Computer Systems Case Study Paper

This paper is a case study, like the report tasks in a Computer Systems assignment. There is no single correct answer: you are marked on sensible choices with clear reasons linked to the scenario. You may make reasonable assumptions — state them.

Work on paper (or on your computer for practical tasks), just as you would in the real assignment. Show all your working. When you have finished, mark your work with the answer sheet.

Recommend a configuration for each of the following, giving a reason for every choice. Consider the processor, memory (RAM), backing store, peripherals, network and power protection.

(a) The main server that will run the hospital management system and its database.

(b) The computers in the internet lounge, used by members of the public.

(c) The computers in functional areas — take the pharmacy counters and the reception and billing desk as your examples.

(a) Recommend an operating system for the server, and one for the other computers. Give at least three reasons for each choice.

(b) The lounge computers are used by the public. Describe three operating system settings or features that would keep them safe and working.

(a) Copy and complete the table.

(b) Describe what happens during one fetch–decode–execute cycle. Name the registers and buses used in the fetch stage.

(c) The hospital is choosing between two processors:

Which processor would you choose for the server, and which for a pharmacy counter PC? Explain your choices using clock speed, cores and cache.

(d) Explain two other features of a processor or computer system, apart from those in the table, that affect how fast it runs.