Task 5 M3 and D2

Task 5 M3 and D2

This Novabench was done on a 2013 MacBookPro and as you can see this scores are pretty good and has scored an overall 1150.

The system RAM scored 181. This is a good score for the  RAM. It is important because

when a computer runs a program, the microprocessor loads the executable file from the program into the computer's RAM. Some programs contain a large amount of data that needs to be loaded onto it in order to properly function. If there is not enough space in the memory, this can cause the computer to run slowly. The computer's operating system needs a sufficient amount of memory to keep the computer running.

The CPU tests scored 744. CPU is important because if the CPU is faulty or does not work to its full capability the computer does not boot, instead you get a beep code. See the POST and beep code page for additional information about beep codes. It can even cause random computer crashes causing General Protection Fault error messages, Illegal Operations, Fatal Exceptions, etc.

The graphics test scored 166. Good graphics are important on a computer because it allows the user to see in much greater detail which is important as graphics is always improving.

The hardware scored 59. Hardware is capable of interpreting the information provided by software and converting into its final form, whether that is a visual display on a monitor; a mouse cursor's movement; or complex mathematical functions. The more advanced a piece of hardware is, the more quickly and thoroughly it is able to process complicated information provided by software.

Improvements:

The overall performance of this computer if fairly good. All of the scores are are good enough to fulfill their functions to a substantial standard. However like most things there is room for improvements. One of the improvement is the graphics. Despite scoring 166 the graphics is still quite low, its important that the graphics score is high in order to meet todays standards-which is developing all the time- so if you want to keep the computer for a long time its probably best to have a high graphics score. To achieve this all that you need to do is update the graphics card.

The RAM scored 181 which is a good score, however this could be increased by finding out what kind of RAM card is compatible with your computer, and seeing how many spaces for RAM are available. Once you've done this you can update and increase the RAM card in your computer.

The CPU speed can be increased by maintaining clean vents and fan. Updating the RAM and deleting files that you don't need.

The hardware can be improved by upgrading the components such as monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips etc.

M1

Alternative Computer system:

Windows 8 pc brings significant advantages to those who are upgrading existing PCs or purchasing new ones, thanks to features that better take advantage of the new OS's capabilities. The operating system offers improvements in performance, existing capabilities, and is cheaper. In a comparison with Mac OS X Mountain Lion, running in Boot Camp on a MacBook, Windows 8 even started up faster than Apple's latest desktop operating system. And it's not just startup time: Windows 8 ran several benchmark performance tests quicker than either Windows 7 or Mountain Lion. Microsoft has clearly put work into improving performance in Windows 8. windows also has SkyDrive which is accessible to any app that wants to use it, just as though it were a local drive. It also backs up your PC's settings, letting you replicate your environment.

software:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign (the latter ousting QuarkXPress as the creative's layout tool of choice in the early 2000s) have always been the software applications graphic designers rely on to convert their ideas and concepts into projects for themselves or clients.

The latest versions of these apps can no longer be purchased in a box, you'll need to take out either a single software subscription (£17.58 per month per app) or (and this is much better value) a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud costing £46.88 per month.

With the latter you'll be able to download not only Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign but also every single one of Adobe's creative tools. The mac also contains quick look, which allows you to view -almost instantly- preview huge Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

Hardware:

You will require a large monitor to in order to see the image youre editing in greater detail, you will need printers, scanner etc. Such as the ACER Aspire TC-605 Desktop PC (£800),

the HP Designjet Z3200ps GP 24" Printer (£2,939) because the printer will allow you to print large images in great detail, as this printer contains spectrophotometer to enable easy calibration and profiling, minimise bronzing on most glossy photo papers with HP Gloss Enhancer and the embedded spectrophotometer which helps you generate custom ICC profiles. The Vinyl Cutter Plotter / 28 inch Cutting Plotter Printer Sign Maker & SignCut Pro (£220) is also important as this would enable you to computer control the machine. Small vinyl cutters look like computer printers. The computer controls the movement of a sharp blade. This blade is used to cut out shapes and letters from sheets of thin self-adhesive plastic (vinyl). A Plustek OpticPro A320 - 1600 dpi x 1600 dpi - Flatbed scanner would also be useful as the scanning device can scan an A3 size document with high quality - resolution as high as 1600 dpi and scanning area as large as 12" x 17" (304.8 mm x 431.8 mm) - in just 11.2 seconds.

Unit 30 P1/Unit 1 P4

Unit 30 P1/Unit 1 P4

Computer system:

Apple Mac OS X computers are especially useful for designers, and many creative professionals choose to regularly update to the latest Mac hardware. Most graphic designers automatically veer towards the Mac OS X platform as a matter of course. Partly this is a result of Apple's graphic design heritage. (Apple pretty much created the desktop publishing market back in 1985 with the original Apple Macintosh computer, combined with PageMaker and the first LaserWriter printer.)

These days most designers work in a purely digital format, and will be using very different software to that created back in the 1980s. However, Apple is still the choice for designers thanks to its more comfortable Mac OS X operating system and wide software support.

Hardware:

A big monitor is important because the tools do not get in the way of image you are illustrating. other hardware tools such as printers, scanners, digital camera etc. A printer such as the HP Designjet Z3200ps GP 24" Printer (£2,939) because the printer will allow you to print large images in great detail, as this printer contains spectrophotometer to enable easy calibration and profiling, minimise bronzing on most glossy photo papers with HP Gloss Enhancer and the embedded spectrophotometer which helps you generate custom ICC profiles. The Vinyl Cutter Plotter / 28 inch Cutting Plotter Printer Sign Maker & SignCut Pro (£220) is also important as this would enable you to computer control the machine. Small vinyl cutters look like computer printers. The computer controls the movement of a sharp blade. This blade is used to cut out shapes and letters from sheets of thin self-adhesive plastic (vinyl). A Plustek OpticPro A320 - 1600 dpi x 1600 dpi - Flatbed scanner would also be useful as the scanning device can scan an A3 size document with high quality - resolution as high as 1600 dpi and scanning area as large as 12" x 17" (304.8 mm x 431.8 mm) - in just 11.2 seconds.

