COMPUTER SYSTEMS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to our lecturer as

well as my batch mates who helped me in doing this project on the topic
Computer Systems, which also helped me in doing a lot of Research and
myself came to know about so many new things.

I am really thankful to them.

Secondly I would also like to thank my parents and friends who helped
me a lot in finishing this project within the limited time.

ALTAAF 1
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This assignment has identified the problems in “Techno” and provided

solutions, it contains the roles of computers in different fields and the
hardware devices and software recommended for Techno Institute.

It also suggests a suitable computer system and a structured network

system for “Techno”

Lastly the evaluation of the proposed system for Techno.

ALTAAF 2
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

“Techno” is a medium scale computer institute located in Colombo.

Around 750 student base is currently doing their higher studies at
“Techno”. The staff members of the organization consist of lecturers,
Accountants, front desk officers, student coordinators, IT technicians and
a center manager. Also the organization has three computer laboratories
with 30 computers in each.

So according to the scenario as an IT executive, it is my responsibility to

re organize the computer systems of the Techno institute.

ALTAAF 3
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

TASK – 01

The Roles of Computers systems in different situations.

COMPUTERS

There are several uses of computers in different sectors of business, nowadays the use
of computers in these organizations have proved the quality of service which they
provide for their customers.

Following are some examples for the use of computers in different sectors.

A. The personal computer at your home

Figure 1- PC @ Home

Source: thehazeworks.com, (2014)

ALTAAF 4
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Following are some roles of personal computers

Personal Computer is an integral part of everyday life Nowadays having a personal

computer at home is a must in the modern world, various technologies and
applications on computers are being released so often to make the humans work load
low. Following are some roles of Personal computer in a home.

 To do mathematical calculations.
 Faster means of communication through the internet by sending and receiving
emails.
 To be connected with internet to search and read articles, news, magazines etc.
 Storing and managing important personal data.
 For Entertainment such as to play Games, watch movies etc.
 To enter bills and data entry of businesses.
 For students educational purposes such as practicing MC Office, Photoshop
etc.
 To be connected and updated with social media such as Facebook, Twitter etc.

ALTAAF 5
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

B. Accounts department Computer

Figure 2- Computer in Accounts Department

Source: www.iYogi.com, (2015)

Following are some roles of computers in Accounts Department

 For Mathematical Calculations

 handle institutes financial records
 For Students Attendance calculations.
 For student Registration system
 For billing purpose of students payments.
 For Publications – printing books

ALTAAF 6
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

C. IT admin’s computer in Techno.

Source: pixshark.com, (2015)

Following are some roles of IT Admins computer

 To monitor and control the other networked computers.

 To apply operating system updates, patches and configuration changes
 To allow and block security accesses for different computer personnel.
 To maintain the database of the institute.
 For limit the access of internet for student’s computers in lab.

ALTAAF 7
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

TASK – 02
Explain how the hardware, software and peripheral components of above
identified computer systems

Hardware
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer which can be touched. Examples of
hardware are Mouse, CPU, and Monitor etc.

There are two main categories of hardware in a computer.

1. Input Devices – These are the devices which are used to input data into the
computer or give certain commands for the computer to act upon the
command.
For Ex:
 Mouse
 keyboard
 microphone
 web camera
 scanners

2. Output Devices – These are the devices which are used to output processed
the data.
For Ex:
 Monitor
 Speaker
 Printer

ALTAAF 8
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Input Devices

Keyboard

A keyboard is a device that converts letters, numbers, and other characters into
electrical signals that can be read by the computer’s processor.

Figure 3 – Keyboard

Source: audiofanzine.com, (2012)

I recommend this keyboard because it’s the latest version of keyboard in 2015.
Its features are, smooth typing, latest options and plug and play. This keyboard will
be very effective for Techno. Reason is that Dell products are well known for
durability and stability.

ALTAAF 9
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

MOUSE

A device that is rolled about on a desktop mouse pad directs a pointer on the
computer’s display screen. The mechanical mouse had a rubber ball under the mouse
which will be rotated when the mouse is moved at a particular direction and the cursor
moves accordingly to it where an optical mouse uses a laser to determine the position
of the mouse and move it accordingly.

Figure 4 – Mouse

Source: Dell, (2015)

I recommend this mouse for the Techno because it’s easy to operate with it, it’s
wireless, plug and play, it’s the latest mouse and it has the more options than other
mouse. It also performs good comparing to others and its reliability is superb.

