Computer Systems Report: Solutions for Somerset Supermarket Systems

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of computer systems suitable for a supermarket, specifically addressing the needs of Somerset Supermarket. It begins with an introduction to computer systems and their environments, highlighting their importance in various settings, including business environments like supermarkets. The report then delves into the specific hardware and software components required, such as monitors, scanners, card swiping machines, and digital cameras, along with operating systems and antivirus software. A comparison of different computer systems, including supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers, is also presented. The core of the report focuses on customizing a computer system to meet the supermarket's budget and needs, including hardware and software setups. The report evaluates the suitability of the proposed system, using a PERT chart for project organization. It includes a floor plan for system configuration and a critical reflection on its implementation. Finally, the report details system testing and routine maintenance, including test results and software update needs. The report concludes by emphasizing the benefits of the proposed system for the supermarket's operations and financial performance.

Computer Systems

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1, M1 Computer Systems and their environments....................................................................3
1.2 Different types of hardware and software components.........................................................4
1.3 Comparing different computer systems.................................................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
2.1, M2 Customizing computer according to client needs..........................................................8
2.2, D2 Evaluating suitability of computer system......................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1, D1 Configuring computer system.........................................................................................9
3.2, M3 Testing a computer system...........................................................................................10
4.2 Performing routine maintenance..........................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1, D3 Needs for upgrading software systems.........................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Computers have become an indispensable part of every person’s life. Computer system is
made up of the complete set of hardware, software and other peripherals that help in the
functioning of the computer. Few decades back people did not have the idea that almost all of
their work can be programmed and performed on a screen just like a television and that too with
least human efforts. For a supermarket like Somerset, it is very important that computer systems
must be involved in their functioning. They will be helpful in reducing mistakes and fraud cases
that happen with humans as well as more consumers will be attracted to the place for the
convenience in fast shopping.
TASK 1
1.1, M1 Computer Systems and their environments
Computer systems are the basic requirement in every environment be it at personal level
or for offices and professional networks. Computers are the medium through which people can
learn, develop and stay updated with the advancements that are made in all parts of the world
through internet (BellMudge and McNamara, 2014). Professional networks include outsourcing
companies, supermarkets, malls, huge multinationals to SMEs. All the operations can be handled
easily through these systems and without any negligence that is often caused by human errors.
The different environments for computer systems are mentioned below:
1. Education: Imparting education through digital platforms always help in interactive
learning and best performance of the students. Normally an array of minicomputers is
used in these systems with automated systems and distance learning platforms
(BellMudge and McNamara, 2014).
2. Business: All kinds of businesses require computer systems. Databases and information
technology is the base for the development and success of the company. The peripherals
that are required for this kind of environment are internet, intranet, data sharing,
management of employee database, etc. Supermarkets are also kind of businesses that
require computer systems (Åström and Wittenmark, 2013).
3. Government: Government has the huge task of maintaining information regarding the
activities of all its citizens and working departments. This is a massive task if compared

to be done manually but computer systems ease the work. Automation has been the key
to this function.
4. Military: The armed forces have the duty of protecting the country from all sorts of
dangers is it internally or externally. Hence, they have to use such computer systems that
ease their work and provide accurate results in time of emergency. Supercomputers and
mainframe computers used by the military.
5. Real time: The environments that are controlled and managed by the activities of a
computer system are the real time ones. For example, all sorts of computer systems that
are used for controlling traffic on roads, airbase, etc. are the real time computing systems.
The supermarkets can use business environment computing system and thee real time system
for performing and controlling all the activities inside and outside the physical location (Ofalsa,
2014). Systems where people can come and select the commodities they need to buy and the
respective bills will be processed on their accounts through real time systems will be the best
suited for Somerset.
1.2 Different types of hardware and software components
The Supermarkets require a computing system that is automated enough to detect any
sort of defaults as well as a surveillance system for maintaining the security. The following
hardware and software components are required:
Hardware:
1. Monitor: The screens that display the information or the working procedure of the
computer are the monitors. Like televisions, monitors are like displays that do not need to
be coded but show the real time functioning of the computer (Friedman and et. al., 2013).

