New Computer System
Essay Preview: New Computer System
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:
November 10, 2003
Mr. Bauer, Acme Industries Manager
FROM:
SUBJECT:
New Computer System Proposal
Issue:
In light of rapid technological advances on the computer systems as well as our competitors trying to gain an edge in the business world, should we replace the CPU (“Central Processing Unit”) 486 computer system with the one that is already in line with the most sophisticated computers being used by businesses nowadays?
Background and Analysis:
Currently, the only computer we have is the CPU 486 computer system that primarily runs on DOS (“Disk Operating System”). It does not have an e-mail system or have access to the internet service. It does however have a word processor, which we use it for creating letters, memos, labels, etc. This type of computer is considered obsolete by todays standards. In order for us to remain competitive and stay profitable, we must replace it with the one that meets our needs. We need to have updated version of word processor that is commonly used by businesses personnel and customers alike. We also need to have spreadsheets, database, presentation materials, as well. And, the last but not the least importance to have are the e-mail system and the internet service. Most successful businesses have already begun using advanced e-mail system and high speed internet access. We cannot afford to stay behind in technology, watch our competitors take away our clients and let our profitability shrink.
Not only do we have to keep up with the most current computer technology but we have to look ahead to maximize our growth. It is imperative that, in the near future, we must establish a network of computers in our business. In that case, we anticipate that, with projected growth in revenue, several more workers will be needed to ease our workload and maintain a better sense of productivity. That being said, we will need to operate a multi-tasking e-mail system running through a main server. In addition, we will have to obtain and utilize a T-1 internet service, which is costly but has a faster download and upload speed than any one of the internet service used by home consumers: dial-up phone internet server, cable internet server, satellite internet service and DSL (“Digital Subscriber Line”) service.
Hardware and Software Requirements:
Realizing that most businesses are performing at a very high rate by utilizing the top-of-the-line computer system, we need to have the following minimum hardware and software requirements to stay abreast of the competition:
Processor: 2.4 Gigahertz (“GHz”) or better
Operating System: MicrosoftЮ WindowsЮ Professional Edition or better
Application Software: MicrosoftЮ Word Processor, MicrosoftЮ Excel Spreadsheets, MicrosoftЮ Internet Explorer, Universal E-mail system
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntivirusЮ or McAfee internet security or McAfee Virus Scan
Memory: 256 Megabytes (“MB”) or higher
Hard (Storage) Drive: 40 Gigabytes (“GB”) or higher
Drive Bay Options: CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive or CD-RW/DVD combo drive
Video Graphics Card: 64 Megabytes dynamic video graphics memory card or better
External Ports: USB ports, parallel port, serial port, PS/2-style keyboard port, PS/2-compatible mouse port, headphone jack, telephone/fax jack, external modem jack
Monitor: 17″ Color Monitor (15.9″ viewable area or better)
Keyboard: Standard 104+ keyboard or multi-media keyboard or wireless keyboard
Mouse: Optical Wheel Mouse, 2-button scroll mouse or wireless optical mouse
Sound System: Integrated enhanced audio or optimal audio system
Speaker System: 2-piece speaker solution
Modem: 56K PCI data/fax modem
Network Adapter Card: Integrated IntelЮ 10/100 Ethernet Adapter or better
High Speed Internet Service: DSL or T-1 Server
Printer: All-in-one laser printer or better
Product Comparisons:
Given the fact that Dell and Gateway Country Store are the two leading corporations selling computers, they are distinct as far as marketing them as well as customizing them in order to meet the consumers needs. Following is the product information that we may be purchasing:
GATEWAYЮ Desktop 310XL
DELLЙ Desktop DimensionЮ 4600
Technical Specifications
Operating System
MicrosoftЮ WindowsЮ XP Home Edition
Processor
IntelЮ PentiumЮ 4 Processor 2.6GHz
Memory
256MB DDR SDRAM
Storage5
40GB Ultra ATA100 5400rpm hard drive
Media Drives
16x/48x DVD-ROM drive and 48x/24x/48x CD-RW
Graphics & Monitor
17″ Color Monitor (15.9″ viewable area)
Integrated IntelЮ Extreme Graphics with up to 64MB dynamic video memory
Audio & Speakers
Integrated Enhanced Audio
2-piece speaker solution
Modem