COMPUTER SELECTION AND ACQUISITION METHODS

1. Introduction

Selecting and acquiring computers for personal or organizational use involves a series of
methodical steps to ensure the right choices are made based on specific requirements, budget
constraints, and long-term objectives.

Computer selection refers to the process of choosing the appropriate computer system based on
specific needs and requirements.

Computer acquisition refers to the actual process of purchasing and obtaining the computer
system after the selection has been made.

2. Defining Requirements
 Purpose: Understand the primary use of the computers (e.g., general office work,
gaming, graphic design, software development, server tasks).
 Performance Specifications: Determine the required specifications such as CPU, RAM,
storage, GPU, and other peripherals.
o CPU: Type and speed (e.g., Intel i5/i7, AMD Ryzen).
o RAM: Amount needed (e.g., 8GB, 16GB, 32GB).
o Storage: Type and capacity (e.g., SSD vs HDD, 256GB, 1TB).
o GPU: Necessary for tasks requiring high graphical power (e.g., NVIDIA
GTX/RTX, AMD Radeon).
3. Budget Considerations
 Total Budget: Establish the total budget for the acquisition.
 Cost vs. Benefit: Balance between cost and performance.
 Future Proofing: Consider investing in higher specs to extend the lifespan of the
computers.
4. Market Research
 Vendor Analysis: Research various vendors (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple) for their
offerings.
 Product Reviews: Look for user reviews and expert opinions to gauge reliability and
performance.
 Price Comparisons: Compare prices across multiple sources to find the best deals.
 Warranties and Support: Evaluate the warranty and support options provided by the
manufacturers or vendors.
5. Decision-Making Criteria
 Performance: Ensure the computers meet the performance requirements.
 Compatibility: Check compatibility with existing systems and software.
  Expandability: Look for options to upgrade components in the future.
 Total Cost of Ownership: Consider initial costs, maintenance, and potential upgrade
costs.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A COMPUTER SYSTEM

1. Introduction
Purchasing a computer system involves evaluating various factors to ensure that the chosen
system meets current and future needs effectively. This process helps avoid overspending on
unnecessary features or under-investing in crucial capabilities.
2. Purpose and Usage
 Primary Use: Identify the main tasks the computer will be used for (e.g., general office
work, gaming, graphic design, software development).
 Performance Requirements: Determine the necessary specifications based on usage.
o Office Work: Moderate CPU, 8GB RAM, basic GPU, SSD for storage.
o Gaming: High-end CPU, 16GB+ RAM, powerful GPU, large SSD.
o Graphic Design: High-resolution display, powerful GPU, ample RAM and
storage.
o Software Development: Fast CPU, significant RAM (16GB+), SSD, multiple
monitors.
3. Budget Constraints
 Total Budget: Define the total amount available for the purchase.
 Cost vs. Performance: Balance the cost with the performance and features required.
 Future Proofing: Consider slightly higher specs to extend the system's useful life.
4. Hardware Specifications
 CPU (Central Processing Unit): Determines the speed and efficiency of the computer.
o Choose based on required performance level (e.g., Intel i5/i7, AMD Ryzen).
 RAM (Random Access Memory): Affects multitasking and overall performance.
o Minimum 8GB for basic tasks, 16GB+ for demanding applications.
 Storage: Type and capacity (e.g., SSD for speed, HDD for larger capacity).
o SSDs are faster and more reliable; consider at least 256GB for most uses.
 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Crucial for gaming, graphic design, and video
editing.
o Integrated GPU for basic tasks, dedicated GPU (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD) for
intensive tasks.
 Display: Resolution, size, and quality.
o Higher resolution (e.g., 4K) and larger size for graphic work, standard HD for
general use.
 Ports and Connectivity: Number and types of USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
capabilities.
  Battery Life: Important for laptops, especially for mobile use.
5. Software Requirements
 Operating System: Choose the OS that supports required applications (e.g., Windows,
macOS, Linux).
 Pre-installed Software: Evaluate any software that comes pre-installed and its
usefulness.
 Compatibility: Ensure the system is compatible with existing software and peripherals.
6. Brand and Vendor
 Reputation: Consider brands known for quality and reliability (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo,
Apple).
 Customer Support: Availability and quality of customer service and technical support.
 Warranty and Return Policy: Length and coverage of the warranty, and ease of return
if needed.
7. Future Expansion and Upgradability
 Upgradability: Ability to upgrade components like RAM, storage, and GPU.
 Expansion Slots: Availability of extra slots for future upgrades.
 Modularity: Ease of replacing or adding components.
8. Environmental and Ergonomic Considerations
 Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models to reduce power consumption.
 Ergonomics: Design features that reduce strain (e.g., adjustable monitors, ergonomic
keyboards).
 Noise Levels: Consider the noise produced by the system, especially for quiet work
environments.
9. Security Features
 Built-in Security: Features like fingerprint readers, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), and
secure boot.
 Software Security: Availability of security software and updates.
10. Reviews and Recommendations
 User Reviews: Check reviews from other users to gauge real-world performance and
reliability.
 Expert Reviews: Consider expert opinions and benchmarks for objective analysis.
 Recommendations: Seek advice from trusted sources or professionals in the field.

