G043 – Lecture 07 Specify Computer Components Mr C Johnston ICT Teacher

Session Objectives Be able to specify the requirements of an ICT system to meet user needs,

Computer Specification A specification is a technical list of components which are required to meet the needs of a user, User needs should be identified in detail before a system is specified so you know the level of performance required by each piece of hardware and software, You need to identify user needs by analysing the scenario and the expressing the requirements in generic computing terms, Remember user requirements should be generic terms with a reason rather than specifying the exact components - avoid using brand names, You also should not forget about software as often users will have requirements for software also.

Links To The Assignment STEP #1 – TASK A Identify each task from the scenario the user needs to perform – add detail to this so the assessor clearly understand, You are also required to identify the data which is inputted into the system and the data which outputs from the system for each task, Finally describe a generic list of components which the user needs to complete the tasks.

Inputs and Outputs Example “Humphrey needs a computer to edit his own video and burn them to DVD” DATA INPUTTED Raw video Instructions of how to edit the videos Text for the credits and titles DATA OUTPUTTED Finished edited video in file format Finished edited video on DVD

User Requirements Example “Humphrey needs a computer to edit his own video and burn them to DVD” User Requirements: A fast processor to handle the demands of editing video and converting files to DVD format, A large hard disk drive to store video files which are notoriously large, which are currently being editing, A substantial amount of RAM that will support the demands of the video editing, A multilayer DVD burner capable of burning disks at speed, A graphics card which is capable of reproducing quality graphics at a good rendering speed, A sound card so the system can reproduce the sound, An over standard size monitor so he can easily and clearly see to edit the video, An operating system which is capable of supporting all the hardware and allowing the required tasks to be performed, Software which allows videos to be edited in a variety of different methods to produce professional finished results, Software which will take raw video files, process them adding menus and burn them to DVD.

Topic Exercise Read through this brief from a past assignment and work out the user requirements, data which is input / output and recommend hardware and software required to meet the user needs. John Waine is student who has just started his A-Levels. His parents have decided to purchase him a computer to assist with his studies but are unsure what exactly to buy or how to configure it. John has decided to study ICT, Art/Design and German A-Levels at college and is a dedicated fan and player of online game RuneScape and also talks to friends via . At weekends John is an active member of the local Conservative Party and spends his time campaigning about local issues by handing out flyers in town, which he has designed. His other hobbies include photography, making his own music, playing computer games and making home movies – his favourite band is girls allowed. John uses the Office 2003 suite at college, although the Office 2007 conversion pack has been installed. Why not complete this in groups each taking a user requirement to analyse.