief. Learners should keep
focused on the needs of the user throughout the assignment. They will need knowledge of different
methods of internet connectivity. They may also need to research the current features and functions of
smartphones and have an understanding of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
The first three criteria (P1, P2, P3) can be evidenced in a presentation, allowing learners to place
all evidence for these criteria in one place. However, as these criteria deal with the more theoretical
elements of the unit, there are alternative ways to evidence learner achievement. Discussions form
a great way of providing evidence here, as they allow learners to work together and develop their
communication skills. If using discussions as a form of evidence for assessment, it is important to make
sure that all learners have engaged completely and that you are is confident of the knowledge of
everyone in the group. Directed questions are useful, as is keeping the discussions to small groups.
Note: assessment evidence for every individual must be recorded in a tutor observation record, which
should be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as an audio/video recording of the discussion.
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28/10/10 14:43:03
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Learners must provide descriptions of the common components of a computer system for P1. In this
context, the term ‘component’ covers both hardware and software, including internal components,
such as RAM, as well as peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners. These descriptions should
be meaningful but brief. In other words, learners must show that they understand the function of the
component but they do not need to go into any detail as to how it operates. For instance, they may
describe a keyboard along the lines of: “A keyboard is an input device that allows the user to select
from the alphabet, single numbers or various function keys. The computer recognises the key that has
been pressed and reacts accordingly.” Learners can provide greater detail on networking components
in order to evidence M1. However, in the assignments in this pack, this criterion is evidenced in a
separate assignment. Note: there is a high risk of plagiarism as learners will be tempted to copy and
paste information that can easily be found on websites. To prevent this, either use plagiarism software
or insist that learners record or make an audio presentation.
Images are a useful addition to any written evidence or presentation slides for P1, and this also applies
to evidence for P2, for which learners must describe the purpose of different types of computer systems.
Learners must describe the different types of system rather than simply identify them, providing some
information on the components of each system, an indication of typical users and one or two to why this
type of system was created in the first place.
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P3 demands a straightforward representation of how data flows around a computer system. The
assessment guidance recommends a diagram which shows the input – process – output structure. If
a learner is uncomfortable with producing a diagram (because, for example, the learner is partially
sighted or it does not suit their learning style), then a verbal or written description could be submitted.
You would need to use your discretion to ensure that this does not become too lengthy.
Ideas
D
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The final two criteria covered by this assignment can be evidenced together, as each component
recommended for a system that meets the owner’s requirements (for P4) can be justified during the
selection (for M2). The justifications could also be added to the end of the P4 evidence or evidenced in
a separate document. The scenario must be considered here. Learners must consider the specified user
in selecting every single component and selecting appropriate hardware and software. The software
needs to include an operating system, applications software and utility software. Although utility
software may be generic for most users, learners must still be able to give justifications. They will need
to say something like: “Because my user edits a lot of video, they will need a lot of storage space. They
will be copying and moving large files, which will eventually become split over the driver. This means
that they will need to use disk defragmentation...”
As well as presentations and discussions, other ways of presenting evidence include brochures,
audio blogs or even role play, with one learner acting as the client. It could even be possible for
learners to use software wizards to create simple web pages.
The focus of this unit is end user requirements. This means that the unit could work well if delivered
alongside with Unit 5 Supporting Organisations with IT, and some assignment work could be
combined with Unit 5’s learning outcome 4 where learners need to plan a working environment that
incorporates IT.
A2 Building the system 
P5 P6 M3 D2
In this assignment, learners need to perform some hardware installations, explaining the health and
safety practices that they followed, and then perform a software installation and configuration for P6,
and finally record a discussion as to how this configuration will help the user perform specific tasks.
To achieve the P5 and P6 pass criteria, learners do not need to use the hardware and software that they
specified for the system in the first assignment for this unit and they certainly do not need to construct
an entire PC system from its basic components (as required by Earl’s Ices). However, it would be entirely
appropriate, and more satisfying for learners, if this work followed on from the previous assignment.
You may want to take this into consideration when writing scenarios for the first assignment. These
criteria involve practical work, and each learner must connect hardware devices and configure software
individually. Learners will need to know how to take digital photographs as part of their evidence, and
this will need to be backed up with observation sheets.
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
For P5, learners must perform the hardware installations and connect at least two peripherals or
internal components. You can provide a checklist, so that learners can follow a step-by-step process
to work safely. Learners should then explain the health and safety practices that they followed for M3.
They must show evidence of the components being connected safely. It may be necessary to explain
some health and safety procedures that they were not able to perform themselves in order to show as
much of the unit content as possible. This could be achieved by, for example, producing a handout on
health and safety when working with equipment.
