The task of determining a suitable computer system for an individual or organisation is not easy.A good computer system must meet all the requirements of the user.Therefore,before selecting the computer system to implement,it is advisable to do an analysis of all the requirements necessary in order to avoid acquiring a system that may disappoint the users.
Requirements analysis for selecting a computer system should cover the following:
1. Identifying all user requirements.
2. Evaluating hardware requirements that will meet the users needs.
3. Evaluating software requirements that will meet the users needs.The computer hardware and software to be acquired should therefore be able to meet all needs of the data processing environment that,they are intended for effectively.
Hardware considerations
Some factors considered when selecting computer hardware are;
Processor speed
The processing power and speed of a computer mainly depends on the processor speed.A good computer must have high processor speed.
Memory capacity
Although,a computer may have a very fast processor,it may not perform as expected if it has low memory capacity as expected . Because of the current multimedia driven applications,a good computer should have sufficient memory to handle
the heavy applications that require a lot of memory space in order to run.A computer with at least 128 MB of RAM is recommended for most contemporary applications.
RAM is packaged as either dual in-line memory Module.(DIMM) or single in-line memory module(SIMM).
Therefore,before one buys a memory module for the computer the following factors have to be considered:
1. The type of module supported by the computers motherboard.
2. Does the motherboard have an empty memory slot?
3. Will the module work well(be compatible)with the other existing modules on the motherboard?
4. What is the capacity of the module?
Warranty
A warranty is an agreement between the buyer and the seller that spells out terms and conditions of,after selling a product incase of failure or malfunction.The most important consideration to make is whether the seller is ready to actually provide after sales services.On top of the actual cost of the item,most manufacturers and suppliers include a certain percentage charge to cover the
warranty.
A good warranty should cover the following points:
1. Scope of cover for example six months,one year etc.
2. Callout response and liability agreement.For example how long should the supplier take to repair a fault or replace the product,and if he/she delays who bears the cost.
3. Preventive maintenance for example regularity of service,at intervals etc.
Cost
The cost of a computer system depends on:
1. Its processing capability.
2. Whether it is branded or a clone.Branded computers are more expensive than their equivalent clones.This is because of their reliability and good after sale services.
3.Its size.Portable computers are more expensive than their desktop equivalents because of the superior technology involved in manufacturing smaller components without losing performance abilities.It is important to do a market survey from magazines,newspapers,and electronic media or visit a number of vendors to compare prices before purchasing a computer.Computer information and technology exhibitions also enlighten a buyer on current trends and costs.
Upgradeability and compatibility
When buying a computer,the best option would be to get one that can easily be upgraded to accommodate emergent technologies.For examples older computers cannot support large hard disks available in the market today hence, difficulty in upgrading them because smaller hard disks are no longer in circulation
Portability
The size of electronic devices including computers has become a major consideration because smaller devices enhance mobility.
User needs
When selecting computer hardware,consider the unique needs of the user.For example if the users have special disability like in ability to use their hands,consider buying input devices that capture data through voice input.The user needs also determine the type of data that will be processed hence,the choice of the type of hardware most appropriate to satisfy the needs.For example in a supermarket a special computerized devise called a point of sale (POS) terminal is most suitable to record transactions.
Other considerations
Other considerations for selecting computer hardware are;
Monitor
Depending on preference,your choice for a monitor may depend on size,resolution and the technology used to make it.Currently flat panel displays have become a new market standard quickly replacing the cathode ray tube (CRT).
Multimedia capability
This is the combination of video,audio,text and images to provide an interactive,creative and effective way of producing and communicating information.A multimedia system should have speakers,CD/DVD drive,sounds card and a SVGA monitor.It should also have software that supports multimedia capability.
Software considerations
Although one may have a good computer with the best hardware,the actual real determinant of a computers value to the user is the software in it that can run to solve the day to day data and information processing needs.
The following factors should be considered when selecting software:
Authenticity
The term authenticity refers to genuineness,validity and or legitimacy of an item.When you acquire software from the vendor,make sure it is an original copy that is accompanied by the developers license and certificate of authenticity.This is because some people illegally produce pirated copies which is an offence.
Documentation
It refers to the manuals prepared by the developer having details on how to install,use and maintain the software.These include installation guide,maintenance guide and a user guide.This documentation enables the user to work with the software with minimum guidance.
User needs
The needs of the user determines the type of operating system and application programs that should be considered for acquisition.For example,if the user needs to type documents most often he/she would go for a word-processor. Peoplewithspecialdisabilitywillrequiresoftwarethatrecognizesotherforms of input like voice and natural sound.A good example is software used in mobile phones to store voice and allow the user to make a call by just calling a name instead of keying in the number.
Reliability and security
People are more comfortable with software that offers good security to confidential and private information.
User friendliness
One of the most important features normally considered when using a computer program is its user-friendliness.This is a measure of how easily the users can be able to operate the computer.Some programs are more user friendlier than others.
A lot of research and effort has been dedicated in trying to come up with more user-friendly software.The ease of use of a program will most likely influence whether the user will prefer it or not.
Cost
The cost of software is perhaps one of the most controversial issues that must be considered carefully.One cannot just go for software because it is cheap.Many other factors may force a person to buy far much more expensive software even with cheaper alternatives available.However it is illogical to buy expensive software if there is a reliable cheaper alternative that will meet ones needs.
Incase the off-the-shelf software does not fit the needs of the users it would be advisable to develop in-house software solution seven though they may be a bit more expensive.
Compatibility and system configuration
Software compatibility refers to the ability of the computer to run the software depending on the system setup (configuration). For example some software may only run on a computer that has 32 MB of RAM and above.Any computer with lower than this,will be said to be incompatible.It is important that one reads the installation guide and system requirements that comes with the software in order to avoid disappointment.
Portability
Portability in this aspect refers to whether a program can be copied or installed in more than one computer.Although,most software in the market today are portable some developers produce software which can be installed on one machine only.This means that if one has twenty computers,one should buy a license for each.