Software:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign (the latter ousting QuarkXPress as the creative's layout tool of choice in the early 2000s) have always been the software applications graphic designers rely on to convert their ideas and concepts into projects for themselves or clients.

The latest versions of these apps can no longer be purchased in a box, you'll need to take out either a single software subscription (£17.58 per month per app) or (and this is much better value) a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud costing £46.88 per month.

With the latter you'll be able to download not only Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign but also every single one of Adobe's creative tools. The mac also contains quick look, which allows you to view -almost instantly- preview huge Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

Witness Statement (P8)

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

unit 2.2 P8

Witness statement
Learner name		Robbie Latta
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 Robbie configure the operating system to back-up procedures, set automatic scheduling and deletion of unwanted data, I witnessed him archiving and reduce the amount of fragmentation. He then deleted temporary files; he cleaned the keyboard, mouse and display screen of the computer provided. He also replaced  the consumables printer paper in the printer provided and replaced the damaged mouse.
Witness name	George Blackie		Job role	Student
Witness signature			Date	07/10/2014
Assessor name
Assessor signature			Date	07/10/2014

Table (P7)

Test	Expected Outcome	Actual Outcome	Action Required
software applications open and work as intended	After i have loaded up software, it should open on my desktop and work as it is supposed to, giving me all of the start options e.g internet, office etc.	The loaded software opens onto the desktop and works normally providing all of the options at the start menu.	n/a
default folder settings are correct	The default folder settings should be set correctly automatically, and easy to access. It should allow you to create new folders, open existing folders, delete chosen folders etc.	Automatically, the folder setting will be correct and ready to use,allowing you to customize your folders  therefore requiring no further action. However, if you desire to customize the settings of the folders on your computer, you can. You can change the layout, structure etc.	n/a
desktop shortcuts go to the right place	After creating a desktop shortcut and choosing where to place it, it should appear on your desktop exactly where you placed it, it should be clear and easy to find.	Sometimes desktop shortcuts can appear in the wrong place when created.	The desktop shortcut will have to be moved into the position you want it to be, using click and drop to place the shortcut icon into the right place on the desktop.
the correct device drivers are installed	The device driver that you install should be compatible with the computer system and should run as normal. The device driver should allow the computer system to operate as normal and allow you to access hardware functions.	The device driver may not be correctly installed, and the hardware connected to the computer may not operate as it should.	The hardware would have to be reconnected and the device driver would have to be installed manually and correctly. The device driver that you install will have to be compatible with your computer system, and should be a simple and easy procedure.
the correct paper sizes are set for printing	The paper in the printer should be the correct size to fit in the printer, and to print off documents onto the paper.	Sometimes the printer paper size can be set on the wrong size for printing documents.	You will have to go onto printer settings and manually change the paper sizes that are set for the printer. You will have to change the setting to A4 in order to print documents onto the paper.The printer file can be opened, you then click on "printer properties" and click on "paper", which is displayed at the top. From there you can click on "print on" box which then allows you to changes the paper sizes.
menu options work as intended	The menu should show all of the options at the start when opened, for example the internet icon, office etc. All options that are available on the computer should be able to be identified on the menu when opened.	Some menu options may not be installed onto the computer when started up for the first time.	You would have to manually install the menu options that you desire to have which aren't there to begin with.
the correct date and time are set	The date and time on the computer should be set correctly. It should be displayed in the bottom right corner of the computer monitor screen.	The date and time on the computer will not be correct automatically, it won't be set yet. You will have to set it manually.	To set the correct time and date on the computer, click in the bottom right corner of the screen where the time and date is displayed, a calendar should appear, simply click the day that matches the date you are at. A clock will also appear so that you can manually change the time. After setting the date and time on the computer, there will be no action required as the procedure should be a success.The correct date and time should be displayed in the left bottom corner on the screen of the monitor.

Witness Statement (P6)

Witness statement
Learner name
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
I witnessed Robbie complete all of the activities listed above in IV5, an ICT room in school. I witnessed him then change the icon size to large. Secondly, he changed the font size to large successfully. Robbie then changed the background colour to red on the computer home screen.
Witness name	George Blackie		Job role	Student
Witness signature			Date
Assessor name	Phil Wilkinson
Assessor signature			Date

Witness Statement (P5)

Witness statement
Learner name		Robbie Latta
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 01/10/2014 Connect a keyboard to a computer Yes 01/10/2014 Connect a mouse to a computer Yes 01/10/2014 Demonstrate where the graphics card is installed Yes 02/10/2014 Install MS Office 2003 Yes 03/10/2014 Install MS security essentials Yes 04/10/2014 Create a user account Yes 05/10/2014 Configure system software, application software and documents Yes 06/10/2014
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
To begin with, Robbie connected a monitor to the computer system, after that he then connected the mouse and the keyboard. He showed me where the graphics card is installed and then installed MS office 2003, followed by MS security essentials. After that he created an account and then configured system software, application software and documents. He showed no trouble in completing all of the above tasks.
Witness name	George Blackie		Job role	Student
Witness signature			Date	06/10/2014
Assessor name	Phil Wilkinson
Assessor signature			Date