Selecting Hardware and Software

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

Windows or Mac
Mac Beautifully designed Use a powerful processor called the G5 Prices are actually lower Mac OS users encounter less viruses Requires buyers to acquire and master all new software Mac version of software cost more (e.g. at least $150 for a Mac version of Microsoft Office)
5/25/2012

Windows Security Issues More Viruses High prices Less costly software More user friendly software

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

Security
Get a firewall, an antivirus program, an antispyware program and an anti-spam program. Dont rely on built-in firewall and other software of operating system. Important Definitions Firewall: A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices configured to permit, deny, encrypt, decrypt, or proxy all (in and out) computer traffic between different security domains based upon a set of rules and other criteria. Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of both Anti-Spam: It refers to any software, hardware or process that is used to combat the proliferation of spam or to keep spam from entering a system. For example, McAfee AntiSpam is an anti-spam software application, and the use of opt-in e-mail is an anti-spam process. Anti-Spyware: A Spyware is a type of software that is installed on computers and collects little bits information at a time about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.
Amir Manzoor, Bahria University 3

5/25/2012

Memory
Memory: Memory, or RAM, is the most important factor in computer performance. You can get by with 256 megabytes, but I suggest 512 MB. Ask whether the PC's main memory is shared with the video system. If the memory is shared, you should buy extra.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A 160 gigabyte hard disk is the minimum these days. Top models now have at least 200 GB. The highest capacity consumer Hard Disk Drive available today is 2 TB. A hard drive uses a standard electronic interface between a computer motherboard's data paths or bus and the computer's disk storage devices. Some common Hard Drive Interfaces include IDE, EIDE , PATA, SATA, and SCSI. IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) is based on the IBM PC Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). EIDE is an enhanced version of IDE. Serial ATA (SATA) is an IDE standard for connecting devices like optical drives and hard drives to the motherboard. The term SATA generally refers to the types of cables and connections that follow this standard. SATA cables are long, thin, 7-pin cables. One end plugs into a port on the motherboard, usually labeled SATA, and the other into the back of a storage device like a hard drive. Serial ATA replaces Parallel ATA as the IDE standard of choice for connecting storage devices inside of a computer. SATA storage devices can transmit data to and from the rest of the computer over twice as fast as an otherwise similar PATA device . SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) drives are the among the highest-performance disks. They are more commonly used on servers.
Amir Manzoor, Bahria University 5

5/25/2012

Processor
For Windows machines, Intel processors with model numbers in the 500s will do fine. AMD processors are just as good. On Apple desktops, G5 processor is recommended.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

System Requirements for Operating Systems

Operating System Windows XP RAM At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended) 1 GB of system memory 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) At least 256 MB of RAM 256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) Processor Pentium 233megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended) 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor A PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor Intel: Pentium 1-4 or Xeon Hard Disk At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space 16 GB available hard disk space (32bit) or 20 GB (64bit) At least 3 GB of free disk space 500 MB of disk space (800 MB to 2 GB often required.
7

Windows Vista

Windows 7

Mac OS X Linux

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

Digital Connectors
Buy a computer with several USB 2.0 connectors, including at least one on the front of the computer or in the keyboard or monitor. If you have a video camera that can't use USB, you'll need an extra high-speed port called 1394, or FireWire. Important Definitions

A FireWire connection lets you send data to and from high-bandwidth digital devices such as digital camcorders, and it's faster than USB.
5/25/2012 Amir Manzoor, Bahria University 8

Memory-card slots
Try for a model with built-in slots that accept the various types of memory cards used by digital cameras, PDAs and music players.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

Network Connections
Get a built-in Ethernet networking connection, necessary for high-speed Internet connections via cable modems and DSL lines.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

10

Video system
Cheaper PCs use something called "integrated video." But the best route is to invest in a PC with a separate video card and dedicated video memory. Try for at least 64 megabytes of video memory.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

11

Monitor
Flat-panel screens are best for most uses. The 15-inch flat panels now cost less than $300. Many 17-inch models can be had for $400 or less, and 19-inch models start below $600.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

12

Mass storage
Look for a CD-RW drive that lets you record your own CDs for playing music or for backing up or exchanging files. If you do a lot of data backup, you may want to invest in a DVD recording drive.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

13

Brands
All Windows desktops are similar, but unless you're a techie, stick with names like HewlettPackard, Dell, Sony, and Gateway. Apple is the only brand on the Mac side.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

14

Off-the-Shelf Software Vs Custom-Built Software

Off-the-Shelf Software Usually much better tested and thus can in some instances be more reliable. In general, they are less expensive (exceptions are inventory systems and ERP software) You end up paying for things you don't really need. For a small cost application like QuickBooks accounting, this is not an issue. For applications that cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, it can become a huge disincentive. Companies that create pre-packages solutions for specific business segments can also trap you in to a costly support agreement, and force you to upgrade more often than you would like, increasing the costs. Custom-Built Software Nothing off the shelf can ever fit your business as well as a custom designed application. The business processes you use, which may have taken years or even decades to develop, can be tightly integrated and mapped in to the custom developed software. You avoid paying for modules that you will never use. If you build the software in-house, you also get the benefit of having the programmers on-site to fix bugs, and make modifications. It costs more but pay off is high as well. Suppose you own a small distribution center. Instead of developing an entire ERP system, you can today develop just the required components.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

15

Off-the-Shelf Software Vs Custom-Built Software (Contd.)

The best solution may be a mix of off the shelf and custom developed software. This approach gives you the best of both worlds. The business specific modules can be custom developed to perfectly fit your needs, while the back office, accounting, and other modules can be purchased pre made, and then integrated. This allows you to spend you dollars wisely by buying best in class software where possible, and creating it yourself when it makes sense. The hybrid approach is usually the best option for small and mid-sized businesses. If you have an in-house programming staff, they may be inclined to develop an entire application from the ground up. This is not the only approach to take however. Sites like codeproject.com and sourceforge.net may have an open source (free) application that you can use as a foundation for you customized application or solution. A little up front investigation in to these resources could save your business tens of thousands of dollars in cost, and bring the application on-line in a shorter period of time.

5/25/2012

Amir Manzoor, Bahria University

16