Computer Systems Analysis: Environments, Components, and Comparison

This report provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, examining their roles in diverse environments such as homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, public services, and banks. It details the essential components, including hardware (input, processing, output, and storage devices), software (system and application software), and peripherals. The report then compares different types of computer systems, including microcomputers, mainframes, workstations, and supercomputers, highlighting their unique characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. The analysis covers the function of computer systems, their components, and their wide-ranging applications across various sectors, making it a valuable resource for understanding the fundamental aspects of computer technology.

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Computer Systems
Student’s Name
Course Code and Name
Instructor’s Name
Institution’s Name
City State
Date of Submission

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TASK ONE
The role of computer systems in Different Environments
Introduction
A Computer System refers to one which has the ability of taking sets of inputs, process
them as well as develop a set of outputs through the combination of both software and hardware.
In order to provide data, a computer system usually has one or even more inputs to ensure such
data is processed in a particular way. Computer systems can comprise of personal computers,
mainframes, workstations, supercomputers, large scale network systems, mid range servers, mini
computers, super computers, and mobile computers.
The rising of computer technology has in the contemporary world indeed taken deep
roots in each and every aspect across the world. It is therefore quite impossible for anyone to
imagine or think of a world without the use of a computing environment (Anfinsin, 2010). It is
thus quite apparent that no firm in the world can think of functioning effectively without the use
of “hind-end automated systems” in their areas of operation. Computer systems are vital in the
contemporary world and indeed, they hold very significant and incredible roles. Some
individuals are now too much used to using computers to an extent that they might fall sick if
they do not use them.
The importance of computers in the modern world can therefore never be denied not only
in the personal lives of individuals but also in both the business and corporate world. In the
modern times, the issue of pens and papers are continuing to fade away and thus it will not be
long before they finally become extinguished. Computers have now become important tools for
storing of filing systems, databases, and track records. As a result, the use of computer systems

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has made it easier for organizations to keep accounts and records thus helping them to save on
time.
Computer systems play important roles in the day today lives of individuals across the
world. This is attributed to the fact that computer systems have made the data analysis processes
in most of the organizations to become easier and even it achieved through only the click of a
button. That apart, computer systems play significant roles in the communication process. In
essence, it can truly be asserted that computer systems play vital roles in both personal and
organizational aspects in that they make work to be easier and faster and they are also capable of
holding huge amounts of information.
Computers are important in daily lives because they are not only reliable, but they also
aid in the management of information, they are accurate, and help in the enhancement of
information. It is important for all and sundry to note that computer systems are usually widely
used in numerous different environments which are set up with an aim of serving a specific or
particular purpose. The following are some of the major environments where computer systems
are heavily employed:
Home Environment
Homes are undoubtedly one of the major places where the use of computer systems are
rampant and are frequently used anywhere else across the world (Dick, 2009). At home, the use
of computer systems are usually geared at fulfillment of entertainment purposes, keeping of the
personal records, surfing of the entertainment, and for carrying out work related activities.
Computer systems are also used in home environments in playing games, browsing of the
internet with an aim getting information or entertainment, watching films, and for social

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networking such as Facebook and Twitter. Computer systems are also used by individuals in
home environments to store their personal information such as videos and pictures that they took.
Business Environments
A lot of business entities nowadays heavily rely on computer systems to perform
approximately half of their tasks such as in keeping of data, automation of data management,
among other numerous functions. Indeed large organizations normally possess large scale
computer system networks which are installed for the purpose of provision of access to
numerous computer systems that are shared on the computer network across the firms. Such
companies stand a competitive edge since they have the ability of keeping a lot of information
that may be required anytime and retrieved conveniently (MacRae, 2002). This is owed to the
fact that keeping of information in computer systems is secure and more reliable as opposed to
other means of storage. This is the major reason why most of business organizations prefer
computerized storage as opposed to paper based storage. On the other hand, other business firms
also use computer systems to provide assistance in some of the technical areas or fields where
the use of computer systems is capable of performing precisely.
College/School/University Environments
Almost all educational institutions or facilities across the world make heavy use of
computer systems for various tasks such as for research, technical activities, and teaching. Such
tutors would usually make use computers in order to produce and even present PowerPoint
Presentations to their students. Students can also make use of computer systems in order to
carryout research for their personal course works using the internet. In addition to that, students
are also capable of using computer systems in their environment so as to aid in comprehension of

