Renee Tucker

Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Assignment Brief

Computing and Administration Academy

BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Information

and Creative Technology (NQF)

I confirm that the work submitted for this Assignment

is my own work and has been produced during the time
allocated for the Assignment identified

Student Name

Computing and
Administration Academy

Assignment Title

Student Signature

Planning
Assessor

Naihla Saleem

Unit Title

Hand out

Hand in

13/11/15

04/12/15

Installing and
Maintaining Hardware

Date
4/12/2015

BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Information Technology ((NQF)

ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE ASSIGNMENT 2 INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING HARDWARE

To achieve a PASS for this assignment

your work must show:
P2

P3

Page
location

Describe the purpose and client

requirements for installing
and maintaining hardware in a
Technology system.

Criteria
Met
Y/N

Student Name

Produce a plan for installing and

maintaining hardware in a
technology system including:

Renee Tucker

A list of installation and

maintenance activities
A description of hardware
components and devices and
software resources required for an
upgrade

A description of fault-finding tools

and techniques
A test plan

To achieve a Merit for this assignment your

work must show all Pass criteria met plus:
M2

Assessor feedback

2015 - 2016
UNIT 14
INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING
HARDWARE
Page
Criteria PAssessor
feedback
LANNING

location

Met
Y/N

PART 2 OF 3

Produce a detailed plan including

the reasons why alternative ideas
for installing and maintain hardware
have been discarded.

BTEC Level 2 First

Diploma in
Information and
Creative Technology
(NQF)

Assignment
Result

R/P/M/D

Date
Signature
1 of 4

R/P/M/D

Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

To achieve a Distinction for this

assignment your work must show all Merit
criteria met plus:
D2

Page
location

Criteria
Met
Y/N

Justify final decisions, explaining

how the technology system will fulfil
the stated purpose and client
requirements, describing the impact
of any constraints on the plan.

2 of 4

Assessor feedback

Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Unit 14 Installing and Maintaining Hardware

Introduction
This assignment aims to allow learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge on installing and
maintaining computer hardware.

Scenario
You work as a consultant for an IT company that specialises in maintaining technology systems.
For this scenario, a client, West Mercia Employment, is a small company with employees who use
technology systems. The client is an employment agency, placing potential employees into suitable
job roles. They have two banks of customers, prospective employers and their possible
employees. Their role is to match candidates to vacancies. They need to maintain client data, have
good communication systems and provide both sets of customers with relevant information (both
electronic and hard copy).The client has now provided a brief for some work that they would like to
be undertaken.

Task 1 (Criteria P2)

Read the brief provided by the client. Write an e-mail to your manager to summarise the brief.
Describe the purpose (e.g. compatibility, increased capacity, increased speed, increased reliability,
software requirements, or network requirements) of each of the requests made and state what the
client requirements are for this system.

Task 2 (Criteria P3)

Produce an action plan for installation and maintenance work you will undertake on this technology
system including:
A list of installation and maintenance activities
A description of hardware components, devices and software resources required for the
upgrades
A description of fault-finding tools and techniques
A test plan (when you have completed the job, how will you check that the work has
been completed satisfactorily and is now working).
This action plan is for your use and could be in the form of a table, checklist, Gantt chart or job
record.

Task 3 (Criteria M2)

Draft another e-mail to the client to explain in detail what work you will undertake and what
possible alternatives there are. Explain why you are taking the actions you have decided on and
why alternative ideas for installing and maintain hardware have been discarded.

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Task 4 (Criteria D2)

Draft a further e-mail to your manager to justify your final decisions. Explain how the technology
system will fulfil the stated purpose and client requirements; describe the impacts of any
constraints on your plan.

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

To: Naihla Saleem

From: Rene Tucker
Subject: BRIEF- Planning West Mercia Technology System

Good Day Ms. Nailhla Saleem,

After investigating the clients, West Mercia Employment Company, technology
system in the General Office I have concluded that several of their components could
be upgraded. The clients requirements for their update is to bring their office
technology system up to modern times, they need a system that could handle the
demands of their growing business and update and store their clients data efficiently.
The General Office technology system consist of 18 standalone PC and one Epson ink
jet printer. This is a list of what is recommended to be upgraded.
The software that they use currently is Windows XP. Reasons for upgrading this
software are as follows;

Windows XP is obsolete- there is no manufacture support for it

Security flaws- essentially the longer an operating system is around the more
threats to its security will be created.