Next, for P6, learners should perform a software installation and configuration. This work needs to be
on a system which allows learners to configure the operating system and the applications software.
Learners must also be allowed to run utility software, which is often not permitted on normal classroom
PCs. This configuration needs to be for a given user requirement, but not necessarily that specified
in the previous assignment. Although one over-riding scenario is more satisfactory from a vocational
viewpoint, if your centre’s equipment limits the configuration that can take place, then alternative user
requirements can be used.
Note: not all the computer systems listed in the unit content will be sophisticated enough to enable
learners to use them to meet this criterion. They couldn’t use smartphones, for example, but some
netbooks and laptops will have perfectly appropriate operating systems and utility software for this
activity.
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To achieve D2, learners must be very specific about how the configuration helps the user specified in
the scenario to achieve certain objectives and successfully complete their tasks. Evidence, therefore,
should be focused on the user and any discussion should explain the benefits of the configuration, with
examples. This discussion could be captured through a video or audio diary.
Idea
P7 M1 D1
D
A3 Security alert 
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These criteria could also be assessed in a real work environment. The best situation would be
a work placement where a learner is working for a computer systems provider and assembling
systems to real user requirements, or working for a procurement department where users needs are
analysed and interpreted.
This assignment asks learners to focus on a system’s security. This involves understanding the various
attacks on a system and then suggesting improvements.
Learners need to identify security issues for P7, producing a document that explains potential risks and
how they can be prevented. For D1, they need to suggest an alternative set-up to the one in the system
they are attacking. Both hardware and software needs to be considered here. They need to provide
details on networking components in order to evidence M1. Learners will need to include all of the
components which allow a network connection and briefly describe how this is done.
Ideas
This has been written as a theoretical exercise, one in which learners describe the potential risks
and the steps that can be taken to improve system security. However, this could be turned into a
practical activity if it is feasible for learners to mount attacks on a system to test its security. Learners
would need access to a machine that can be tested. You will need to have a good knowledge of
security risks and you will need a stand-alone machine that can be infected with a virus or other
security risks and be configured in a way that allows learners to suggest security improvements.
The P7 criterion can also be linked with the evidence produced for P4, whereby learners could be
asked to provide the client in the given scenario with a description of the chosen components and
explain how they will address potential security risks.
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28/10/10 14:43:04
Unit 3
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Computer Systems
A1 Earl’s Ices
BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems
Learner name
Assessor name
Date issued
Deadline
Scenario
D
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Earl Atkinson is the owner of a chain of ice
cream shops that operate in different coastal
towns in the UK. Earl makes his own ice cream
and wants to maintain an old-fashioned feel for
his customers. However, his shops are not as
profitable as they used to be and, because the
shops don’t have any way to communicate with
each other, they always end up with either too
much or too little stock.
Earl has asked you to provide his shops with an
IT system that will allow his shop managers to
send information to each other. He wants them
to have an email system, and he has heard about free internet phone systems that they could use.
After an initial meeting with you, Earl has decided that his staff will need smartphones so that they
can send emails and make cheaper (or even free) phone calls. Earl knows that this will save him
money. He also wants you to provide him with a PC so that his staff can synchronise their
smartphones when they visit head office. He will need a system to create spreadsheets and he will
need the hardware and software required to make free internet phone calls. Earl will also need to
create paper copies of his spreadsheets and make digital copies of the receipts that he receives as
part of day to day business.
He doesn’t want to buy anything unnecessary, so you will need to explain what each device does.
To save money, Earl has asked that you build the PC from components rather than buying
everything in a readymade package.
In this assignment you will have the opportunity to provide evidence towards the
following criteria:
P1
identify the common components of a computer system
P2
describe the purpose of different types of computer systems
P3
represent how data flows around a computer system
P4
specify suitable components to meet user requirements
M2
give reasons for the choice of components to meet a given need.
TASK 1 – Computer components P1
Create a presentation that Earl can watch that explains the components of the most
commonly found computer systems.
Guidance
●
You should describe the common hardware and software components that Earl would
need for a computer system that would meet the needs of his business.
5
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
Unit 3
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Computer Systems
●
The hardware should include input devices, output devices, storage devices both fixed
and removable, and computer network connectivity.
TASK 2 – Data flows around a computer system P3
Earl is unsure about why you need some of the components. Create a block diagram that
shows how data flows around a computer system.
Guidance
Make sure that your diagram shows arrows which point in the direction that the data is
flowing.
TASK 3 – Computer systems P2
After some internet research, Earl has become confused about different types of computers.
