This module aims to provide learners with knowledge of computer hardware, systems architecture, and troubleshooting. It covers components, peripherals, installation, maintenance, and analysis. The syllabus includes 12 topics over 12 weeks, including introduction to systems, hardware, software, installation, maintenance, file management, needs analysis, and selection. Learners will understand computer systems, design systems, build and configure systems, and perform routine maintenance.

1. Module Overview
1. Module Overview and Objectives
This unit aims to provide the learner with an underlying knowledge of the computer hardware
components and peripherals commonly found in a business environment, different approaches
to the connection and architecture of these components, and an unde rstanding of approaches
to troubleshooting these systems.
2. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcomes; Assessment Criteria;
The Learner will: The Learner can:
1. Understand the function of 1.1 Explain the role of computer systems in different
computer systems environments
1.2 Explain the hardware, software and peripheral
components of a computer system
1.3 Compare different types of computer systems
2. Be able to design computer 2.1 Produce a system design specification to meet a
systems client’s needs
2.2 Evaluate the suitability of a s ystem design
specification
3. Be able to build and c onfigure 3.1 Build and c onfigure a c omputer system to meet a
computer systems design specification
3.2 Test and document a computer system
4. Be able to undertake routine 4.1 Perform routine maintenance tasks on a computer
maintenance on computer system
systems 4.2 Upgrade the hardware and software on a computer
system
3. Syllabus
Syllabus
Topic Title Proportion Content
No
1 Introduction to 1/12 • Overview of the module
Computer • Types of computer
Systems
2 hours of - Personal, mini, mainframe, mobile,
lectures - Network, supercomputer, multiprocessor
3 hours of • History of modern computers
laboratory
sessions - Show & tell of old and modern computer
equipment
- Student research on generations of
computer
Learning Outcome: 1
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2. 2 Environments, 1/12 • Computing Environments
Functions of - Home, business, computer gaming,
Components networking, real-time, communication
2 hours of
and
lectures • Von Neumann architecture
Health &
3 hours of - Example processors
Safety
laboratory - Fetch execute cycle
sessions
• Internet research – Different types of
processor.
- RISC v CISC
- Single v multi core
- Multiprocessor
- Distributed
• Health and safety practices; mains electricity,
hot components, lifting and carrying,
electrostatic precautions.
Learning Outcome: 1
3 Hardware 1/12 • Standard architecture
- CPU, main memory (RAM, ROM), Backing
2 hours of storage, I/O
lectures • Current implementation of standard
3 hours of architecture
laboratory - CPU, motherboard, Power supply, cooling,
sessions backing store (hard disk, optical disks),
memory types, interfaces (PCI, AGP, PCI
Express), NIC, graphics card, sound.
• Inside a PC
- Identify components and their functions
• Identify alternative components and packaging
Learning Outcome: 1
4 Peripherals 1/12 • Printers, & plotters, cameras & scanners;
and System keyboard, mouse, touch screen/pad;
Building monitors, display adapters; multimedia
2 hours of
lectures devices; storage media; networking; portable
drives; plug and play components;
3 hours of performance factors
laboratory
sessions • Disassemble and assemble a computer
system
- Install motherboard, processor, heat-sink
and fan, memory, power supply unit
- Install hard disc drive, optical drive;
- Install specialised cards
- Install peripheral devices
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 3
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3. 5 Software, 1/12 • Systems software
Installation - Operating systems,
and
2 hours of - Utility programs
Configuration
lectures - Library programs,
3 hours of - Translator programs
laboratory
sessions • Applications software
- Standard packages
- Customised packages
- Special purpose software
- Bespoke software
• Install key software
- Windows Operating Systems
- Office package
- Free utility software
- Anti-virus and security software
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 3
6 Alternative 1/12 • Alternative operating systems
Operating - UNIX/Linux, OS X, Android
Systems
2 hours of • Linux installation
lectures
3 hours of
laboratory
sessions Learning Outcome: 1
7 System 1/12 • Test plan
Testing • Test documentation
2 hours of • Fault detection, diagnostics, troubleshooting
lectures
• Technical support
3 hours of
• Test hardware and software
laboratory
sessions • Repair
• Fault diagnosis exercises
Learning Outcome: 3
8 Software 1/12 • Software problems
Maintenance • Automatic updates
2 hours of • Upgrades
lectures
• Utility software
3 hours of
• Security software
laboratory
sessions • Scheduling maintenance
• Windows update exercise
• Package update exercise
• Driver update
Learning Outcome: 4
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4. 9 Hardware 1/12 • Preventative maintenance
Maintenance • Upgrade v replace
2 hours of • Hardware upgrade
lectures - Priorities
3 hours of - Internal components
laboratory
sessions - Peripherals
• Hardware upgrade exercises e.g.
- Memory update
- Graphics upgrade
- Hard disk upgrade
- Add second NIC
Learning Outcome: 4
10 File 1/12 • File systems operation and organisation
Management - FAT, NTFS, ext
2 hours of - Directories/folders
lectures - Security, sharing and access rights
3 hours of • Data Protection
laboratory
sessions - Backup
- File/folder organisation
• Windows file management exercises
Learning Outcome: 4
11 Needs 1/12 • Client and system requirements
Analysis - Investigation/analytical techniques
2 hours of - Problems/limitations with current/new
lectures system,
3 hours of - Functionality, costs, timescales, resources
laboratory • Case study
sessions
- Introduction
- Needs analysis exercise
Learning Outcome: 2
12 Selection and 1/12 • Selection criteria
Systems • System integration
Specification
2 hours of • Accessibility
lectures
• Alternative solutions
3 hours of
- Identification, selection & justification
laboratory
sessions • Matching client requirements and system
requirements with system components
• Systems options
- Off the shelf, self build, customise
- Alternatives
• System documentation
• Case study – Selection & specification
Learning Outcome: 2 & 3
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