ACQUISITION METHODS OF COMPUTERS

1. Introduction
Acquiring computers involves selecting the best method based on an organizations or
individual’s needs, budget, and long-term goals. Different acquisition methods offer various
advantages and disadvantages.
2. Acquisition Methods Overview
Acquiring computer systems for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) can be done
through several methods, each with its own advantages and considerations. The primary methods
are purchasing, leasing, renting, and using a bureau service. Here’s a detailed explanation of
each:
1. Purchasing
Description:
 Purchasing involves buying computer systems outright, which gives the organization full
ownership.
Advantages:
 Ownership: Full control over the equipment and its use.
 Cost Savings Over Time: No recurring payments; potentially cheaper in the long run.
 Customization: Ability to upgrade and modify the system as needed.
 Tax Benefits: Depreciation of the asset can provide tax advantages.
Disadvantages:
 High Upfront Cost: Significant initial capital expenditure.
 Obsolescence Risk: Technology becomes outdated quickly, requiring further investment
to upgrade.
 Maintenance Responsibility: The organization is responsible for maintenance and
repairs.
Best Suited For:
 Organizations with sufficient capital and a long-term need for specific systems.
 Environments where customization and control over the hardware are critical.
2. Leasing
Description:
 Leasing involves paying for the use of computer systems over a specified period. The
equipment is owned by the leasing company.
Advantages:
 Lower Initial Cost: Reduced upfront expenditure compared to purchasing.
 Predictable Payments: Fixed periodic payments help with budgeting.
 Up-to-Date Technology: Easier to upgrade to newer technology at the end of the lease
term.
 Maintenance Included: Some leases include maintenance and support services.
Disadvantages:
 No Ownership: The equipment remains the property of the leasing company.
 Higher Long-Term Cost: Total cost over the lease term can exceed the purchase price.
 Contractual Obligations: Early termination of the lease can incur penalties.
Best Suited For:
 Organizations needing up-to-date technology without significant capital investment.
  Businesses preferring predictable expenses and less concern about equipment
obsolescence.
3. Renting
Description:
 Renting involves paying for the use of computer systems on a short-term basis, often with
no long-term commitment.
Advantages:
 Flexibility: Short-term commitments allow for easy scaling up or down as needed.
 No Maintenance: Rental agreements typically include maintenance and support.
 Low Initial Cost: Minimal upfront expenditure, making it accessible for temporary or
urgent needs.
Disadvantages:
 Higher Monthly Cost: Typically more expensive on a monthly basis compared to
leasing.
 No Equity: Payments do not build equity in the equipment.
 Limited Customization: Rental equipment may not be customizable to the same extent
as owned systems.
Best Suited For:
 Organizations with temporary or project-based needs for additional equipment.
 Businesses facing uncertain growth or requiring flexibility in their ICT infrastructure.
4. Bureau Service
Description:
 Bureau services involve outsourcing certain ICT functions to a third-party provider that
owns and manages the computer systems.
Advantages:
 Cost Efficiency: Pay only for the services used, reducing capital and operational
expenses.
 Expert Management: Access to specialized expertise and advanced technology.
 Scalability: Easily adjust services based on business needs without worrying about
hardware constraints.
 Focus on Core Business: Allows the organization to focus on core activities while the
provider handles ICT functions.
Disadvantages:
 Dependency on Provider: Relies heavily on the third-party provider’s reliability and
performance.
 Security and Privacy Concerns: Potential risks associated with data security and
privacy.
 Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Performance is dependent on the terms of the SLA
with the provider.
Best Suited For:
 Small to medium-sized businesses that want to outsource ICT functions to reduce costs
and management complexity.
 Organizations seeking to leverage advanced ICT services without significant investment
in infrastructure.
Summary
 Purchasing: Best for long-term ownership and customization with higher upfront costs.
 Leasing: Suitable for predictable payments and access to up-to-date technology without
ownership.
 Renting: Ideal for short-term flexibility with no long-term commitment.
 Bureau Services: Good for outsourcing ICT functions to focus on core business
activities while leveraging third-party expertise