Add an extra section to your presentation that describes the purpose of different types of
computer systems.
Guidance
Remember you need to be clear about the uses of each type of system.
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TASK 4 – Specifying a system for Earl’s Ices P4
Now Earl is clearer about computer systems, provide him with a list of the components,
peripherals and software that he needs in order to create a system that meets his
requirements.
Guidance
You should include prices and a reference to where you found each piece of information.
TASK 5 – Justifying your choices M2
Guidance
D
Earl wants you to justify the choices you have made. Give reasons why you have chosen
each component.
Make sure that Earl has all the information he needs to see that you have made the best
choice for his system.
Useful sources of information
Student Book pages 54–66 may be useful for Task 1
Student Book pages 68–69 may be useful for Task 2
Student Book pages 71–75 may be useful for Task 3
Your tutor will have a list of sources of information that you can use for this
assignment
Evidence checklist
TASK 1
presentation slides
TASK 2
block diagram with notes
TASK 3
presentation slides
TASK 4
list of components, peripherals and software
TASK 5
written set of reasons.
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© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
Unit 3
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Computer Systems
A2 Building the system
BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems
Learner name
Assessor name
Date issued
Deadline
Scenario
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Earl has accepted your main recommendations. You have
now been asked to help put together the PC system for Earl’s
Ices. The main PC has already been built and the Windows 7
Professional operating system has been pre-installed.
In this assignment you will have the opportunity to provide evidence towards the
following criteria:
connect hardware safely to a computer system, testing for functionality
P6
configure software for a given user requirement
M3
explain working practices and health and safety procedures when connecting hardware
devices
D2
discuss how the configuration of software will help a given user perform their tasks.
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P5
TASK 1 – Building the system for Earl’s Ices P5, P6
You must connect together the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and webcam. You must
also install and configure Microsoft Office for Business and Home, Skype and virus
protection software.
Make sure that you connect the components together safely. You must be observed doing
all these activities. Everything that you do needs to be captured in photographs and
screenshots to provide evidence for assessment.
TASK 2 – Health and safety issues M3
Write a short report or record a video explaining the health and safety practices you followed
when connecting the hardware. Describe any other health and safety practices that should
generally be followed when connecting hardware devices but were not applicable on this
occasion.
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Unit 3
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Computer Systems
TASK 3 – Justifying the software configuration D2
Describe in a short report or video presentation the software that you installed on the PC
system. Explain how you configured the software. You need to justify each choice or
decision you made in the configuration process and explain how configuring the software in
this way will help Earl’s Ices work in a more productive manner.
Useful sources of information
Your tutor will have a list of sources of information that you can use for this assignment
Evidence checklist
TASK 1
photographs
tutor observation record
written report or video presentation
TASK 3
written report or video presentation.
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TASK 2
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Unit 3
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Computer Systems
A3 Security alert
BTEC Level 2 Information Technology, Unit 3 Computer Systems
Learner name
Assessor name
Date issued
Deadline
Scenario
Earl is concerned that his new PC may be vulnerable to any
hackers who might want to steal his ice cream recipes. He
has asked you to look at his system again with a view to
making it more secure.
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In this assignment you will have the opportunity to provide evidence towards the
following criteria:
P7
identify potential security risks
M1
describe different ways to connect to a computer network
D1
suggest alternative setups based on user feedback.
TASK 1 – Security risks P7
You decide that Earl’s system could be fall victim to one or more of these security risks:
●
phishing
malware
●
viruses
●
spam.
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●
Write a short report for Earl that explains what each of these risks are and which sets out
how they may be prevented.
TASK 2 – How to connect to a computer network M1
Earl doesn’t really understand networking components. Produce a short presentation that
will help him understand all of the different ways that it is possible to connect to a computer.
TASK 3 –More secure options for Earl’s Ices D1
Earl feels that the system you specified in the previous assignment it is not secure enough.
He would like you to suggest some other options. Write a report that describes two
alternative solutions to the one that you originally provided for Earl in the previous
assignment. These solutions should offer more security.
Useful sources of information
Your tutor will have a list of sources of information that you can use for this assignment
Evidence checklist
TASK 1
written report
TASK 2
presentation slides
TASK 3
written report.
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work and assessor comments
Sample learner work and assessor comments follow for the assignment A1 Earl’s Ices (P1, P2, P3, P4, M2).
The assignment – as the sample learner work shows – is quite reliant on internet research. If this proves to
be difficult in your centre, then ensure that learners have access to computer magazines that carry plenty
of product advertising. There are many PC magazines that are essentially listings of components from
different sellers, and these are ideal for this assignment. Learners should be able to obtain up-to-date
prices so that they have an awareness of how much things can cost.
