Computer Architecture & Systems

General Information

There is a very good tutorial on UNIX available here. There is an advanced DOS batch programming tutorial.

The TechWeb encyclopaedia site can be used to define terms you don't understand. If you just want technical news, go here. Another good source of news is byte.com. Click here to read Silicon Republic (Irish based)

There is a tutorial section on networks produced by 3Com (the network people) which is well worth a visit. There is also a guide from about.com.

[There is some older material on the PC Construction & Repair page. This page is due for removal.]

Current Year

Assessment 2011/2012:

Exam (40%)
Research Assignment: 60%

Combined Studies Project: - Wavefront Hotel - network for staff use. Simplification follows:
Price follows function, function follows requirements.
First research your requirements (what the system should do for its users).
Then break this down as a list of functions (e.g. if the requirement is the recording of bookings, what are the tools/items that provide the functions/actions that will make this possible).
Next find prices for the items/tools that provide those functions.
Carry out research, use focus sheets and make lists!

Previous Years

Assessment 2010/2011:

Exam (40%)
Research Assignment: 60%

Design a community network. Your task is to:

Develop a pilot project residential network (reviewing feasibility at the end).
The brief is here.
A rough map is here.
Select items to satisfy the aims of your plan as above.

Enumerate IT computing requirements
Outline alternatives as above

Ensure that fundamental IT security, at a minimum, is observed
Describe envisaged network solutions
Minimize non-essential expenditure
Determine an estimated costing
Project layout should be tidy, thorough and professional
...clarifications will follow if requested...

Assessment 2009/2010:

Exam (40%): the 2010 paper is here with suggested solutions here.
Research Assignment: 60%

Provision of IT facilities for a startup private educational Co. Your task is to:

Plan the IT requirements of a startup ICT firm.
The brief is here.
Select items to satisfy the aims of your plan as above.

Enumerate the most common computing requirements (software/hardware)
Outline alternatives as above
Provide broadband access options as required

Sample facilities would comprise computers, printers, Internet access, wired and wireless networking as well as your assessment of the more popular software functions
Ensure that fundamental IT security, at a minimum, is observed
Describe envisaged network solutions
Minimize non-essential expenditure
Work within a given estimated budget
Project layout should be tidy, thorough and professional
...clarifications will follow if requested...

Assessment 2008/9:

Exam (40%): 2009 paper is here
Research Assignment: 60%

Provision of IT facilities for Culloughty's Country Hostel. The layout is here. Your task is to:

Overview your vision for the IT requirements of Culloughtys Hostel
Provide access to IT facilities for guests & staff

Enumerate the most common computing requirements (software/hardware)
Outline alternatives as above
Provide broadband access options (assume all major ISPs operate in the area)

Facilities should comprise computers, printer(s), computer 'docking' locations, Internet access, wired and wireless networking as well as your assessment of the more popular software functions
Ensure that fundamental IT security, at a minimum, is observed
Describe envisaged network solutions

Outline wired and wireless networking withing the hostel
Explore obtaining one of a .ie or gTLD domain name for the hostel, comparing benefits
Explore possibilities for running the hostel business in house on its own locally based server

Minimize non-essential expenditure
Work below an estimated budget of EUR5,000
Project layout should be tidy, thorough and professional
...clarifications will follow if requested...

Assessment 2007/8:

Exam (40%): 2008 paper is here
Research Assignment: 60%

Assessment 2006/7:

Exam (40%): 2007 paper is here
Research Assignment (1) - The Split Department: 30%

The initial brief is here.
Continuation of Assignment 2007 - Split Department
Further information will follow if requested.

Research Assignment (2) - Departmental IT Needs: 30%

Split Department - Computer Installation.
Split Department - Computer Installation - Further Details 1.
Split Department - Computer Installation - Further Details 2.
An email has arrived to inform you that you have an extra EUR7,500 in your budget. The Department of Finance has refused to go any higher. Good Luck!
All elements of the above assigment should be in one file. This means that a spreadsheet, if used, should be inserted as an object in your master Word Processing document for the project; so too should all other items, such as diagrams of the office be inserted as objects in the master document. At this point submit your one file as an attachment to an email to fachtna@fachtnaroe.ie with a polite covering note and the subject line CAS2. The completed document should also be submitted in paper form with a 'My Own Work' form.

Assessment 2005/6:

Exam (40%): 2006 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

Research Assignment 60%

The initial brief is here.
Further information is here.
The Building Layout is here.

Assessment 2004/5:

Exam (40%) 2005 paper is here
The research assignment is based on a library with limited financial resources.

The brief is here.
The floor layout is here.
There is more information here.

The marking scheme is here.

Assessment 2003/4:

Exam (40%) 2004 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

The research assignment is based on Hanson Engineering Ltd. The documents are here:

Assessment 2002/3:

Exam 40% (There were two 2003 papers.)
The first is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

The second is here
There was a Research Assignment
There was also a Comparitive Case Study

Assessment 2001/2:

Exam (40%) 2002 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

The research assignment is based on the company Mulligan Retail Ltd. This is the initial brief.
There is a more detailed requirements listing here.
There was also a Case Study

Assessment 2000/1:

Exam (40%) 2001 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

The first research assignment is based on the company CleereView Communications Ltd.
CleereView Revised Requirements. READ THIS!
The second research assignment is based on the Tipperary Institute (formerly the TRBDI).

Assessment 1999/2000:

Exam: 2000 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

Assessment 1998/9:

Exam: 1999 paper is here

Solutions/Marking Scheme

Module Descriptor.

Last updated: 20120220-12:18