Unit
20: Computer Hardware
For details about this course follow the
links below.
Overview
Assessment
& Grading
Syllabus
Unit
Overview
The computer
hardware unit is one unit that counts towards a BTEC National award and
involves 17 lessons taken over the one semester.
This unit outlines the basic hardware of a computer. The unit
gives learners the ability and confidence
to build and upgrade PCs and to rectify simple faults. Most of the classroom
activities will be practical workshops but there will also be research based
activities.
Summary of Learning
Outcomes
To
achieve this unit a learner must:-
|
Investigate
basic computer architecture
and the functions
of devices |
|
Dismantle
and re-assemble a microcomputer
system, including the base
unit |
|
Configure
CMOS and system boards
to match CPUs and peripheral devices |
|
Troubleshoot
and maintain a microcomputer system. |
Assessment
& Grading
How will I be assessed?
This unit is internally
assessed and will be by means of
four assignments, a series of class activities
and quizzes and a
written test.
The
assignments are designed to cover all aspects of the grading criteria (see the
table below) apart from practical work that must be carried out in the
computer workshops.
The
class activities are designed to cover the practical parts of the grading
criteria. This means that you should attend all classes unless you have
a VALID reason for not attending. In this case arrangements will be made
for covering the missed activity.
How
will I be graded?
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner
presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all of the
learning outcomes for the unit. The
criteria for a pass grade describe the minimum level of achievement required to
pass this unit.
The table below shows
the grading criteria. A printer
friendly version is available that details
how the assignments or classroom activities provide the student evidence
opportunities for each grading criteria.
Assessment
Criteria |
Outcomes |
To
achieve each outcome the student must demonstrate the ability to:
|
1
Investigate basic computer architecture and function of
devices |
demonstrate a basic knowledge of binary and hexadecimal numbers
describe basic logic functions
draw a block diagram of a simple CPU
draw a block
diagram of a basic computer including
DMA IRQ and I/O controllers
|
2.
Dismantle and re-assemble a microcomputer system |
dismantle a
computer system into its constituent parts
recognise the shape
and pin numbering of various
connectors
demonstrate an
understanding of the variety of plugs
and sockets on a PC case and the range of peripheral
devices
associate each
connector with the appropriate peripheral
parts
|
3.
Dismantle and re-assemble a microcomputer base unit |
define & recognise different form factors
install CPU's
differentiate between various bus slots
describe memory devices and install RAM
configure and install backing store devices
install multimedia devices and drivers
explain
monitor operation in terms of resolution,
refresh rates and bandwidth
install and configure printers.
|
4.
Configure CMOS and system boards to match CPU's and
peripheral devices |
configure CMOS set
up for a variety of BIOS manufacturers
evaluate the
selection process and configuration of
a system board for a
range of CPUs
|
5.
Install and use modern operating systems |
contrast the functions of different types of operating systems, e.g.
Windows 95 and 98 and Windows NT
install, use and customise an operating system
|
6.
Troubleshoot & maintain a microcomputer system
|
demonstrate an
understanding of those aspects of
the Health and Safety at Work Act as it applies
to computer users
demonstrate safe
working practice and an awareness
of ESD
specify the process
of the post and its limitations
use diagnostic tools to rectify simple faults in a microcomputer system
use disk tools to correctly organise disks.
|
Syllabus
The
areas of computer hardware this unit will cover are...
1 Architecture
and the functions of devices
Basic system block diagrams including CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O,
system buses
2 Microcomputer
system, base unit
Microcomputer system :
serial and parallel ports, PS/2 and serial mice, keyboard connectors, COM1 and
COM2, LPT1, graphics ports, modem, network, joystick, sound
3 Microcomputer base unit
System
boards: e.g. Socket 7/Socket 370 Slot 1/A; form factors
CPU, e.g. AMD, Cyrix, IDT,
speeds, performance
Bus system, e.g.
ISA/PCI/AGP
Chip sets, e.g. LX, BX
Memory:
ROM, CMOS, cache, EDORAM, SDRAM, SIMMs, DIMMs, virtual
Expansion cards, e.g. graphics, sound, modem, network
cards
Backing store, e.g. hard disks, floppy, optical, zip,
tape, CDR/W, DVD-ROM
Monitor, resolution,
refresh rates, bandwidth
Printers: e.g.
dot matrix, ink jet, laser
4
CMOS
and system boards
System board configuration :
settings for bus and CPU speeds, voltage ratings, etc, system board manuals
CMOS set up:
configuration for system
5
Operating systems
operating
system installation:
install operating system, e.g. Windows (modern version), Linux, etc.
6
Troubleshoot
and maintain
Electro Static Discharge (ESD) precautions :
safe and correct working practice, Health and Safety at Work Act, etc.
Troubleshooting:
observation of Power On Self Test (POST) sequence, use of hardware and
software diagnostics
Maintenance:
system tools, disk management
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All the best for the course!!
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