Workshop on Computers for Management: WCM for MBA

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Assignment Plan

Get Peace of Mind

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

What are various components/modules of a personal computer (PC)?
How would you assemble a Desktop PC for your home requirements? What are the advantages and limitations of a Desktop PC vis-à-vis a Laptop?
What are the latest market trends in the following:-

Processor, RAM, Hard Disk, CD/DVD, Mouse, Keyboard and UPS?
Give cost, speed, quality and warranty based analysis of market survey carried out by you with respect to above items.

What is USB, PS/2 and a Serial mouse? Explain the difference, advantages and limitations of each.
Assuming that you are manager of a company; do you require a PC for your office? Explain why? How many PCs do you need? Assume the strength of your company to be 15. Assume various appointments yourself.
Would you like to setup a Local Area Network (LAN) for your office? If yes, then give the configuration of the following:-

Server: Hardware and Software.
Nodes: Hardware and Software.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2

What is a search engine? What does it do? What is the role of a spider in searching internet?
When you search on “Google”, “Yahoo” etc, do you get the latest information? How does the system manage to give you thousands of results from different web sites in fraction of a second?
What are the steps in creating email account?
How do you compose an email message? Does it reside on your PC or the server when you save it?
What do you need for installing MS-Power Point on your PC? How would you install MS-Power Point?
What are the shortcut commands for Left Allign, Right Allign and Centre Alignment of a text line?
What is online marketing? List out any three items being produced by your company. Explain in detail procedure of online marketing of products of your company.
Explain E-banking in detail.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Case Study

Peace of Mind - so simple!

CASE STUDY

A LONG JOURNEY WITH HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Col. SC Sood (Retd), 02 June 2009, 27 May 2011

My Early Days with Hardware

During the summer of 1969, after my final examinations of Higher Secondary level, my close friend introduced me to an electronics Guru, running a repair shop, for learning radio/transistor repairs. I started learning assembly of transistor sets at that time. My guru used to pronounce “Audio” as “Ardio”. He used to do lot of testing without multimeter (Multimeter is an instrument used to measure Voltage, Current and Resistance in electric/electronic circuits). For testing a Cell or Battery (upto 9 Volts), the unconventional method was to touch the positive and negative terminals to the tongue and feel the small electric shock/tingling to judge the voltage level. Higher the shock better was the state of the battery. After assembling output stage of an audio amplifier, it had to be tested whether the assembled system would remain within proper temperature limits. The simple method was once again to touch the output transistors with the tongue to sense the temperature. Increasing temperature indicated that the circuit was drawing excessive current and the output transistors would eventually blow off from inside resulting into financial loss as well. This continued and I passed my B.Sc. examination in 1972. Computers were unknown during those days. Later when I was doing M.Sc. (Physics) in Kurukshetra University from 1976 to 78, computers were still unknown but we had lab experiments related to computer gates (AND Gate, OR Gate, NOT Gate etc). This was fascinating as I could assemble all those circuits and could do experiments with much ease. For me it was a fun. All this ultimately turned me into a hardware man well known to all my friends.

Turning to Computers

After I joined the Indian Army in 1979 as commissioned officer, we were generally assigned topics on latest trends/technologies for conducting classes for our technical growth. However, I had not seen computers till 1986 or so. During 1987, we had a “Graduate Engineer’s Equipment Orientation (GEEO)” course where microprocessors and computers were formally introduced and concepts of programming were taught. I was altogether disinterested in learning any aspects of computer programming. I was still interested in hardware only. My sole interest was to learn as to how to assemble and repair computers. When I returned from GEEO course, I was told by the Second in Command (2IC) in my Unit, that the Unit had the responsibility of conducting short Computer Course of two weeks duration for senior officers (Colonels and Brigadiers). I was only a Captain at that time. The 2IC told me to undertake duties of an Instructor for this cadre as the officer in charge detailed for the task had been posted out. I told him that I did not know anything as to how to use computers. I further told him that I knew only hardware and not the software. He said “Teach whatever you can, but don’t tell me that you do not know.” I had no choice. Since I was already B.Ed. qualified, teaching was no problem. I used to learn from Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and teach very senior commissioned officers of the Indian Army. Of course, my teaching and practical experience was an added advantage. Any one who knows something is the master and we can always learn!
Such cadres were also run for the children of Army personnel. Every cadre spread the message “Captain Sood is a genius and a Computer Guru”. I had no choice but to read more, learn more, practice more. Later, I got my rank of Major in 1988. At that time my glory was all around.