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technical subject like Design and Technology. This is because computer systems comprises of
relevant programs or software which make it easier for one to make or produce effective
technical works.
Hospitals and Medical Centre Environments
Places such as hospitals and medical centres will also require computer systems in order
to help in the storage of their patients’ data as well as permit their staffs to be in a better position
of making any desired changes in an easy manner. It is also important to note that that location of
records in such health facilities would also be an automated process that will call for the use of
computer systems in order to look up any crucial information that may be required (MacRae &
Marshall, 2008). In majority of the circumstances, computer systems in such environments are
also used in monitoring the live status of patients as well as in diagnosis of ailments or diseases.
Public Service Environments
Public service environments like the police service normally make use of computer
systems in order to keep large tracts of data. For instance, the police department usually uses
computer systems to access and also keep records of personal information of anyone. They also
use computer systems in monitoring of streets using security cameras that are installed and
ultimately connected to their computers. Moreover, computer systems help the police department
to be in a better position of instantly updating information using the network and transmitting it
out.
Bank Environments
In the banking industry, computer systems are mostly used in storing customer
information which includes among other details account numbers, incomes, deposit and
withdrawal information, and even contact information. As a result, banks are capable of easily

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managing and organizing such data through the use of computer systems and provision of quick
access for any of their branches. This is quite beneficial because it enhances their client service
speeds.
Explanation of the Hardware, Application Software, and Peripheral Components of
A computer System
A computer system is comprised of the hardware, software, and even the peripheral
components which work together to ensure that it functions effectively.
Hardware
Hardware can be classified into storage devices, input processing, and output devices.
Input technologies or devices are usually used in conversion of data into forms that are computer
readable automatically or through varying intensities of human involvement. Processing
technologies or outputs are used in the conversion of raw data into useful or meaningful
information. On the other hand, data storage technologies or devices are used in permanently or
temporarily storing data and finally, output technologies are used in ensuring that there is
availability of important information to the concerned or relevant end users (White & Downs,
2003). Hardware refers to the tangible parts of a computer system and these include among other
things the Central processing unit, the motherboard, backing storage units such as the ports,
controllers, main memory, hard disc drives (HDD), battery, and specialized parts such as the
Accelerated Graphics Ports, the Peripheral Component Interconnect, mouse, , optical drives, and
modems.
Software
These are sets of instructions that inform the computer what to do and how to do it.
Software is divided into application software and system software. It can also be truly asserted

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that software actually comprises of instructions which can effectively be executed by the
hardware. Systems software is comprised of operating systems, library programs, utility
programs and translator programs. On the other hand, application software comprises of special
purpose software, bespoke software among others (Stallings, 2001). It is important to note the
fact that system software usually comprises of not only operating systems but also utility
programs which permit application programs to effectively interact with the computer system
while the application software usually consist of programs which are written in order to process
the data of users and ultimately convert the same to information.
Peripherals
Peripherals can be defined as anything which is attached to the computer system. A
peripheral device also connects to computer systems in order to add functionality. However, it is
also important to note that a computer peripheral is also a device which is actually connected to a
computer system but which is not part and parcel of the “core computer architecture”. The core
elements of a computer include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the mother board, the power
supply, and the computer case which usually comprise of these three components. These
includes among other things, plotters, scanners, printers, mouse, keyboards, portable drives,
performance factors, plug and play, storage media, multimedia devices, adapters, display
adapters, scanners, cameras, among others.
It is prudent for all and sundry to note that despite the fact that there are various types of
peripheral devices, they are usually categorized into three types namely the input devices
(keyboard and mouse), output devices (printers and monitors), and storage devices (flash drives
and hard drives). Some of the peripheral devices such as a CD-Rom Drive are known to fall into

