Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

DIRE POLY TECHNIC COLLEGE

Ethiopian TVET-System

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORT SERVICE
Level I

LEARNING GUIDE # 1
Unit of Competence : Connect Hardware Peripherals
Module Title : Connecting Hardware Peripherals
LG Code : ICT ITS1 L01 01
TTLM Code : ICT ITS1 TTLM 0214

LO 1: Confirm Requirements of Clients

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INTRODUCTION Learning Guide # 1

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics –

 Introduction to Computer and Connecting Peripherals

 Identify Client Requirements

This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –

 Identify and confirm client peripherals requirements in accordance with organizational standards
 Document client requirements and peripherals needed in line with organizational standards and
report findings to the appropriate person
 Verify client requirements with appropriate person in line with organizational standards and
reporting procedures
 Take action to ensure client support expectations are covered by vendor warranty and support
services

Learning Activities
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1” in pages 3-15.
3. Accomplish the “Self-check” in page 16.
4. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Information Sheet 2”. However, if your rating is
unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning Activity # 1.
5. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.
6. Read the information written in the “Information Sheet 2” in pages 17-28.
7. Accomplish the “Self-check” in page 29.
8. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Operation Sheet” in pages 30-32. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning Activity # 2.
9. Read the “Operation Sheet” and try to understand the procedures discussed.
10. Do the “LAP test” in page 43 (if you are ready) and show your output to your teacher. Your teacher
will evaluate your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your teacher shall
advice you on additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to Learning Guide 2.

 Your teacher will evaluate your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your
teacher shall advice you on additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to the next topic.

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Introduction to Computer and Connecting

Information Sheet 1
Peripherals

Definitions of computer peripherals

 External or tangible devices which are attached to the external part of the computer
 Any device connected internally or externally to a computer and used in the transfer of
data. A personal computer or workstation processes information and, strictly speaking,
that is all the computer does. Data (unprocessed information) must get into the computer,
and the processed information must get out. Entering and displaying information is carried
out on a wide variety of accessory devices called peripherals, also known as input/output
(I/O) devices
 Any input, output or storage device connected externally or internally to the computer's
CPU, such as a monitor, keyboard, printer, disk, tape, graphics tablet, scanner, joy stick,
paddle or mouse.

Device driver

It is a small program that tells the computer how to communicate with input/output
(peripheral) devices. Every peripheral device needs device driver to communicate with the
computer system.

 Computer peripherals were grouped into several categories: The Input Devices,
The Output Devices, the Processors, The Storage Devices.

 The Input device - is a device that’s been used as a means of input. It is any
peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control
signals to an information processing system such as a computer or other information
appliance. The common input devices are keyboard, mouse, scanner.

 Keyboard - The computer key board is used to input, or enter, letters, numbers,
symbols, punctuations and commands into the computer. The standard keyboard
layout is sometimes called QWERTY layout and it is the most common layout.

How keyboard works - The keys are arranged in rows and

columns. When a key is pressed, a unique row-and-column signal
is generated and sent to the keyboard interface IC on the
keyboard. The keyboard interface then converts the row-and-
column signal into single byte code called a Key code or scan
code. When the key is released, a second signal is sent to the
keyboard interface IC, which generates a break code. The keyboard interface IC then sends the
scan codes by means of serial connection through the keyboard interface to the computer. The
keyboard controller, located on the motherboard, converts the signals to parallel data and
generates an interrupt so that the input can be serviced by the microprocessor.

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 Mouse – or a pointing device is any human interface device that allows a user to
input spatial data to a computer. In the case of mice and touch screens, this is usually
achieved by detecting movement across a physical surface. Analog devices, such as 3D
mice, joysticks, or pointing sticks, function by reporting their angle of deflection.
Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of
the cursor, creating a simple, intuitive way to navigate a computer's GUI.

Types of mouse

Opt mechanical mouse - The optical-mechanical or Opto-mechanical mouse

consists of a ball that rolls one of two wheels inside the mouse. This wheel contains a
circle of holes or notches that allow a LED light to be shined through and detected by a
sensor, as each wheel spins they represent the X or Y axis for the mouse pointer. This
mouse is much more accurate than the traditional mechanical mouse that used only
wheels and rollers, however is not as good as an optical mouse.

