COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS
What is Specification?
The specification or ‘spec’ is a list of the key components that make up the
computer. It is provided by retailers to help buyers decide which PC, and which
combination of features, they need. When buying a PC you start by deciding what you
want your PC to do. This tells the specification you actually need.
When reviewing a computer specification, the most important component to take
are the processor, the size of RAM and the size of the hard drive as these are central to
the overall capability of the system. If it is planned to use specialized programs for
students with special needs, it is advisable to purchase a suitable specification
computer to meet the system requirements for these programs.
Understanding a Specification
Sample specification for a certain desktop computer:
Processors
Two companies - Intel Inc. and AMD Inc. – are the manufacturers of most of
today’s PC processors and both offer a range that balances price and performance.
Processors are generally defined by their speed, in megahertz (MHz) or in gigahertz
(GHz), and this relates to the number of operations they can perform per second. The
higher the value, the faster the PC will perform and the more expensive it is. More
recent and more powerful processors use a 64-Bit architecture, rather than the previous
32-Bit models.
Memory (RAM)
The main working memory in a computer is called random access memory or
RAM. The processor uses this memory to run programs. RAM is measured in megabytes
(MB). Most modern computers use DDR 2 RAM.
A minimum of 2024 MB (2GB) of RAM is recommended for general purpose PCs.
2048 MB (2GB) of RAM is also sufficient for PCs running multimedia applications, i.e.,
those on which digital music, digital video or high-end graphics are being
created/edited.
Storage – The Hard Drive
The hard drive is the computer’s primary storage area. It stores the applications
and programs that run on the PC, as well as any work created by users. From a school’s
perspective, the capacity of the hard drive, measured in gigabytes (GB), is a key
criterion and should be given due consideration when reviewing PC specifications.
A hard drive capacity of at least 80GB is recommended for general purpose PCs.
A hard drive capacity of 200GB or more is recommended if working with multimedia
applications where large graphics and digital audio/video files are being created and
stored.
Other Specifications
Monitors
The older Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) have been largely replaced by Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) flat screens. A 15” LCD/LED has the same
viewing area as the older 17” CRT.
Average entry-level PCs usually come with a 17” flat-screen and this is adequate
for most general-purpose applications.
Larger 19” flat screens are available and may be appropriate if video editing and
advanced graphics work is being carried out.
Teachers of students with special needs may want to consider using larger
monitors with their students.
Optical Drives
CD R/W drives are standard on PCs and allow the information on a compact disc
(either data or audio) to be read and written to by the PC. It is defined by its speed (i.e.,
48x or 48 speed).
DVD drives can read both CDs and DVDs. Standard on entry level computers are
48x DVD-ROM/CD_RW drives and allows you to copy blank CDs. High performance
computer uses 52x DVD-RWs. Educational software is being developed in both DVD and
CD formats, but a DVD can hold over 25 times more data than a CD.
Graphics and Sound Cards
These cards are installed inside a PC and are responsible for determining the
quality of the audio and visuals (graphics and video) output by the computer. They hold
their own memory (in MB), which is why they add to a computer’s capability.
An integrated graphics card with 256MB of memory is recommended for general
purpose PCs.
Computers running high-end applications generally require a separate 256MB
graphics card.
A sound card generally comes as standard in most PCs purchased today. If
students intend to work extensively with digital music, the school should consider
getting a high-end sound card as this will create greater depth, complexity and realism
of sound.
Speakers and Headphones
Most computers come with either built-in or external speakers. Schools may also
consider buying headphones to control sound levels within a classroom or computer
room. Cheap ‘headphone splitters’ can also be purchased — these enable two sets of
headphones to be used per computer.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
It is recommended that all PCs be purchased with a suitable network interface
card (NIC). A network card allows a computer to be connected to a network. A
10/100/1000 Mbps (Megabits per second) card is the standard network card today. Few
school networks currently operate at speeds higher than 100Mbps.
Operating Systems (OS)
PCs are generally purchased with an operating system pre-installed. It is worth
checking that your existing software will still work with the operating system of any
new systems being purchased. It may be possible to choose a particular operating
system and, if so, this may help standardize new machines with existing school PCs.
At present, Microsoft’s newer OS is Vista, which generally performs the same
functions as Win XP. Microsoft XP Professional is still the most common and
recommended OS found in schools that meets their general needs very well and is
recommended for schools. As Vista operating system can come in various types and
configurations, schools should check that the version of Vista will be suitable and
compatible for the software and network infrastructure of the school. Vista Home or XP
home versions are not recommended for use in schools, however when ordering
computers schools need to specify a base operating system. The choice of base
operating system should be made along with their choice of operating system license.
Operating system license costs depend on a number of factors including type of school,
or type of license, example once off purchase via Microsoft’s select agreement or
purchasing software per year via Microsoft’s schools’ agreement.
Linux is an open-source free operating system which is not widely used by
schools at present, though it may be suitable for schools who are aware of its
capabilities. The most widely used open-source data base is Ubuntu. It is a Linux based
operating system and is distributed free along with the source code. Its desktop looks
somewhat similar to that of Windows, with window controls and icons. There is
reasonable large software support available on Ubuntu; the common applications
include Mozilla Firefox web browser, LibreOffice office application suite, GIMP image
editor.
OpenSolaris is a computer operating system developed by Sun Microsystems. It
runs well on desktops, laptops, servers and data centers. OpenSolaris is GUI based like
Ubuntu and has rich graphical desktop and windows for easy navigation. It is now
available in version 11 and can be downloaded without any cost from the Oracle
website.
Purchasing Considerations
Consider the following points when purchasing PCs
What is the intended use of the PC and will the chosen specification fulfill these
aims?
Is the PC compatible with existing computer equipment and software?
Is the technical support service satisfactory?
a minimum 1-year warranty including replacement if needed and full parts and
labor is recommended
Will added peripherals be required such as headphones, and optical mice.
Easy access of multiple USB ports (2.0 and 3.0 port)
Operating System licensing options
