[NCC Global Assignment]

Student Name:
NCC Education ID
Number
Name of Center
Unit Computer Systems
Course Title: Level-4 Diploma in Computing
Date:

Table of Contents

1 Task 1 Updating IT Infrastructure .........................................................................................................2

1.1 Outline Requirement Specification ............................................................................................... 2
1.2 System Design Specifications ....................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Critical Evaluation and System selection ...................................................................................... 7
2 Task 2 Windows and Software Installation ...........................................................................................9
2.1 Windows 10 Pro Installation ......................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Antivirus Installation ..................................................................................................................27
2.3 Office Software Installation ........................................................................................................32
2.4 Installation of Free Utility ...........................................................................................................35
3 Faulty PCs and Software Maintenance ................................................................................................38
3.1 Faulty Finding and Computer Maintenance ................................................................................38
3.2 Preventative Maintenance ...........................................................................................................40
4 References ...........................................................................................................................................42
1 Task 1 Updating IT Infrastructure

1.1 Outline Requirement Specification

1.1.1 Introduction

NexLab is a company, which is a small and medium enterprise company, offers software and
applications services to its client either in local or global. For this company, I will be an acting IT Manger
of the company. CEO of my company assigned me a task to upgrade our IT infrastructure to
improve delivery process of applications and software services. As an digital company, we have to
handle multiple projects which have to be delivered on time and meets customer satisfaction and
business needs. To do this, our IT infrastructure have to perform at its max capacity. Therefore, I will be
making a detail report of our IT infrastructure which we will be making changes, replacements and
improvements in both hardware and software.

1.1.2 Outline of the organization

Our company, NexLab, is one of the popular digital company in the country and neighborhood
countries. Our company goals is to deliver best application in the designated time duration which will
meets our customers' business needs and satisfaction. To achieve this goals, our developer teams and
product teams have to manage their tasks very well. Developer team has to make applications while
product team is communicating between customers and developers teams. For the developer teams,
there are 20 people including android developers, IOS developers, UI/UX designers, quality assurances,
back-end developers and front-end developers. They are the key players of designing and making an
application end-to-end. For the products team, there are 10 people including scrum master, business
analysts, product owners, product managers and IT officer. They plays vital role in acquiring new business
clients and acting as a bridge between development team and clients. For our company internet access,
we are using fiber Wi-Fi network (LAN) including one router, two access points and one switch. Hardware
devices in our company includes laptops, printers and projectors. We are using Microsoft
Office365 to do the office tasks and Microsoft Team for communication for all team members. For
development specific software, we are using VsCode, Figma, Postman, Visual Studio, MySQL,
FileZilla, and Xampp and so on.
1.1.3 Outline of the problems
There are some problems in the product team in doing their tasks due to constraints in their
devices.
Outdated Hardware: Laptops using in product team are having trouble in handling data to do the require
tasks.
Outdated Software: They are also having software problems such as not activated license version of MS
office 365 and antivirus software.
Insufficient Storages: They only have 256 GB SSD.
nsufficient RAM: They only have 4 GB RAM. Processor:
8th generation Intel® Core™ i7 with vPro™

1.1.4 Outline list of system functions

As a software company, it will be easy for our team members if we can provide proper
technological demands. We will be using Microsoft office 365 for making documentations,
preparing presentations, data handling, emailing and communicating purpose. We also need to have
proper antivirus software like Kaspersky or Avast to protect malware attacks and cyberattacks. It is
important to maintain our data and client data at its best security. We will be using cloud services for
storage purposes such as One Drive from MS office 365 official.

1.1.5 Outline list of non-functional requirements

To make sure that our devices can run their tasks, there are some requirements that need to be
addressed. Meeting the criteria will give us efficient and effective work flow which will turn into great
performance. System should have a capacity to respond quickly, manage traffic and robust. To protect
data, security and privacy standards should be set high. To deliver and maintain good performance of the
product team, we have to make sure that they all have the facilities that could help them process and
progress.

