Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................... i 1. Discussions ............................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Hardware ......................................................................................................... 1 Computers ................................................................................................ 1 Server .......................................................................................................

1.1.1 1.1.2 1.2

Software .......................................................................................................... 3 System Software ...................................................................................... 3 Applications Software .............................................................................. 6

1.2.1 1.2.2 2.

Suggestions & Recommendations .......................................................................... 8 2.1 2.2 2.3 Desktop............................................................................................................ 8 Server .............................................................................................................. 9 Other Required Relative Educational Technologies ..................................... 11 Projector ................................................................................................. 11 Wireless Microphones and Speakers ..................................................... 11 Online Media/Websites .......................................................................... 11

2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.4

Other Technological Suggestions.................................................................. 11 Computer Integrated Classroom (CIC) .................................................. 11 Immersive Virtual Reality...................................................................... 12

2.4.1 2.4.2

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Introduction Computers are nowadays used in various fields such as education, finance, government, health care and more. Computers have become parts and parcels of our daily life especially in completing various tasks. In educational field, computers are used in many different settings and they are used by guidance counselors, administrators, librarians, teachers, students and clerical employees too. In the present day, computers have become the life line of younger generation; this generation embraces all the things in the influence of this modern technology. Similarly, the generations before are slowly adopting such technology as well in order to catch up with the changes in the society. Hence, even educators are also starting to engage themselves and use technologies in the process of delivering their lectures. Not only that, computers have also made organization of data easy for schools. In this report, we will further look into how computers helped simplifying things in the education field and the type of hardware that are used. For further discussion, we are going to use College I as an example for elaboration.

1. Discussions 1.1 Hardware 1.1.1 Computers

In College I, there are 4 computer labs and each lab consists of 20 computers. By looking at this statement, it is obvious the most basic hardware required for a college will be the components that build up a computer itself such as monitor, motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply, optical disk drive, hard disk drive, keyboard and mouse (Hardware, 2010). Having computers only is definitely inadequate for a college to operate and monitor the activities of their students and employees and thus, having a network is very important.

1.1.2

Server

In every school, regardless whether they are lower or higher educational institutes, having a server system is very important. A server system helps an organization to manage their network resources and users or also known as clients. Normally server is used for three main purposes, file server, print server and also database server. File server enable users to store files on the server, files stored are accessible to other users if permission is allowed. Print server helps to manage one or more printers and it is also used to manage network traffic. Database server is used for database queries or in layman term a request for information from a database (Server). Basically server hardware is no different from a basic computer except for a few of the specifications of the hardware, such as the type of processor, memory size and also storage type (How is a Server Different From a Desktop?, 2011).

1.1.2.1 Type of Servers (Server Categories, 2011)

Server Type
Proxy server

Description
Sit between a client program (i.e. Web browser) and an external server (another server on the Web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.

Mail server

Move and store mail over corporate networks (via LANs and WANs) and across the Internet.

Web server

The hardware (hosting

server)

or

the software (i.e. web browser) that helps to deliver content that can be accessed through the Internet. FTP(File Transfer Protocol) server Telnet server File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move one or more files securely between computers while providing file security and organization as well as transfer control. Enable users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they're working on the remote computer itself.
Table 1 Type of Servers

The types of server that is required for College I will be File server, Print server, Database server, Proxy server, Mail server, Web server, FTP server and also Telnet.

1.2 Software There are 3 different types of software, namely System software, Programming software, and Application software.

1.2.1

System Software

System software that is going to be discussed in this section will be Operating System. As we all understood, desktop and server both uses different operating system.

1.2.1.1 Desktop For desktop, the most common operating system used will be Windows operating system by Microsoft. The most current Microsoft Windows available in the market is Windows 7. Another popular operating system used is Mac OS X v10.7 also known as Mac Lion by Apple Inc. However, due to price comparison, Mac OS is hardly used in organizations. Hence, the operating system used in almost all colleges is by Microsoft Windows.

1.2.1.2 Server Server operating systems are different from normal desktop operating systems because they are built with certain features to cope with the server environment. Such features may include auto update without the need to restart (where restart could interrupt server activities), frequent and advanced backup system, tight security and more. A few of the more popular server operating systems are UNIX, Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Similarly to the reason mentioned above, Mac OS X Server is too expensive and thus it is often not the preferred choice when it comes to organization setup.