Optical mouse - Computer mouse that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LED) or laser
as a method of tracking movement. These mice are more proficient than other computer
mice. These mice are easily identified by examining the bottom of the mouse. If the
mouse has no ball or has a light emitting from the bottom it's most likely an optical
mouse. This mouse is much more accurate than the ordinary optical mechanical mouse
that relies on the traction between the mouse ball and the rollers. One drawback to an
optical mouse is they can have problems in bright lights.

New Optical Mice no longer have the disadvantages of earlier mice and are capable
of being utilized on any surface. In comparison to the traditional Optical-Mechanical
mouse, the Optical is a much better solution for a computer mouse.

 Scanner is a device that can scan or digitize images on paper and convert them to
data that the computer can use. They can then be stored in a file, displayed on the
screen, added to documents, or manipulated.

Other input devices

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Composite devices

Wii Remote with attached strap

Input devices, such as buttons and joysticks, can be combined on a single physical device that
could be thought of as a composite device. Many gaming devices have controllers like this.
Technically mice are composite devices, as they both track movement and provide buttons for
clicking, but composite devices are generally considered to have more than two different forms
of input.

 Game controller
 Gamepad (or joypad)
 Paddle (game controller)
 Wii Remote

Imaging and Video input devices

Video input devices are used to digitize images or video from the outside world into the
computer. The information can be stored in a multitude of formats depending on the user's
requirement.

 digital camera
 Webcam
 Image scanner
 Fingerprint scanner
 Barcode reader
 3D scanner
 Laser rangefinder

Medical Imaging

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 Computed tomography
 Magnetic resonance imaging
 Positron emission tomography
 Medical ultrasonography

Audio input devices

In the fashion of video devices, audio devices are used to either capture or create sound. In
some cases, an audio output device can be used as an input device, in order to capture
produced sound.

 Microphone
 MIDI keyboard or other digital musical instrument

Output Device

An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate

the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as
a computer) to the outside world.

In computing, input/output, or I/O, refers to the communication between an information

processing system (such as a computer), and the outside world. Inputs are the signals or data
sent to the system, and outputs are the signals or data sent by the system to the outside.

Examples of output devices:

 Speakers

Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. The

computer speakers typically packaged with computer systems
are small, plastic, and have mediocre sound quality. Some
computer speakers have equalization features such as bass and
treble controls.

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 Headphones

Headphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a

single speaker, held close to a user's ears and connected to a
signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD
player or portable media player. They are also known as stereo
phones, headsets or, colloquially cans. The in-ear versions are
known as ear phones or ear buds. In the context
of telecommunication, the term headset is used to describe a combination of headphone
and microphone used for two-way communication, for example with a telephone.

 Screen (Monitor)

 A monitor or display (sometimes called

a visual display unit) is an electronic visual
display for computers. The monitor comprises
the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure.
The display device in modern monitors is
typically a thin film transistor liquid crystal
display (TFT-LCD) thin panel, while older
monitors use a cathode ray tube about as deep
as the screen size.

 The first computer monitors used Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which was the dominant
technology until they were replaced by LCD monitors in the 21st Century.

 Originally computer monitors were used for data processing while television
receivers were used for entertainment. From the 80s onwards, computers have been used
for both data processing and entertainment, while televisions have implemented some
computer functionality. The common aspect ratio of televisions, and then computer
monitors, has also changed from 4:3 to 16:9.

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 Printer

In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text and/or graphics of documents

stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies.
Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or,
in most newer printers, a USB cable to a computer which serves as a document source. Some
printers, commonly known as network printers, have built-in network interfaces,
typically wireless and/or Ethernet based, and can serve as a hard copy device for any user on
the network. Individual printers are often designed to support both local and network
connected users at the same time. In addition, a few modern printers can directly interface
to electronic media such as memory cards, or to image capture devices such as digital
cameras, scanners; some printers are combined with a scanners and/or fax machines in a
single unit, and can function as photocopiers. Printers that include non-printing features are
sometimes called multifunction printers (MFP), multi-function devices (MFD), or all-in-one
(AIO) printers. Most MFPs include printing, scanning, and copying among their many
features.

The Processor

The Processor or the central processing unit (CPU) is the portion of

a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic
arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat
analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in use in the computer industry at
least since the early 1960s. The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed
dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the
same.