1.1.6 Appendix I

(A) Importance of CPU type

The CPU, often called the computer’s brain, plays a crucial role in running the operating system
and applications. It is the control center of the computer, handling a mix of hardware and software
instructions. The CPU takes in these instructions, processes them and then carries out the necessary
calculation and logic operations to turn data into useful information. By getting g amore powerful
processor, our computer can think and work faster.
Single Core: It is a single processing unit. It cannot be found in today’s modern computer as they are aged
and outdated. They are only suitable for basic tasks but cannot perform multitasking and demanding
applications.

Multi Core: It has multiple processing units on a single chip. Theses cores enhance a computer’s ability to
multitask and process data more efficiently which can lead to improve performance and responsiveness in
tasks such as gaming, video editing and running multiple applications simultaneously.

For my company, it is vital that all laptops that our team members have multi-core processor so that they
can perform well enough to accomplish their jobs.

(B) Importance of RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and it stores information that the operating system
needs in order to work properly. It provides fast, temporary storage for active data and applications,
enabling quicker access and smoother multitasking. (Gradasevic, 2023). Having more RAM can
improve speed, stability, and efficiency which is crucial for various task such as gaming and
productivity.
To solve our current problem in this scenario, we have to upgrade our RAM memory which only have
4GB into 16 GB. As the team need to perform multitasking and lots of productivity tools, we have to make
sure that we provide enough RAM to our team members.
(C) Importance of Disk Space
Disk space refers to the amount of storage capacity available on a computer’s hard drive or other
storage device. It is measured in units such as bytes, kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes and to the latest
terabytes which determines how much data can be stored on the device. Disk space is vital due to the
fact that it can affect the performance and functionality of a computer system. There are two types of
drive using today. They are Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD). When a drive is full,
the system performance may slow down and will become hard to install new applications and store new
files. HDD offers more storage at lower cost while SDD provide faster and more reliable performance at
some price.
For our laptops, we are using SSD only as we need our laptops portable and fast enough to store data and
transfer data. The problem is that our SSD storage is only 256GB and when it comes to store more data, we
need to upgrade our SSD to enough storage.
1.1.7 Appendix II
Disk space organization
For our company laptop disk space, there will be two partition in our SSD. First partition is for
system and related files and the other one is for storing data, documents and other business- related files.
If we keep our drives separated, there will be benefits that our system performance remains consistent and
make it easier to mange system backups and maintenance. More over, we will also be using cloud
storage like one drive and google drive which be integrated for seamless collaboration and data
synchronization across team members. By doing so, we can easily extend drive’s capacity or expand
cloud storage as the team need more data storage which we can have more scalability. Cloud storage also
come with built-in security features and access control, reducing the risk of data loss or unauthorized
access. This approach aims to maximize productivity and data reliability for the team’s specific needs.

1.2 System Design Specifications

For our company product team, we need to update the laptop hardware. We will be
updating RAM first as they are vital to perform productivity applications and multitasking. Updating RAM
will bring us better performance and efficiency. Furthermore, we will upgrade the CPU which we were

using 8th gen i7 Processor to 11th gen i7 process. And also we will replace new graphic cards. The
updated graphics card will give us ability to perform immersive performance of doing tasks. We will be
using Windows 11 operating system since we need to follow up the latest trend in the technology industry.
We will also check up laptops from product team and upgrade the 256 SSD into 1TB SSD. Since they need
to handles lots of files and business information, we have to make sure they have enough storage to store
important files and data. Following is the specifications of our laptop in upgraded version.

This is the laptop specifications for our product team.

Device Brand Device Model Specifications

Lenovo Lenovo Thinkpad Processor Type 12th Generation Intel®

13 Core™ i7-1270P
Processor with vPro® Base
Frequency: 3.5 GHZ Max
Turbo Boost
Frequency: Up to 4.8 GHZ
Cache: 18MB
 Cores: 12
Treads: 16
Memory, standard 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz

Video graphics Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe

Graphics
Hard drive 1TB PCle SSD Gen 4
Performance

Display 14" WQHD (2560 x 1440)