1.2.1.2.1

UNIX, Linux and Windows

Operating System
UNIX

Advantages
Very experience server OS builder with more than 30 years of history. Usable in almost any hardware platform. Stable uptime, ability to run for a long period of time. High security.

Disadvantages

Many languages used. Bundling and

different

system

specific implementation of commands or

packages. Command operation, friendly beginners. Hardware is expensive. not especially based user to

(Garrels, 2001)

(Garrels, 2001) Linux Free Open Source OS, no fee charged for using or buying Linux. User friendly with in Drivers for Linux

hardware are still not easily available. Still not as user-friendly as Windows. Installation is only easy when Linux is connected to the Internet or with a

GUI(i.e. Ubuntu OS) Applications Windows are used

mostly

available for Linux. More secure and

repository CD. (Ansen, 2011)

efficient than Windows.

Since Linux is another form of UNIX, the OS is also stable like UNIX.

Compatible even on old, out-dated hardware that can no longer supports

other OS. (Ansen, 2011) Windows General popular OS Easily spyware applications. Require strong security supports. Not very stable as infected or by virus

used by the public. Hardware and drivers are easily obtainable. Supports for problems are easily found. Supports vast amount of freeware and shareware. (Mike, 2008)

compared to Linux or UNIX. Limited access of free Open Source software. Expensive in terms of start-up cost and follow up maintenances and

supports. Constant reboot needed, lower up-time and

availability. (Mike, 2008)

Table 2 Advantages & Disadvantages of UNIX, Linux & Windows

1.2.2

Applications Software

Applications software is defined as end-user programs which interact with users through Graphical User Interface. These software includes database programs, word processors, and spread sheets. However,

applications software will only be able to run if system software exists. It is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

1.2.2.1 Desktop Currently there are two main developers for common productivity software; they are Microsoft (Microsoft Office) and Oracle (OpenOffice). Microsoft Office has a longer history as compared to OpenOffice and hence Microsoft Office has a greater popularity and more familiarise among users. While for OpenOffice, they are released around year 2010 and functionality wise, they are not as rich as Microsoft Office, but one advantage of OpenOffice is that they are Freeware. Microsoft Office interface is easier to manoeuvre if compared with OpenOffice. By saying that, the MS Office new ribbon interface (also known as Fluent User Interface) display almost all commonly used features on the screen and users do not have to drop down the menus and taskbars one by one to search for the features they want to use (Bonfield & Quinn, 2010).

Figure 1 Ribbon (a.k.a Fluent User Interface) (Microsoft, 2011)

Apart from that, OpenOffice is also said to run slightly slower especially when opening complex documents in Microsoft formats. In term of supports, MS Offices supports are more authorized and trustworthy if compared with OpenOffice because OpenOffice official supports are inadequate and mostly supports are found through community forums. Recently, MS Office also introduced SkyDrive which allows users to upload their files on the server and access them later elsewhere. The SkyDrive is a form of file-sharing feature plus remote access where users can access the file through Web Apps and edit their files (Bonfield & Quinn, 2010). Hence, for College I, it is recommended to install a more user preferred software which is Microsoft Office. Since OpenOffice is free, it is optional whether the IT team would like to install it as well.

1.2.2.2 Server As for server part, theres only one type of application software that is crucially needed, which is Database Management. The most popular and used software in this category is MySQL. For College I, it is recommended for them to purchase the MySQL Enterprise Edition for their server. This package includes Database management, backup facilities, monitoring and alerting if errors occur and Workbench (for data modelling, administration tools for server configuration and users administration) (MySQL Enterprise Edition, 2011).

