CSC208 Group Assignment Print

8/3/2019 CSC208 Group Assignment Print

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Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... i

1. Discussions ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Hardware ......................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Computers ................................................................................................ 1

1.1.2 Server ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Software .......................................................................................................... 3

1.2.1 System Software ...................................................................................... 3

1.2.2 Applications Software .............................................................................. 6

2. Suggestions & Recommendations .......................................................................... 8

2.1 Desktop............................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Server .............................................................................................................. 9

2.3 Other Required Relative Educational Technologies ..................................... 11

2.3.1 Projector ................................................................................................. 11

2.3.2 Wireless Microphones and Speakers ..................................................... 11

2.3.3 Online Media/Websites .......................................................................... 11

2.4 Other Technological Suggestions.................................................................. 11

2.4.1 Computer Integrated Classroom (CIC) .................................................. 11

2.4.2 Immersive Virtual Reality...................................................................... 12


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Introduction

Computers are nowadays used in various fields such as education, finance,

government, health care and more. Computers have become parts and parcels of our

daily life especially in completing various tasks. In educational field, computers are

used in many different settings and they are used by guidance counselors,

administrators, librarians, teachers, students and clerical employees too.

In the present day, computers have become the life line of younger generation;

this generation embraces all the things in the influence of this modern technology.

Similarly, the generations before are slowly adopting such technology as well in order

to catch up with the changes in the society. Hence, even educators are also starting to

engage themselves and use technologies in the process of delivering their lectures.

Not only that, computers have also made organization of data easy for schools. In this

report, we will further look into how computers helped simplifying things in the

education field and the type of hardware that are used. For further discussion, we are

going to use College I as an example for elaboration.


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1. Discussions1.1Hardware

1.1.1 Computers

In College I, there are 4 computer labs and each lab consists of 20

computers. By looking at this statement, it is obvious the most basic

hardware required for a college will be the components that build up a

computer itself such as monitor, motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply,

optical disk drive, hard disk drive, keyboard and mouse (Hardware, 2010).Having computers only is definitely inadequate for a college to operate

and monitor the activities of their students and employees and thus, having

a network is very important.

1.1.2 Server

In every school, regardless whether they are lower or higher educational

institutes, having a server system is very important. A server system helps

an organization to manage their network resources and users or also

known as clients. Normally server is used for three main purposes, file

server, print server and also database server. File server enable users to

store files on the server, files stored are accessible to other users if

permission is allowed. Print server helps to manage one or more printers

and it is also used to manage network traffic. Database server is used for

database queries or in layman term a request for information from a

database (Server). Basically server hardware is no different from a basic

computer except for a few of the specifications of the hardware, such as

the type of processor, memory size and also storage type (How is a Server

Different From a Desktop?, 2011).


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1.1.2.1Type of Servers (Server Categories, 2011)

Server Type Description

Proxy server Sit between a client program (i.e. Web

browser) and an external server (another server

on the Web) to filter requests, improve

performance, and share connections.

Mail server Move and store mail over corporate networks

(via LANs and WANs) and across the Internet.

Web server The hardware (hosting server) or

the software (i.e. web browser) that helps to

deliver content that can be accessed through

the Internet.

FTP(File

Transfer

Protocol)

server

File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to

move one or more files securely between

computers while providing file security and

organization as well as transfer control.

Telnet server Enable users to log on to a host computer and

perform tasks as if they're working on the

remote computer itself.

Table 1 Type of Servers

The types of server that is required for College I will be File server,

Print server, Database server, Proxy server, Mail server, Web server,

FTP server and also Telnet.


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1.2SoftwareThere are 3 different types of software, namely System software,

Programming software, and Application software.

1.2.1 System SoftwareSystem software that is going to be discussed in this section will be

Operating System. As we all understood, desktop and server both uses

different operating system.

1.2.1.1DesktopFor desktop, the most common operating system used will be

Windows operating system by Microsoft. The most current Microsoft

Windows available in the market is Windows 7. Another popular

operating system used is Mac OS X v10.7 also known as Mac Lion by

Apple Inc. However, due to price comparison, Mac OS is hardly usedin organizations. Hence, the operating system used in almost all

colleges is by Microsoft Windows.

1.2.1.2ServerServer operating systems are different from normal desktop operating

systems because they are built with certain features to cope with theserver environment. Such features may include auto update without the

need to restart (where restart could interrupt server activities), frequent

and advanced backup system, tight security and more. A few of the

more popular server operating systems are UNIX, Linux, Windows,

and Mac OS X. Similarly to the reason mentioned above, Mac OS X

Server is too expensive and thus it is often not the preferred choice

when it comes to organization setup.