IPS, anti-glare, 300 nits

Keyboard Backlit-US English

Network Interface Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201,

802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi +
Bluetooth 5.1
Power supply type AC adapter with compatible
voltage and wattage for the
laptop
Battery Type Lithium-polymer (LiPo)
51Wh battery , support
Rapid Charge
Battery life Maximum up to 13 Hour

Webcam HD Webcam with

integrated microphone

Audio features Dual stereo speakers with

Dolby Audio technology
Quotation from Tech Ace

1.3 Critical Evaluation and System selection

We are already using Lenovo ThinkPad 13 in our company system. For the product team, we will
upgrade their specifications to another level for more productive approach. Since laptops are in great
condition and their displays are still extraordinary, we will not replace display monitor for affordable
budget. Power supply are also in great shape and they need no replacement. As I have mentioned, I will

be only updating RAM, CPU and Drive storage. I have chosen 12th Gen i7 processor since we will have
to do multitasking in order to perform various tasks. It enhanced performance with improved
processing power. I have chosen Silicon Power 16GB DDR 4 for better efficiency in utilizing
productivity applications. Since the team will have to handle analytics tools and design tools for better
understanding, it is vital that our RAM memory have to be in proper amount. For the SSD, I chose
Silicon Power 1TB since silicon power is a worldwide popular technical vendor which provide up to date
devices with great resistant and consistency. We will not have to worry for our laptop storage space,
since 1TB can stores lots of files and data. And we will also being cloud storage for better share-
usage experience.I have chosen TechAce technical service provider since they are the best in town
with reasonable price. However, the
cost of hardware we will replace are less then replacing the whole laptop. It is possible to bring more
performance with this provided specifications. I have provided currency exchange rate so that CEO can
consider in both USD and Pound.

Word Count : 1813

 2 Task 2 Windows and Software Installation

2.1 Windows 10 Pro Installation

2.1.1 Identification of key Stages
1. Firstly, I have download Microsoft Windows 10 ISO image from the Microsoft Official
Website.
2. Secondly, I have prepared a bootable drive for windows 10 Pro Installation using Rufus3.8
software.

Fig 3: Creating bootable drive

3. Choosing Language , Time , Currency and Keyboard Format

 Fig 4: First Interface of installing windows 10

4. Click “Next” and then click “Install Now” to start the process.
 Fig 5: Install Now
Interface

5. Enter product key to activate the windows and if you do not have any product key, you
can choose “I don’t have a product Key” and click “Next”.

Fig 6: Activate Windows using

ProductKey
6. Then choose the operating system you like to install. I choose Windows 10 Pro and click
“Next”.

Fig 7: Selecting windows version to install

7. Tick the box to accept license terms and click “Next”.

 Fig 8: License Terms Agreement
8. Then we have to choose type of installation and I choose Custom as I needed to add new partition
to my drive.

Fig 9: Choosing type of installing

9. In this window, I created new partition with 30GB Primary Type to store windows related
files. And then I choose partition number 2 and click “Next” .

Fig 10: Creating new partition

10. After that, the installing is started.

 Fig 11: Installing Windows Status

11. After a few minutes, the windows logo has appeared.

Fig 12: Getting ReadyInterface

12. After that, you have to choose your preferences through page by page. I chose United
States and clicked “Yes”.

Fig 13: Choosing Region

13. I choose US keyboard layout and clicked “Yes”.

 Fig14: Choosing KeyboardLayout
14. I choose personal setup use for this windows installation.

Fig15: Choosing setup options (personal andorganizational)

15. Then add valid account for the app related connectivity.
 Fig 16: Entering email

16. Then we have to create a username and password for log in access.

Fig 17: EnteringUsername

 Fig 18: Entering password

Fig19: Confirm Password

17. Then you will have to add 3 answers to security questions for to have alternative login access
when you forget the password.
Fig 20: Setting up security question 1

Fig 21: Setting up security question 2

 Fig 22: Setting up security question 3

18. Then I customized privacy setting and click “Accept”.

Fig 23: Privacy Setting

19. Then I click “Skip” in customizing experience.

 Fig24: Customizing Experience

20. Then windows is fully setup. It is ready to go.

Fig 25: Welcome Page

21. Then I entered the password I have made in password setup stage.
 Fig 26:User logged in

22. Then, this is our windows 10 pro desktop.

Fig 27: Windows 10 Desktop

 23. After windows set up is finished , I updated the my windows to be up-to-date with important
features from setting > update and security.

