computer platforms assignment

Unit 1 Assignment 2010

Yascom Electronics Company

‘Yascom Electronics’ is a multinational company. This company is situated in London, they design produce printed circuit board (PCB). ‘Yascom Electronics Company’ is upgrading their whole computer systems.

Requirements of computer system for ‘Yascom Electronics’

1. Upgrade whole computer system.2. Add network and video conference service to share their business

information and designs.3. Add some security system to protect their personal data.

Firstly we need to find out a new computer system for ‘Yascom electronics’. So we need to describe all the components of the computer system and then we need to choose out the specific components of the computer that fulfil the requirements of the chair-person.

Components of a computer system

Motherboard: mother-board is a circuit board situated in the system unit. Mother-board controls all standard peripheral devices like hard drive, memory, CPU, and other device cards such as wireless card, sound card and graphic card etc. Mother board also controls some external devices such as monitor, Printer, mouse, keyboards and USB drives.

Central Processing Unit (CPU ): It is the most important section in the whole computer system. It can be called brain or heart of the computer system. We can calculate computer’s power by the clock speed of any computer. The clock speed can be measured in Gigahertz (GHz) or Megahertz (MHz). If the clock speed is higher the more processes the CPU can do per seconds. There are many kinds of processors in use like dual core, quad core, core i3, core i7 etc. core i7 is the fastest processor in the latest technology for desktop computers and laptops. We can choose the best processors by calculating its clock speed.

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Memory: Memory is as important component for any computer. It is as important as processor. Memory manipulates the real speed of the computer. We can have better performance if we use higher memory and less powerful processor, than we use less memory and powerful processor. Memory is available in variety of packages. There are varieties of memory packages in use.

RAM (Random Access Memory): Random Access Memory is as important as processor. RAM is used to store up and operate the data for short time. It is a volatile memory because the data stored on RAM is erased when the computer is turns off.

- SRAM (Static Random Access Memory): SRAM is type of semiconductor memory. SRAM uses Bistable latching circuitry to store the each bit of data.

- DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory): DRAM is stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit.

- SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM): SDRAM is new memory package offered in PC. This memory provides single channel memory and this memory is available on mainstream and desktop systems.

- DDR SDRAM (Double Data rate SDRAM): this RAM has all the features of SDRAM. In advance it gives double data rate than SDRAM. On motherboard’s 66 MHz bus this memory gives 1.066 gigabyte transfer rate.

- RDRAM (Rambus dynamic RAM): this memory can create a new stream of data before the completion of the previous stream. This results in faster processes. This memory can transfer data at 533Mb/s per channel.

Hard-disks: “Hard-disk is a non-volatile storage device for digital data.”

Hard disks are used to store the data and application on permanent basis. There are two kinds of hard-disks in use and those are internal and external hard-drive. The capacity of the hard drive depends on how many applications do you want to use. The more hard-drive capacity is the more data you can store on it.

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Video and sound card: A video card lets the computer play the videos and display the pictures. Multimedia users can use the higher capacity cards to get the best graphics and sound output.

Printer: Printer is used to publish hard copies of document and photographs as well. There are many choices available on market to choose from like laser printer, colour printer etc. 3 in 1 laser printer is latest in today’s technology, that can print coloured documents and images and it also can scan.

Monitors: Monitor is a output device that is used to enable the user to get the GUI. There are many kinds of monitors in use today.

1. CRT: they are the older type monitors with curved screen. This display can be nice due to size and it is popular due to less prize.

2. LCD/TFT: these displays are flat screen display so they require a less desk space. They can also be mounted on wall or shelf. They require less power to run, more environment friendly.

3. Plasma display: in this display the lights are creates by neutrons. So the colours looks like true. It has a got a good quality picture than LCD.

4. OLED: it is an organic light-emitting diode. They are much thinner and brighter than LCD or plasma.

DVD Writer: DVD writer is used to create the data CD’s and DVD’s. to write the DVD or CD the computer needs to loaded with some special kind of software which provides the facility to burn the CD’s and DVD’s.

Operating SystemDefinition: “Operating system is system software that controls the execution of computer programs and may provide various services.”

This system software manages all the computer hardware. OS offers establishment to all application programs and operates as a connection between computer hardware and user. User can interact with the OS using any

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user interface or using GUI. OS are designed that easy way; Users can execute any program or applications very easily.

Function of Operating systems

User Interface: User Interface is the most useful function of OS User can have advantage of making the tasks easy with the use of User interface. They don’t require remembering and writing long commands prompts to do certain task. They can do hundreds of task with just single or double clicks of mouse.

Device configuration: device configuration is also one of the important function users can use by OS. User can configure any external device manually for their easiness or they can just configure any device automatically by recommended settings of OS. They can easily install and uninstall any device drivers.

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File management: OS also directs and categorizes all the data that the user stores on computer. Os keeps the track of each and every bit of data in the computer. Users are able to search files and folders or application in search box which is placed in start menu. All the operating system provides their own type of file management system. Hierarchical management is one of the main examples of the file management system of OS. Hierarchical management system uses directories to categorize files.