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1.2.1.2.1 UNIX, Linux and Windows

Operating

System

AdvantagesDisadvantages

UNIX Very experience serverOS builder with more

than 30 years of history.

Usable in almost anyhardware platform.

Stable uptime, ability torun for a long period of

time.

High security.(Garrels, 2001)

Many differentlanguages used.

Bundling and systemspecific implementation

of commands or

packages.

Command basedoperation, not user

friendly especially to

beginners.

Hardware is expensive.(Garrels, 2001)

Linux Free Open Source OS,no fee charged for using

or buying Linux.

User friendly withGUI(i.e. Ubuntu OS)

Applications used inWindows are mostly

available for Linux.

More secure andefficient than Windows.

Since Linux is anotherform of UNIX, the OS is

also stable like UNIX.

Compatible even on old,out-dated hardware that

can no longer supports

Drivers for Linuxhardware are still not

easily available.

Still not as user-friendlyas Windows.

Installation is only easywhen Linux is connected

to the Internet or with a

repository CD.

(Ansen, 2011)


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other OS.

(Ansen, 2011)

Windows General popular OSused by the public.

Hardware and driversare easily obtainable.

Supports for problemsare easily found.

Supports vast amount offreeware and shareware.

(Mike, 2008)

Easily infected byspyware or virus

applications.

Require strong securitysupports.

Not very stable ascompared to Linux or

UNIX.

Limited access of freeOpen Source software.

Expensive in terms ofstart-up cost and follow

up maintenances and

supports.

Constant reboot needed,lower up-time and

availability.

(Mike, 2008)

Table 2 Advantages & Disadvantages of UNIX, Linux & Windows


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1.2.2 Applications SoftwareApplications software is defined as end-user programs which interact with

users through Graphical User Interface. These software includes

database programs, word processors, and spread sheets. However,

applications software will only be able to run if system software exists. It

is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

1.2.2.1DesktopCurrently there are two main developers for common productivity

software; they are Microsoft (Microsoft Office) and Oracle

(OpenOffice). Microsoft Office has a longer history as compared to

OpenOffice and hence Microsoft Office has a greater popularity and

more familiarise among users. While for OpenOffice, they are released

around year 2010 and functionality wise, they are not as rich as

Microsoft Office, but one advantage of OpenOffice is that they are

Freeware.

Microsoft Office interface is easier to manoeuvre if compared

with OpenOffice. By saying that, the MS Office new ribbon

interface (also known as Fluent User Interface) display almost all

commonly used features on the screen and users do not have to drop

down the menus and taskbars one by one to search for the features they

want to use (Bonfield & Quinn, 2010).

Figure 1 Ribbon (a.k.a Fluent User Interface) (Microsoft, 2011)


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Apart from that, OpenOffice is also said to run slightly slower

especially when opening complex documents in Microsoft formats. In

term of supports, MS Offices supports are more authorized and

trustworthy if compared with OpenOffice because OpenOffice official

supports are inadequate and mostly supports are found through

community forums. Recently, MS Office also introduced SkyDrive

which allows users to upload their files on the server and access them

later elsewhere. The SkyDrive is a form of file-sharing feature plus

remote access where users can access the file through Web Apps and

edit their files (Bonfield & Quinn, 2010).

Hence, for College I, it is recommended to install a more user preferred

software which is Microsoft Office. Since OpenOffice is free, it is

optional whether the IT team would like to install it as well.

1.2.2.2ServerAs for server part, theres only one type of application software that is

crucially needed, which is Database Management. The most popularand used software in this category is MySQL. For College I, it is

recommended for them to purchase the MySQL Enterprise Edition for

their server. This package includes Database management, backup

facilities, monitoring and alerting if errors occur and Workbench (for

data modelling, administration tools for server configuration and users

administration) (MySQL Enterprise Edition, 2011).


