Explain the components of a modern computer.
Learning Outcome 1: Understand the fundamentals of the computer.
1.1 Summarise the historical development of computer systems.
1.2 Explain the components of a modern computer.
1.3 Differentiate client and server environments.
1.4 Assess different operating systems.
Learning Outcome 2: Understand networking principles and their protocols.
2.1 Describe network standards and protocols.
2.2 Assess different network topologies.
2.3 Evaluate the impact of different network standards.
2.4 Differentiate between network hardware and software.
Learning Outcome 3: Be able to carry out desktop engineering fundamentals.
3.1 Carry out PC assembling and basic troubleshooting.
3.2 Carry out installation of client and server operating systems.
3.3 Configure client systems to meet organisational policies.
Learning Outcome 4: Be able to demonstrate routing and switching techniques.
4.1 Configure techniques a network using routing and switching techniques.
Scenario
Open2reach is a functional division of telecommunications company CT plc, that owns and maintains the telephone wires, ducts, cabinets and exchanges that connect nearly all homes and businesses in the United Kingdom to the national broadband and telephone network. Open2reach manages CT`s local access network which connects customers to their local telephone exchange, starting at the main distribution frame (MDF) in the exchange and ending at the network termination point (NTP) at the end user`s premises. In July 2010 Open2reach signed a 800 million contract with ECI Telecom to help it service and create a fibre-optic network serving 18 million households in the UK. The deal was the largest in ECI`s history. In 2017, Open2reach proposed offering super-fast fibre broadband to 10 million homes by 2025, using fibre to the premises (FTTP) technology. By June 2018 Open2reach was connecting 8000 properties per week to FTTP, with the aim of reaching 3 million premises by 2020.
You work as a Network analyst in Open2reach. As a part of the growth process the company has recruited 10 Analyst apprentices and the company plans to employee them upon completion of the programme. Your line manager Laura Barnsley has asked you to provide training to this group of apprentices. You have the following tasks for your new assignment with the company.
Task 1
You need to provide all apprentices with a handbook which will provide them with a review of the core academic knowledge before they start lab training.
You are now preparing a handbook for them and you are required to do the following:
a. First part of the handbook covers the fundamentals of the computer. In the introduction, provide a summary of the historical development of computer systems since 1980s.
b. First part is followed by an explanation of the components of a modern computer and an assessment of different operating systems (such as: Windows, MacOS, Linux, UNIX, Fedora, Ubuntu etc.) used in modern computers.
c. Conclude the first part of the handbook by providing a clear differentiation between the client and server environments of the Open2reach operation.