Unit 2, M3 and D2

The RAM score lets the user know how much information that the computer can hold at one time. This computing device has a RAM score of 6GB which is average. To improve this you can increase the RAM to 32GB to speed up the system and allow multitasking Adding more RAM would allow the user to be able to hold more programs at one time on the computer. You could also add an extra hard drive which will improve the computers storage space.

The CPU score tells the user how fast the processor is and how many calculations it makes per second. This computer has a CPU score of 796 making the processor powerful and efficient. The score of the processor can be easily improved by installing a more powerful processor however this is not necessary to do so for this computer as the processor is already good. If the user was to do this it would improve the overall speed of the computing device.

The GPU score shows the user how powerful the GPU is. For this particular computing device it came out with a score of 954which means that the GPU is of a high quality. However to improve this you could remove the current GPU and replace it with a higher quality one. This will allow the user the deliver the highest graphics performance possible.

Unit 2, M2

A windows XP laptop and an apple mac are different in various ways as they both run on different systems. The biggest difference would be the cost of the two, the laptop being nearly £100 cheaper. The reason that there is a big difference in cost is that they both specialise in providing different programmes and software’s.

If you do not look after your computing device properly and carefully then it is more than likely that a virus will occur. However, this is more likely to happen on a laptop than it is on an apple mac as they are more at threat with viruses. If you were looking for a computing device solely on the prevention of viruses then I would choose an Apple mac as they don’t occur as much as they do on a laptop. I would also choose a mac because Apple can extend warranties. This would mean that if my computing device was damaged in any way, Apple provide more help for repairs than you would get for a laptop.

An Apple mac can be useful as they can open almost all PC files. It also does both things that a PC does as it can run windows which is useful. However a PC also has Mac-based files that can install software onto a PC. The Apple mac is more suitable when in a design business and is more advertised as it attracts graphic designers, music companies, video producers etc. both computing devices are used by individuals for businesses and home use however Mac is used for more creative and design base.

In conclusion after looking at the advantages and disadvantages on both computers I think that an Apple mac would be more suitable. Although it is more expensive it would be more efficient when in a graphics team. It is also better as if it is damaged and needs repair Apple will help sort this out for no cost. Overall I think that the Apple mac would be a better purchase to the team. 

Unit 2, P8

Witness statement
Learner name		Shannon Peden
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 witnessed Shannon complete all of the above tasks correctly on 20/05/2014 in IV5.
Witness name	Darby Carmichael		Job role	Student
Witness signature	D.Carmichael		Date	20/05/2014
Assessor name
Assessor signature			Date

Unit 2, P6

Witness statement
Learner name		Shannon Peden
Qualification		BTEC National 1st certificate in IT
Unit number and title		Unit 2.2 computer systems.
Assignment		Set up and maintain a computer system
Description of activity undertaken (please be as specific as possible)
Task 2 (P6) Using the computer system provided: Change the icon size to large Change the font size to large colour/background to red
Assessment and grading criteria
P6.configure a computer system to meet user needs For P6, learners must configure some basic system settings, such as left and right mouse buttons, powersaving options, screen resolution, desktop theme, font size, default language setting, default folder locations etc.
How the activity meets the requirements of the assessment and grading criteria, including how and where the activity took place
In IV5 on 20/05/2014 I witnessed Shannon change the icon and font size to large and also change the background colour to red, she did this correctly.
Witness name	Darby Carmichael		Job role	Student
	MB
Witness signature	D.Carmichael		Date	20/05/2014
Assessor name
Assessor signature			Date

Unit 2, P5

Witness statement
Learner name		Shannon Peden
Qualification		BTEC National 1st certificate in IT
Unit number and title		Unit 2.2 computer systems.
Assignment		P5 set up a standalone computer system, installing hardware and software components [SM3]
Description of activity undertaken (please be as specific as possible)
After making a successful start in your role as an IT trainer for the IT Support Department of RS Components, you have been have been asked to prepare training material of a more advanced and practical kind. Before you are allowed to do this you are required to prove your abilities in hardware and software upgrades. Task Achieved Date achieved Connect a monitor to a computer Yes 20/05/2014 Connect a keyboard to a computer Yes 20/05/2014 Connect a mouse to a computer Yes 20/05/2014 Demonstrate where the graphics card is installed Yes 20/05/2014 Install MS Office 2003 Yes 20/05/2014 Install MS security essentials Yes 20/05/2014 Create a user account Yes 20/05/2014 Configure system software, application software and documents Yes 20/05/2014
Assessment and grading criteria
P5 set up a standalone computer system, installing hardware and software components [SM3] For P5, learners must install at least one hardware and one software component in a stand-alone system. This is best evidenced with a witness statement or observation record and screen shots. Learners must use suitable safety equipment/tools and pay due regard to health and safety issues.
How the activity meets the requirements of the assessment and grading criteria, including how and where the activity took place
In IV5 on 20/05/2014, I witnessed Shannon set up all of the above, she did this all correctly.
Witness name	Darby Carmichael		Job role	Student
Witness signature	D.Carmichael		Date	20/05/2014
Assessor name
Assessor signature			Date