ALTAAF 10
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Scanner
The scanner is another input device like the photocopier machine which makes the
electronic copy of the picture or document which can be further edited.

Figure 5 - Scanner

I recommend the above scanner for Techno because it’s the latest version in 2015 and
it has more advance quality features comparing to other scanners. It will be very
useful to scan documents of Techno.

ALTAAF 11
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Output Devices
Monitor
Monitor is a core output device of a computer system. The monitor is used to display
the computers user interface which can be interacted with using a mouse or a key
board.

There are 3 main types of monitors,

1. CRT - (Cathode Ray Tube)

2. LCD - (Liquid Crystal Display)

3. LED - (Light Emitting Diode)

Figure 6 – Monitor

Source: AOC.com, (2015)

A monitor is a core component of a computer as it is needed for any and all tasks in a
computer so I recommend the above LED monitor for Techno.

ALTAAF 12
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Speakers
Speaker is another output device which receives the sound in the form of electric
current from the sound card & convert it to sound format.

Figure 7 – Speaker.

Source: Creative.com, (2015)

Speakers are an important part of a computer, even though you don’t need a speaker
to perform tasks efficiently it is a must when you need to listen to an audio or see a
video with audio, so I would recommend Techno the above speaker of Creative
products.

ALTAAF 13
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Printer
Printer is a device which you use to get physical copies of soft copies you have saved
in the computer.

There are 4 main types of printers:

1. Dot matrix printer

2. Inkjet printer:
3. Laser printer
4. Thermal printer

Figure 8 – Printer

Source: Epson.com, (2015)

Although printers are not a core item for computers, Techno or in that case any
company needs a printer for printing reports documents etc. So I highly recommend
this inkjet printer for Techno.

ALTAAF 14
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Software

Software is a “collection of instructions that enable a user to interact with the

computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them.” (Computer Hope,
2013)

Software can’t be physically touched or felt. Without software’s, we can’t use

computer, it’s useless.

Software can be divided into two categories:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

System Software
System software is the software and drivers which make up the computer operating
system; it includes drivers, systems services, system preferences and other
configuration files. The system software acts as a platform to run other applications
according to user needs. Examples for system software’s can be:

 Windows 8.1
 Ubuntu
 Mac OS

Application Software
Application software needs a platform or system software to run on, it is used
according to user needs and preferences.

Ex: Microsoft office, Adobe applications etc…

ALTAAF 15
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Techno will need application software’s such as Microsoft office 2015 package,
Payment processing applications, Antivirus application etc… to strengthen the
computer system of Techno.

TASK – 03

1. Suitable computers, Operating System and other special

software for given requirement.

Windows 8.1 Pro

Figure 9 – Operating System

Source: Microsoft.com (2015)

I recommend this operating system of windows to techno, reason is that it have

gorgeous features comparing to earlier versions of windows. It is very simple and
easy to do works and to deal with files. It will be very useful to Techno for having
Windows 8.1 Pro operating system.

ALTAAF 16
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Anti-Virus Utility

Figure 10 - Virus Guard

Source: Microsoft.com (2015)

I recommend Microsoft security essentials for the Techno computers, because it

guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides real-time
protection for the Techno PC. Regular updates must be installed instantly when
available.

Microsoft Office Package

Figure 11 - MS Office 2013

ALTAAF 17
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Source: Microsoft.com (2015)

I recommend this version of MS Office for the Techno, because it is the latest version
and it has more advance features for easy documentation, presentations, and much
more documentary features comparing to the older versions. It is very compatible
with the windows 8.1 operating system too.

Adobe Reader

Figure 12 - Adobe Reader

Source: Adobe Reader (2015)

I recommend Acrobat Reader for the Techno computers, because it is very useful to
make and read PDF documents for lectures and students. And I have recommended
the latest version of it.

ALTAAF 18
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

2. Justification and comparison of the system design specification

System - 1 System 2
Operating System Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8.1 Pro
Processor Type Intel Core i3 4rd Gen Intel Core i5 4rd Gen
Processor Speed 3.3 GHz 3.3 GHz
Cache Memory 4 MB 8 MB
RAM Size 3 GB 6 GB
RAM Type DDR 3 DDR 5
Included Monitor LCD LED
Display Size 23” inches 20” inches
Touch Screen No No
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels 1920 x 1080 pixels
Graphics Size Internal 2GB External 2.5 GB
Hard Disk 500 GB 2 TB
Drives CD Re Writer DVD Re Writer
USB 2.0 3.0
Keyboard Port USB
Mouse Port USB

SYSTEM - 1

Processor

Intel Core i3 can be considered as a low-end processor, in these days. Compared to

Core i5, Core i3 consumes less power. It’s a dual core processor usually comes with

ALTAAF 19
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

4MB L2 cache. This processor is a good option when building a computer system for
general use, which requires less processing power.

