Unit 2, Task 5, D1

Security virus protection is used to improve the performance of your computer system. They protect the computer system from getting viruses. Security virus protection is used to protect your computer system from trojan horses. You could lose control of your computer if trojan horses and viruses take over. Viruses can cause pop ups to occur when you try and access different websites. It could also cause your computer to completely shut down. If you have security virus protection, you will be informed when a virus tries to come into contact with your computer which will then allow you to take immediate action against it.

Clean up tools for removal of cookies and/or internet history and/or defragmentation is used to remove any unwanted items from your computer. If you did not have clean up tools on your computer, it would get overloaded with cookies which may stop your computer from working as your memory will be too full. After using your computer for a long period of time different files can become corrupted which can slow down your computer. You are able to clean and repair these files by using hard drive utility applications. The easiest way to boost the performance of your computer is to do a format of the hard drive and reinstall all the necessary files. Fragmentation makes the hard drive do extra work therefore slowing down the computer. Disc defragmentation is able to rearrange fragmented data to allow your discs and drives to work better. To make sure computer performance better you can remove all of the internet history. All of these clean up tools will provide a much quicker computer.

Drive formatting gets rid of all unnecessary content on your computer and restores it to the way it used to be. This will make the computer run much quicker and will allow you to have more memory. When a computer is formatted all of the data on the disc is erased and replaced with a fresh copy of the operating system. This will free up a lot of space on your hard drive. Computers run much quicker when there is more free space on the hard drive. Computer’s often experience problems due to viruses and other unnecessary programmes which can be dangerous to the computer system. To resolve these issues you should reformat the hard drive regularly.

Unit 2, Task 5, M3 and D2

2011 MacBook Pro

The MacBook has a RAM speed of 2687 MB/s. It scored 108 in the Benchmark test.

The CPU tests that were ran scored 187. The floating point operations per second were 48447244, the integer operations per second were 95730000 and the MD5 hashes calculated per second were 677596.

The graphics test scored 29 and there were 70 3D frames per second.

The hardware tests scored 16. The primary partition capacity is 223GB and the drive write speed is 40 MB/s.

The 2013 Zoostorm i7 scored 198 for the RAM speed which is 12529 MB/s. A faster RAM will make a huge difference to the overall performance of the computer. Games and other applications will load much quicker with a faster RAM. The MacBook Pro would benefit from having a faster RAM as it would make it much easier to use the computer.

The CPU tests ran on the MacBook were quite poor, scoring a reasonably low 187. Other models have scored as high as 753. The system would probably process information quite slowly. This can be solved by getting higher quality CPU tests.

There are better models than the 2011 MacBook Pro in terms of graphics cards as others have scored 33. If a higher quality graphics card is used, the pictures and graphics shown on the screen will be much clearer and of a higher definition. Therefore, making the overall performance of the computer much better.

The MacBook Pro only scored 16 in the hardware test which is very low compared to the 2013 Zoostorm i7 which scored 45. In order to improve the hardware scores, the primary partition capacity needs to be higher and the drive write speed needs to be quicker.

Unit 2, Task 6, M2

The iMac that I recommended is quite expensive. Alternatively, you could purchase a HP Pavilion Touchscreen All in One PC. This costs much less than the iMac as it is only £699.99. The operating system is Windows 8.1. This is the most recent Windows programme. The memory space is the same as the iMac as it is 1TB. The screen is a good size at 23 inches and is also touchscreen, a property that the iMac does not have. The sound quality on this computer is very good. It has high quality DTS sound+ audio that drives the 2W speakers to output audio. With two USB 3.0 ports you are able to enjoy 10x the data transfer speed of USB 2.0. There are also four USB 2.0 ports which allows you to connect to external hard drives, graphics tablets and other peripherals. This computer includes built in WiFi and Ethernet connection for direct internet.

I would recommend the iMac as even though it is more expensive, it is a much higher quality. Also, you get excellent value for money. In the long run, the iMac will work out as being cheaper because it does not require as much maintenance. The iMac has better graphics than the HP Pavilion which will give a better experience. The iMac loads much faster and is a lot safer.

