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Project 3) Scenario Report

Using a personal computing device to interact with data stored on a server (or the technology behind massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) or massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPG)) A massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) or massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) consists of a large database and a programme (or collection of programmes) runs on a server (or collection of servers). This collection of data and code is communicated via a network connection to a personal computer or console which also contains some code and a copy of a small part of the database. Objective: This assignment will demonstrate your knowledge of practical computer Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks Example: The following is a description of the technology behind a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) - from, Wilson, Tracy V. "How MMORPGs Work." 12 November 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/mmorpg.htm> 01 June 2010. The Technology of MMORPGs There are several ways to coordinate the flow of data required to run an MMORPG, but the most common requires a client and a server. The client is the program that runs on your computer. The server is the machine -- or machines -- you connect to when you're ready to play. A client is a combination of the playing board and the window used to view the game world. Nearly everything about the world -- including maps, landscapes and even what different mobs look like -- exists in files and databases on your computer. Your computer uses algorithms, or sets of rules, to translate these files into a representation of the game world and what's in it. Your computer processes the game's sound and graphics. The game client on your computer also houses your user interface (UI), or the buttons and keystrokes you use to participate in the game. Some games allow you to modify your UI through independently-created add-ons. The client also tells the server where you are, where you're going and what actions your character takes. Tasks: Using your knowledge of computer terminology and architecture gained on the module CCM1418 write the following; a) Introduction Use your knowledge of computer, architecture, operating systems and networks to explain in more detail the operation of the game and to `set the scene for the report. (1 side or approximately 500 words) b) Personal Computer or Console Explain the role of the personal computer in the game playing. Your answer should include a description of the role of the processor, the primary and secondary memory and the input output devices (include the i/o devices which communicate with the game player and the network). Note a graphics card contains both processing and memory elements but can be considers as part of the i/o system. (2 sides or approximately 1000 words plus relevant diagrams)

c) Network Server
Explain the role of the server or servers, how does their size and processing ability effect their operation.

Gill Whitney

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CCM1418 Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks

(1 side or approximately 500 words plus relevant diagrams) d) Network Connection Explain the role of the network in the game playing. Explain how MMORPGs depend for their operation on the speed and reliability of the network connection. Explain how the information travels between the personal computer and the servers. (1 side or approximately 500 words plus relevant diagrams) e) Operating Systems Game Playing Software Explain the role of the operating system and the game playing software and their role in interacting with the data and its presentation. (1 side or approximately 500 words plus relevant diagrams)

f) Conclusion
This section needs to briefly describe the main conclusions drawn by the report. (1 side or approximately 500 words)

g) Referencing
The referencing needs to follow the EIS Referencing and Citation Style: Engineering and Information Sciences available from http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/content.php? pid=52639&sid=386217 Relevant documents will need to be both cited in the text and listed correctly in a reference section at the end. All diagrams that are not hand drawn must be correctly referenced. Notes 1) Your total submission must be approximately 10 to 16 A4 sheets (single-spaced, 12 point font - preferably Times New Roman). It is assumed that your document will have between 3000 and 4000 words and between 5 and 10 diagrams. 2) No use should be made of `gaming terminology such as character names or types or terms such as physics engine etc 3) Any student who cuts and pastes any sections from the Internet or copies any sections from books will automatically fail. Individual quotes from any written text are acceptable if they are acknowledged through the use of quotation marks and referencing. If required information on the correct way of acknowledging work from other sources is available from campus libraries. 4) Answers will need to be clear and concise, and contain the most important points. Amongst other things, marks will be awarded for a. b. c. d. A clear but concise explanation of the major points; Evidence of reading and understanding; Correctness; Appropriate references; e. Clarity and ease of readability.

5) This report is worth 20% of the marks for the module.

Gill Whitney

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CCM1418 Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks

Module CCM1418 Scenario Report Week 21 Submission The first version of your report will be marked by a member of staff in your presence in your laboratory session in week 23. The marker will be awarding marks for the quality and relevance of the content and also for the selection and use of appropriate research materials. Full details of the marking scheme will be given in the lecture in week 18. Note All students have to submit their work online via the appropriate link on the CCM1418 OasisPlus page before the laboratory session in which they will be marked. Draft Marking Grid Student Name: Student Number: Section Title and Introduction Personal Computer or Console Network Server Network Connection Operating Systems Game Playing Software Conclusion Total Possible Mark 5% 10% 10% 10% 10% 5% 50% Mark Comment

Refer to Learner Development Unit 0 % given as work plagiarised

Yes/No Yes/No (Turnitin score)