Figure 1 Monitor
1. Scanners: These are digitally enabled devices that are used for making the electronic bill
in the supermarkets (Linden and Yarnold2016). Apart from this function these devices
help in developing an authentication of the product that is being sold in the supermarket.
They are so efficient that if people try to steal products, then they detect the unpaid
products and theft can never happen.
Figure 2 Digital Scanner
2. Card swiping machines: In this digital era, people prefer to carry plastic money that is in
the form of debit cards and credit cards rather than heavy cash at the time of shopping.

Card swiping machines help the customers in paying their bills without going to the
ATMs and directly from their bank accounts (Booth, 2014). This mode of payment is safe
and secure for both the seller and the buyer. Hence, it is a must in a supermarket.
Figure 3 Card swiping machine
3. Digital Cameras: It is very important to keep an eye on all the activities in the business.
Digital surveillance cameras are the aid that can help in watching all these activities
simultaneously without even physically being present there. Any sort of unwanted
practises can be secretly recorded and people will have a fear of being caught and handed
over to the police because of these cameras (GargVersteeg and Buyya, 2013).
Figure 4 Digital surveillance cameras
Software:
4. Operating Systems: for making any computer system work it is very important to have
operating system so that the computer will start functioning. Windows and IOS are the
most popular and safe platforms whose user interface is very easily adaptable by even
non-technical people (Lajoie and Derry,2013).

5. Internet browsers and antivirus are the most important software for maintain the flow of
information and securing the complete database (Åström and Wittenmark, 2013).
1.3 Comparing different computer systems
The computer systems are classified as follows:
 Supercomputers: These are the systems that use high end superfast computing software
and hardware where scientific calculations are involved. These computers can store large
data and on the same hand perform complex operations that are difficult to perform
manually and time consuming tasks are completed with great speeds (BellMudge and
McNamara, 2014) . With limitless storage capacity and highest speed for operation these
systems are used in weather forecasting, earthquake studies, space exploration, etc.
 Mainframe computers: Generally used by the government companies and huge
multinationals which have and extensive network for operation. For example, companies
like airlines, railways, insurance, banks, mobile network providers, etc. use such
computer systems for all their database management and conveyance of information.
These systems also have large storage capacity but less than the supercomputers
(Robertazzi, 2012). They are a bit costlier computer system and need good amount of
space with large air conditioning units.
 Minicomputers: The computing systems that are used by single individuals or families for
their personal work but cannot be accessed by any other user are the personal computers.
These are generally referred to as desktops. These are also known as personal computers
or midrange computers. They can be afforded by any all the sections of the society.
Customisation is the key factor for the popularity of these systems because from the
selection of hardware and software the consumer can choose the components according
to their needs (Kameda and et. al., 2012).
 Microcomputers: In the present day, mobile phone that is smartphones, tablets, laptops
and notebooks are considered as portable computers. These can be taken anywhere and
are compact in size and memory requirements (Harchol-Balter, 2013). Being the most
affordable computer systems these cannot be used for complex operations and mediocre
speeds are given by them.

TASK 2
2.1, M2 Customizing computer according to client needs
The given supermarket Somerset has a budget of £8000, the computer system that has to
be installed cannot be much costlier but the store needs at least some of the basic elements of a
business environment computing system. The current working conditions take back the
customers to the 18th century where the complete work is manually done and the bills are
optimised by the person in his own hand writing.
Hardware set up for the supermarket (£5000):
1. There is a need of a big monitor display be it a LED TV(41 inches) which is enabled with
internet and has the complete access to all the applications that will be installed for the
computer system. This will be the admin computer.
2. 3 card swiping machines.
3. 2 billing counters which means there will be use of two minicomputer units or desktops
that will be internet enabled.
4. At least 3 bill printers for getting physical bills as a proof for the shopping of customer
and recording the sales info for the supermarket.
5. 10 digital surveillance cameras installed in several places inside the organisation and
connected with the admin computer.
Software set up for the supermarket (£2500):
1. Efficient operating system that can be Windows and IOS. They are the best operating
system with latest features.
2. The company also needs regular internet connection by a very good internet service
provider.
3. Anti-virus is the most important and crucial part of the complete computer system as it
will manage the activities over the internet and safeguard the system from hacking.
2.2, D2 Evaluating suitability of computer system
The advised system is very much suitable for the supermarket. The given design matches
the financial and physical requirements of the organisation. The PERT chart is the project
evaluation review technique that is used for getting a glance of the complete processing of a