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more than one category since it can not only be used in reading music or data as an input device,
but it can also be used in writing data to a CD as an output device.
A Comparison of the Different Types of Computer Systems
It is important for first of all to comprehend that a computer is indeed a “general multi-
purpose” device which can be programmed and which have the ability of processing both logical
and mathematical operations through the use of the Central Processing Unit (C.P.U). There are 5
major types of computers but it is important to note that all of them have four major components
in common and these include the CPU, Memory, storage, and the Input and output devices.
However, it is also prudent to note that despite the fact that five major types of computers have
such similarities, they also have their own advantages, disadvantages, uses, and differences
which are unique from one type to the other one.
Micro-Computers
Personal computers or microcomputers are known to be the smallest types of the
computer types are they use microprocessors. These microprocessors are actually the CPUs
which are based on a single “Integrated Circuit” or IC. Some of the microprocessors may have
multiple Central Processing Units located on a single chip also known as the “Multi-core
processor”. The use of these microprocessors on these microcomputers is to reduce or limit the
consumption of power also costs of manufacturing.
The small integrated components on such computers make them to become not only
physically small, but also relatively inexpensive and makes them to be accessible to people
(Tanenbaum, 2005). Some of the operating systems that used for the PCs include Linux, OSX,
Android, Microsoft Windows, Solaris among others. Some of the sub-types of the
microcomputers include stationary microcomputers such as in-car computers, desktops, gaming

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computers, Home Theater PCs, industrial PCs, Nettop Mini-PCs, single unit PCs, and
workstations. They also include portable or mobile Microcomputers such as desktop
Replacement computers, Palmtops, Pocket PCs, Smartphones with PC features, and Smartbooks
among others.
The Microcomputers are used in education, gaming, general networking, and even in
general commercial computing and general residential environments. The advantages of
Microcomputers include the fact that they are publicly accessible to citizens and individuals, they
are relatively very inexpensive, and they are small and therefore easily portable. Their
disadvantages are that they less powerful as compared to the other types of computer types, they
are less reliable as opposed to other types of computers, and they are error-prone as opposed to
the other types of computers.
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
Mainframe computers are indeed powerful computers which have the capability of
processing extensive amounts of data and thus are highly reliable. The processing speeds of
mainframe computers are usually measured in “Million Instructions per Second” (MIPS).
Mainframe support computers are known to “strict backwards-compatibility” with software
which is older. Some of the operating systems that are used for mainframe computers include
z/VSE, z/OS, UTS, Microsoft Windows server 2008, Opensolaris for System z, among others. It
is important to note that most of the mainframes are usually manufactured by the Internal
Business Machines (IBM) and they use an architecture known as z/Architecture. Most of the
mainframes are usually called as zSystems due to their architecture.
Some of the advantages of mainframe computers include the fact that they have fast input
and output operations, they are highly stable and reliable, they have high fault tolerance and

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integrity, last long times, and they are also less prone to error as opposed to other computers.
Other advantages include the fact that they have better virtualization, are capable of storing and
managing large volumes of data, can support files in terabyte range, and they are best computers
that can be used for “transaction processing”.
Disadvantages of mainframe computers include the fact that they are more expensive as
opposed to other computers, usually require or need a cool environment, they consume or use
large amounts of energy but less than that used by supercomputers, and they have less processing
speed as opposed to supercomputers.
Mainframe computers are usually used for processing of less quantity of data, used for
bulk data and transaction processing, used for database storage as well as processing and they are
also used in applications which must not encounter down-time.
Supercomputers
It can truly be asserted that supercomputers are actually computers which have the best
precision and processing speeds at the time. Supercomputers’ processing speed is normally
measured in “FLOPS” which implies to the “Floating-Point Operations per Second” or even
TEPS which implies to the Traversed Edges per Second. As of the year 2015, some of the
supercomputers were capable of performing to approximately “Quadrillions of FLOPS”. Despite
the fact that mainframes are perfect computers to large volumes of both input and output
operations or even transaction processing, it is also important to note that supercomputers are
manufactured for their calculation and processing speeds. While supercomputers can actually
utilize hundreds of thousands of their processors for both GPUs and CPUs, mainframes on the
other hand may only use one or a few of their multi-core processors.