Windows 8 will enhance the performance of the computer

Newer software may not be compatible with Windows XP

The Hard drive capacity should be increased. Reasons for upgrading their 160 GB
SATA HDD to 1 TB HDD is as follows;

160 GB HDD will run out of space relatively quickly

Client will be storing numerous databases for numerous clients which will
require sufficient and reliable storage

Software requirements may need more space

If the storage space runs out will be cost consuming for the client in
terms of loss of business and potential loss of data

Upgrading the HDD will increase speed as well as the capacity

An increase in RAM will also be beneficial to the company. Instead of 2GB of DDR2
memory an increase to 8GB is recommended because it;

Will increase the capacity of memory the computers program can use

Increases performance speed

The client can run and several programs without reducing speed and tapping into
hard drive storage.

Will optimize the performance of the new operating system upgrade,

Windows 8.

Is valuable when upgrading the Operating System.

A highly recommended upgrade is adding connectivity to the office. There is
currently no networks set up in the General Office, nor is there an Internet set up. The
reasons that adding a LAN connection and internet connection to the office will benefit
is;

Allows a single broadband or wireless connection between multiple

computers.

They are able to share files among computers more easily and also share
software resources such as diaries.

Networkingalso allows you to use a printer connected to a different

computer, and access
media and other resources, such as images and
music, which are stored remotely or across the office

Will allow the client to reach a wider customer audience.

They will be able to advertise the company and services more effectively.

Can provide another means of contact for potential clients or other

business, via email, social media.
The Monitors in the General Office systems are relatively small at 15. The purpose
for upgrading the screen from 15 inch to the 24 are;

Small monitor can hurt the employee eyes over time

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

These upgrades will provide an effective working technology system in the General
Office by improving performance, speed, capacity and communications. With these
changes West Mercia
Yours Sincerely,
Rene Tucker
HLC Consultant
Tel- 0115 555 5555
Fax- 0115 565 6565

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

ACTION PLAN- For installation and Maintenance of the technology

system that will be carried out at West Mercia in the General Office.
*** The actual physical installation process should be completed in a two day
work period, given time for faults (not including time to gather components,
etc.).

BREIF DISCRIPTION OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TO BE

UPGRADED
Operating system- Software that communicates with the computers hardware and
allows other programs to run. Provides the fundamental software or files the device
needs to start/boot up
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - The physical storage unit responsible for storing all of the data
and files on the PC. Also known as the computers long term storage.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - Responsible for storing 'short term or temporary
storage' for data. Mainly used to for programs that are running and data that is being
created or worked on, this data can be written to or read from any area of the memory
Random Access).
Network Interface Card (NIC) - Network interface cards connect the PC to the network.
They allow the computer access and to send/receive data on a network.
LOCAL Area Network (LAN) - A network confined to a small area like an office or
business.

Installation and Maintenance Activities

Before physical Installation and Maintenance
Back up all data on all PCs.
Before installing or updating Technology Systems at West Mercia maintenance
and installation activities that will be carried out include;
Check compatibility of potential new components to make sure they are
supported with the motherboard, CPU and other components.
Purchase or gather new components to be installed as well as installation IT
engineering tools, including anti-static tools.
Find a clean and safe work area, insure that the technician has taken safety
precautionary measures which means no bags, nothing hanging from person
Begin Hard drive installation
Begin the Hardware Installation Process (Allow 6 hours per technician)
Layout tools that will be needed in the workplace, including the anti-static mat
for placing the disconnected hardware. (10 minute time frame)
Find a convenient but safe location for the Ethernet hub and router, preferably a
centralized location in the same building or room along with the computers. (5
minute time frame)

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Disconnect the PCs, take them from the monitors and any other connections. (In
a 10 min work frame each)
-Technicians can work on 3 PCs at a time in the given workspace.
Carry the dismantled PCs tower to the work station that will be used to carry
out the installations. (2 min work frame each)
Move the Monitors in a sectioned off location to store them for removal to
prepare for discarding, until the Installation process. (2min work frame each)
Place new 24 inch monitors in the work stations where they are to be fitted. (2
min time frame each)
Connect new 24 inch monitors in the workstations where the 15 inch models
were removed from. (2 min work frame for each monitor)
With IT engineering tools handy, open your tower case by removing usually the
left hand panel of the case. (2 work frame each min each)
Place wrist band around wrist, connect the anti-static wrist band to a piece of
metal inside. (1 min work frame each)
Locate the hard drive you want to remove. (May need to remove the optical
drive or floppy drive to access the hard drive). Remove the power plug (he flat
or Sata cable to the hard drive. Once removed, note the jumper setting of the
hard drive. (5 min time frame each)
After removing the hard drive and placing it on the anti-static mat, begin
inserting the new hard drive, making sure to connect the right cables. (5 min
work frame)
Locate the NIC slot then retrieve the new NIC that will be installed. Then insert
the NIC into the NIC slot. (5 min time frame)
Repeat the last step for new RAM that will be installed. Place new RAM in
appropriate slots.
(7 minute work frame for each computer)
Check and double check to see if all cables are connected to their appropriate
connections and all cards are fitted securely. ( 2 min work frame)
Seal the tower case back on, screw in the screws if needed. (2 min work frame)
Repeat this step for all PCs.
Connect the towers to the monitors. (2 min time frame each)
Plug in PCs.
To upgraded Operating System. (Allow 4 hrs collaboratively)
After the PCs successfully turns on, retrieve the new OS system (CD) that needs
to be installed.
Insert the CD into the optical drive
The computer will install Windows 8 Upgrade assistant, which will walk you
through the steps to purchase and install the software.
** Will need to fill out the registration form, will ask for name and credit card
information, for the Product key* and pay for it to successfully install the
software (write this down).
Click Next, Windows 8 will begin downloading to your computer and will display
the Windows 8 Setup Wizard
INSTALL
The Setup Wizard will ask whether you want to Install now, click this.
Enter the product key when prompted.
Click Next
Review the Windows 8 license terms and conditions, tick the I Accept the
license terms box