2. Suggestions & Recommendations 2.1 Desktop For desktops fixed in computer labs, we are going to select Dell OptiPlex 580 which cost RM1,875.00 per unit. Below are the details for items included for the rate mentioned (with courtesy of Dell.com.my): Specification
Processor Operating System Base Monitor

Description
AMD Athlon(TM) II X2 Dual-Core processor B26 Genuine Windows(R) 7 Professional 32bit (English) (EMRP) OptiPlex(TM) 580DT Base Dell(TM) E170S Entry 17 " Flat Panel LCD Monitor (Analog only)

Memory SATA Hard Drives Optical Drive

2GB (1x2GB) Non-ECC DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM Memory 250GB 7200 RPM 3.5" SATA Hard Drive 16X Max DVD + /- RW with Dual Layer Write Capabilities for MT and DT

Delivery Charges DVD Software Decode

OptiPlex(TM) Delivery Charges(West Malaysia) PowerDVD Software Ver 9.5 and Roxio Creator Starter (Factory Install and Media Kits)

Diagnostic DVD System Recovery Dell Backup and Recovery Manager (DBRM) Items included in the System

Resource DVD Windows(R) 7 Professional 32bit Media Kit (English) EMRP Dell Backup and Recovery Manager (DBRM) V1.3 for WIN7

Computrace Disable Info Mod Broadcom TruManage Systems Management Ready Integrated Broadcom 5761 Ethernet LAN 10/100/10001000 (Remote Wake Up, PXE support) Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 Graphics AMD 785G Chipset Dell(TM) OptiPlex(TM) 580 Desktop (Global Config 2)

Dell Services: Hardware Support Keyboard Mouse

3 Yrs Next Business Day Onsite Service

Dell(TM) KB212-B USB Entry Business Keyboard (English) Dell(TM) MS111 USB Optical Mouse
Table 3 Dell OptiPles 580 Specifications

For such rate it is considered relatively cheap for desktop as Acer with similar specifications would roughly cost around RM2,500.00.
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2.2 Server As for server hardware, we are going to purchase from Dell as well. The model chosen is PowerEdge C6145 AMD Processor-based 2U Rack Server. Below are the specifications for the server:

Table 4 PowerEdge C6145 AMD Processor-based 2U Rack Server Specifications

The server supports on both Linux and Windows Server OS platform. As for the server operating system, it is decided that the server is going to run on Linux OS.
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Firstly, Linux is chosen because it is no longer as hard to use as they were before. Linux now comes with GUI (Graphical User Interface) which makes it easier for server administrator to control and monitor the server with ease.

Figure 2 Linux OS Caption (Danny, 2010)

Apart from that, Linux as a variant of UNIX it is also stable like UNIX, as compared to Windows Server. Because of the stability of Linux, hence the server up-time will also be higher than Windows Server. Eventually the servers availability will also be higher.

Figure 3 Linux vs. Windows Server OS Uptime (Avoyan, 2007)

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2.3 Other Required Relative Educational Technologies 2.3.1 Projector

For college I, it is crucial that projectors should be made available in all classrooms and computer labs. Projectors are used normally for image, video and slideshow projection on the screen. By installing projectors in classrooms and computer labs, lecturers or students can easily present whatever that is related to the lecture and share among their audiences. 2.3.2 Wireless Microphones and Speakers

In classes, it is inevitable that sometimes due to large number of students, the lecture becomes noisy and hard for educator to deliver his/her speech. Hence, by setting up wireless microphones and speakers in the large classrooms or lecture halls allow lecturers to deliver their lectures to their students clearly. 2.3.3 Online Media/Websites

Sometimes in order to capture students attention, media are being used, hence by having online media which are accessible for students through their subjects websites can be very helpful. Apart from that, in todays world, lecturers often distribute lecture notes through their subjects webpages. This will allow students to be prepared for the lecture before it is being delivered and can be accessed by all students who are taking the subject.

2.4 Other Technological Suggestions 2.4.1 Computer Integrated Classroom (CIC)

A computer-integrated classroom is a technologically improved traditional classroom, with the integration of interactive whiteboards, networked notebooks and special software tools (i.e. Sanako Lab 300) to allow collaborative activities (Salam, Tasir, & Samad, 2008).

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By using such tools, students from abroad can perform e-learning through the Internet. The usage of CIC does not only allow e-learning but also allows lecturer to conduct consultations and tutorials with their students even if they are at home.

2.4.2

Immersive Virtual Reality

Immersive Virtual Reality is a technology which immerses users in an artificial 3D environment. Such technology uses stereoscopic goggles which provides 3D imaginary and also as a kind of tracking device, for instance head and body movements. Apart from that, data glove is also used in this technology to track hands movements. The data glove also allows users to manipulate and point computer generated objects in the projected space.

Figure 4 Immersive Virtual Reality - Photo credit: Christop W. Sensen

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