Unit 2 Computer Systems

1. Computer Systems have different roles in different environments.

Home In a home environment, computer systems are used to access internet.
Accessing the internet allows users to shop, check latest news headlines, watch
videos, communicate with other people.
Work / Business In a work and business environments, computers are used for a
number of tasks. These can be day to day tasks carried out by employees such
as; writing letters, reports, inputting customer information into database,
checking information on databases. Computer systems can also be used to
access the internet, where employees can communicate with each other
instantly via email, allow customers to check on products and services of the
company online.
School, College & University Computer systems can be used for education
purposes in schools and colleges. Software such as Microsoft Office and other
educational software is used in the learning process. Educational establishments
use computer systems to keep track of student records such as attendance,
grades and fees.
Healthcare - There are different types of computer systems in Hospitals. The first
type of systems include computer and network, where patient information and
history is stored. Other type of computer system include, CT, MRI and X-ray
machines linked to a computer.
Police Computer systems used by police involve criminal database which have
details of criminals and the crimes they have committed. Police and other
government organisation have DNA based systems that match DNA from a crime
to the criminal database. Open, closed and pending cases are stored on the
computer systems.
Shopping- Computers have a lot of uses in the stores and supermarkets. Systems
are used to track number of products sold, number of items and products that
need to be ordered, and also allow customers to complete their transaction at
point of sale.
Banking Computer systems play a vital role in the banking sector. Computers
are used to transfer money, keep track of funds, and with introduction of online
banking, allow customers to keep track of their accounts, mortgages and loans.
Hotels- Hotels and travel sector use computer systems increasingly in the last
decade. Hotels and travel companies keep track of their bookings in a
computerised system. Customers can now also book online where hotels and
agencies provide real time information on available rooms or flights.
Weather- Meteorologists use computers and satellites to track weather systems,
they also use computer systems to calculate models and predict the weather.

2. Components of a computer system.

Hardware

Monitor
Motherboard

Hard drive

Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Barcode Reader
Microphone
Biometric Device
Printer

Ram
CPU

Software
-

BIOS
Operating System
o XP
o VISTA
o 7
Antivirus / Antispyware
Firewall
MS Office
Web browser
mICROS

3. Different Computer Systems

Types of computer system based on Purpose
a. Specific
b. General
Types of computer systems
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Micro
Mini
Workstation
Personal
Main frame
Super

Private healthcare company is being set up in the UK. This company hopes to
attract patients who are disillusioned by the NHS. The organisation is hoping to
start small, targeting mostly affluent areas of the UK, hoping to later expand.
To help keep things running smoothly, the organisation needs a robust, effective
and easy to use computer system and mainframe.
Use case diagram for this organisation:

Patient Database

Receptionist
Perform Operation

Prescribe Medicine
Diagnose

Doctor

Prescribe Test to Patient

Settle Account
Get Discharged
Pay Fee

Patient

Admitted to Ward
Generate ID
Register for Treatment

Pay for test

Visit Lab for Test
Lab Assistant

Generate report

Computer System Hardware and Software

Hardware:
Motherboard
Ram SO-DIMM
CPU
Northbridge / Southbridge
Power Supply / power connectors
USB Adaptor
Ethernet adapters
MBR master boot record
SATA/PATA/SCSI
Optical format storage
CPU cooling heat sink, fan specification, liquid cooling
Wireless interface
Display devices LCD, HD need to see scans in high definition
RAID

Software:
Windows 7
Database software such as MS Access
Server access from multiple computers. Doctor and receptionist need access
to the patient records.
Internet Access
MS word based software to write reports

Networking:
Twisted Pair Copper Cabling
Unshielded cabling
NO WIRELESS INTERNET FOR SAFETY
LAN Local area network
STAR Topology Network
Network switches will be used ASIC

Routers
Firewalls
Security:
-

Passwords
Intrusion detection
Patient and doctor confidentiality

SI. No.

Partnumber

Partname

Core
Hardware

Custom
Hardware

Core
Software

Database

Custom
Software

Periphera
l
computer
system
devices /
interface
s

Keyboard
Mouse

Functional Specification Document:

System Test and Verification Document:

Unit cost

Units
required

Sub-total