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2. Suggestions & Recommendations2.1Desktop

For desktops fixed in computer labs, we are going to select Dell OptiPlex 580which cost RM1,875.00 per unit. Below are the details for items included for

the rate mentioned (with courtesy of Dell.com.my):

Specification Description

Processor AMD Athlon(TM) II X2 Dual-Core processor B26

Operating System Genuine Windows(R) 7 Professional 32bit (English) (EMRP)

Base OptiPlex(TM) 580DT Base

Monitor Dell(TM) E170S Entry 17 " Flat Panel LCD Monitor (Analog

only)Memory 2GB (1x2GB) Non-ECC DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM Memory

SATA Hard Drives 250GB 7200 RPM 3.5" SATA Hard Drive

Optical Drive 16X Max DVD + /- RW with Dual Layer Write Capabilities for

MT and DT

Delivery Charges OptiPlex(TM) Delivery Charges(West Malaysia)

DVD Software Decode PowerDVD Software Ver 9.5 and Roxio Creator Starter (Factory

Install and Media Kits)

Diagnostic DVD Resource DVD

System Recovery Windows(R) 7 Professional 32bit Media Kit (English)EMRP

Dell Backup and

Recovery Manager

(DBRM)

Dell Backup and Recovery Manager (DBRM) V1.3 for WIN7

Items included in the

System

Computrace Disable Info Mod Broadcom TruManage Systems Management Ready Integrated Broadcom 5761 Ethernet LAN 10/100/10001000

(Remote Wake Up, PXE support)

Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 Graphics AMD 785G Chipset Dell(TM) OptiPlex(TM) 580 Desktop (Global Config 2)

Dell Services:

Hardware Support

3 Yrs Next Business Day Onsite Service

Keyboard Dell(TM) KB212-B USB Entry Business Keyboard (English)

Mouse Dell(TM) MS111 USB Optical Mouse

Table 3 Dell OptiPles 580 Specifications

For such rate it is considered relatively cheap for desktop as Acer with similar

specifications would roughly cost around RM2,500.00.


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2.2ServerAs for server hardware, we are going to purchase from Dell as well. The

model chosen is PowerEdge C6145 AMD Processor-based 2U Rack Server.

Below are the specifications for the server:

Table 4 PowerEdge C6145 AMD Processor-based 2U Rack Server Specifications

The server supports on both Linux and Windows Server OS platform. As for

the server operating system, it is decided that the server is going to run onLinux OS.


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Firstly, Linux is chosen because it is no longer as hard to use as they

were before. Linux now comes with GUI (Graphical User Interface) which

makes it easier for server administrator to control and monitor the server with

ease.

Figure 2 Linux OS Caption (Danny, 2010)

Apart from that, Linux as a variant of UNIX it is also stable like UNIX,

as compared to Windows Server. Because of the stability of Linux, hence the

server up-time will also be higher than Windows Server. Eventually the

servers availability will also be higher.

Figure 3 Linux vs. Windows Server OS Uptime (Avoyan, 2007)


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2.3Other Required Relative Educational Technologies2.3.1 Projector

For college I, it is crucial that projectors should be made available in allclassrooms and computer labs. Projectors are used normally for image,

video and slideshow projection on the screen. By installing projectors in

classrooms and computer labs, lecturers or students can easily present

whatever that is related to the lecture and share among their audiences.

2.3.2 Wireless Microphones and SpeakersIn classes, it is inevitable that sometimes due to large number of students,

the lecture becomes noisy and hard for educator to deliver his/her speech.

Hence, by setting up wireless microphones and speakers in the large

classrooms or lecture halls allow lecturers to deliver their lectures to their

students clearly.

2.3.3 Online Media/WebsitesSometimes in order to capture students attention, media are being used,

hence by having online media which are accessible for students through

their subjects websites can be very helpful. Apart from that, in todays

world, lecturers often distribute lecture notes through their subjects

webpages. This will allow students to be prepared for the lecture before it

is being delivered and can be accessed by all students who are taking the

subject.

2.4Other Technological Suggestions2.4.1 Computer Integrated Classroom (CIC)A computer-integrated classroom is a technologically improved traditional

classroom, with the integration of interactive whiteboards, networked

notebooks and special software tools (i.e. Sanako Lab 300) to

allow collaborative activities (Salam, Tasir, & Samad, 2008).


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By using such tools, students from abroad can perform e-learning

through the Internet. The usage of CIC does not only allow e-learning but

also allows lecturer to conduct consultations and tutorials with their

students even if they are at home.

2.4.2 Immersive Virtual RealityImmersive Virtual Reality is a technology which immerses users in an

artificial 3D environment. Such technology uses stereoscopic goggles

which provides 3D imaginary and also as a kind of tracking device, for

instance head and body movements. Apart from that, data glove is also

used in this technology to track hands movements. The data glove also

allows users to manipulate and point computer generated objects in the

projected space.

Figure 4 Immersive Virtual Reality - Photo credit: Christop W. Sensen

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CSC208 Group Assignment Print