Computer Technology Assignment: Computer Hardware and Software

As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Computer Technology assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing the module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the function of computer hardware, software and modern operating systems.
2. Understand how to build, configure and maintain computer systems and the basic components of a simple computer network. Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills
3. Design basic computer systems that are well defined and which consider the needs of the end user and environmental impact.
4. Communicate technical information in language appropriate for the target readership.
5. Appropriately balance user needs with environmental impact. Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and a word count; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in Harvard format. You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.

Attempt all the following questions:

1. Explain in detail the difference between micro computer and super computer along with their typical applications of use.
2. CPU is known as the brain of the computer. Name and explain three subcomponents typically located within the CPU/Processor and three components located outside of the CPU/Processor on motherboard not as a peripheral device.
3. Describe the essential differences between system software and application software. For application software, explain their general categories with one example of each.
4. Operating System is known as resources allocator, justify the statement. Explain two main functions of Operating System of your choice.
5. Systems or software development must follow the SDLC, explain the importance SDLC and its two core stages i.e. testing and maintenance in detail.
6. Explain the role of green computing in the context of systems upgrade or replacement over a period of time.
7. Computer components are sensitive and computer users are also sensitive. List and explain some possible risk factors that may damage these components and those that pose a risk to human health and safety. For each risk, suggest how these risks may be eliminated or at least mitigated.
8. Assume that you are working as an IT Consultant for a Company, and the Head of Purchasing is getting some unpleasant emails from Accounts about all the money being spent on fixing and buying computer hardware. This has to stop � so you have been asked to explain to the Accounts and Purchasing bosses what types ofhardware maintenance can be employed to reduce this expenditure, along with suggestions as to when to use these techniques and the kind of problems they will fix.
9. List the essential benefits of computer networking to users and explain main types of networks that are physically ranging from smallest to largest.
10. List seven layers of OSI model and explain its two layers of your choice in detail along with their associated hardware devices used on each layer.

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These include the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), graphics processing unit (GPU), motherboard, power supply unit (PSU), and various input/output (I/O) devices such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The hardware components work together to process data and execute instructions.

Software refers to the programs and applications that run on a computer system. These can range from operating systems (OS) such as Windows, macOS, and Linux to productivity software like Microsoft Office, design software like Adobe Photoshop, and games. Software is installed and run on the hardware components of a computer system.