Fig 28: Updating features

2.1.2 Device Drivers and their location

Drivers are software program that allow computer’s operating system to communicate with
hardware devices. To go device management desktop, you can just right click on the windows logo and
choose device manager.

Generic Non-PnP Monitor

It is a driver installed in Windows before the connected monitor’s driver are installed. The new
Plug and Play (PnP) monitors cannot be used without his driver. PnP is a windows features that allows the
PC to adapt to hardware changes with minimum human interaction. It is located under
C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\monitor.sys.
 Fig 29: Generic Non-PnP Monitor Properties

Standard SATA AHCI Controller

The Standard SATA AHCI Controller is a type of device driver that enables the operating system
to communicate with the SATA controller on a motherboard. It serves as a bridge between the OS and
SATA storage devices, facilitating data transfer and management. It is located under
C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\storahci.sys.

Fig 30: Standard SATA AHCI Controller Properties.

2.1.3 Unresolved Issues – missing device drivers

After installation Windows 10 Pro, there are missing drivers in my drive manager. Printers and
speaker drivers is missing. To reinstall them, I go to the action tab and choose scan for hardware
changes. And they are reinstalled back to the system.

Fig 31: Printer Driver ismissing

Fig 32: Speaker Driver is missing

 Fig 33: Scanning for hardware changes

Fig 34: Printer and Speaker drives installed

2.2 Antivirus Installation

2.2.1 Identifying product used

For the antivirus software, I choose Avast Antivirus Software ( https://www.avast.com ). I have
downloaded since it is widely used software among the world. It has six layers of security, it is user
friendly, it has Wi-Fi network security and it can protect ransomware attacks.
2.2.2 Identifying and key stages in installation

1. First, I go to the Avast official website and download exe file for the installation.
2. Once it is done, I double-clicked the file and the installer has started to execute the process.
3. Then click install and wait until the process is 100% finished.
4. After that, click restart your computer for complete protection.
5. Then I can start scanning virus and malwares, which are inside my systems and get them cleaned
by the Avast software.

Fig 35: Downloading AvastAntivirusSoftware

Fig 36: Installing AvastSoftware

Fig 37: Installation Process Finished

Fig 38: Home Page of Avast Software

 Fig 39: Scanning Process

Fig 40: Issues Found

 Fig 41: Issues Solved

2.2.3 Identifying and description of problems and resolved issues

1. For the first time, the exe file that I have downloaded cannot run the installation process.
2. Therefore, after clicking install again, it said the program has missing errors due to
connection issues in downloading process.
3. Then I have to download it again and start the process again.
4. It was successful installation with the second download.
2.2.4 Update process
For the update process, you can just go to the setting and check updates icon. If there is alert on
your notification panel or a red dot in the tab, there is a new update and it is better if you update the
software. To go the the update tab, you have to click menu item and then setting and then choose
general and you will find update button and it descriptions.

Fig 42: Update Menu of Avast Antivirus Software

2.3 Office Software Installation

2.3.1 Identification of product used

For office software solution, I chose WPS Office for the computer system.
(Https://www.wps.com). WPS office is open source, it have same features like Microsoft office features,
and it has no license fees.

2.3.2 Identification and description of key stages in installation

1. First, you need to go the WPS office official website and download exe file for windows.
2. Then, double click the file and wait for the setup page to come up.
3. You will see the first page of WPS installation and process and tick the check box for license
terms agreement.
 Fig 43: Setup Page for WPS Office

4. Then, click install now and it will download necessary files and extensions automatically.

Fig 44: Downloading required

files
Fig 45: Installing WPS Office

5. After installation process finished, you will see the interface of the WPS Office.

Fig 46: WPS Office Interface

6. Then you can start using WPS office with license or free version for office related purpose.
2.3.3 Identification and descriptions of problems and unresolved issues

In this installing office software stage for our computer system, there are no significant errors
or issues to resolve. Nevertheless, there might be some errors if we do not succeed downloading exe
file or missing files to install. For that case, you can just go back to the website and download it again
with proper internet connection.

