Product Survey Project Important Note From Instructor May Ch
Product Survey Projectimportant Noteyour Instructor May Choose To Ass
Your instructor may choose to assign either the product survey project or a paper on computer architecture. You will be assigned only one. The Product Survey is due Sunday, April 12, 2015. You will use the theoretical studies of computer hardware and software and apply them to a study of real-world IT products. Using descriptions from course lessons and the textbook, you are to write a 700 to 1000 word (no more than 1.5 line spacing and no more than 12 point type) summary of the hardware and software products needed for a small system for either a financial investment or architectural firm (your choice). Ensure the total budget does not exceed $6,000. Include specialized software beyond the OS, and address connectivity, storage, and required hardware components. You must discuss why you selected each component, list the benefits as indicated by vendors, state the costs, compare your choices to at least two other manufacturers' products, include security considerations, and provide references for your costs to demonstrate adherence to the budget. Research and contact vendors as needed.
Paper For Above instruction
The task of designing an optimal small-scale IT system under a constrained budget involves a careful selection of hardware and software components tailored to the specific operational needs of a business, whether it is a financial investment firm or an architectural practice. This paper explores the decision-making process involved in choosing appropriate technologies within a $6,000 budget, emphasizing the importance of balancing cost, functionality, security, and future scalability.
System Overview and Objectives
The primary goal is to establish a reliable, efficient, and secure computing environment capable of handling typical business tasks such as data analysis, project management, client communications, and documentation. The system must include a combination of hardware and software that supports connectivity, storage, and security, tailored to a small firm’s needs. Given the budget constraints, selections must be cost-effective yet capable of delivering high performance and ease of use.
Hardware Components and Justification
The core hardware setup includes a desktop computer, a network switch, data storage solutions, and peripherals. The desktop, serving as the central workstation, is chosen for its balance of processing power and affordability. An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor provides sufficient performance for multitasking and software applications common in small business settings, supported by 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth operation. A solid-state drive (SSD) of at least 512GB offers fast access to files and applications, improving productivity.
The network infrastructure comprises a reliable Wi-Fi router supporting standards like 802.11ac or ax, ensuring fast and stable wireless connectivity for multiple devices. A network switch may be added to expand wired connections if necessary. An external or cloud storage solution, such as a NAS device or cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox Business, offers secure and scalable file storage, essential for collaboration and data backup.
Peripherals include a high-quality monitor, ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and a printer/scanner combo, which are essential for daily operations. These components are selected based on vendor benefits such as durability, user comfort, and compatibility with the primary hardware.
Software Selections
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro provides a familiar interface, compatibility with a wide range of business applications, and built-in security features. Its cost is approximately $140 per license, ensuring adherence to the budget.
Productivity Suite: Microsoft 365 Business Standard, priced around $150 per user annually, offers essential applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, facilitating collaboration and communication.
Specialized Software: For financial firms, QuickBooks Desktop or Online can be included at approximately $350 per year. Architectural firms might opt for AutoCAD LT at around $440 annually. Both Software options are critical for specific business processes and are selected for their reputation and functionalities.
Security Software: An endpoint security solution like Norton 360 or Bitdefender at approximately $50 per year per device provides real-time protection against malware and cyber threats.
Additional software includes antivirus, project management tools like Trello or Asana, and PDF editors, which are chosen based on vendor credibility and user reviews.
Cost Analysis and Vendor Comparison
Major vendors such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo offer comparable desktops with similar specifications. Dell’s Inspiron series, HP’s Pavilion line, and Lenovo’s IdeaCentre all provide options within the budget, with price points ranging from $600 to $800. Comparative benefits include warranty services, customer support, and customization options.
In terms of software, Microsoft’s products are the industry standard, but alternatives like Google Workspace or LibreOffice could reduce costs if licensing is a concern. For security, Norton and Bitdefender are among top-rated solutions, with Kaspersky and McAfee as other options, each offering similar protection at comparable prices.
Security Considerations
Security is integrated at multiple levels. The system includes updated firewalls, anti-malware software, and regular backups. User accounts are protected with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible. Data encryption ensures confidentiality, especially if cloud storage is used. The firewall built into Windows 10 Pro, combined with endpoint security, provides a robust defense against cyber threats, aligning with industry best practices.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
By carefully selecting hardware and software with an emphasis on value, security, and performance, it is feasible to build a functional IT system within a $6,000 budget for a small firm. The prototype detailed here balances cost-effectiveness with the operational needs of a small professional business, leveraging well-known vendors and proven products to ensure reliability and security. Ongoing review and maintenance are essential to adapt to evolving technology and business requirements.
References
- Intel Corporation. (2023). Intel Core i5 Processor. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/123456/intel-core-i5-processor.html
- Microsoft. (2023). Microsoft 365 Business Standard. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business
- AutoCAD LT. (2023). Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad-lt/overview
- QuickBooks. (2023). Intuit. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
- Norton. (2023). Norton 360 Security Suite. https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360
- Dell. (2023). Dell Inspiron Desktop. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktops-and-all-in-ones/inspiron-desktop/spd/inspiron-شرق-Desktop-3890
- HP. (2023). HP Pavilion Desktop. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/mdp/desktops/pavilion-desktop-550-p0030-xt229av-1
- Lenovo. (2023). Lenovo IdeaCentre Desktop. https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/desktops/ideacentre/
- Google Workspace. (2023). Google. https://workspace.google.com/
- Kaspersky. (2023). Kaspersky Security Solutions. https://www.kaspersky.com/