Learning intentions
- Identify requirements for running an information system
- Describe hardware, software, storage and connectivity clearly
- Link requirements to the Bike Scotland database and webpage
Success criteria
- I can name suitable hardware and software
- I can describe storage using sensible units
- I can describe how the system connects to other computers or the internet
System Requirements
Four requirement types
HardwareComputer, keyboard, screen, RAM
SoftwareLaragon, MySQL, DataGrip, browser
StorageH drive space for database, images and pages
ConnectivityNetwork, Wi-Fi, router or internet access
National 4 Outcome 2.2 asks you to describe hardware, software, storage and connectivity requirements. These are not security risks and they are not features. They are what the system needs so it can run efficiently.
| Requirement | Bike Scotland example | What a good answer includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Desktop or laptop computer with enough RAM | Names the device and a useful specification |
| Software | Laragon/MySQL, DataGrip, web browser, text editor | Names the software used to run or view the system |
| Storage | H drive or local disk space for database and webpage files | Mentions where data is stored and gives sensible capacity |
| Connectivity | Network or internet connection if publishing/sharing | Mentions router, network card/Wi-Fi, broadband or school network |
N4 Evidence Task
Practical Task 1 - Write the requirements
Write four short requirement descriptions for your Bike Scotland information system. Use this frame:
- Hardware: The system needs...
- Software: The system needs...
- Storage: The system needs...
- Connectivity: The system needs...
Each answer should say why the requirement is needed.
N4 evidence checklist
- Describes hardware requirements (N4 O2.2)
- Describes software requirements (N4 O2.2)
- Describes storage requirements, including sensible units (N4 O2.2)
- Describes connectivity requirements (N4 O2.2)
Common mistakes
- Writing "a computer" only. Add a useful detail such as RAM, screen or keyboard.
- Calling MySQL hardware. MySQL is software.
- Forgetting storage units. "Enough storage" is vague; "at least 1 GB for files and database data" is clearer.
Task Set
1. Which is software? TYPE 1
2. Which is a connectivity requirement? TYPE 1
3. Write your four requirement descriptions. TYPE 3 N4
Hardware: a desktop or laptop with keyboard, mouse and at least 4 GB RAM to run the database and browser. Software: Laragon/MySQL, DataGrip, a browser and a text editor are needed to create and view the system. Storage: at least 1 GB of H drive or disk storage is enough for the database data, webpages and images. Connectivity: a school network or broadband connection with Wi-Fi/network card and router is needed if the webpage or database files are shared.
Teacher notes - Shift+T to hide
Assessment standard covered: N4 O2.2. The UAS examples expect hardware, software, storage and connectivity to be identifiable; this page prompts descriptions rather than isolated labels.