2.4 Installation of Free Utility

2.4.1 Identification of utility software
For utility software, I choose to install Sticky Notes for this computer system. Sticky Notes
software is a software that opens in short time and enables user to take notes effectively with pop-ups
windows on the desktop. So that users can always open that software after logging in the system and
take notes whenever they remember something in a short time.

2.4.2 Identification and descriptions of key stages in installation

1. First, you can go the Sticky Notes official website

(https://www.simplestickynotes.com) and click download.
2. Then you will see the download web page and click download button with grey color.

Fig 47: Sticky Notes download web page

 3. After downloading, double click the exe file and installation wizard will come up. Then click
“Next”.

Fig 48: Wizard Box

4. You will see where it will be installed and files will be save, and click “Install”.

Fig 49: Choosing File Path

 5. It will just pop-up a minimized windows of sticky notes and you can start using.

Fig 50: Stick Notes Installation Success

2.4.3 Identification and descriptions of problems and unresolved issues

There is no such major issues in installing this utility software. But you can have errors if your
download process is not complete enough and you downloaded other OS version of the app. I suggest you
to finish download 100% and then start installing. If you have download other version, try
downloading the right version, which is compactible for recent using OS.
3 Faulty PCs and Software Maintenance

3.1 Faulty Finding and Computer Maintenance

3.1.1 Faulty PCs

PC One – Keyboard is not working

1. Identifying the Problem

The keyboard in this PC is not working. The switch-on process went through
normal and cannot use keyboard to fill log in credentials for laptop access.

2. The Cause Of the Fault

After doing researches, I found that it is not hardware error. I noticed that Enter or ESC
key is working after I restart my computer. Therefore, it can be a software error or function key
error.
3. Resolving the Fault
First, I restarted the laptop and checked the keyboard is working or not. So I use on-
screen keyboard to log in and enabled it from accessibility. After logged in, I tried to enable the
keyboard lock pressing down “FN Key” and “Num Lock” at once.

4. The Result
It did enable the keyboard again and everything is working properly. The result was
success.

PC Two – Can’t Turn On the Laptop Two

1. Identifying the Problem
When I press power button to turn on the laptop and it did not work. Nothing started to
process and it remains no response.
2. The Cause of the Fault
The first thing we need to check is a battery that is a simple approach to find the cause
of this error.
3. Resolving the Fault
When nothing appear on the screen and laptop stay quite, I tried to unplugged and plugged
again the battery cables separately and reconnected to the battery port at the end. Now, the
screen just woke up and runs smoothly. The problem is that the laptop can run without battery
cable since it is having batter error. Therefore, I tried to replace the
laptop batter from the service center.
 4. The Result
After battery replacement, the laptop can run normally without needing to be
plugged in with batter cables. The result is success.

PC Three – Laptop Three is overheating

1. Identifying the Problem
When I was using my laptop for about 30 minutes, I noticed the heat from my
keyboard and laptop body is getting higher. I was just using designer tools and chrome.
2. The cause of the Fault
The cause is that I did not provide my laptop enough airflow for its ventilation and not
using extra cooling support since I was using Premiere pro and my graphic cards have to work
without proper cooling system.
3. Resolving the Fault
Since, it could have the many reasons to get overheat. But other options may have to spend
budget to fix overheating. So I chose the affordable approach to test that laptop will work with its
great performance. I used the laptop stand with extra cooling system to reduce overheating.
4. The Result
The result is success and I can use my laptop with great performance again.

