Computer System: Small Business

By Liridon Mustafa

The Computer System

Before going out and buying a computer, it is best to have some knowledge about computers. The computer system refers to the WHOLE system, which includes

• The Box

• Monitor

• The Mouse

• The Keyboard

But what do all of these things mean? How can we find what’s best for us?

Read on to find out!

The BoxThe box is the most important part of the

computer. Many people commonly refer to this as the “hard drive” or “CPU” but it is really called a box. The box is the central part of the computer system, and nothing can work without it. It is composed of various other parts including the following:

• Hard drive – Stores information and memory

• Motherboard – Provides electrical and logical connections for the other components of the computer system to communicate

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Interprets program instructions and processes data

• RAM (Random Access Memory) – Another data storage device

These are only a few out of many other parts composing the box. The box is also important in that input and output devices are plugged into it.

Monitor

The monitor, also known as the screen, is the component of the computer system which displays viewable images.

We are able to view these images through thousands and thousands of pixels, the same way we watch television or view photographs.

The old monitors are fast becoming replaces by new flat screen LCD monitors which are trendier in appearance and provide us with better graphics.

Keyboard

The computer keyboard is an input device which is plugged into the computer. It is modeled partially after typewrites. Keyboard are designed to input text and characters to the computer (which are projected/seen on the monitor) but can also serve as a means of computer operation.

Modern keyboards are becoming revolutionized with the creative of cordless keyboards and miscellaneous functions able to be performed by the keyboard (such as the adjustment of speaker volume).

Computer Mice

The computer mouse functions as a pointing device by detecting 2D motion. The mouse is named so due to its physical structure, which enables it to fit simply in the hand and be used with great ease.

The mouse is a simpler means of computer operation, compared to the more-difficult keyboard.

The mouse is also an input device.

Printer/Scanner/Photocopier/Fax

With modern technology, computers have now welcomed a combination of printer, scanner, photocopier and fax machines, all in one!

In the past each of these machines have been each own one, creating some difficulty with the placement of it in an office and with the cost.

But now each of these are found in just one simple machine, equip with each of their functions.

Input/Output DevicesInput and output devices are additions to the computer, some help it function and others are simply

leisurely devices. Input devices are those which you plug into the computer and enable you to put in information to the computer, hence the name IN put. Output devices are just the same and allow you to carry information away from the computer. Some examples of input devices are:

• Keyboards• Mice• Joysticks• Microphones• Scanners

Some examples of output devices include:• Speakers• Printers• Monitors• Headphones• USB Storage Devices

Operating Systems

An operating system is an interface between you and your computer. Every computer requires an operating system before you are able to perform any functions. Some examples of operating systems are:

• Microsoft

• Mac

• Linux

• Leopard

Application Software

Application software is software that processes data. Application software is incapable of functioning without first having installed an operating system. Some examples of application software include:

• Microsoft Word / Publisher / Power point / Excel

• Macromedia Flash / Dreamweaver

Internet

Internet can often be confusing, but a strongly suggested internet company is iinet. If agreeing to take iinet as their phone company, iinet will provide you with the following for just $49.95 per month:

• Usage and internet sharing for 4 or more computers

• Up to 21GB of internet usage

• Up to 24000kbps download speed

All of that, internet for more than 4 computers for just $49.95 per month. iinet also offers 24 hour help over the phone and aid in any internet problems.

Best Computer System

The “arrow burner special” from Arrow computers is a great computer system at a low cost of just $699.00, ideal for small businesses and first time computer users. It includes:

• AMD + Sempron 3000 Processor

• 512 MB RAM

• 80GB Hard Disk Drive

• 17 inch flat screen CRT monitor

• Video graphics card (up to 256MB)

• DVD burner

• Keyboard & optical mouse

• Stereo speakers

• Microsoft Windows Vista

Furthermore it includes 36 months warranty on the monitor, 12 months parts & labour warranty and constant technical support phone line.

Best Printer/Scanner/Photocopier/Fax

The best multi function printer, scanner, photocopier and fax for a small business is the Epson CX6900F.

It allows you to use all of those functions, and costs only $259.00! It also has a one year warranty to return directly to the manufacturer.

This printer offers quality and fast printing.

Final cost

Computer System – $699.00 per system

Printer/Scanner/Photocopier/Fax - $259.00 for a single machine usable by a whole office

So all of that for just $958!! A whole computer system plus a quality 4-function device for under $1000

The deal is very good, as some computer systems can cost up to $3000 alone, whereas with this bargain deal you can have 4 computer systems and a quality printer for only slightly over the price of the $3000 computer, only for $3055.

Furthermore, fast broadband is available for just $49.99 per month for as many computers as required!

Extra Application Software

Application software can be varied in terms of price and quality. For example Microsoft is the most well known company, and even though slightly more expensive, guarantees quality. On the other hand, cheaper alternatives are available, whereas quality cannot be guaranteed.

OpenOffice is a program condemning Microsoft for their high prices and offering their program as an alternative. This includes:

-OpenOffice Writer (equivalent to Microsoft Word)

-OpenOffice CALC (equivalent to Microsoft Excel)

-OpenOffice Impress (equivalent to Microsoft PowerPoint)

These are only a few of OpenOffice’s offers, and are available for just $11.95 per software!! (or they can send you a copy of the official CD for $16.90 per software)

Though in the case of this business, there is no need to worry about this because the package in which the computer system is purchased includes Windows Vista, which comes with the Microsoft applications anyway.

Unnecessary Devices The reason for having such a low-priced

computer system lies within research. It would have cost a great deal more if some unnecessary items were included in the package, such as:

• Web-cams (allow users to be viewed over the internet while interacting with another person)

• Microphones (allow users to speak over the internet with other users)

• Headphones (allow individual users to listen to sounds being played on the computer)

These things, amongst many others, are simply not required in a business and it is far cheaper for a small business to exclude them when searching for a system.