On large machines, CPUs require one or more printed circuit boards. On personal
computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single chip called a microprocessor.
Since the 1970s the microprocessor class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other CPU

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implementations. Modern CPUs are large scale integrated circuits in small, rectangular packages,
with multiple connecting pins.

Two typical components of a CPU are the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs
arithmetic and logical operations, and the control unit (CU), which extracts instructions from
memory and decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.

Example of Processors are: Pentium 4, Core Duo, Dual Core, Core i3, Core i5, Corei7

The Storage devices

Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer

components and recording media that retain digital data. Data storage is one of the core
functions and fundamental components of computers.

There are 3 types of storage devices:

1. Primary Storage – is also known as the main memory or a temporary storage

device. It is fast in nature but can accommodate only few data. Data that has
been stored in memory flushes off when you restart your computer, thus called
temporary storage device.

It is the only one directly accessible to the CPU. The CPU continuously reads
instructions stored there and executes them as required. Any data actively operated
on is also stored there in uniform manner.

2. Secondary Storage – Secondary storage (also known as external memory or

auxiliary storage), differs from primary storage in that it is not directly accessible
by the CPU. The computer usually uses its input/output channels to access
secondary storage and transfers the desired data using intermediate area in

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primary storage. Secondary storage does not lose the data when the device is
powered down—it is non-volatile. Examples of a secondary storage device are
Internal Hard drive, external Hard Drive, Flash Disk, CD/DVD, Floppy disk, Memory
card.

3. Tertiary Storage - Tertiary storage or tertiary memory, provides a third level

of storage. Typically it involves a robotic mechanism which will mount (insert)
and dismount removable mass storage media into a storage device according to the
system's demands; this data is often copied to secondary storage before use. It is
primarily used for archiving rarely accessed information since it is much slower than
secondary storage (e.g. 5–60 seconds vs. 1–10 milliseconds). This is primarily
useful for extraordinarily large data stores, accessed without human operators.
Typical examples include tape libraries and optical jukeboxes.

When a computer needs to read information from the

tertiary storage, it will first consult a catalog database to
determine which tape or disc contains the information.
Next, the computer will instruct a robotic arm to fetch the
medium and place it in a drive. When the computer has
finished reading the information, the robotic arm will
return the medium to its place in the library.

Connectivity devices

The majority of external peripheral devices connect to the back of the computer’s system
unit with cables. The computer’s system unit has a variety of ports available for use by different
peripheral device cables. A port is a socket that is used to connect the cables from peripheral
devices to the computer.

Computer connectivity devices were grouped into several categories:

Ports
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Ports at the back of a computer Power supply

There exist several types of ports like serial port, parallel port, USB port, AGP port, power
supply port.

As the name suggests, the serial port transfers data serially a bit at a time. As a result,
the serial port needs only wire to transmit 8 bits. The disadvantage is that it takes 8 times
longer to transmit a byte. Also, it is necessary to send a start bit before each byte of data, a
stop bit after the byte to mark the end of byte and a parity bit to help check the integrity of
data. Serial ports come in the form of 9-pin or 25-pin male connector. Serial ports are often
known as communication ports or RS232C ports. They are typically used to connect devices like
old mouse and modem.

Parallel ports can send or receive a byte (8-bit) at a time. Unlike the serial port, these
8-bits are transmitted parallel to each other. Parallel ports come in the form of 25-pin female
connector. Parallel ports are popularly used to connect printer, scanner, CD writer, zip drive,
external hard disk drive, tape backup drive, etc.

To spare the user botheration of 8-pin, 25-pin, male, female connectors, the USB has
been designed. It gives you a single, standardized, easy-to-use way to connect up to 127
devices to a computer. These devices include printers, scanners, mice, joystick, digital camera,
web cameras, speakers, telephones, zip drives, network connections, scientific data acquisition
devices, etc.

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The AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) port is used to connect to graphic card that
provides high-speed video performance typically required in games and other multimedia
applications.

Alternatively referred to as an Ethernet port, the LAN port is a port connection that
allows a computer to connect to a network using a wired connection. In the picture to the right,
is a close up example of what a LAN port looks like for a network cable using an RJ-45
connector. In the case of this example, the two led lights will blink when that port is active and
receiving activity.

