Unit 14 – Installation and Maintenance of Computer Hardware

Introduction to Computer Hardware

The computer hardware unit covers the installation and maintenance of computer hardware in technology systems and how to improve and maintain components in a computer system to fulfill a predetermined list of specifications.

This unit teaches students what the internal hardware components are used for and why they are needed in a technology system. We were taught the benefits and implications of installing new hardware in technology systems as well as how to maintain the current hardware components in an existing system.

In this unit we also explored how installing and maintaining hardware can impact on a business, compatibility issues and how the system fits the needs of the user.

How Was This Unit Assessed?

This unit was an coursework assessed unit, through a series of four internally marked tasks, which demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the installation and maintenance activities. I was asked to submit four tasks to demonstrate my understanding of the subject, which were marked against the assessment criteria for the installation and maintenance of computer hardware unit.

What I Have learnt

The unit was split in four tasks to cover the learning aims for the assessment criteria, which for this unit were learning aims A, B, C and D. There were different grading levels for each task, with pass, merit or distinction being the awarded grades for the completion of each of the criteria levels. To complete these tasks, we were given a scenario with a set list of criteria to develop a mobile application for a client.

In learning aim A, I demonstrated my knowledge by creating a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the benefits and implications of installing and maintaining hardware in technology systems for the pass grade. Then reviewing the positive and negative impacts this could have on businesses, and finally, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the the hardware for the distinction grade.

In learning aim B, I used the predetermined requirements for the given scenario to plan the modifications for the client’s (Blink Photography) technology systems. I identified the purpose and user requirements for the modifications as specified in the client’s briefing. I then produced a detailed proposed solution to upgrade, repair and maintain the hardware in the client’s technology systems.Then I produced an alternative solution, and justified my design decisions as to which plan fulfilled the client’s requirements as stated in the brief.

In learning aim C, I carried out the proposed solution, carrying out repairs, upgrades and maintenance as detailed in my plan, using the appropriate tools and techniques to protect the client’s data and system settings. I then tested for functionality, gathered feedback to improve the system for user experience and refined the systems based on the feedback I received.

In learning aim D, I reviewed how the modified systems against the client’s requirements, and evaluated the extent to which the system was suitable for the client’s needs while considering the feedback, changes and any constraints during the execution of the modifications.

Reflection of How I Worked

The main difficulty I had with this unit was experience, I have built a desktop system before but I have been tasked with fixing a businesses computer systems. This for me, was a new experience and it felt a little bit intimidating to make suggestions for the system, based on someone else’s needs (the client’s), as I had only ever built a system for myself.

I decided to start by looking at the compatibility issues between the systems components and work my way from there, I figured this would make it easier to pinpoint what issues the client was facing and how best to tackle them. From that point on it was fairly straight-forward.

What I need to further develop

I need to develop my confidence in my knowledge of hardware components for the purpose of fixing and developing a technology system to a given specification, as I know how to do this but I struggle to trust myself with this as I feel like I should have more experience installing and maintaining systems before recommending how to fix a client’s computer systems. In order to do this, I will need further practice and experience with altering technology systems.