As the sample work shows, this learner failed to achieve two of the pass criteria. She needs to do further
work on this assignment, as well as complete the other unit assignments, before an overall unit grade
could be awarded.
Meeting local needs – Earl’s Ices
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This learner resubmitted her work and eventually passed the unit. Her original work has been
reproduced here to show how Level 2 learners can sometimes make simple mistakes which require
them to undertake further work to produce evidence that meets the assessment and grading criteria.
In fact, this learner is quite a capable student, although she tended to prefer the application-based
units to the more practical units. She struggled greatly with the hardware installation and software
configurations needed for this unit, and found it difficult to connect her understanding of hardware with
need to follow health and safety procedures when undertaking practical work.
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This assignment has been used by 16–19 groups and adults learners. It suited both groups well,
as it is an easy scenario to understand and there is a clear end user. One tutor noted that they
were pleased to see a scenario that focuses on the alternative types of computer systems, such as
smartphones, rather than this just the content that is delivered usually in class. It is important to
run assignments that feel fresh, especially, for experienced tutors as well as learners. One way to
freshen the assignment or adapt it to meet local needs is to change the scenario.
D
If learners are unable to understand the requirements because the type of user role is alien to them,
then clearly the scenario should be changed. Some learners may not be able to understand the
needs of an ice cream business, so this could be adapted. You could supply a different context,
such as people working in an IT department or sales staff working on the road. Learners need to
be able to think through all of the user’s requirements and then match hardware and software to
specify a system that meets these needs.
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28/10/10 14:43:04
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Tasks 1 and 3 Computer components and systems
This is my presentation about components and computer systems for Earls ices.
Unit 3: Computer Systems
Task One - Computer Components (P1)
I have created a presentation which explains the components
of a computer system which are most commonly found. It will
cover different types of computer systems showing assurance
that I have a full understanding of different types of computer
systems, the components that make them up and the
software that is used on it.
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Introduction
ft
By Ellen Baldwin
D
If you need to select and design a computer you will need to anallyse user needs
and select hardware matched to a machine specification. This presentation will
look at these categories:
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Inside the Tower
• External add on Devices
• Operrating Systems
• GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• Softwere
• The outer cassing of a PC
• Do you need a mainframe?
• Different types of computers
Assessor’s
comment:
Martha, watch
your spelling on
this slide.
Input Devices
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Scanner
• Digital camera.
Assessor’s
comment: This
isn’t a description,
just a list.
• Tablet
• Intiractive Whiteboard
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Output Devices
• Monitor
◦ Including Touch Screens
◦ And also Projectors
• Printers
◦ Inkjet
◦ Laser
◦ Black and white or colour
◦ Gloss papers printing
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• Processor
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Inside the Tower
Assessor’s
comment: Again
output devices
listed.
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• Storage devices
◦ Disc Drives (hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, CD drives)
◦ RAM (Random Acess Memory) Temparary storage
◦ ROM (Read Only Memory) Permanant storage
• Sound Card
• Video Card
• Graphics Card
• Ports are sockets athese are at the back of the main processing case (or base unit)
and then are used to attach PERIPHERAL devices, like
◦ Printer
◦ Monitor
◦ Keyboard
◦ Mouse
◦ USB etc
Inside the Tower cont
Generic type
INPUT
Particular
type
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Digital
camera
Joystick /
Joypad
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SAMPLE 1.indd 12
Special features
QWERTY keyboard is the standard but sometimes applications
might be needing a concept keyboard.
Mouse design can be very simple with left and right buttons.
They may have a central roller button. They may use infrared not
than a cable connection.
Scanners could be single purpose or have some other features
such as ‘straight to fax’.
As with manual cameras there are lots to choose from. Reslution
from 2.0 MP up, optical zoom (2x, 3x etc.) digital zoom (3.2x,
3.6x); different sizes of LCD to look at the pictures (1.8” LCD, 2.5”
LCD) and other features like fast autofocus. Also the option for a
video camera might have bluetooth technology.
May only bee needed for some applications like games.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
28/10/10 14:43:10
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Inside the Tower cont
PROCESSOR
Microprocessor
STORAGE
Hard disc drive
Floppy disk
drives
OUTPUT
CD/DVD drive
As technology is always better it is good to always buy the best so DVD
may better than CD. At least one DVD/CD drive should be recordable.
Screen/monitor
LCD screens save you space on a desktop, use less power, and
look good, but CRT have best resolution. Sizes range from 15” up.
