Assignment Brief 2020-2021

Programme /
BTEC L3 QCF Dip/Ext Dip in IT
Qualification
Unit no. and
Unit 2: Computer Systems Assessor name
Title
Learning aim 3:
Assignment 3: Be able to set Targeted
Be able to set up and
Assignment up and maintain computer learning
maintain computer
title systems aims/assessme
systems
nt criteria
(P5, P6, P7, P8, M3)
Submission
Issue date
deadline
At some stage most IT professionals will have to set up and customise a
computer system or systems. To do so effectively they will need to
understand the components that make up computer systems. The operating
system interacts with the hardware and software components in order to
make a functioning machine.

In this unit learners will consider a range of hardware and come to

understand the technical specifications of components. There are a number
of different operating systems, despite the dominance of the Microsoft
operating system, and learners will explore at least one other. In terms of
software, the operating system itself often provides utility programmes that
assist the user in managing the machine. Other third party software utility
programmes such as virus checkers are also used extensively. This unit
considers both types of utility software.
Vocational
scenario or
context
Task 3 Assignment 3: Be able to set up and maintain
computer systems

Practical activity:

You will need to set up a standalone computer system,

installing hardware and software components. You will then
need to configure and test the system. You must follow the
scenario and any other information received carefully.

This will include some of the following:

Connect and set-up equipment: (choose 3)

 monitor
 printer
 modem/router
 keyboard
 mouse
 speakers
 microphone

Install hardware components (choose 2):

 graphics card
 sound card
 CD/DVD drive
 RAM
 hard drive

Install software: (choose 1)

 operating system software as specified in the
scenario
 applications software as specified in the scenario
 security software
 virus checkers
 firewalls
 device drivers

Configure a computer system to meet user needs

Configure some basic computer system settings according to

the user needs, listed below.

User Needs:

The user has specified some specific configurations which will

need to be set up:

 A BIOS password
 The monitor to power off after 30 minutes of
inactivity
 A scheduled automatic custom weekly virus scan,
preferably on a Friday
 Mouse for left handed use
 Desktop settings for visual impairment to include:
o icon size
2
    
 o font size
o colour
o background
o icon choice
 Desktop shortcuts for the following software
applications:
o Word
o Excel
o Access
 Default language to English (United Kingdom)
 Default folder set up
 Printer to automatically print on A4 paper
 A custom ribbon in MS Word in the main tabs to
include the following tools:
o symbol
o new comment
o delete comment
o strikethrough

Test a configured computer system for functionality

Produce a test plan that shows the results for the end user
configurations you have set above. Any test failures should be
explained and reasons for failure should be stated, including
how you can rectify these. During your testing, you must
gauge the performance of the system and evaluate the data.

Undertake routine maintenance tasks on a

standalone computer system:
This will include the following:

Routine maintenance to be carried out to demonstrate:

 Organisation and naming of files

 A back-up procedure:
o online
o off-line

 Use of backup media

 Automatic scheduling and deletion of unwanted data
 Archiving data
 Defragmentation
 Deleting temporary files

 Cleaning of two pieces of hardware:

o keyboard
o mouse
o display screen equipment (DSE)
o ventilation grills

 replacing two consumables:

o printer paper
o ink or toner cartridges

 replacing damaged components

Checklist of evidence  Videos
required  Pictures
3
    
  Screenshots
 Report with test table
Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/criteria
To achieve the criteria you must show that you are able to:
reference
Set up a standalone computer system, installing hardware and software
P5
components
P6 Configure a computer system to meet user needs
P7 Test a configured computer system for functionality
P8 Undertake routine maintenance tasks on a standalone computer system
M3 Evaluate the performance of a computer system
Sources of information www.howstuffworks.com
to support you with this www.pcpartpicker.com
assignment BTEC Level 3 National in IT by Mark Fishpool and Bernadette
Fishpool, Unit 2 – available online at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/themanchester-ebooks/r
eader.action?docID=683819&ppg=38
Other assessment
materials attached to Scenario
this assignment brief

Scenario

MazelTov

MazelTov is a successful medium sized business that sells Jewish Wedding Accessories in shops
based in the UK. They currently have premises in the following cities:

 London
 Birmingham
 Chester
 Manchester (Head Office)
 Leeds

MazelTov is doing very well in the current economic climate. They are focusing on expansion
and as such they have recently taken on a new manager to oversee various projects on their
behalf, these are:

 Updating the IT services department

 Producing a suitable electronic invoicing system which will provide data analysis to
assist in decision making
 Planning, designing and creating an e-commerce website to increase its client base
 Updating various company policies & procedures
 Updating the HR Department
 Recording Staff development

The manager has decided to take you on as her personal assistant. This is a very responsible
role and you will be called upon to make some very important decisions within these 4 project
areas. You will be expected to work independently and provide an excellent administrative
service.

4