Motherboard

Intel B75-HD3 is a Core i3 supported motherboard. It’s a low performance

motherboard compared to these days. It’s good for general use. It has an onboard
graphics card, sound card & a network card.

RAM

3GB RAM is not enough to run a Windows 7 powered computer without a slowdown.

Hard Disk Drive

500 GB is not a good storage space which is more than enough for general use.

DVD ROM

For Techno, an optical device is required. Therefore CD ROM is not enough in that
case.

VGA

Techno not need high-end graphics, on-board video processing is not good and
enough for them.

Monitor

LCD monitors are not good in saving energy. In this case, using LED than LCD is a
very wise move. 20” inch is a decent size for today’s computer system.

Cost

 All the components in System #1 will cost around 50,000.LKR

Advantages

 It costs less money.

 Maintenance cost is low.

ALTAAF 20
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

 Risk is lower.

Disadvantages

 Performance is low when compared to System #2.

SYSTEM – 2

Processor

Core i5 is a high-performance processor. It’s made to high task like multiple purpose
file structuring. Techno institute computers will be effective with this processor,
reason is that the application software’s needed for Techno will be faster access.

Motherboard

Gigabyte B85-HD3 motherboard is a medium performance board, usually used for

institutes and offices. They equipped with latest technologies and many exclusive
features like DDR5, SATA 3.0 , and many more.

RAM

8GB RAM is great for the Techno computers and processes to manage multi tasks.

Hard Disk Drive

1TB storage space is good for the computers where it is a standard amount of storage
space.

DVD-R/W

A DVD Reader/Writer would seem more than effective for Techno to read and write
documents.

Monitor

As mentioned earlier, LED monitors are great when it’s about saving energy. And
again, huge monitors are good to multimedia and other areas. But for Techno, 23”
would seem good option.

ALTAAF 21
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Cost

 One system would cost around 70,000.LKR

Advantages

 System includes all the necessary components required for Techno.

 Performance is very high.
 Risk is less
 Maintenance cost is medium.

Disadvantages

 It costs money.

Conclusion

Comparing above two systems, it’s clear that the System 1 is less than what the
Techno is required. By using that type of systems, the organization would have to
bear low performance.

System 2 is a great option for Techno, because its performance is good enough to
handle the techno requirement and they would have a lower risk and maintenance
cost.

After considering above facts, the System 2 is suitable for Techno’s computer
systems.

ALTAAF 22
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

TASK – 04
Diagram for proposed computer system

ALTAAF 23
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

REFERENCES

thehazeworks.com (2014) [online] Available from: http://thehazeworks.com/personal-

computer-desks-computing-hours-easier/ [Accessed 16th July 2015].

iYogi.com (2015) [online] Available from: http://windows7.iyogi.com/support/speed-

up/performance-business-computers.html [Accessed 16th July 2015].

pixshark.com (2015) [online] Available from: http://pixshark.com/computer-

administrator-images.htm[Accessed 16th July 2015].

audiofanzine.com (2012) [online] Available from: http://en.audiofanzine.com/pc-

keyboard-and-mouse/dell/l100-standard-keyboard/user_reviews/r.102614.html
[Accessed 16th July 2015].

Dell.com (2015) [online] Available from:

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?
c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=275-BBBH [Accessed 16th July 2015].

Dell.com (2015) [online] Available from:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?
c=us&l=en&s=dfb&cs=28&sku=A7955369 [Accessed 16th July 2015].

AOC.com (2015) [online] Available from:

http://us.aoc.com/monitor_displays/e2425swd [Accessed 16th July 2015].

Computer Hope, (2013) [Online] Available from:

http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/micrphon.htm [Accessed 18th July 2015]

ALTAAF 24
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Microsoft.com (2015) [online] Available from:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro/
productID.288401500 [Accessed 18th July 2015].

Adobe Reader (2013) [online] Available from: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ [Accessed

18th July 2015]

ALTAAF 25