Unit 2: Task 5: M3/D2

Task 5 (M3)

Evaluate the performance of a given computer system. This can be either a laptop or desktop, and either Mac or PC.

You may wish to use benchmarking software to do this (i.e.Novabench).
(D2)

Suggest improvements to the system, in each case explaining what benefits the improvement will bring in terms of performance and/or functionality.

2011 MacBookPro

The computer system that I will be evaluating is a MacBookPro as I wish to determine this computers performance. Computers all have variation in function and price but the rating of the performance is completely reliable to its price, this meaning if the computer system is expensive than it will have a higher performance quality for the user. I would like to display this with a Mac computer system as they are known highly for their price as well as their performance. 

The score this MacBookPro has achieved is an overall 340 which is not overly spectacular as most computer systems can range up into the thousands with their performance as they have i7 processors which run and have exceptional performance and quality. This is a MacBookPro from 2011 which has an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2MHzwhich is an older version of the latest MacBook's which have i7 processors which will have an overall better performance than they do now. 

Specs of the computer system:
CPU- Intel Core 2 Duo 
Ram/Memory- 4GB -DDR @1067 MHz 
Hard drive- 500GB Serial ATA; 5400 rpm

What this means?
The CPU is an Intel Core 2 Duo processor which means that this is a fast processing unit but is on the same level as an i2 processing unit which is not the best as it runs slower than your average system, which will either have an i5 or i7 processor which improve the speed of all interactions your computer may have to complete throughout the whole system. The RAM is quite low for a Mac system but it can support up to 8GB which means there is enough power for the system to run the essential tasks and a good standard at a relatively quick speed of 1067 MHz. 

Specs achieved on Novabench:

• The Ram had received a score of 108 which is fairly good for the system it is contained within, the Ram is capable and has been recorded at 2687 MB/s which is rather fast for a 4096 MB system. 
• The CPU had received a score of 187 this is low in comparison to i7 computer systems however is very good for the model.  Floating Point Operations in seconds has achieved 48447244 which is at a relatively high speed.
• Graphics test had scored 29 which is fairly low for a MacBook which reach up to 70 3D frames per second. 
• Hardware test had scored 16 it has a partial capacity of 223GB  and a drive write speed of 40MB/s which is fast for the capabilities of this system. 

Improvements:

To improve the performance of a MacBookPro I would alter the processing unit so that it is higher so the computer system will be able to run a lot faster regarding various software that is important to your system. Also by improving your processor it will help run various tasks at once at the same fast speed without any interference. By upgrading the CPU to an i7 it makes it a lot easier to produce better graphics and edit videos but to upgrade your CPU that also means you must change your motherboard as the CPU will not be complementary to the existing motherboards processing unit. To also improve this computer system you can change the graphics card so that it will display better graphics at a faster rate. You can also improve the hard drive to a larger storage system of a higher GB/TB so more data and information can be stored on your system.
By improving these aspects the computer system will be capable of achieving a higher Novabench score and will achieve a higher performance rating. To purchase a new motherboard they are roughly £70 at Ebuyer.com. 

Unit 2: Task 6b: M2

Task 6b (M2)

So the marketing director can make an informed decision about the system the design team will purchase you are required to suggest an alternative system for example an Apple Mac.  The report needs to compare this system with the system in P4 and you need to make a decision on which system should be purchased and why.

(For M2, learners must justify why the system set up was chosen eg cost, and suggest alternative set ups (at least one) and discuss why these could also be appropriate. The reasons for the choices should be clearly explained and referenced to the user need. Any optional extras must be justified).

To: Marketing Director From: The Design Agency.Date: 13th May 2013.Subject: A report justifying the comparison between alternative systems.

In this report I will be discussing and informing you of the differences that are present between an Apple Mac computer system and that of a Windows computer system and why and Apple Mac would be preferable for your business. I will be familiarizing you with particular aspects that feature within the different computers and how the specification of an Apple Mac system will be more beneficial for the purpose it will be having. 

