ICT LEVEL 3
TECHNOLOGY
2024 UPDATED NOTES
OUTCOME 3.1.
ASSESSING A COMPUTER
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Computer Assessment
Before you can decide the future direction of your computer
system, it is vital to have a complete understanding of its
current state.
This process will help you collect information about your
computer system and its effective use, which you will use to
help guide your planning process.
Computer assessment will also help a technician to
understand the system and to acquire the right procedures
when preparing to maintain the system.
The systems assess will involve checking the systems
performance, and this is determined by the following.
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1. You check the amount of time to a computer to
execute the tasks.
2. Processing rate, that is the amount of done within
the set period of time.
3. Data transmission duration and rate
4. System reliability, that is availability of the system
uptime.
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System Tuning
1 . Assess the problem and establish values that categorize
acceptable behaviour.
2 . Measure the performance of the system before modification.
3 . Identify the part of the system that is critical for improving
the performance. This is called the bottleneck.
4 . Modify that part of the system to remove the bottleneck.
5 . Measure the performance of the system after modification.
6 . If the modification makes the performance better, adopt it.
the modification makes the performance worse, put it back to the
way it was.
Equipment to be assessed include:
1. Monitor – Resolutions, Brightness, Contrast etc.
2. Keyboard – Cable, port, batteries, keys etc.
3. Mouse - Cable, port, batteries, keys etc.
4. System unit – power supply, hdd, Ram,
motherboard, CPU
5. Printers- cables, drivers, tonner cartilage etc.
6. Scanners – cables, drivers, laser, etc.
7. Network gadgets eg switches, hubs, servers. ets
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System Assessment Tools
The tools used to assess the computers are;
log files,
diagnostics software,
Monitoring software,
Multimetres;
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1. Diagnostics Software.
Diagnostic software means specialized programs that can probe
and monitor a system (or a specific system component) to determine
if it works properly and, if not, to try to establish the cause of the
problem.
At its essence, diagnostic software is a sophisticated computer
program meticulously crafted to scrutinize data and furnish
invaluable insights into the status or functionality of a given system.
Diagnostic tools/software have come a long way from their humble
beginnings. We've transitioned from manual diagnosis to digital
solutions that can analyze vast datasets within seconds. This
evolution has significantly improved accuracy and efficiency.
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Key Elements of Diagnostic Software
Data Analysis
Diagnostic software hinges on its prowess to process, dissect, and make
sense of voluminous data. This data may encompass a broad spectrum,
from medical records and sensor readings to performance metrics of
complex machinery.
Through astute analysis, diagnostic software transforms raw data into
actionable information.
Algorithmic Intelligence
Diagnostic software's beating heart is its use of algorithms—sophisticated
mathematical procedures that decode intricate data sets. These algorithms
enable the software to detect, quantify, and interpret deviations or
irregularities within the data, offering valuable diagnostic information.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Many diagnostic software solutions have embraced the frontier of artificial
intelligence (AI). These programs exhibit an unprecedented capacity to
adapt and learn from data by employing AI techniques, refining their
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diagnostic precision over time. This makes them particularly adept at
handling dynamic and complex systems.
Key Features of Diagnostic Software
Real-time Monitoring
Diagnostic software operates on the frontline of real-time data
analysis. It continuously collects and processes data as it becomes
available. This instantaneous monitoring capability allows for
immediate analysis and rapid decision-making. For instance, in
healthcare, it can track a patient's vital signs in real-time, alerting
medical professionals to any concerning deviations.
Data Visualization
Complex data can often be overwhelming to interpret. Diagnostic
software steps in to simplify this complexity. It transforms intricate
datasets into visually understandable formats like graphs, charts, or
dashboards.
This visual representation aids in quick and clear decision-making,
even for individuals who may not understand the underlying data.
Engineers can visualize machinery performance metrics, while
medical professionals can grasp patient health trends at a glance.
Predictive Analysis
Some diagnostic software goes beyond mere data analysis; it
ventures into the realm of prediction. By leveraging historical data
and sophisticated algorithms, these programs can forecast potential
issues or anomalies before they manifest.
In healthcare, this might mean predicting disease risk factors, while in
manufacturing, it could entail foreseeing machinery failures. This
proactive approach enables timely intervention and preventive
measures.
User-Friendly Interface
Accessibility is a cornerstone of effective diagnostic software. User-
friendly interfaces make this technology accessible to seasoned
professionals and individuals with limited technical expertise.
Through intuitive design and straightforward navigation, users can
harness the software's power without a steep learning curve. This
inclusivity broadens its application and ensures its benefits reach a
wider audience.
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Advantages of Diagnostic
Software
Precision
Diagnostic software stands as a beacon of precision. It identifies
nuanced deviations that could hold vital diagnostic clues, ensuring a
more accurate assessment of the system or condition.
Efficiency
It operates tirelessly and swiftly, processing vast datasets in a
fraction of the time it would take a human expert. This expeditious
analysis aids in swift decision-making, especially in time-sensitive
situations.
Adaptability
AI-infused diagnostic software constantly evolves and adapts as it
encounters new data. This adaptability fosters continuous
improvement in diagnostic accuracy and reliability.
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Automotive
In the automotive industry, on board diagnostic software helps detect
engine problems, emissions issues, and other malfunctions, ensuring
road safety.
IT and Electronics
In tech, diagnostic software identifies software bugs, hardware
failures, and network issues, minimizing downtime.
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2. Monitoring Software
A System Monitoring tool is a software that tracks the resources and
performance of any system.
The main reason for using a system monitoring tool is to detect the
system issues, identify the root cause, and get them resolved quickly.
It helps you to visualize your network by using real-time heat maps
with live status information.
3. Log files.
4. Multimetres;
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Methods of Assessing Solutions
When find some faults with your computer, a good Technician starts
to work on the solutions. To make sure that you are making
progress. You need to test the solution that you are applying.
The following are the methods that are used to test the solution to
the problem that you have observed and needs your attention.
A. Monitoring. System Monitoring is the act of tracking the resources and
performance of any system components. The main reason for doing
system monitoring is to detect any system issues upon applying a
solution. It helps you to visualize your system and network using real-time
status information.
B. Diagnostics. This is the process of probing and monitoring a system
(or a specific system component) to determine or to establish the cause of the
problem. Your retest the system.
C. Standards. This is an assessment Method in which system is
tested by checking system standards. Most of the standards are set
depending on the set standards. For example IEEE or ISO System
Standards. PROMISE HENDRESON (0886462391)
Review Questions
Explain what system assessment means.
Explain five tools used to access the Computers.
Explain what is meant by diagnosis
Give five examples of diagnostic software
What is meant by monitoring software.
State any five examples of monitoring software
How do you understand my the term “solution” in computing.
Explain two ways that are used to monitor solutions when assessing
computers.
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