1.1-3 Computer System Design
Uploaded by
Maykel Uryeta Mamitz1.1-3 Computer System Design
Uploaded by
Maykel Uryeta MamitzCOMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN
INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-3
Michael U. Mamitag
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. select computer components based on the customer’s needs
2. identify the components best suited for a particular computing
environment
3. know how to design for specific computer subsystems, such as the
video or storage subsystem
Michael U. Mamitag
INTRODUCTIONS
Computer users need different types of computer systems.
What the user does with the computer dictates the
components and peripherals needed. Looking at the
computer systems by purpose is a good place to start with
design.
Michael U. Mamitag
CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
systems are used in manufacturing plants by engineers or design engineers to
create things.
A graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation would need the following key components:
Powerful multi-core Max system RAM High –end video cards
processor(s)
Quality mouse and
SSD storage
keyboard
Michael U. Mamitag
Gaming PCs
Gaming computers are a set of their own. Gamers frequently build their own
systems, but some computer manufacturers do make gaming PCs.
A gaming PC would need the following key components:
Powerful multi-core Max system RAM High –end video cards
processor(s)
HD sound card and
SSD storage High end cooling system
speakers
Michael U. Mamitag
Audio/Video Editing Workstations
An audio/video editing workstation (see Image 4) is used to manipulate
sounds (shorten, add, overlay, and so on) or video. This type of system
requires a lot of hard drive space and RAM.
Here are the most common configuration elements for such a computer:
Powerful multi-core High –end video cards with
Max system RAM max RAM and GPU
processor(s)
Specialized HD sound card
SSD storage and speakers Dual monitor
Michael U. Mamitag
Virtualization Workstations
A virtualization workstation can mean two things: (1) a workstation that has at
least one operating system, in its own virtual machine that is separate from
the host operating system. or (2) a workstation that uses hardware and
software virtualization techniques to provide an end user with a controlled
workstation environment
Here are the most common configuration elements for such a computer:
Powerful multi-core Network-attached storage
Max RAM
processor(s) (NAS)
Specialized HD sound card
SSD storage
and speakers
Michael U. Mamitag
Thin Client Workstations
A thin client workstation is a desktop or laptop that has a display, mouse,
keyboard, and network connectivity and runs applications from a server.
Thin client computers are less expensive than a normal workstation (but the
network infrastructure such as servers, software, storage area network [SAN],
and so on to support thin clients costs money).
Here are the most common configuration elements for such a computer:
Meet minimum 1Gb/s preferred network
Basic apps connectivity
requirements
Michael U. Mamitag
Thick Client Workstations
In contrast to a thin client workstation, a thick client computer is the most
common type of desktop or laptop in the work environment. Applications are
installed and documents are commonly stored on the local hard drive.
An all-in-one computer could be a thick client computer. Computers in small
businesses tend to be thick client workstations.
A standard thick client computer has the following characteristics:
Meet minimum hardware Meet minimum software Optional dual display
requirements requirements
Michael U. Mamitag
Home Servers
A home server computer is used to store data, function as a web server, print
server, or file server, control media streaming, be accessible from outside the
home, control devices, and manage backups of other computers.
Typical components found in a home server include the following:
Server apps including
Multiple hard drives in a
1Gb/s connections media streaming, file and
RAID array configurations
print sharing
Maximum
Multiple processors Network-attached storage
capacity of RAM
Michael U. Mamitag
Industrial Computers
An industrial computer is one used for a specific industry. For example, in a
car repair shop, the standard computers used both inside the showroom and
in the service and repair center might be in an enclosure or have keyboard
coverings.
Here are some things to consider for an industrial computer:
Optional enclosure for a Meets recommended
Optional enclosure for wet, hardware requirements based
laptop’s external keyboard and
dry, or outdoor environments on applications
mouse
Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, Case with air filters that may be
outdoor, public, high-traffic, or industrial Optional privacy display
screen removable for cleaning.
environments
Michael U. Mamitag
Mobile computers
A mobile computer for someone who travels as part of his job also needs
special design considerations.
Considerations for an “on-the-road” computer design include the following:
Laptop, Ultrabook, or tablet Possible SSD (if shaking or
dropping due to handling is a Possible projector Possible
Sufficient RAM Might need
concern or if high speed is thermal printer for sales-
mobile broadband oriented tasks
connectivity needed)
Compatible Possible portable speakers and
smartphone headphones with noise cancellation
Michael U. Mamitag
