factors before purchase.

Ergonomics
Production quality and robustness (a feature which is particularly important when
a computer is handled by a lot of different people)
power consumption (with portable equipment also the autonomy without
external power supply).
quality of design (what it looks like) and the size (how much space it takes up),
the price and the price/quality ratio.
OS resources
processor,
memory,
disk space
update of BIOS
Windows fixes {e.g. sleep states S2/S3},
Stability {RAM/System} fixes,
Peripheral fixes
user friendly software and hardware
Simple- not overly complex, but instead is straightforward, providing quick
access to common features or commands.
Reliability : The software product should not have any defects. Not only this, it
shouldn't fail while execution.
Efficiency : This characteristic relates to the way software uses the available
resources.
Usability/Learnability: The amount of efforts or time required to learn how to use
the software should be less
relationship between s/w & H/W classifications
In order for a computer to produce useful output , its hardware & software must
work together . Nothing useful can be be done with the computer hardware on its
own & software cant be utilized without supporting hardware . So , there is a
close connection between software & hardware.
Primary storage and Secondary storage
Primary memory usually refers to Random Access Memory (RAM), while
secondary storage refers to devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives,
removable "USB" drives
Source code and object code

Source code
A program written in a high-level language is called source code. Source code is
also called source program. Computer cannot understand the statements of
high-level language. The source code cannot be executed by computer directly. It
is converted into object code and then executed.

Object code
A program in machine language is called objet code. It is also called object
program or machine code. Computer understands object code directly.
Command drive interface and Graphical User Interface
A command line interface (CLI) enables users to type commands in a terminal or
console window to interact with an operating system.
A graphical user interface (GUI) uses graphics, along with a keyboard and a
mouse, to provide an easy-to-use interface to a program.
SATA and EIDE
(SATA) is a computer bus interface that connects host bus adapters to mass
storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives.
reduced cable size and native hot swapping, faster data transfer through higher
signalling rates, and more efficient transfer through an (optional) I/O queuing
protocol
EIDE is a standard electronic interface between computer and its mass storage
drives. It make it possible to address a hard disk larger than 528 Mbytes.
provides faster access to the hard drive, support for Direct Memory Access
(DMA), and support for additional drives, including CD-ROM and tape devices
through the AT Attachment Packet Interface

RAM Is the place in a computer where the operating system,

application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can
be quickly reached by the computer's processor
DATABUS - A data bus is a system within a computer or device,
consisting of a connector or set of wires, that provides transportation
for data.
Why install OS
Security,
System Management,
Communication and
Hardware & Software Services
factors purchasing an OS

Reliability It is the probability that the software will executed in a specific period
of time without any failures. It is important to the professional user. It brings up
the concept of modularity, or the ease which a package can be modified.

Functionality It is the definition of the facilities, performance and other factors

that the user requires in the finished product.

Capacity Capacity refers to the capability of the software package to handle the
users requirements for size of files, number of data elements, and reports. All
limitations should be checked.

Flexibility It is a measure of effort required to modify an operational program.

One feature of flexibility is adaptability.

Usability This criteria refers to the effort required to operate, prepare the input,
and interpret the output of a program. Additional points considered here are
portability and understandability. Portability refers to the ability of the software
to be used. Understandability is the purpose of the product.
RFP
1. Complete statement of the system specifications, programming language,
price range, terms and time frame.
2. Request for vendors responsibilities for conversion, training and maintenance
3. Warranties and terms of license or contractual limitations.
4. Request for financial statement of vendor
5. Size of staff available for system support
Contract agreement
The support available
2.

Arrangement for upgrades

3.

Arrangement for maintenance

4.

Delivery periods

5.

Performance criteria

6.

Ownership

7.

Warrant terms

8.

Duration of the contract etc

application software ,factors to consider software selection

Reliability It is the probability that the software will executed in a
specific period of time without any failures. It is important to the professional
user. It brings up the concept of modularity, or the ease which a package can be
modified.

Functionality It is the definition of the facilities, performance and other factors

that the user requires in the finished product.

Capacity Capacity refers to the capability of the software package to handle the
users requirements for size of files, number of data elements, and reports. All
limitations should be checked.

Flexibility It is a measure of effort required to modify an operational program.

One feature of flexibility is adaptability.