Printer
Printers can be brought for black and white printing or colour
printing. The printing may be by laser or ink jet.
Modem
Modems can be in build or seperate from processor, but linked
through cable.
Assessor’s
comment: You
have shown good
understanding
of internal
components.
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EXTRAS
The choice is down to the chip (Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron etc), the
processar speed (1.8GHz, 2.0GHz, 2.2GHz, etc.) with maybe extra
enhancers (e.g. Intel Speedstep Technology).
SCSI based hard drives may give a better performance, but E-IDE
drives give more cost effectively solution.
May not be needed apart from linking to data this is in older
systems.
External add on devices
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• USB
◦ USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. Its a better way
to conect devices to your PC. You can also store large
amounts of data on it.
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• External Hard Drive
◦ A large removable storage device that means you can
now back up your computer and not risk data being
lost.
Assessor’s
comment:
Ellen, this is a
rather limited
list of additional
peripherals.
Operating systems
Operating systems are programs designed to control operation of a
computer system. The operating system is like a brain between software
aplications and the hardware that they are running on. The operating
system takes commands from the computer user, and carries them out to
perform operations. Types of Operating Systems include
• Windows Vista, Windows 2007 etc
• Linux
• Mac OS
Assessor’s
comment: This
shows good
understanding
of operating
systems.
Every little bit of the system must be controlled and cordinated so the
millions of operations that happen every second are correct and on time.
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
GUI Graphic User Interface
Another form of operrating environment that is called
Graphical User Interface (GUI), has got popular recently.
Just like the Windows desktop these GUIs use a graphics
display to represent procedures and programs that can
be done by the computer. These programs often use
small pictures, that are called icons, to represent different
programs.
ft
The good thing about a GUI is the user doesn’t have to
remember tricky commands or code to use a program.
Software
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Now, computers may come with preloaded software,
and it may be good for the buyer to go for this instead
of buying the software seperately and loading everything
from scratch.
D
But a user may need other software not offered with the
package, so you may need to select extra software, or
choose an upgrade option.
Software cont
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SAMPLE 1.indd 14
Application
Purpose
Word
processing
To input text through a keyboard or a stored text file. To process text by putting in
new and deleting text. To format text. To produce documents.
Graphics
To capture screen images or make new images. To process images by enlarge,
rotation, cropping and more To produce graphics.
DTP
To combine material from text and graphics in a page layout. To produce document.
Presentation
To input text and graphics on slide formats. To control movement when you are
going through slides in the presentation. To generate notes to go with a presentation.
To produce a slideshow.
Spreadsheet
To input text labels and numeric data. To make formulae based on data in cells. To
create charts from numerical data. To produce statistical info.
Database
To input text and numbers and graphics into a structure. To change the data in the
structure. To search the data and produce new information. To sort the data and
present it in a given order. Give answers to queries.
Communication
To transfer data from one computer to another like with e-mail e-mail. To code the
outgoing data ready for transmisions and decode incoming data.
Assessor’s
comment: This
is a good list of
software.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
28/10/10 14:43:12
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
How you want it to look
• The outer casing of a PC can vary and this depends
on the make. Lots of people make PCs. The outer
casing does not effect the performance of the PC so
you can choise
• Dell
• HP
• Apple Mac
• Samsung
• ACER and more
Assessor’s
comment:
Sorry Ellen,
you have listed
the common
components of a
computer system
but you should
have added
more description,
have another
attempt at this
and resubmit
it. P1 not yet
achieved..
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Different types of computers
D
ra
• Different types of computer systems
◦ Laptops a portable PC, that are about the size of a large book. They do the same job as
a Desktop PC. The memory might be smaller.
◦ Desktops – these are PCs that sit on your work desk or work area and take a small
space. They are used for office documents games etc…
◦ PDA (personal digital assisstant)– a smaller computer device that goes in your hand.
Many mobile phones like iPhone are now replacing the PDA as the iPhone can do basic
things that a PC can do and connect remotely to a PC.
◦ Tablet PCs – portable PCs that have one big touch screen which allow a styllus to be
used
• Servers – computers that serve a purpose! They may be web servers or file servers and
their main point is to let other computers connect to them and access files.
• Smart phones – mobile phones which run different applications. Used for most commonly
◦ Send emails
◦ Surf websites
◦ Play music
◦ View documents
Different types of computers
• Different types of computer systems
◦ Games Consoles
– Computer systems that are mainly designed for playing games, they can
sometimes connect to a TV and are starting to have even more features
like surfing the web and chatting with friends
– Consoles have similar internal components like a processor,
motherboard and hard disk drives
• Embeded Devices
◦ These devices could be a TV or a washing machine which has got
computer components inside it in order to do its job better. Embedded
devices are becoming more common, especially in cars Sat Navs are very
common these days and cars which have computers in them can tell the
driver when they need petrol or service.