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Click Next, it will give you two options, Upgrade or Custom Installation.
Select the Upgrade Installation (This allows you to keep all current files,
settings, and applications).
Click Install
SET UP- Personalise
It will ask you to select the colour you would like to personalise Windows 8
( can be changed at any time).
Enter the name of the PCs (Recommend it be in numerical order according to
the order the PCs are upgraded for classification purposes).
Click Next. You can then set up the current network in Settings.
Click Next. Wait for the Windows 8 user interface to load.
Installing the computers on a Network (Allow up to 2 hours for entire process)
Assuming the NIC cards are installed in the PCs correctly, insert the Ethernet
cable. (2 min time frame)
Run the Ethernet cables to the Ethernet hub. Ensure the cables are out of the
way for the users that will access each computer for safety purposes. (5 min
time frame)
Repeat the above three steps for each computer that will connect to the LAN.
(Approximately 7 min time frame for each computer).
Configure the computers for the router following the instruction on the manual.
Lastly, start the software configuration process using the Windows 8 Operating
System.

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Overall Test Plan (Allow 1 hr to run test)

Checking for successful installation of components.
Hard Drive

1.

Open Computer by clicking the Start button, and then click Computer.

2.

Right-click the drive that you want to check, and then click Properties.

3.

Click the Tools tab, and then, under Error-checking, click Check now
(you may be prompted to enter an Administrator password).
To automatically repair problems with files and folders that the scan
detects, select Automatically fix file system errors and to check physical
errors as well click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
To perform a thorough check, select Scan for and attempt recovery of bad
sectors (This scan attempts to find and repair physical errors on the drive
itself).

4.

Click Start. Let it run its diagnostics.

Network
1. To test the network connection after configurations are done
2. Try to access the internet and see if the pages load,
3. Try to open and print a document on the printer.
RAM
1. Enter Crtl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard simultaneously to open Windows
Task Manager.

2. Click on the Performance tab to examine how much RAM each program you're
running is using. (If it appears one program is using much more RAM than

others, it could be that program that is causing system problems. Try

closing or deleting that program to eliminate that factor).
3. Download the free MemTest86 or MemTest86+ software from the Internet.

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

4. Burn the MemTest program onto a CD-ROM.

5. Restart your computer with the burnt MemTest CD inside your drive.
6. Boot the CD from your system's boot menu during startup.
7. Allow MemTest to test your RAM.
8. If the report comes back that the RAM is fully function, you should be able to
open multiple files and save them.
9. Also, note the speed that the CPU is responding to the programs.
Operating System
1. At start-up, listen for any unusual sounds.
2. Wait for the PC to start, the screen should now display a new series of
Windows 8 icons.
3. Go into Control Panel, click System and Security, then click System to
display what Operating System the Computer is running on.
4. Test the Operating system by clicking on the different icons to ensure they
are working properly and the programs are opening properly.
To: Mr. Usher
From: Rene Tucker, HLC Consultants
Subject: BRIEF- Planning IT Technology system for General Office

Dear Mr. Usher,

After reviewing the brief that was sent to our technician team at HLC
Consultants we have decided that the best route to improve the West Mercia
General office technology system is to upgrade key components and software
rather than implementing a completely new system. Below I will describe the
functions of the components that can be upgraded. Hopefully, by the end you
will understand why we should upgrade these.
To upgrade the technology system in the General Office we will be
upgrading the Operating systems, hard drives, RAMs, Network connections, and
monitors. As requested these operations will be carried out on over a two day
period. The exact day can be negotiated.
The upgrade in the systems operating system from Windows XP to Windows 8.
The software that they use currently is Windows XP. Reasons for upgrading this
software are as follows;

Windows XP is obsolete- there is no manufacture support for it

Security flaws- essentially the longer an operating system is around the

more threats to its security will be created.

