Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Description This modules aims to introduce students to: Computer Hardware in general; basic Computer Hardware concepts; basic Computer Hardware and Operating System installation; Computer Hardware types and designs; Computer Hardware selection, deployment and management | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the evolution of Computer Hardware 2. Interpret Computer Hardware specifications 3. Describe the major functional requirements of an operating system 4. Demonstrate basic Computer Hardware and Operating System installation skills 5. Compare Computer Hardware types and designs 6. Relate Computer Hardware to suitable deployment context 7. Discuss the merits of particular Computer Hardware 8. Write reports recommending particular Computer Hardware options for specific contexts 9. Discuss the procedures for operating systems and devoice driver installation 10. Explain how Computer Hardware should be managed within an organisation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Computer Hardware Overview History (from vacuum tubes to present day machines); understanding how and why things have and continue to change; Moore's Law; overview of "small hardware" (about the insides of machines) and "big hardware" (how machines are put together and interfaced with the world). Computer Hardware components and specification Disk types (hard disk, internal/external disk, optical disk); size (bits, bytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes), speed (MHz, GHz), capacity, other features; basic terminology (e.g. RAM, ROM, cache, DDR2 SDRAM etc.); review of computer hardware suppliers' specifications (e.g. Toshiba, Dell, Sony, others) Computer Hardware installation ("small hardware") How to install hardware, working with external devices (e.g. printers), memory (e.g. flash cards, internal/external hard drives, USB memory); relationship between hardware and software; computer accessories (e.g. keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, graphic cards, cameras); device drivers Computer Hardware types Embedded, handheld, netbooks, notebooks, laptops, desktops, servers, mainframes, clusters, high-end machines Computer Hardware usage contexts ("big hardware") Small, medium and large enterprises; non-traditional contexts; case studies in choosing machines and infrastructure for enterprises (including budget and data processing needs) Computer Hardware Lifecycle Computer hardware evaluation and acquisition, hardware management, Purchasing policy, procurement, maintenance (warranty, technical support), upgrading (when and how, cost-benefit analysis), decommissioning (wiping hard disks, WEE, recycling, disposing) Basic computer systems security and protection Disaster recovery, data protection, software licensing and computer viruses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||