Apple Mac systems are particularly designed for graphics purposes, through built in software to the designed of the PC and tower the features it entails are perfect for any format of work. An Apple Mac is perfectly designed for specific graphic creations for example Photography, 3D Modelling and animation, Video editing and much more. This computing system is perfect for creating highly detailed images. Apple Macs have been widely known as 'designers computers' due to this the makers have focused on particular aspects to improve features such as fonts and colouring. Mac has an advantage against PC's for this one reason, the fact that Mac systems have specifically improved to fit the image of being a designer's computer whereas PC systems are for all round usage mainly and not one aspect above the rest.  However a PC is also able to improve fonts and colouring just not to the same standard Mac is able to produce on their computers. 

If price is the main decider on which system should be purchased then the Windows is considerably cheaper than a Mac computer this is due to the manufacturer Apple introducing new complex software systems with new and improved graphics and many other aspects and have been rapidly improving with the generations. Apple has been changing and advancing their computer software whereas Windows has remained virtually the same with slight improvements over the decades with Windows 7 + 8 adding an edge.

Regarding the computer system itself Apple has deliberately enabled there operating system to be of ease to use with enhanced features which can improve the users overall experience and end result of what they may produce. Each change to different applications and software that may have been installed onto your device is quick and flows easily onto the next application. It also only offers particular features that Apple owns and offers to its users for example iPhoto and iVideo with professional tools which allow you to edit your graphics. Windows (PC) has also improved the experience that it offers to the user with the update of Windows 8.1 however Mac computer systems have the edge when in regards to the purpose your design team shall be using the system for.  

In relation to the purpose this computer system will be having aka graphic design and animation there is not a lot of differentiation between the two when regarding graphics. The software between both the computer systems are virtually similar and available for both types of systems, there will slight variation but they shall entail the same aspects and features. Major graphic software for example Adobe Creative are available for both systems so it will ensure that the graphics that are produced will be of the same standard and depth. Mac computers are widely known for graphics and designer's computers this is due to there being specific tools which are complementary to Mac computing systems which will allow the user to create and edit graphics in different manners as they would when using a normal PC. The main variation between Mac systems and PC systems is that PC's have software that mainly enables you to focus on particular graphics such as architecture whereas Mac's allow you to make any graphics that may be desired.  There is always the option of whether the budget is too high to purchase a smaller system or Windows product to start as it will have similar software but will not produce as equal graphics but graphics that are adequate but not exceptional as that a Mac will  allow you to create.

In culmination I believe that through evaluating the performance of both a PC and an Apple Mac, the Apple Mac computer system is certainly the better product for these purposes. Within my report it displays that an Apple Mac computer system will be the most beneficial system that would help the business and design team create graphics that are detailed and precise. Overall I believe the evidence supports that an Apple Mac system will be best for your design team and will help create spectacular graphics.  Mac systems have excellent graphics and create as equally excellent graphics from scratch, and the font capabilities are very advanced and useful for any graphic design work. 

Unit 2: Task 6a: P4

Task 6a (P4)
Write a report in which you recommend a computer system for the marketing department to purchase.
You must consider ALL the hardware and software needed to complete the designs, think about the software minimum system requirements before deciding on components.
Explain why you have chosen the components and include the current cost of each component.

(For P4, learners could present the evidence as a report or presentation. The choice of components should be briefly explained but may not make reference to all the user requirements. It is important that the final specification includes all the necessary hardware and software components for the system to work).

Unit 2: Task 4: P8

Witness statement
Learner name		Larissa Meikle
Qualification		BTEC National 1st certificate in IT
Unit number and title		Unit 2.2 computer systems.
Assignment		Unit 2: Task 4: P8
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
Larissa has successfully completed the tasks specified; she carried out this routine maintenance accurately and swiftly.  She has knowledge of how to replace a damaged mouse by removing the cable that has been inserted into the main tower, then connecting a new working mouse into the port that the previous mouse had been designated to. Larissa has been able to create a file structure under user and then within that file create the three necessary files as asked.  She is also aware of how to correctly perform a back-up procedure, involving copying all of the files stored on the device onto storage for example backup discs which are useful in case something goes wrong on your system and wipes it clean it can all be restored via the back up. Backups help guarantee that no data shall be lost and ensure durability.  *
Witness name	Lorenzo Pagliuca		Job role	Student
Witness signature	Lorenzo Pagliuca		Date	03/11/2014
Assessor name	Phil Wilkinson
Assessor signature			Date