Windows 8 will enhance the performance of the computer

Newer software may not be compatible with Windows XP

The Hard drive capacity should be increased. Reasons for upgrading their 160
GB SATA HDD to 1 TB HDD is as follows;

160 GB HDD will run out of space relatively quickly

Client will be storing numerous databases for numerous clients which will
require sufficient and reliable storage

Software requirements may need more space

If the storage space runs out will be cost consuming for the client in
terms of loss of business and potential loss of datahg
11 of 4

Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

Upgrading the HDD will increase speed as well as the capacity

An increase in RAM will also be beneficial to the company. Instead of 2GB of
DDR2 memory an increase to 8GB is recommended because it;

Will increase the capacity of memory the computers program can use

Increases performance speed

The client can run and several programs without reducing speed and
tapping into hard drive storage.

Will optimize the performance of the new operating system upgrade,

Windows 8.

Is valuable when upgrading the Operating System.

A highly recommended upgrade is adding connectivity to the office. There is
currently no networks set up in the General Office, nor is there an Internet set
up. The reasons that adding a LAN connection and internet connection to the
office will benefit is;

Allows a single broadband or wireless connection between multiple

computers

They are able to share files among computers more easily and also share
software resources such as diaries.

Networking also allows you to use a printer connected to a different

computer, and access media and other resources, such as images and
music, which are stored remotely or across the office

Will allow the client to reach a wider customer audience.

They will be able to advertise the company and services more

effectively.

Can provide another means of contact for potential clients or other

business, via email, social media.
The Monitors in the General Office systems are relatively small at 15. The
purpose for upgrading the screen from 15 inch to the 24 are;

Small monitor can hurt the employee eyes over time

By upgrading these components the systems in the General Office will be more
efficient, have optimum speed to complete daily task and will last quite some
time. Upgrading just key component is a much more feasible cost efficient
solution that out right buying a complete new system consisting of 18 brand
new PCs, this can be quite costly.
We are hoping to hear from you shortly as to if you are satisfied with this
solution and when you would like these upgrades carried out.
Yours Sincerely,
Rene Tucker
HLC Consultant
Tel- 0115 555 5555
Fax- 0115 565 6565

12 of 4

Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

To: Naihla Saleem

From: Rene Tucker
Subject: BRIEF- Planning West Mercia Technology Systems Response
Dear Ms. Saleem,
This is a follow up email regarding the planning work for the maintenance and
installation of the West Meria general office technology system. After contacting West
Mercia on the final decision to carry out the improvements of their new technology
system in the General office, we agreed that it will be better to upgrade key
components rather than installing a completely new system, which will be much more
cost effective. These improvements will consist of upgrading and installing beneficial
hardware and software that was discussed in our previous email.
A quick recap of the components
The upgrade in the systems operating system from Windows XP to Windows 8.

An upgrade in the hard drive from 180 GB to a 1 terabyte hard drive. This will
insure that the workers at West Mercia will have enough storage space on their
system for and sufficient amount of time.
Also, by increasing the storage it will enhance how efficiently the system runs
as far as speed.

An upgrade from 2 GB of RAM to 8 GB.

Upgrading RAM will ensure optimum speed when running programs.

Increasing the RAM will allow the workers to run multiple programs
simultaneously without slowing the PC or demanding storage function from the
hard drive for its memory.

Also, it was agreed that adding hardware and software to install a network for the
office will be beneficial. To do this we will be installing a NIC on all PC's, setting up a
LAN which will need Ethernet cables a router.
**West Mercia has agreed they will be responsible for Contacting an ISP of choice.

Setting up a LAN and internet connections will benefit West Mercia's

communications.
It will allow them to use Social Media platforms for advertising and connecting
to a wider audience.

Lastly, all 18 PC will receive an upgraded screen size from their previous 15 inch to a
25 inch.

This is for the employee benefit, it will put less strain on their eyes.
Because a lot of their time will be interacting with the PCs, especially once they
have internet access, they will need bigger screens.

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Renee Tucker
Level 2- BTEC IT Group B

West Mercia is satisfied with the improvement plans and have given the Ok to all listed
above. West Mercia will be in contact within the next week to discuss an appropriate
date and time that we can carry out the operations.

Yours Sincerely,
Rene Tucker
HLC Consultant
Tel- 0115 555 5555
Fax- 0115 565 6565

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