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SAMPLE 1.indd 15
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28/10/10 14:43:14
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Conclusion
In this presentation we have looked at the following:
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Inside the Tower
• External add on Devices
• Operating Systems
• GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• Software
• The outer casing of a PC
Assessor’s
comment: Ellen
you have covered
everything you
needed to for P2,
well done.
You should now be able to make an informed decision as to how you want your PC
to be and this will hopefully save you money and we also need to make sure the PC
allows your staff to synchrronise their smart phones when they visit head office. For
this we will look at local wireless network access across the Internet or Bluetooth
connections. We will also need to look at the right software needed for the PCs and
the staff mobile phones like PTvncS Smartphone.
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ft
Task 2 How data flows around a computer system
Output Devices – Displays/sends
out the information you have
asked it to either on the monitor,
project screen, printer, speakers, etc…
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A user inputs data
into the computer via an input
device such as a keyboard,
scanner, mouse or tablet PC.
A smartphone can be
used to access the network
Wirelessly.
The computer processes the information by the CPU and acts on the
procedure it is being asked to peform, it is the brain of the computer.
The user inputs the data on software, thats the part the user sees on the GUI
A Firewall will help
protect your PC from
unwanted users and
Wireless networks and internet access
viruses.
means data on your PC can be sent and received to
and from external devices also with internet access.
For example, Smart phones, Laptops, etc…
External hard
drive, USB,
etc…
Storage devices are used by the
processor to temporarily or permanently
store data so that it can be retrieved
at a later time. For example, RAM, ROM,
hard disks, USBs, CD-ROMs, DVDs
Assessor’s comment: Ellen, this is a wonderful diagram and it shows that you understand
the way different external devices communicate with a computer system. Unfortunately, you
have not shown all of the internal flows accurately. The diagram should show the inside of a
computer system as well as the devices that are connected to the system. You need to show
how data flows from the storage devices, e.g. Disk, directly to the CPU. Also, as mentioned
in class, RAM is part of the CPU and not a storage device, since the data in RAM is lost
when the power is switched off. A block diagram (as we discussed in class) would show this
better. I’m afraid you cannot get P3 until diagram flows are correct. Come and see me if
you need any extra guidance, and you can resubmit this with the additional work you need
to produce for Task 3. Also, Ellen, the user does not input data on software. The software
instructs the processor to read the data from the input device - keyboard.
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SAMPLE 1.indd 16
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
28/10/10 14:43:16
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Task 4 Specifying a system for Earl’s ices
Earl, you will need to buy an Apple iPhone for all of your staff in the shops. If you use
the iPhone they will be able to email each other stock informmation and any files that
they will need to open should be compatible, if it is not then there will be an
application from the app store which you could download.
Assessor’s
comment: Good
Ellen, you have
addressed the
requirements of
the staff.
The iPhones can be bought on pay as you go for £499.00 for the 16GB model, i don’t
think the staff would not need a bigger model. These can be found at http://store.apple.com/uk/
The table below lists your new PC requirements.
What you need
Available at
Description
Cost
Processor
www.dabs.com/products/intel-core-2-quadq8300-2-50ghz-lga775-fsb1333-4mb-retai695D.html
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.50GHz LGA775
FSB1333 4Mb
£115.66
Fan
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-520wgrey-psu-8cm-fan-sata-5HMH.html
Best Value 520W Grey PSU 8cm Fan SATA
£13.01
Motherboard
(including sound
card and graphics
card)
www.dabs.com/products/asus-s775-intelg31-matx-ddr2-audio---ethernet-64N4.html
Asus S775 Intel G31 mATX DDR2 Audio &
Ethernet
£36.00
RAM
www.dabs.com/products/crucial-2gb800mhz-ddr2-pc2-6400-55XM.html
Crucial 2GB 800MHz DDR2 PC2-6400
£32.90
Hard Drive
www.dabs.com/products/seagate-barracuda7200-10-80gb-s300-8mb-4MRK.html
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 80GB S300 8MB
£30.63
CD-DVD Drive
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-sony24x-internal-dvdrw-sata-black-bare-647J.