*She is also well-aware on how to set up scheduled scans and knows how to delete unwanted folders, by selecting in the settings a specific time for files to be scanned. Larissa is also aware on how to archive and create backups for the PC if any data needs to be restored it can be located when you have archived your files.  Is capable of deleting temporary files that have been previously permanent from the system; she can clean various components such as the keyboard, mouse and display screen. Larissa is highly capable of defragging a PC, by opening the SanDisk and can perform maintenance which can be scheduled, and then select the hard drive you desire to scan and clicking begin then finish by proceeding onto the next step. Or access through DiskDefrangmenter and follow the process accordingly. Finally Larissa is also knowledgeable of how to replace printer paper on any printer that may be provided for example Epson or Canon.

Unit 2: Task 3: P7

 Task 3 (P7)

Using the computer system provided check that the changes that you have work correctly:
Design a simple test table that shows the results of the following tests.

1. software applications open and work as intended
2. default folder settings are correct
3. desktop shortcuts go to the right place
4. the correct device drivers are installed
5. the correct paper sizes are set for printing
6. menu options work as intended
7. the correct date and time are set

Test	Method	Expected outcome	Actual outcome	Action required
Software applications open and work as intended.	To ensure that your software application open correctly, select the software to open and if it opens correctly and accordingly it works as intended.	The software application for example Antivirus protection or Troubleshooting when accessed work correctly and provides its function accordingly.	The software application is opened and functions correctly.	N/A
Default folder settings are correct.	Select ‘Document’ on the start-up menu, then selects properties and move.  If you created a new folder, rename and save it will automatically save in that position. Make sure the folder has been saved and it shall remain as a default folder on your system.	A default folder will be accurately set and saved onto your system. It will always be accessible and the settings available will be correct.	A default folder will be accurately set and saved onto your system. It will always be accessible and the settings available will be correct.	N/A
Desktop shortcuts go to the right place.	Click on start button, select program you desire and back click it so it allows you various options. Then go to send to and choose desktop and the shortcut shall be sent to the desktop menu.	A shortcut of your programme will have been created and easily accessed via the desktop. It is a quicker and easier option when opening the programming rather than locating the original software etc.	A shortcut of your programme will have been created and easily accessed via the desktop. It is a quicker and easier option when opening the programming rather than locating the original software etc.	I had noticed that the desktop shortcut had not been located where I specifically desired so all I had to do was move its whereabouts so it remains there permanently.
The correct device drivers are installed.	When a device is connected and installed it will automatically appear and connect to the PC, it will ask for permission and needs to install the software required to run or alter the devices options. It will provide the correct device drivers that may be required so that it is able to perform its necessary functions.	In my computer, in device drivers when you may attempt to access specific device drivers it will display the various drivers installed on the PC and will then allow you to access various formats, for example CD ROMS etc.	In my computer, in device drivers when you may attempt to access specific device drivers it will display the various drivers installed on the PC and will then allow you to access various formats, for example CD ROMS etc.	N/A
The correct paper sizes are set for printing.	Select page layout on Microsoft word for example. Below orientation in the page setup options select size and alter your page size. When printing you can choose and alter the settings to allow them to print successfully.	The page size will have been altered and all data that has been chosen to print will accurately fit the page when printed.	All aspects that have been chosen to print will print according to the changed settings.	N/A
Menu options work as intended.	You select the menu or start button (on windows software it displays the windows start button). All various shortcuts and software stored on your device should be visible and when clicked should access the main software easily.	You click the start button and it shows key programs and frequently used ones.	It displays folders storing shortcuts to frequently accessed software on your device.	N/A
The correct date and time are set.	On your computer select the start button and then select control panel. From control panel then select data and time. You are then able to change the properties such as the date and time on your system. You change these via drop down boxes and then you apply them to your computer system.	The date and time shall have been altered to the correct settings and preference for the user. The correct time and date shall be displayed.	The accurate time and date shall be displayed on the system to be viewed at any given time by the user.	N/A