Security: security of the data is the biggest issue for all users. Some new operating systems come with the inbuilt firewall, so the unauthorized and unwanted application cannot access the computer automatically. Firewall also protects the computers form malwares and viruses. User can set passwords and biometric characteristics to secure their data and their computer accessed by unauthorised persons.

Features of operating system

Multitasking: when the computer is using two or more tasks at the same time that can be called as multitasking. OS can determines the order of the process which should be done while multitasking. With the help of OS user can load a webpage while executing an application in background and typing something in MS-Word. In short we can say that user can have access to many programmes at a same time.

Multiple users: this system provides the facility to login multiple users to access their sessions while keeping another user logged on the same machine. Some operating systems have facility to allow hundreds of user to make their sessions.

Multiprocessing: Multiprocessing is a task where user computer can run different type of programmes in different processors. Different jobs are processed on the different processors.

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Different types of Operating systems.

Apple Mac OS X

Mac OS X is the latest Operating system produced by ‘Apple.’ Mac OS X is the world’s most advanced operating system. In this OS all the tasks are made much easier to learn and to perform and users find fun to do the work. OS X provides the highest graphics quality can be found on any latest technology. It has got the most striking feature of user interface; it is also integrated with advance graphical processors. User can have preview of any file/folder by using quick look function. This is a very new feature of this OS. User can have very high resolution previews so they can actually read the text in preview itself.

User can upgrade the software of this OS. OS X can only run the software manufactured by apple. On important thing is this OS can only be used in apple computers or laptops. This OS is very suitable for entertainment because it has got the best graphics feature.

Windows 7

Windows is the latest OS made by Windows Corporation. This is also a very good OS. It has got many new features that make it easy for the user to work on certain task. Windows 7 supports the full 64-bit PCs; so it has got the new desktop standard. Windows search has been made easier and quicker on windows 7. It has also got some features that simplify the everyday tasks.

Windows 7 can be upgraded with the latest updates. User can run thousands of software on this OS. Windows 7 is not a virus free OS but it has got a features like windows firewall and defender; which makes the computer safe from the attacks of malware and virus

Comparison of Mac OS X and Windows 7:

1. Mac finder and windows explorer both have got very impressive user interface to access the files. Both of the operating systems have got their own feature like Mac OS X has sidebar in finder and libraries in windows 7.

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2. Both of the OS has got a newer way to get quick look of any file or folder. In OS X there is a quick look feature which gives the file preview in high definition so user can easily read the text in preview. In windows 7 the preview is very small to understand or have quick look of the document. So OS X’s quick look feature is better than windows preview.

3. Windows task bar and Mac dock are also one of the new features in both of the OS. Windows task bar is the best improvement interface. In OS X the Mac dock gives just the simple feature of access the task while taskbar has got such new features like pin program to task bar or recent and frequent tasks etc. So windows taskbar is better than Mac dock

4. In OS X the Mac menu bar is always fixed to the top of the screen and the programmes attaches there with users’ permission or need. In windows 7 system tray you can customize the programmes that you want to keep there for quick launch. User can also have access to one click calendar.

5. If we look at the backup utility in windows not too much has changed. It is the old wizard that asks you to choose the backup drive. Where in the OS X its easy and really funny utility of time machine. Time machine is dead simple setup and over animated.

Recommended computer system for the ‘Yascom Electronics’:

I have chosen the certain kind of computer system depending upon the requirements of the chair person.

For the best use of computer system for the company employers I have chosen the core i3 processor with the processor clock speed of 2.24GHz. That is the very good processor to meet the requirements of the chair person. If we place 3 GB of RAM with one 1 GB SDRAM and the other 2 GB SDRAM will be good for the use of company employers. The other important component for any computer is hard drive. The company employers will use the computer to save their projects and designs for the new business ideas. So 260GB of HDD will be the best match for the computer system.

I will recommend the 17” Plasma monitors for the company’s new computer system. The company employers can design their projects and designs with great colour and clarity.

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Windows 7 is the best OS to install in the company’s new computer system. It is 64-bit operating system. There are thousands of applications and software compatible with windows 7. The user interface of this operating system is easy to learn and use. The employers can easily get used to with this system.

Company chair person can install 3 in 1 laser printer which comes with inbuilt Bluetooth and wireless facility so the employers can use it easily, that is very user friendly.

For additional devices, we can install video and sound card that are used for basic purpose of image and video watching. We can also install a DVD-writer so that the employers will able to burn the data disks.

We need to design centralized help desk for all the users of the company so that they will be able to use the new computer system easily.

I have chosen two computer systems for Yascom electronics which meets the requirements of the company director.