html
Best Value Sony 24x Internal DVDRW SATA
Black Bare
£14.98
SATA Cables
(x2, for hard drive
and Disk Drive
connect)
www.dabs.com/products/akasa-short-sata-2data-cable--red---15cm--ideal-for-itx-andsmall-cases-67B6.html
Akasa Short SATA 2 DATA Cable, Red 15cm, Ideal for ITX and Small Cases
£2.02
(x2)
Power supply
(x2, DVI cable for
monitor if not with
monitor and Kettle
lead for main power
supply)
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-iec-5auk-mains-lead-1-8m--black-2WP0.html
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-dvi--dvi-cable-2m-2SZB.html
Best Value IEC-5A UK Mains Lead 1.8MBlack
Best Value DVI - DVI cable 2M
£1.48
£5.13
Monitor
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-18-5-black-lcd-monitor---dvi-7032.html
Best Value 18.5” Black LCD Monitor + DVI
£81.06
Tower Case
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-1010bblack-midi-case-no-psu-63L8.html
Best Value 1010B Black Midi Case No PSU
£11.33
Keyboard
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-ps-2silver-black-economy-keyboard-5KD7.html
Best Value PS/2 Silver/Black Economy
Keyboard
£3.26
Mouse
www.dabs.com/products/best-value-blackusb-optical-mouse-5KDH.html
Best Value Black USB Optical Mouse
£3.26
Printer
www.dabs.com/products/epson-stylus-sx415--multifunction---printer---copier---scanner----colour---inkjet-65NJ.html
Epson Stylus SX415 - Multifunction (printer
/ copier / scanner) colour inkjet
£46.98
D
ra
ft
Components
Peripherals
Pearson Education Limited is not responsible for the content of any third party websites. All details provided in the
tables are for example only and were correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
SAMPLE 1.indd 17
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
What you need
Available at
Description
Cost
Microphone
www.dabs.com/products/trust-highsensitive-microphone-2FLG.html
Trust High Sensitive Microphone
£6.68
Webcam
www.dabs.com/products/best-valuefoldable-webcam-5KYC.html
Best Value Foldable Webcam
£6.00
Speakers
www.dabs.com/products/logitech-s150digital-usb-black-multimedia-speakers-1-2watt---business-50MV.html
Logitech S150 Digital USB Black Multimedia
Speakers 1.2 Watt - Business
£10.31
Operating System
http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/enGB/Microsoft/Windows/
Windows-7
Windows 7 Professional
£219.99
Microsoft
(Business)
http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/
en-GB/Microsoft/Office-Home-andBusiness-2010
Microsoft Office for Business and Home.
£239.99
OpenOffice
www.openoffice.org/
OpenOffice Suite
Free
Internet Service
Provider
www.totalvalue.bt.com/esaver/
Including internet access, phone line and
email address
£8.88
Skype
www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/home
Free internet phone systems with video
conferencing facility
Free
Virus protection
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avganti-virus-free
Protection from viruses
Free
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ft
Software
Assessor’s comment: Good work Ellen, you have
specified all of the components needed to build a PC
system for Earl and you have identified an appropriate
smartphone for the shop staff. P4 achieved.
D
Total
(with
Microsoft
Office)
£891.57
(with
OpenOffice)
£651.58
Task 5 Justifying my choices
What you need
Description
Reason for purchase
A smartphone which can
run thousands of different
applications dapending on the
needs of the user.
There are cheaper options out there but the iPhone is the
best choice because it is very easy to use and because of
all of the Apps available it is more ready for the future
than other options.
Processor
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300
2.50GHz LGA775 FSB1333
4Mb
A deccent processor is needed to run the computer.
This is the brain of the computer and without one it
cannot function.
Fan
Best Value 520W Grey PSU
8cm Fan SATA
The fan is needed to stop the power supply and components in the tower
from getting too hot. It is essential that the components are kept at
the right temperature or the computer will stop functioning.
Motherboard
(including sound
card and graphics
card)
Asus S775 Intel G31 mATX
DDR2 Audio & Ethernet
The motherboard holds all the essential components inside the tower
case. It holds everything the processor needs to make it run, including
the sound and graphics cards so that you can see the GUI and hear
sounds on the PC.
RAM
Crucial 2GB 800MHz DDR2
PC2-6400
RAM is needed for all the stock and staff data that will be stored and
then put in a archive over the years. The more RAM the better you PC
will run.
iPhone
Assessor’s
comment:
Martha, watch
your spelling in
this section
Pearson Education Limited is not responsible for the content of any third party websites. All details provided in the
tables are for example only and were correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
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SAMPLE 1.indd 18
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
28/10/10 14:43:18
BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Sample learner work for A1 Earl’s Ices
Description
Reason for purchase
Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
80GB S300 8MB
The hard drive is also for storing data and it helps the processor run
the current active software and the operating system.