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Some of the operating systems that are used for the supercomputers include IBM AIX,
UNIX, Cray Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008, BSD, and PUMA
Operating System. One funny fact is that Tianhe-2 Supercomputer in China is capable of
calculating at 33.86 PFOLPS or petaFLOPS.
One advantage of Supercomputers is the fact that they have the fastest calculation and
processing speed. Their disadvantages include the fact that they are more expensive as opposed
to mainframes and other computers, they have a smaller life-span of less than 5 years, they have
a large energy consumption, and they also require intensive cooling.
Supercomputers are used in various field and these include among other places in
scientific and engineering calculations, in military and government uses, in scientific simulations
and modeling, in Quantum mechanics and in climate research as well as in weather forecasting.
For several years now, the IBM has been known to be the largest producer of mainframes and
supercomputers.
PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLER COMPUTERS (PLCs)
Also known as PLCs, Programmable Logic Controllers are commonly utilized in
industrial automation because they are hard and real time systems which are environmentally
resilient. This is attributed to the fact that they (PLCs) are capable of withstanding wider
humidity and temperatures as opposed to other computers. They are also able of being
programmed through the use of ported dialects, State-logic, and Ladder-logic “Microcomputer
programming languages” such as BASIC and C.
Unlike other computers, PLCs can use firmware as opposed to using operating systems.
But some of the real-time operating systems which can be used in PLCs include VxWorks and
OS-9.

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Advantages of PLCs include the fact that they are indeed more resilient towards
environments as opposed to other computers; they are easy to utilize and program, they are more
reliable as opposed to the supercomputers, and they also have “faster boot-time” as opposed to
other computers.
The disadvantages associated with PLCs include the fact that they are more expensive as
opposed to the microcomputers, they are not as powerful as the microcomputers, and they also
have a limited memory. PLCs are usually used in Industrial automation and in harsh computing
environments.
PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATION CONTROLER COMPUTERS (PACs)
Programmable Automation Computers or PACs are also similar to PLCs but however,
the PACs usually have more features and thus they are designed or developed automation
systems that are more complex. The advantages associated with the use of PACs include the fact
that they are easy to utilize and program, they are more resilient towards the environment as
opposed to other computers, and they are also more powerful as opposed to the PLCs. Other
advantages associated to PACs includes their ability for supporting Structured Query Language
(SQL) as opposed to PLCs, support for “USB logging” as opposed to PLCs, more
communication ports, larger input and output capacity, USB programming unlike PLCs.
The disadvantages associated with PACs are that they are more expensive as opposed to
microcomputers and PLCs, they are not as powerful as the Microcomputers, and they are also
harder to utilize and program as opposed to PLCs.
PACs are usually used in harsh computing environments and in industrial actions.

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MINICOMPUTERS
Minicomputers, also known as Midrange Computers are computers which are more
powerful and bigger than the microcomputers. However, Minicomputers are not as great and
powerful like the mainframe computers. The term “minicomputer” was used seldom after the
1990s because the microcomputers had became more powerful. Some of the high quality
microcomputers’ servers may also be referred to as “minicomputers” despite the fact that they
were considered to be more obsolete.
Advantages of Minicomputers are that they are faster than microcomputers and they are
less expensive than mainframes. The disadvantages of minicomputers are that they are more
expensive as opposed to the microcomputers and they are not as powerful as mainframe
computers.

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TASK 2: DESIGNING COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR SYNERGY COMPANY
P2. 1: Production of a system Design Specification that will be capable of meeting the needs
of SYNERGY Recruitment Company
Based on the information available at SYNERGY recruitment Company, I ascertained
that the organization was in need of a total of 16 computers. The breakdown of the total number
of computers required by SYNERGY Recruitment Company is highlighted below:
Title Number of Computers
Receptionist 1
Recruitment Consultants 5
Administrators 2
Recruitment Manager 1
Secretary 1
Clients 3
Database Administrators 1
Network Administrator 1
Director 1
Total 16
The requirements of the company is that they want to move away from the current
computer system that is comprised of standalone Personal Computers (PCs) systems that they
have been using for their daily operations to a centralized system (Buede & Miller, 2016). Due to
the fact that their business is expanding rapidly, moving to a centralized system that uses
Microsoft Server 2008 or even latest servers will enable users have remote access towards the
system. The requirements of the company are that they need computers with high memory