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1. Dell Inspiron 570

Processor: AMD Athlon II X4 630 (2.80GHz, 4MB Cache) Memory: 4 GB (2048*2Gb) Hard drive: 750 GB Graphics Card: Integrated ATI Radeon HD4200 Graphics Monitor: Dell Ultra Sharp 24-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor. Keyboard: Dell USB QWERTY Keyboard Mouse: Dell MS111 USB Optical Mouse (Indigo) Price: £900.00

2. HP HPE-340

Processor: Intel Core i3-540 (3.06Ghz, 3MB Cache) Memory: 4 GB DDR3 Hard drive: 1 TB Graphics card: NIVIDIA GeForce GT 320 with Pure Video HD 1GB Monitor: PACKARD BELL Viseo 230 23" Widescreen LCD Monitor Keyboard & Mouse: Microsoft wireless mouse and media desktop 100

keyboard set Price: £850.00

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User guide

User Accounts: Start > Control panel > User Accounts > User Accounts and family centre > user accounts

With user accounts users can change or remove their account passwords. User administrator can manage more than one account.

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Disk defragment: Start > Control Panel > Disk Defragment (Administrative tools)

Shortcut: Go to start menu type and disc defragment in search box

Users are able to modify the schedule disk defragment as their use and their suitability.

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Disc clean up: Start > all programmes > Accessories > system tools > disk clean up

Shortcut: Windows button + R type cleanmgr.exe

This utility cleans up the useless data from any drive. User can also schedule this task by going in schedule task in system tools.

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Date and Time: Start > Control panel > Date and time (Clock, Language and Region)

Users can change date, time and time zone in this program.

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Region: Start > Control panel > Regional and language (Clock, Language and region)

Users can change language and location in this program.

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Change or uninstall a program: Start > Control panel > Uninstall a program (Programs).

Just double click or right click on the program which you want to uninstall.

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Installation of second hard drive

Here is the step by step guide of installing a new hard drive.

Requirements:

- Hard drive which is compatible with the system- Tools to open PC case- 4 securing screws (supplied with hard drive or case)- Anti-Static Wrist-strap - Cross-point (Philips)- IDE Cable

Here we will consider the basic PC so that everyone can understand the procedure.

Step 1: Open computer case

Power down PC, remove the power cord. Open the PC case with appropriate tools.

Step 2: Unplug the current drive cables

Unplug the power cable and IDE from current hard drive

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Step 3: Set the drive mode:

If new hard drive will be used as master set the jumper to master or else set it to slave.

Step 4: Inserting the drive

Slide the drive into the cage and close it with screws.

Step 5: Attaching IDE drive17 HNC Computing


Attach IDE cable from ribbon cable to old and new drive. Attach the primary drive as well if its removed.

Double check all the connections. Fit the PC case.

Step 6: Power up the computer

Now hard drive is physically installed in computer. Hard drive must be formatted before it can be use and some parameters of computer BIOS is necessary to change in order to detect the hard drive on controller.

IMPORTANT

Computer must be turned off and the power cable should be removed before opening any PC case.

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Security Policy

Manual handling: In the office premises sometimes the employers move the boxes and furniture; at the time of this action they should use manual handling procedure to prevent unwanted injuries.Chemical handling: this kind of offices may have many materials that have potential to injure staff like bleach; so they need to take extra care while working with this material.Electrical appliances: electrical appliances are the most usual reason of injuries in the offices. Employees should be instructed to maintain and equip the electrical equipments with extra care. The company should hire a professional electrician to make new connection or to repair damaged parts.Fire hazards: employees should be aware of the fire precautions in the office premises.Smoking: smoking should be strictly prohibited in the company.Safety: Slip, trip and falls are also the reasons to happen accidents; while transporting or carrying load.

Maintenance plan

Clean up disc errors: this task should be done every week to prevent the error reporting in the computer. This task prevents error on your computer.

Disc Clean up: this task should be performed every week. This utility erases unused files and data from your computer and make the PC perform better.

Disc defragment: this utility should be used every month. This utility also cleans up the unwanted and unnecessary data; and cleans up the recycle-bin as well.

Data backup : this utility should be used every week. This utility is very much important because this utility back-ups the files and folder on the hard drive. So employees can get their most recent data back from this utility.

Virus checking: should be performed once per month. This utility keeps the computer free from viruses and malwares.

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Security checks: Once per month

Users should change their account password to keep their data from unauthorized access.

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References:

Computer basics (Bill Crown), 1998 Computer performance evaluation (Peter Kemper, William

H. Sanders), 2003 http://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/Hardware/

What_is_a_Motherboard/ http://livecampus.estudents.org.uk/course/view.php?id=86 http://www.cleverace.com/

main_computer_components.htm http://livecampus.estudents.org.uk/course/view.php?id=86 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cache-memory.htm http://compreviews.about.com/od/tutorials/ss/

DIYSecHD_9.htm

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http://compreviews.about.com/od/tutorials/ss/DIYSecHD_9.htm

http://compreviews.about.com/od/tutorials/ss/DIYSecHD_9.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cache-memory.htm

http://livecampus.estudents.org.uk/course/view.php?id=86

http://www.cleverace.com/main_computer_components.htm

http://www.cleverace.com/main_computer_components.htm

http://livecampus.estudents.org.uk/course/view.php?id=86

http://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/Hardware/What_is_a_Motherboard/

http://www.pcreview.co.uk/articles/Hardware/What_is_a_Motherboard/

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computer platforms assignment