The PS/2 connector is a 6-pin Mini-DIN connector used for connecting some keyboards
and mice to a PC compatible computer system. Its name comes from the IBM Personal
System/2 series of personal computers, with which it was introduced in 1987. The PS/2 mouse
connector generally replaced the older DE-9 RS-232 "serial mouse" connector, while the PS/2
keyboard connector replaced the larger 5-pin/180° DIN connector used in the IBM PC/AT design.
The PS/2 designs on keyboard and mouse interfaces are electrically similar and employ the same
communication protocol. However, a given system's keyboard and mouse port may not be
interchangeable since the two devices use a different set of commands. Today this connector has
all but been replaced by USB

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A power supply is a device that supplies electrical energy to one or more electric loads.
The term is most commonly applied to devices that convert one form of electrical energy to
another, though it may also refer to devices that convert another form of energy (e.g.,
mechanical, chemical, solar) to electrical energy. A regulated power supply is one that controls
the output voltage or current to a specific value; the controlled value is held nearly constant
despite variations in either load current or the voltage supplied by the power supply's energy
source.

Every power supply must obtain the energy it supplies to its load, as well as any energy it
consumes while performing that task, from an energy source.

A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is a three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. The
15-pin VGA connector is found on many video cards, computer monitors, and some high
definition televisionsets. On laptop computers or other small devices, a mini-VGA port is
sometimes used in place of the full-sized VGA connector.
Terminals

A computer terminal is an electronic or electromechanical hardware device that is used

for entering data into, and displaying data from, a computer or a computing system.

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The function of a terminal is confined to display and input of data; a device with
significant local programmable data processing capability may be called a "smart terminal" or fat
client. A terminal that depends on the host computer for its processing power is called a dumb
terminal or thin client. A personal computer can run software that emulates the function of a
terminal, sometimes allowing concurrent use of local programs and access to a distant terminal
host system.

Types of text terminals

The System console is a text terminal used to operate a computer. Modern computers
have a built-in keyboard and display for the console. Some Unix-like operating systems such
as Linux, FreeBSD and Mac OS X have virtual consoles to provide several text terminals on a
single computer.

A terminal emulator is a computer program in a graphical windowing system that lets

the user operate a text terminal in a window. This lets applications for text terminals run under a
modern graphical user interface. Popular terminal emulators include xterm and rxvt.

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Connectors

 CAT5 NETWORK CABLE - This cable allows the computer to

communicate to other computers over a network. It also
provides networked computers access to the Internet

 MONITOR CABLE - This cable is usually permanently

connected to a monitor. Small screws hold the cable in place

 USB CABLE - Most PC's now have these fast and versatile
ports on the front and back. They can be used for portable
storage devices, digital cameras, scanners, video cameras,
printers, keyboards and mice - just about everything!

 POWER CORD - This is a standard "kettle cord" that

connects the computer to the AC outlet on the wall and
the power supply of the computer. This MUST be
unplugged if you are ever doing any maintenance work
inside the computer.

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 PRINTER CABLE - This is a 25-pin "D" shaped connector

that connect printers to the parallel port on a computer.
(Newer printers may connect with a USB plug.)

 PS2 CABLE - On most computers these days, this

connection is used for both the Mouse and the
keyboard. This plug has 6 pins-

 VGA CABLE – This is use to connect the monitor to

the VGA port.

 AUDIO CABLE – This is use to connect the speaker to

the Audio port.

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Information Sheet 2 Confirm Client Requirements

System development life cycle

To determine appropriate hardware peripheral devices needed within an organization, it is

important to clearly understand what your client needs. Often clients don’t have a clear idea of
what they want until they have been presented with a series of options. Working out clients’
needs requires careful planning and organisation.

The system development life cycle is a methodology that computer consultants often
follow to help them properly investigate the client’s information technology needs. The first three
stages of the system development life cycle are:
1. planning
2. analysing
3. designing.

Planning

This stage involves identifying the client’s current technology and taking into account any
limitations. During the planning phase it is necessary to find out information including:
 system specifications
 connections available
 budget constraints
 available timeframe
 availability of physical space.
A feasibility study can be performed to provide a preliminary report to the client about
benefits, costs and impact to the organisation. Additionally, a project request form allows a
client to document their initial request.