Gill Whitney

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Module CCM1418 Scenario Report Week 21 Submission Draft Marking Grid Mark scheme and suggested comments for work (this is what the tutors will be using to mark the work). Section Possible Comment Mark Title and Introduction 5% 5% - Very good and interesting. Reference to game or real world example cited correctly and scope of report introduced successfully. 4% - Good 3% - Some good content but either lacks full explanation or lacks links to appropriate references. 2% - OK 1% - Poor, very little content or problems with language. 0% - No content which is students own or severe language problems. Personal Computer or Console 10% 10% - Very good and interesting, The report fully describes the main functional elements of the computer or console which are necessary to play the game. 7% to 9% - Good but not as complete as above (please mention missing element/s) or language errors causing difficulties to comprehending content. 4% to 6 % - OK but obvious missing information (please list missing elements) and/or more serious language or referencing errors. 1% to 3% - Poor, little relevant content, large parts missing or very serious language errors. 0% - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. 10% - Very good and interesting, The report fully describes the main functional elements of the server which are necessary to operate the game and describes the operation of the server. 7% to 9% - Good but not as complete as above (please mention missing element/s) or language errors causing difficulties to comprehending content. 4% to 6 % - OK but obvious missing information (please list missing elements) and/or more serious language or referencing errors. 1% to 3% - Poor, little relevant content, large parts missing or very serious language errors. 0% - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. 10% - Very good and interesting, The report covers how the information flows between the personal device and the server. It contains information on the physical elements of the network connection and on the standards and protocols used to ensure communication. 7% to 9% - Good but not as complete as above (please mention missing element/s) or language errors causing
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Network Server

10%

Network Connection

10%

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CCM1418 Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks

difficulties to comprehending content. 4% to 6 % - OK but obvious missing information (please list missing elements) and/or more serious language or referencing errors. 1% to 3% - Poor, little relevant content, large parts missing or very serious language errors. 0% - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. Operating Systems and Game Playing Software 10% 10% - Very good and interesting, The report covers both the operating system and application software for both the personal device and for the server. It explains the role of the software and refers to suitable examples. 7% to 9% - Good but not as complete as above (please mention missing element/s) or language errors causing difficulties to comprehending content. 4% to 6 % - OK but obvious missing information (please list missing elements) and/or more serious language or referencing errors. 1% to 3% - Poor, little relevant content, large parts missing or very serious language errors. 0% - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. 5% - Well written conclusion which makes correct use of evidence to express the personal view of the student with respect to the knowledge gained from carrying out this task. 4% - Good 3% - Some good content but either lacks full explanation or lacks any links to appropriate references. 2% - OK 1% - Poor, very little content or problems with language. 0% - No content which is students own or severe language problems.

Conclusion

5%

Gill Whitney

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CCM1418 Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks

Module CCM1418 Scenario Report Final Submission The final version of you report has to be submitted online via the appropriate link on the CCM1418 OasisPlus page by Friday 30th April 2011. Final Marking Grid Student Name: Student Number: Section Technical Content words Technical Content - diagrams Use of Language Referencing and citation Total Possible Mark 20% 10% 10% 10% 50% Mark Comment

Refer to Learner Development Unit 0 % given as work plagiarised

Yes/No Yes/No (Turnitin score)

Gill Whitney

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CCM1418 Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architectures & Networks

Module CCM1418 Scenario Report Final Submission Mark scheme and suggested comments for work (this is what the tutors will be using to mark the work). Section Possible Comment Mark Technical Content 20% This mark covers the same points as the mark grid for the words first stage submission. A mark of; 16 to 20 will indicate that you covered all (or nearly all) the relevant topics. 12 to 15 - Good but not as complete as above 8 to 11 - OK but obvious missing information 1 to 7 - Poor, little relevant content or large parts missing. 0 - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. Technical Content 10% This mark covers the use of technical diagrams that are - diagrams both linked to and fully explained in the text. Marks will not be awarded for the use of photographs which do not support the technical content. Any diagrams which are not drawn by the student must be fully referenced. 10 - Diagrams correctly used to fully support the text. 7 to 9 - Good 4 to 6 - OK but not used comprehensively. 1 to 3 - Poor, little relevant use of diagrams. 0 - Missing, incomprehensible or completely irrelevant. Use of Language 10% 10 Easy to read, good use of structure and language, no (or very few spelling or grammatical errors). 7 to 9 - Good but not as easy to read as above, few errors. 4 to 6 - OK but some more serious language errors 1 to 3 - Poor, very serious language errors. 0 - Incomprehensible. Note All students who gain a mark of 3 or less will be advised to contact the Learner Development Unit. 10 - Has made correct use of 10 to 20 references from a wide range of sources academic text books, commercial web pages and journal pages. 7 to 9 - Good but not as complete as above or some referencing errors. 4 to 6 - OK 1 to 3 Poor use of sources, references not cited using a suitable scheme (such as Harvard) 0 - No use of suitable information sources.

Referencing and citation

10%

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