Unit 2, Task 6, P4

System:

Computer/Monitor - I would recommend an iMac as a good computer as it already it has everything built into the monitor. The screen on an iMac can be anywhere between 21.5 inches and 27 inches. The screen is specially designed in order to reduce reflection. The iMac is installed with the latest Intel Core processors. iMac graphics are very powerful. Whatever graphics you choose, they will be HD with more speed and responses. The iMac comes with up to 1TB of memory space on the hard drive however you can opt to upgrade to 3TB of memory. The iMac costs £1599.

Keyboard - The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a very good choice as it can be used anywhere within 30 feet of your computer because it has built in bluetooth. It takes up 24% less space on your desktop than a normal keyboard. The battery life is very impressive and the keyboard knows to power down automatically when you are not using it. The keyboard costs £59.

Mouse - The Apple Magic Mouse is an excellent choice to accompany the computer and keyboard. It’s smooth, seamless top shell acts as one button or two. As it is wireless, there is a greater surface area to scroll which gives you better control when using your computer. The mouse works wirelessly through Bluetooth. Combined with the wireless keyboard, it gives an uncluttered, easy to work desktop space. You are able to use the mouse for up to 33 feet away. It costs £59.

Input:

Camera - The Canon PowerShot SX510 12MP Bridge Camera is a very good camera. It comes equipped with a 30x optical zoom which allows you to get sharp, crisp imagery and extended film footage. It also comes with WiFi which allows you to easily share your photos. It also has HDMI connectivity. The camera currently costs £119.99.

Scanner - I would recommend the Epson V550 Perfection Photo Scanner. You are able to easily scan a range of negative and positive film. The scanner uses Digital ICE Technology and Epson Easy Photo Fix software in order to transform your old photos into high quality. With fast, energy efficient Epson ReadyScan LED technology, you are able to start scanning your photos almost instantly. The scanner costs £199.99.

Graphics Tablet - I would recommend the Wacom New Intuos Pen and Touch tablet. With this tablet you are able to experience a more expressive and intuitive way of working. This will give you great flexibility with your creativity as you can draw and watch your designs appear on the screen. It currently costs £79.99.

Output

Printer - The Epson Expression Premium XP-620 All-In-One Printer is ideal if you need flexible printing. It allows you to print high quality text and photos, as well as being able to copy and scan. As the printer has WiFi it allows you to print easily from wherever you are. The printer comes equipped with two front loading paper trays and a LCD screen. It costs £99.99.

Vinyl Cutters - I would recommend the LIYU Vinyl Cutter as it is compatible with Mac OS. The cutter comes with FTDI chipset which allows plug in and play like features after installing the drivers for Mac and Windows. Many other cutters do not come with this function. The cutter costs £242.

Projector - The Acer P1173 3D Home Cinema Projector is a good choice. The resolution of the projector is 800 x 600. The projector is very simple to connect to your computer. It is perfect for displaying content from your hard drive. The 3.5mm audio connection means that you can enjoy sound from the projector too. You can also use your projector in HD as it comes with a HDMI port. The projector costs £239.99.

Software

Vector - ADOBE Illustrator Creative Cloud gives you a more efficient way to experiment, create and collaborate with easy file sharing. You are able to easily share your work with other people through built in integration with Behance ProSite. Your applications live on the desktop. For 12 months it costs £199.99.

Bitmap - ADOBE Photoshop Elements allows you to transform your favourite moments into video clips. You are able to make quick edits, add effects or totally transform your videos. It provides you with all the tools and guides you through the process. It costs £59.99.

Desktop Publishing - Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business is a great choice as it is compatible with Mac software. You are able to create different documents such as powerpoints, word documents and more. It costs £179.97.

