Computer Platforms Assignment
Question 1
Assess and make a record of the computer specifications, especially of the model and speed of the main processor, RAM memory modules and motherboard. Research and find out the specs of the motherboard in the function of extensibility and RAM capacity.
Evaluate the performance of the computer system and suitability for the use in a class room.
Answer
The computer system I would like to evaluate is a sleek and sophisticatedly designed space-saving Packard Bell OneTwo M D6020uk All-in-one PC (desktop computer) featured with the brilliant new Windows® 7 Home Premium OS as it is shown in the picture on the left.
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Microprocessor
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Type
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Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4300 processor
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L2 Cache
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2MB
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RAM Memory Clock Speed
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800MHz FSB
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Processor Clock Speed
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2.1GHz
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Chipset
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Screen resolution
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1600x900
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Screen Size
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20’’ inch
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Technology and ratio
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TOUCH PANEL - 1000:1 (Contrast ratio)
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Sound
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Integrated on motherboard or on PCI Slot
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Speakers
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Stereo speakers
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Memory
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800MHz FSB
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Hard Drive
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640GB Hard Drive
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HDD rotation speed
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7200rpm SATA
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Operating System
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Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
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Operating System mode
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64-bit
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Monitor
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Monitor
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20’’ Touch screen monitor
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Peripherals
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Integrated Graphics
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DVD Rewriter
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Digital TV Tuner
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Built-in wireless (802.11b/g/n)
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Multimedia card reader
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5 in 1 (xD,SD,SD HC,MS,MS pro,MMC)
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Optical drive
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TRAY SUPER MULTI DVDRW
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The above mentioned PC is suitable for all the applications the Postgraduate Students could possibly use. 3GB RAM is more than sufficient enough to use applications like Photoshop, Dreamweaver or MS Project Visio. All these mentioned applications are the main applications which require a lot of memory, especially if they are used for web designing and developing purposes.
Question 2
Discus features of varies types of operating system in a view of the performances required by Postgraduate students. Propose basic customization for chosen operating system.
Answer
An operating system, or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer would be useless. It works as an interpreter between the software and the hardware. It also controls the way the system performs.
A Computer System we need to customize and use for the Postgraduate students will require a lot of RAM memory. For that reason we need to replace and enhance the RAM. Applications like Photoshop and Dreamweaver require lots of memory space while they are running. RAM Memory Clock Speed is also important as it represents the information transferred in a second between North and South Bridges of the Processor. Processor speed also needs to be fast for the above mentioned applications; otherwise the PC will freeze and cannot operate properly.
Operating Systems are generally categorized into four types. They are explained below:
1. RTOS (Real-Time Operating System):
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a multitasking operating system intended for real-time applications. Such applications include embedded systems (programmable thermostats, household appliance controllers), industrial robots, spacecraft, industrial control and scientific research equipment. The main object of real-time operating systems is their quick and predictable response to events. Some of the examples of the RTOS are VxWorks, QNX, RTLinux, etc.
2. Single User, Single Tasking Operating Systems:
As the name implies, this operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system. This kind of operating system provides access to the system to single user at a time. If another user needs access to the computer, they must wait till the current user finishes what they are doing and leave.
3. Single User, Multi Tasking:
As the name goes in this kind of OS a single user can perform multi tasks together at a time. Multitasking can be of two types namely preemptive and cooperative. In the former one the system slices the CPU time and dedicates one slot to each of the programs and in the latter one multitasking is achieved by relying on each process to give time to the other processes in a defined manner. The examples are:
Multi-tasking (co-operative), single user - Windows 3.1, Mac OS 9.
Multi-tasking (preemptive), single user - Windows 95/98/ME.
Multi-tasking (preemptive), single user - Windows 95/98/ME.
4. Multi User, Multi Tasking:
This kind of OS enables multi users to work multiple tasks at the same time. Which means different users can take the advantage of the computer resource simultaneously and for this normally a network is used and established and the users use the remote terminal. Some of the examples are UNIX, VMS, Mainframe, etc.
As per the need of the post-graduate students, single user multi tasking OS will be the best option. In this OS we can use Windows XP which is already available on the system. This operating system supports mostly all the applications which are required by the given students.
Question 3
Propose key components that have to be changed in order to suit needs of the above specified users. If you find it cheaper and suitable you can also specify completely new system. For the new proposed system produce a security policy.
Answer
A Computer System we need to customize and use for the Postgraduate students will require a lot of RAM memory. For that reason we need to replace and enhance the RAM. Applications like Photoshop and Dreamweaver require lots of memory space while they are running. RAM Memory Clock Speed (it is 800MHz FSB in our system) is also important as it represents the information transferred in per second between North and South Bridges of the Processor. Processor speed also needs to be fast for the above mentioned applications; otherwise the PC will freeze and cannot operate properly.
For this purpose, I would suggest to enhance:
1. RAM memory (3GB DDR2 in our system)
2. RAM memory Clock Speed (800MHz FSB)
3. Processor Clock Speed (2.1GHz in our system)
Security Policy:
A computer security policy defines the goals and elements of an organization's computer systems. It is a document that outlines the rules, laws and practices for computer network access. This document regulates how an organization will manage, protect and distribute its sensitive information. The security policy required for the current system should be similar to the following some points:
· The user will not be allowed to download anything without the permission of the administrator.
· The user will not be able to customize the desktop or any other part of the system.
· The user should keep changing his password in regular intervals.
· The user will not be allowed to visit porn sites.
· The user will not be having the complete access of the system, as in, he can just use the applications and My Documents folder for saving his work.
· The user will not have access to the Control Panel and the Run window of the start menu.
· There should be a planned regular schedule for data backup.
· The user will not be allowed to visit illegal and illegitimate websites.
· The user should seek permission of the administrator before using the system and turn off the system when he has finished using the system.
· The user will not be allowed to delete or modify the documents, files, folders, etc not belonging to him.
Question 4
Produce a hardware and software test plan for the system after those changes. Include health and safety plan.
Answer
Before we make any changes we need to check the RAM memory slots on a motherboard if there is any available slot for the new RAM. If there is no other slot available, then we need to take out the existing one and replace with a new and better one. Then we need to make sure that our motherboard supports better RAMs (for example DDR3 upgrade).
Hardware Test Plan:
1. Replace the new RAM with an existing one.
2. Switch on the computer.
3. Check if an Operating System boots properly and the programs run smoothly.
4. If all the conditions above work, then we can say the test was successful.
Software Test Plan:
1. Open RAM-hungry applications like Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
2. Try to work on the Photoshop and write a code on Dreamweaver and at the same time to try upload some information on internet using Dreamweaver’s own FTP program.
3. If the system works smoothly without crashing, then we can say that the test was successful.
Health and Safety Test Plan:
· Any kind of food or drink in any form should not be allowed.
· There should not be any live or open wires.
· Proper care must be taken while working with the electric switches.
· The system should not be directly exposed to excessive heat or smoke.
· Do take extra care and proper guidance if you need to work with any hardware or the electric parts of the system.
· All the cables should unplugged before opening the cabinet of the CPU.
· The user should not work continuously in front of the screen or on the keyboard and breaks at regular intervals are recommended.
Question 5
Produce user documentation for the new system.
Answer
1. Go to Start > My Computer > Right Click the mouse button.
2. Click on Properties.
3. You will see all the details of your computer.
4. You should be able to see the system specifications of your computer.
References:
· And my personal knowledge about Computer Systems.
Really a good help,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Guys,
Fredy