Higher Nationals in Computing

Unit 2: Computer Systems

This session will focus on building and testing a standard computer system.

Resources »

Learning Outcomes

  1. Be able to build and configure computer systems
  2. Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems

Assessments

  1. Final 13th Jun 2017 Assessment A2-2: Standard System Setup

Activities - Building and Testing Computer Systems

Week Lesson Activity Learning Assessment Skill Developed

build and configure a computer system to meet a design specification

1.1
  • Task 1: 60min Build a complete PC from individual components
    • Check all components and tools are available
    • Mount CPU in motherboard
    • Mount RAM in motherboard
    • Mount motherboard in the case
    • Mount power supply in case and connect
    • Mount CPU cooler and connect
    • Mount DVD, HD and SSD in case and connect
    • Test and document
  • Video/Photos
 Building hardware

test and document a computer system

1.2
  • Task 2: 30 min Test the hardware
    • CPU Performance
    • Memory Performance
    • Hard Drive Performance
    • 2D Graphics Performance
    • Available Hard Disk capacity
    • Available free memory
  • Video/Photos
  • Witness Statement
  • Maintaining Systems

perform routine maintenance tasks on a computer system

1.3
  • Task 3: 60min Maintain an existing PC System
    • Check for and install any software updates or virus definition updates
    • Disk clean-up
    • Registry clean-up and backup
    • Check for Hard Drive bad sectors
    • Hard Drive defragmentation
  • Video/Photos
  • Witness Statement
  • Maintaining Systems

upgrade the hardware and software on a computer system.

1.4
  • Task 4: 30 min Upgrade an exisisting PC System
    • Install software to read pdf files, and software to print files to pdf.
    • Install and test a printer, scanner or graphics tablet.
    • Check what spare hardware components are available such as hard drives, memory,
    • network card, to enhance the system. Install the extra hardware.
    • Create shared folders for documents, pictures, videos and music on a second hard drive or a new drive partition.
    • Backup the system onto a second drive or data partition.
  • Video/Photos
  • Witness Statement
  • Maintaining Systems

Buiding PC Resources

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