            

Unit 2, Task 4, P8

Witness statement
Learner name		Kirstie Little
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
Kirstie created a folder and named it by clicking ‘new folder’ on the documents page. She was then able to back up her work using iCloud by going onto iTunes and backing up her computer. Kirstie then sent files and folders to the recycle bin that she did not want therefore deleting them. She then removed a broken mouse by taking it out of the USB port and putting another one in. She put more paper into the tray in the printer. Kirstie then cleaned the computer screen, keyboard and mouse by using a computer cleaning spray and cloth. She proved that she was able to defragment the computer system and set it up to automatically delete unwanted files. Finally, Kirstie showed that she could archive documents by saving documents to google drive instead of the computer system.
Witness name	Victoria Slaven		Job role	Student
Witness signature			Date	21/11/14
Assessor name	Phil Wilkinson
Assessor signature			Date	21/11/14

Unit 2, Task 3, P7

Test	Method	Expected Outcome	Actual Outcome	Action Required
Software applications open and work as intended.	To test that the software applications open and work, you need to click on the start menu. Then you click on ‘all programs’, then office. After that, you could, for example, select ‘Microsoft word’.	I expect that the application will open and allow me to create a document. I should also be able to save the document.	When I tested the software applications it opened easily. It also allowed me to create and save a document.	No action required.
Default folder settings are correct	To test the default folder settings I will click on start and then documents. The default folders will appear but also the folders that you have made. The default folders are ‘my pictures, ‘ my music’ etc.	When the default folders appear I should be able to access them.	I clicked on the pictures folder and it opened with the pictures I expected.	No action required.
Desktop shortcuts go to the right place	In order to make sure that the desktop shortcuts go to the right place I will left click the screen when I am on the desktop and select ‘create a shortcut’. Then I will choose which program I want to create a shortcut for, for example, Google chrome. Then I will click on the newly made shortcut and make sure that it goes to Google chrome.	When I click on Google chrome on the desktop it should take me straight to the Google chrome internet page.	When I clicked on the Google chrome shortcut it took me straight to the homepage.	No action required.
The correct device drivers are installed.	I will plug the printer in and install the software that appears on the screen. When I have done this, I will send a document to the printer and see if it prints	The computer system should recognise the printer when it is plugged in. The documents should print normally when I send them.	The computer recognised the printer however the documents did not print.	I will uninstall the printer then reinstall it. Then I will print the document again.
The correct paper sizes are set for printing	I will put an A4 sheet of paper into the printer and print a document. I will select the paper size of A4. The document should print this size.	The document should print on an A4 sheet of paper. The document should have increased if it was created as A5.	The document printed on A4 the way I wanted.	No action required.
Menu options work as intended	I will click on start which will show all the different software that has been installed and the file options.	All of the software, files and computer programs should be shown.	I was able to see and access all of the different software options.	No action required.
The correct date and time are set	I will hover over the time and date which is located in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. This will also tell me the day of the week. I will go to the control panel and make sure that the correct date and time is set.	The date and time should be correct and the same as it is on the control panel.	The time and date were correct. I was also able to check the time.	No action required.