System specifications

It is important to find out the specifications of the computer system you are planning to
connect the peripheral device to. Many newer types of peripheral devices require a specific
amount of memory, CPU speed, hard disk space, and may only be compatible with certain
operating systems.

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You also need to be aware of the peripheral’s system requirements. The manual
for the peripheral device as well as the manufacturer’s website will help you
determine the minimum system specifications.

Computer peripherals requirement considerations

Desktop hardware, such as a desktop computer itself, is the most common type of IT
hardware purchased by a small business. The cost of hardware depends on its specification,
which in turn is determined by some key components. When you buy desktop hardware, you will
need to decide what the specification of these key components should be.

The processor is the driver of the computer. Processors are usually differentiated by
speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, the faster the computer will run. You
should buy the fastest processor you can afford, but a 3 GHz processor will normally be enough
for most business functions, e.g. word processing and spreadsheets, together with some
multimedia.

Memory is used by the processor to run programs. Generally, the more random access
memory (RAM) you have, the better your computer will run when using several programs at
once. Your computer should have enough memory to make the most of the processor speed. For
a 3 GHz processor, for example, you should have around 2-3 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.

The hard disk is used to store the data you create in your business, as well as the
programs you use. Its capacity is much greater than the RAM. An office computer with a 3 GHz
processor should have at least 200 GB of hard disk space, but if you intend to use a single
desktop PC as the main storage location for all your business data, you will need at least 500
GB.

External plug-ins, such as rewritable DVD, DVD-Read Only Memory (ROM), or CD-
RW (rewritable) drives can be used to supplement your computer's memory.

The monitor is the computer's display screen. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or flat screen
monitors offer reduced bulk and lower power consumption, relative to cathode ray tube (CRT)
monitors. Monitors are normally measured diagonally in inches - typically 19, 22 or 24. Larger or
wide-screen monitors allow you to compare two documents on-screen. Many monitors have an
aspect ratio - the proportion of image width to height - of 16:10, although screens with a 16:9
ratio are becoming more widely available and offer higher resolution.

Display adapter

Software requiring a better than average computer graphics display, like graphics
editors and high-end games, often define high-end display adapters in the system requirements.

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Software requirements

Software Requirements deal with defining software resource requirements and pre-
requisites that need to be installed on a computer to provide optimal functioning of an
application. These requirements or pre-requisites are generally not included in the software
installation package and need to be installed separately before the software is installed.

1. Platform

In computing, a platform describes some sort of framework, either in hardware or

software, which allows software to run. Typical platforms include a computer's
architecture, operating system, or programming languages and their run time libraries.

Operating system is one of the first requirements mentioned when defining system
requirements (software). Software may not be compatible with different versions of same line of
operating systems, although some measure of backward compatibility is often maintained. For
example, most software designed for Microsoft Windows XP does not run on Microsoft Windows
98, although the converse is not always true. Similarly, software designed using newer features
of Linux Kernel v2.6 generally does not run or compile properly (or at all) on Linux distributions
using Kernel v2.2 or v2.4.

2. APIs and drivers

Software making extensive use of special hardware devices, like high-end display
adapters, needs special API or newer device drivers. A good example is DirectX, which is a
collection of APIs for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming,
on Microsoft platforms.

3. Web browser

Most web applications and software depending heavily on Internet technologies make use
of the default browser installed on system. Microsoft Internet Explorer is a frequent choice of
software running on Microsoft Windows, which makes use of ActiveX controls, despite their
vulnerabilities.

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Other requirements

Some software also has other requirements for proper performance. Internet
connection (type and speed) and resolution of the display screen are notable examples.
Examples

Following are a few examples of system requirement definitions for popular PC games and
trend of ever increasing resource needs:

For instance, while StarCraft (1998) needed:

 Windows 95 or NT or superior
 Pentium processor at 90 MHz or higher
 16 MB RAM
 80 MB available in the hard disk
 CD-ROM, 2x or higher
 DirectX 3.0 or higher

Spider-Man (2002) needed:

 3D Hardware Accelerator
 Windows 98/2000/NT/XP
 Pentium III processor at 500 MHz or higher
 128 MB RAM
 1.5 GB available in the hard disk
 DirectX 8.1 Doom 3 (2004) needed:

 3D Hardware Accelerator - 64MB of memory minimum

 Windows 2000/XP
 Pentium 4 1.5 GHz or Athlon XP 1500+ processor or higher
 384 MB RAM
 8x Speed CD-ROM
 2.2 GB free hard disk space
 DirectX 9.0b compatible 16-bit sound card
 DirectX 9.0b

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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2009) needed:

 3D Hardware Accelerator - 256MB of memory minimum

 Windows Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7
 Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2 at 2.4 GHz
 2 GB RAM RAM
 8x Speed DVD-ROM
 23.8 GB + 1 GB Swap File hard disk space
 DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
 DirectX 9.0c compatible video card.

As a cost-saving consideration, for a small enterprise, getting the exact client

specifications would be a good consideration but for a big enterprise, getting the high end
hardware would be of great choice.

Considering the future hardware trend would also be a deciding factor. If the price of a
specific peripheral remains the same for a long period of time, you could consider buying a high
end one since over time the price remains the same while you get a higher hardware
performance. Otherwise, choose a medium range peripherals or just exactly what your
organization need since for a short period of time the price lowers so you could have an
opportunity of upgrading it to a high end one in the future at a low cost.

Another factor is what operating system are you going to use? Below are the hardware
requirements for installing Windows XP and Windows 7:

Hardware Requirements for Windows 7 system

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
 DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Hardware Requirements for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

These are the minimum requirements for basic functionality. Actual requirements vary,
depending on the system configuration and the programs and features that you choose to
install. If you are installing Windows XP over a network, you may need additional available hard-
disk space.

The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are:

 Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)

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 At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
 At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
 CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
 Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
 Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
 Sound card
 Speakers or headphones

After you have determine your organization needs, you can now start documenting your
hardware needs, to help you decide on the specifications, canvassing would be a great idea.
There were several sites in the net where you can browse and compare the price of the different
medium range to high end computer peripherals. One by one you can list down the hardware
specs for your client. The list below will help you in documenting your chosen hardware:

Processor :
RAM or Memory :
Hard Disk size :
Video Card :
Lan Card :
DVD drive :
Sound Card :
Mouse :
Keyboard :
Monitor :

One deciding factor to consider in buying computer peripherals is the warranty and after
sales support service. A cheaper price would vary greatly on the performance, durability and
warranty. Mostly, the cheaper it gets, the less durable and less warranty you could expect.
Oftentimes, the good warranty and after sales service they provide, the better the quality of the
products they have. Do not risk buying the cheaper one if you’re not sure of the quality.

After you have finalized your hardware specifications, you can now forward it to the right
person for budget considerations and finally for procurement.

Budget constraints

While planning the connection of hardware peripheral devices, it is important to be aware

of the client’s available budget. A client needs to determine whether the benefits that will be
gained from the peripheral device justify the financial outlay. Factors including the organisation’s
size, the necessity of the peripheral device to the organisation, number of people requiring the
device, will all contribute to the organisation’s allocation of a budget. Costs will sometimes
prohibit an organisation from proceeding with the purchase of equipment.

Another cost to consider is ongoing maintenance. A laser printer, for example, may
initially be more expensive to purchase than an inkjet printer. However when you consider that
some inkjet cartridges can cost nearly as much as an inkjet printer, it may be more practical to
choose a laser printer, where toner costs are more reasonable.
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Available timeframe

The time available to complete a task also needs to be considered when identifying client
requirements. If, for example, a peripheral device is needed urgently, it will be necessary to
quickly find out which suppliers can immediately provide the peripheral equipment.

Physical space restrictions

Before considering acquiring any peripheral device, planning needs to be done to work out
where and how the peripheral will reside. The following questions need to be considered:
 What physical space is available to accommodate the device?
 Are power points in a near proximity if the device needs them?
If a peripheral does not have access to a suitable power source, problems may occur
including the overloading of power boards and power leads causing dangerous obstructions
to users of the equipment.
 Will the installation of the device mean other equipment needs to be relocated?
 Could the device cause disruption or impact on the safety of users?