particular program or project. The following chart depicts the organisation of the complete
activities that are involved at all the stages.
Figure 5 PERT chart
TASK 3
3.1, D1 Configuring computer system
The complete set up of the supermarket can be designed as follows:

Figure 6 Floor plan for the computer system
Critical reflection:
When using this system the admin will be the owner or the chief in charge of the whole
system. He/she will monitor the activities of the store from one room. Digital cameras will be
installed at every corner and necessary place so that theft and mal practises will be screened.
Card swiping machines and scanners will be at the check points or near the exit of the store so
that customers will finish their shopping and move towards the cash counter. These will have
employees who will confirm the billing process and attend the customers with good attitude.
3.2, M3 Testing a computer system
The system once installed can be used for first 6 months and the company can evaluate
the change in its performance graphs. It will be noticed that the system will enhance sales and
finance of the supermarket (Levy, 2014). More suppliers will be interested in working with
Somerset because this automated system will be like assurance for safety of their timely
payments and better delivery to the customers. The following are the test results for the computer
system designed for the supermarket.

Testing Parameter Result
Computer Working in good condition, touch screen has
good adaptability.
Scanners
Have been successful in detection and scanning
of listed items as well as unlisted items. Tests
are cleared.
Cameras
Quality is very good in the budget range.
The complete view of the supermarket is easily
available.
Card swiping machines Working exceptionally well and test
transaction was performed effectively.
Operating system
The system is less complex. A Microsoft
window was applied as it is the most common
interface amongst audience.
Internet
Internet is of midrange quality that is it is a 2G
network. It is good for the present situation but
needs to be improved after collection of some
funds.
4.2 Performing routine maintenance
The software that needs to be updated is the operating system of the computer. Since, the
installed operating system will be outdated once the new version is in the market. Hence, with
the help of technicians and experts the operating systems and all the usable applications must be
updated.
The updating of hardware is based on using the latest configuration system that is the RAM and
the processor of the computer. These are the basic hardware that can be upgraded; while software
is the operating system that has to be updated so that the functioning of the computer doesn’t get
disrupted (Moto-Oka, 2012).

TASK 4
4.1, D3 Needs for upgrading software systems
The specified computer system that will be installed in the supermarket has to be
maintained and taken care of timely because it is a digital system and is prone to many sorts of
attacks. These attacks can be physical or through the hacking platforms (Siewiorek and Swarz,
2014). Hence, the system needs to be safeguarded so that any sort of private information is not
lost and smooth functioning is assured.
Maintenance schedule:
Maintenance tasks to be performed
by the technical support of the store Daily Weekly Monthly Annually
Deleting temporary internet files -
Deleting catch files for windows -
Timey virus scan -
Running spybot -
Running disk clean up -
Scanning and checking disk -
Checking for windows update -
Checking for all the application
updates -
Cleaning all the hardware and
equipment externally -
Checking for antivirus subscriptions -
For the given scenario, it is important for maintaining the newly installed computing system
because every new thing requires attention so that it can last long and no defects can hinder the
day to day activities of the supermarket. Since, this place is the one where customers can come
anytime and need any essential item for emergency, the computerised system cannot break down
just like that. The customers will be highly disappointed from this activity. Maintenance helps in