Unit 2, Task 4, M1

Functions/Features	Windows	Mac OS
Machine and peripheral management	The operating system controls the whole machine and all of the components in there. It also controls peripherals such as, keyboard, mouse and printer. Windows controls the monitor by changing the resolution, the mouse by setting the speed, etc.	The control of the computer components are similar to Windows. However almost all of the devices need to be bought specifically for a Mac. Macs can control the keyboard by changing the language. For other devices such as iPhones, the keyboard can change to landscape mode. This means that the screen is also controlled.
Security	On Windows XP, the operating system makes sure that everything works properly and no unauthorised files get onto your computer. Windows has security functions such as, user accounts with password protection, firewall and many other functions.	The Mac OS has security features such as application sandboxing. This limits the kind of operations an application can perform, such as opening documents and accessing the network. Sandboxing makes it much more difficult for a security threat to affect the system. There is also authentication to access files where the user has to enter their Apple ID and password.
File Management	The Windows XP system needs to have file management to show files , create new files, delete files and edit files. Windows has a process called explorer.exe to handle the file management.	The program for file management that Mac OS uses is called Finder. It is very similar to Windows explorer.exe however it has an appropriate icon for every file.
Device Drivers	Drivers are programs that tell the operating system what to do. When you buy a new graphic card, in order for it to work properly with all of its power and efficiency you need to install drivers provided with the card.	As the same as Windows, the drivers are programs that control the devices. Every needed driver to run the computer is included in the system. However, if you want to install a printer, you have to install a new Mac OS.
Ability To Customise	There are many ways that you can customise Windows. Accessibility features have been built in to Windows. These features are useful for people who have trouble typing or who are deaf or blind. These features can be installed during setup. You can use Control Panel and other built-in features to adjust the appearance and behaviour of Windows. You are able to adjust colours and sizes, sound volume and the behaviour of the mouse and keyboard.	It is quite difficult to customise your computer when using Mac OS as it is very limited. Additional software is required in order to make these changes. Without the additional software, it is practically impossible for the user to make changes. All they can do is change the background of the desktop. With the correct software, you are able to customise your Mac. System preferences control the settings. System preferences allows you to adjust things such as: screen resolution, keyboard controls, mouse controls, sound, printer, account settings and sharing settings.
Support for Connectivity of Portable Media	Windows supports almost every type of portable media as long as it has one of the connectors that fits into the computer. Windows supports all media including ones that can be connected via USB such as, phones, cameras and headphones, voice control and ethernet cables for internet.	The Mac OS supports the typical computer peripherals such as: computer mouse, monitor and keyboards. They also support headphones, CDs and DVDs, USB ports for cameras and phones. Also ethernet cables for internet.
Stability and Reliability	This is down to the applications that are installed and not the core of the operating system. Windows offers more of a wider range so therefore has more potential stability problems.	Mac OS offers less of a wider range of applications than Windows does therefore is potentially more stable and reliable than a Windows operating system.
Ease of Management	Windows is probably the easiest to use but it depends on the user. As the Windows operating system seems to be the most popular with customers, it shows that it is easier to use.	Mac OS and Windows are quite similar for ease of management as it mainly depends on the user and what they are used to. Mac OS is a newer type of operating system meaning that the younger generation may find it easier to use.
Associated Utilities	Windows has a wider range of associated utilities on offer however it depends on what the user is used to. Windows is not that good for graphic design and video editing but it is good for general use.	Mac OS has alternatives for pretty much everything. It is much better at graphics design and video editing.

There are many applications on a Mac that Windows have tried to replicate. These are things such as, the dock, time machine, dash board and cover flow.

The dock is the row of icons that you see at the bottom of the screen on the home page. It makes it quicker to access the apps that come with the Mac but you can personalise it and add your own. You are also able to add folders to the dock in order to access them quicker. To access an app you can click on it from the dock, it is similar to creating a shortcut.

Windows have replicated the dock by making the XWindows Dock. This is practically a clone of the dock and works in the same way. The icons on the XWindows Dock are fully customisable. It has pre-installed plugins and also supports your other plugins too. For example, the Container plugin allows you to organise your items into groups.

The Mac time machine is a built in backup software application that works with your Mac and external drive. The time machine automatically backs up your entire Mac, including system files, applications, accounts, preferences, emails, music, photos and more. The time machine also remembers how your system was on any given day. You are able to see your Mac as though it was in the past.

Windows have replicated this by making the Rollback Rx. Generally, Rollback is better than the Mac time machine. Rollback can be used as a full reset system. This means that you are able to go back to a particular point in time when a snapshot was taken. If, by any chance, a file is deleted or corrupted, you are able to retrieve it without resetting your whole computer system.

The Mac dashboard gives access to applications called widgets. It includes widgets for some Mac apps such as calendars and contacts. These widgets make it easier to access apps without fully opening them. You are able to make the dashboard your own by downloading more widgets.

The Windows equivalent is XWidget. This provides easy customisation. It allows you to get widgets and install them quickly on your computer. Like the Mac dashboard, you are able to create new widgets. You are able to easily rearrange the widgets by clicking and dragging them.