Feasibility study

A feasibility study can be carried out to show the client benefits, approximate costs of the
new equipment and the impact on the organisation. Several hardware devices can also be
recommended to the client. The aim of the feasibility study is to recognise the best solution
under the circumstances by identifying the effects of this solution on the organisation.
After undertaking a feasibility study, it may be discovered that a simple solution is
possible. Take the example of an organisation that would like to update their monitors so that
they can have better screen resolution. Changing the monitors’ internal settings could be a very
simple solution to obtain an improved resolution.
A feasibility study can also reveal that a client’s peripheral requirements are not
achievable. The requirements may exceed budget, or the requested peripheral devices may not
be compatible with the current computer system. The results of a feasibility study can determine
whether or not an organisation proceeds with the purchase and installation of the peripheral
devices.

Project request form

An initial request for hardware peripheral devices can be documented using a project
request form. This form documents information from both the client and the computer
consultant in order to document preliminary requirements.

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Typical information requested on a project request form includes:
 project title
 date received
 completion date
 project number
 description of problem
 objectives
 anticipated benefits
 person requesting
 constraints.

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Analyzing

In the analysis phase, the client’s requirements are investigated in more depth. It is
important to try to gain as much information from the client as possible, in order to obtain an
accurate understanding of the situation. Detailed client requirements, such as:
 specific features of the device required
 the number of people who will need to use device
 support expectations
 training requirements
can all be obtained during this phase.

Interviews, questionnaires, checklists and observations are some methods that

consultants use to gather information. If a device is to be used by a large group of users, a
questionnaire or checklist could be constructed to find out what features are required by the
majority of users. Interviewing users can provide a better way of finding out specific
information.

Interviews

A well-prepared interview can help provide you with valuable information about your client
requirements. Information that has been collected during the planning stage can also give you
some useful background information when preparing questions.
Questions asked of a client may be specific or open ended. Specific questions generally
mean that the client will give either a yes/no response or a specific answer. Open-ended
questions, however, generally commence with ‘how’ or ‘why’. These types of questions help to
discuss and clarify issues and establish a firmer understanding of client requirements.
For example, some questions you may want to ask during an interview to replace an
existing printer could include:
 How will a new printer solve existing printer issues?
 Who will be using the new printer the majority of the time?
 What will be the new printer key purposes? Eg:
– letters
– advertising brochures
– information from the Internet.
 Why do you need colour printing?
 What is the approximate number of pages that would be printed each day?

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Questionnaires

Questionnaires are helpful when you need to gather information from a number of clients.
A number of questions incorporating short answers, multiple choice and true/false choices can
help you quickly determine what kinds of features the majority of clients are requiring.

Here is a sample questionnaire to help establish a suitable mouse:

1. Trackball feature — Would a trackball device be helpful for you to manipulate images?
Yes/No
2. Would you prefer a wireless mouse? Yes/No
3. List any other features you would like to be able to have available with your mouse:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Checklists

In a similar manner to questionnaires, checklists that ask clients to choose what features
they would like from a specific peripheral device can also provide an efficient way to determine a
set of popular requirements.

Observations

Even informal observations of current business procedures can provide another way of
determining client needs. Observing users as they go about their day-to-day tasks, can confirm
if current peripheral devices are not working properly or assessing the need for a new peripheral
device.

Designing

The design phase enables you to figure out an effective solution. All the information you
have gathered via questionnaires, interviews, observations and during planning can be assessed
to determine the best way of satisfying client requirements.
There will often be several peripheral devices that are capable of performing the job
satisfactorily. An evaluation grid can be created to show the client each device’s functionality.

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The example below illustrates an evaluation grid that could be used for appraising
scanners.

Specifications Scanner 1 Scanner 2 Scanner 3

Price
Optical resolution (dpi)
Dimensions
Operating system
Software included
Comments

Once client requirements have been clarified, all requests for hardware peripherals need
to be documented clearly in a concise form. An organisation will often have its own
organizational standards (for example, report templates, guidelines) to which you will need to
adhere. The documentation will also need to be checked and confirmed by the client before a
request for purchase in sent to the preferred supplier.

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Lap Test Practical Demonstration

Instructions: You are required to perform the following individually with the presence of your
teacher.

1. Showing the ports below, demonstrate what peripheral was needed for each port

2. Name 3 ports where mouse can possibly be connected to.

3. Give at least 4 peripherals that can be connected via USB ports.
4. What is the difference between Serial and Parallel ports?

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