3.1.2 Maintenance of Computer System

1. Identification of OS Update/Software Package to update

It is important to regularly check for and install windows update to ensure that our
operating system is up to date with its latest security improvements, bug fixes and feature
enhancements. To update OS, you need to go to the setting. Then you will see “Windows Update” menu and
click it. If it has updates version, you will see the second latest version released. If there is no updates, you
can check for new updates by clicking “Check for Updates” button. After downloading process is
finished, you can install it.
Most of software vendors release in-app notification to make update or release announcement
on their website for a better version of their software so that customer can experience the software
at its best. To update software packages, you can manually check them to update in software setting or
websites. You can also click update button when you sees a Pop- Up notification from software.
 2. Identification of Hardware Driver To Update
Hardware Drivers are software components that act as a bridge between operating systems
and hardware devices such as graphic cards, network adapters, and printers. To update hardware drivers,
you have to right click on “Start” (Windows Icon) button and select “Device Manager”. In device
manager, you will see a list of hardware categories and devices. You can just look for any devices with
yellow triangle icon, which indicates that there is an issue with the driver. Right-click on that driver and
select “Update Driver”.
3. Performance of the system update and the outcome
System maintenance is the practice of regular checks to ensure the smooth operation and longevity
of computer system. It involves updating the software, cleaning up files, optimizing hardware and
checking for security concerns. The outcome of doing system maintenance include improve performance,
enhanced stability, better security and better user experience.

3.2 Preventative Maintenance

3.2.1 Potential Problems of a bad user experience
There are several reasons that can slow our computer systems and sometimes, it often involves
of combination of problems at once. Five potential causes are

1. Insufficient RAM: If the computer does not have enough RAM to handle the applications and
the task which is running, it could slow down the computer as it is hard to manage memory
efficiently.
2. Background Processes: Programs running background without any noticed by the user and
unnecessary startup programs can consume system resources and slow down the computer.
3. Malware and Viruses: If the computer is infected by malware and viruses, the computer will not
work properly. The malware will attack the computer systems and will reduce performance.
4. Outdated Software and Drivers: Outdated operating system can lead to performance issues as
it is not keeping up to date with security patches and updates. And also, outdated drivers can cause
hardware issues and system instability, leading to a slower computer.
5. Insufficient Hard Drive Storage: Computers tend to run very slow when the hard drive is nearly
full. Hard drives stores permanent files and even temporary files that help application run
smoothly.
3.2.2 Solution of potential problems

1. Insufficient RAM: Upgrading RAM to a higher capacity will allows computer to handle
multiple applications and tasks simultaneously without slowing down.
2. Background Processes: To disable background running software, you can click “Ctrl + Alt
+ Delete” and right click the one you want to stop running. For startup programs, you can go
setting then click “Apps” and click “Startup”. You will see list of startups program and you can
disable unnecessary for your computer.
3. Malware and Viruses: Windows security features can save computer from being infected by
malwares. Furthermore, you can install another antivirus software to prevent malware attacks by
scanning regularly and remove viruses.
4. Outdated Software and Drivers: You can regularly check updates information from windows
update in setting. If there is available one, you can just download and install update packages
for better performance with bug fixes. For drivers, you can go setting > Windows Update >
Advanced Options > Optional Updates. At there, you can choose the driver you want to update.
5. Insufficient Hard Drive Storage: To make more space in hard drive, you should always
remove temporary files from temp, %temp% and prefetch from run box after finishing your tasks.
And you should always check recycle bin and delete the files if you do not want to use for more
storage. After uninstalling some software, they tend to left some data files in the drive and you can
manually go to their file location and delete them.
4 References

Anon., n.d. Arm. [Online]

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https://arm.com/glossary/cpu#:~:text=The%20CPU%20interprets%2C%20processes%20and,int
o%20more%20usable%20information%20output.
Anon., n.d. website rating. [Online]
Available at: https://www.websiterating.com/web-hosting/glossary/what-is-disk-
space/#:~:text=Why%20is%20Disk%20Space%20Important%3F%201%20Operating%20Syste
m,in%20the%20performance%20of%20a%20computer%20system.%20
Gradasevic, H., 2023. [Online]
Available at: https://www.drtechreviews.com/what-is-ram-and-why-is-it-important/
Hendrickson, J., 2023. How-To-Geek. [Online]
Available at: https://www.howtogeek.com/415211/what-are-hardware-drivers-and-why-do-they- cause-
so-many-problems/
Ross, D., 2022. HowStuffWorks. [Online]
Available at: https://computer.howstuffworks.com/slow-computer-fix.htm