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capacity that they can store their work and computers with high graphics to promptly and
effectively process required jobs (Taranath, 2016). It is important to note that it will be prudent
to ensure that a Local Area Network (LAN) is developed to ensure that all the 16 computers are
well connected to the central system to enable Mr. Timothy Kelly’s laptop; the Company
Director is connected to the central system to make it easier for him to access the entire system.
In addition to this, it can be said that by having an improved focus on the standalone PC
systems in order to advance the overall process. It has been witnessed that day to day activities
can be advanced in positive manner. It has been noticed that overall infrastructure can be
advanced effectively in order to meet the objectives. There are various elements which need to
be referred effectively from the management such as process design, data design, user displays
and output reports, system files, prototype description, prototype test process, prototype analysis,
etc. By having assistance of this, overall values can be advanced in order to attain sustainable
values.
P2.2: Evaluation of the Sustainability of the System Design Specifications for the
SYNERGY Recruitment Company
The best computers that I will have to design for SYNERGY Company are Hewlett
Packard (HP). The computers that I will design for the company will be highly upgraded and will
have more memory capacity to ensure effective communication in the network. To ensure that
work is done faster, the computers and laptop for the director will have to be installed with high
capacity graphic cards and increase their speeds through installation of more GB RAM so that
there is faster communication (Keyhani, 2016). I will also ensure that cooling systems are
installed in the computer systems to make them stay cool. Backing up options will also have to

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be installed to avoid the possibility of data loss and also ensure that the latest and updated anti-
virus software is installed on the computer system (Cybernetic et al, 2016).
The computer systems that will be suitable for SYNERGY Company will have 2TB Sata
HDD, higher memory, higher processors, and high graphic cards. In addition to this, it can be
said that total system design method is referred as systematic activities which are essential for
effective identification of success factors. This contains product, process, people and
organization. The process of total system design starts from initial identification of a need. After
this, a feasibility analysis activity carry out to ensure that selected systems either able to meet
service users requirements or not.
TASK 3: BUILDING AND CONFIGURING COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR
SYNERGY COMPANY
P 3.1-Building and Configuring a Computer System to meet the needs of SYNERGY
Company specification
The steps that I will use to configure SYNERGY’s computer system are system
installation, system configuration, and system testing. In installing the systems, I will first of all
have to lat the cases on their sides then screw in spacer amounts to ensure the motherboard is
fixed. I will then insert the CPU sockets through raising small lever at the sides of the sockets. I
will have to ensure that the pins in the processors smoothly slide in the sockets (Khalidi et al,
2016). I will ensure that thermal paste is applied to each and every top of the CPUS to aid in
transferring heat form processors to coolers (. I will have to ensure that the cooler is correctly
inserted into its position and that coolers are also fixed correctly to their positions. Cases of
computers are produced in a variety of form factors which refers to size and shape of the case.
Powers supply install by inserting it into the case. Holes align in the power supply and secure it
with the case by proper screws. It contains optical drivers and floppy disk drivers’ installation in
drive bays so that they can be access from external front of the case

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In installation of the RAMS in the computer systems for SYNERGY, I will have to
ensure that the RAMs are suitable for the motherboards and line them in their slots before
installation. I will ensure that the graphic cards for the computer systems are effectively fitted in
the AGP slots that are specifically provide for that purpose (Lucent et al, 2016). I will then
eventually fit expansion cards, install the Hard Drive and then install the CD-ROM drives.
Installation of the CD-Rom Drives for the computer systems at SYNERGY is actually similar to
the installation of hard drives, but I will also have to ensure that I check the configuration of the
jumpers to ascertain that they are correct (Lecue et al, 2016). When installing the CD-ROM
drive, I will have to be careful to ensure that I do not over tighten screws since excess pressure
can destroy it. I will then connect cables and power supply cables but after checking all
connections are alright.
I will configure the Basic Input Output System through ensuring that memory timings,
clock settings, drive settings, and boot orders are correct. I will configure anti-virus settings to
ensure they are automatically protected to protect computers from being invaded by viruses.
Testing and Documenting SYNERGY through depiction of test plans and test
outcomes of the computer system
I will test all computer systems in the company to ensure there are no faults. I will also
perform the Power On Self Test (or POST) and check all the hardware to ensure that they are
functioning effectively (Jaeger, 2016).

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TASK 4: UNDERTAKING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON SYNERGY
COMPANY’S COMPUTER SYSTEMS
P 4 1: Performing Routine Maintenance on the Computer Systems at SNERGY
Company
Routine maintenance will involve both hardware and software maintenance. Software
upgrade will be made on the machines immediately they are available and thus will have to
schedule maintenance chores, do cleanups, backups, and maintenance of third party utility
software.
P 4 1: 2 Upgrading Software and Hardware on SYNERGY’s Computer Systems
Software will be updated based on the new and contemporary versions to make the
system up to date. Hardware maintenance will involve upgrading of software through
configuration of new peripherals, installation of replacement or additional devices and perform
monthly cleaning of hardware.

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