CD-DVD Drive
Best Value Sony 24x Internal
DVDRW SATA Black Bare
This is someting extra for Earl to have if he wants too, but if he
decides to do DVD demo or back up his data on CD Discs then he will
need the CD-DVD drive.
SATA Cables (x2,
for hard drive
and Disk Drive
connection)
Akasa Short SATA 2 DATA
Cable, Red - 15cm, Ideal for
ITX and Small Cases
Cables are needed to connect the components all together.
Power supply (x2,
DVI cable for
monitor if not
provided with
monitor and Kettle
lead for main
power supply)
Best Value IEC-5A UK Mains
Lead 1.8M- Black
Best Value DVI - DVI cable 2M
Power supplies are needed to supply power to the right components.
Monitor
Best Value 18.5” Black LCD
Monitor + DVI
A monitor is needed so that the user can see the GUI and can move
round the computer system.
Tower Case
Best Value 1010B Black Midi
Case No PSU
The case holds all components in it.
Keyboard
Best Value PS/2 Silver/Black
Economy Keyboard
The keyboard will allow the user to input data and also provides another
navigation system.
Mouse
Best Value Black USB Optical
Mouse
The mouse lets the user navvigate around the computer without having
to use keyboard shortcuts.
Printer
Epson Stylus SX415 Multifunction (printer / copier
/ scanner) - colour - inkjet
The user can print off data and have a paper backup of his data and
stock system.
Microphone
Trust High Sensitive
Microphone
A microphone will let the user communicate by using the free Skype
facility making voice calls.
Webcam
Best Value Foldable Webcam
A webcam will let the user communicate by using the free Skype making
video calls.
Logitech S150 Digital USB
Black Multimedia Speakers 1.2
Watt - Business
Speakers allow the user to here sounds on the computer including other
peoples voices on voice or video calls.
Operating System
Windows 7 Professional
The operating system controlls the running of the software and PC
components. It is essential to the running of a PC.
Microsoft Office
(Business)
Microsoft Office for Business
and Home.
Optional – this is needed if Earl wants to make written documents and
send them to other bussinesses electronically, as they are probably
going to use the same software.
OpenOffice
OpenOffice Suite
This is the free alternative option instead of Microsoft Office for
Business and Home. It will do the same thing but the files are stored in
a different format. If files are being shared only within the company
then this will be quite adequate.
Internet Service
Provider
Including internet access,
phone line and email address
An ISP is needed to gain access to the internet.
Skype
Free internet phone systems
with video conferencing facility
Skype will allow free messages, phone calls, and
video calls.
Virus protection
Protection from viruses
Will protect Earl’s system from virus. For more
protection i would suggest looking at firewalls, but
this could cost lts.
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D
Speakers
ft
What you need
Assessor’s
comment: Well
done Ellen,
you have given
good reasons
for each of the
components that
you have chosen.
M2 achieved.
Pearson Education Limited is not responsible for the content of any third party websites. All details provided in the
tables are for example only and were correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2011. This material is not copyright free. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.
SAMPLE 1.indd 19
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BTEC Level 2 First Information Technology
Assessment Resource Pack
Unit 3 Computer Systems
Assessor’s comments
Edexcel BTEC Level 2
Diploma in IT
Qualification
Unit number and title Unit 3 Computer Systems
Assignment title
Criteria
reference
Assessor name
Martha Snead
Learner name
Ellen Baldwin
A1 Earl’s Ices
To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to:
Achieved?
identify the common components of a computer system
Y
P2
describe the purpose of different types of computer systems
N
P3
represent the data flows around a computer system
N
P4
specify suitable components to meet user requirements
Y
M2
give reasons for the choice of components to meet a given need
ft
P1
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Learner feedback
Y
D
I am disappointed that I didn’t get P2 and P3 but I am sure that when I redo this work I will be able to
get a pass for the unit. I am pleased about M2 and I will try and get the rest of the criteria if I can.
Assessor feedback
Ellen, you have produced some good work for this unit and I am confident that you will achieve the
criteria that you missed out on in the next submission.
You must pay attention to the wording of the tasks – the need for a block diagram was clearly
stated. You must also write down notes in class, such as when we talked about the different types of
computer systems.
Action plan
Draw and submit a block diagram that shows how data flows within a computer system
Add a description of the purpose of netbooks, games consoles, servers and embedded devices.
Assessor signature
Martha Snead
Date
8.10.10
Learner signature
Ellen Baldwin
Date
25.10.10
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28/10/10 14:43:20