Craze for Computer Programming

The Indian Army conducts post graduate courses for its officers of the technical Arms. With all the experience of working as computer instructor for short cadres, I gradually got interested in writing computer programs for handling bigger tasks in the Army. When the letter of information for post graduation course on Computer Science was received in the Unit, I requested our Commanding Officer to permit me to go on this long course. Looking at my good work and interest in computers, he permitted me and I joined the course in March 1990. My aim of doing this course was to learn as to how to write programs for handling critical and worthwhile tasks.

We Learn by Helping Others

During the post graduation course, I was known to be a key person for solving all computer problems pertaining to both hardware as well as software. As and when someone told me that he had a problem with a program, I would leave my job, go to the person on his PC and share whatever knowledge I had. Officers used to explain me whatever they had studied in their books. I used to analyse the same, correlate it with my studies and practical experience and some solution was invariably found.
In addition to self study, I found this to be the most effective and satisfying.

Having Your Own PC

During the beginning of post graduation course, I did not have my own PC. All programs were to be written, tried and tested in the computer lab only. This was highly inconvenient as the ideas strike the mind at random times during the day. A long waiting period for trying these ideas reduces their effectiveness and hampers creativity. Ultimately, I decided to buy my own PC. A PC was costing about Rs. 30,000/- to 35,000/- at that time. Assembled PCs were, of course, cheaper. I did not have enough money at hand, so I consulted my younger brother. He knew nothing about computers but he consented to help me to the tune of about 50% of the cost. I started market survey. On weekends, I used to visit computer shops and discuss about configuration and the cost. It was very difficult to arrive at a suitable solution. After all, for an individual spending Rs. 30,000/- was no joke during 1990. More so, when the money was to be shared by my younger brother as well with no idea of computers. One of my colleagues suggested me that if I opted for assembled PC, I would get much better configuration at reduced cost. However, I was not convinced and my choice was a PC from a reputed brand.

Branded Vs Assembled PC

Even with all logic in favour of the assembled PC, I still believed that a branded PC was the only answer. After all, I was going to spend a huge amount. An assembled PC could lead to difficulties later. With lot of market survey for more than about six months, I decided and bought PC AT 80286, Zenith PC, with 20MB hard disk and a Floppy Drive. I used to work on my PC day and night. Many officers would come to me for help and they were always welcome.
After completion of post graduation course, I was posted to a unit in Delhi in 1991. I left the PC with my brother at Ambala City. In due course of time a printer was also required. I purchased a dot matrix printer and sent home. Next day, my brother intimated that the printer was not printing at all. I called the vender and told him to do the needful. He said that he would like to examine PC and printer both. The items were called from Ambala to Delhi within a day and were shown to the vender who had supplied the printer. After inspection, the vender told me that the printer card in the PC was faulty. He demonstrated with his test card and we found that the printer card known as CGP card at that time had to be replaced. I asked him the cost. He told that it would cost Rs 750/-. But I decided to replace the card with the original from Zenith Company. I visited the Zenith company office at New Delhi and asked them to supply me the CGP card. The company manager told me that the company did not supply spare parts/cards and that I had to go in for annual maintenance contract (AMC) with the company. He told me that the AMC would cost 10% per annum. This implied recurring expenditure of about Rs. 3000/- per year. I was shocked. The cost of CGP card from open market was only Rs. 750/-. I came back and called the printer vendor to supply the card and set the printer working.
I have been thinking for a very long time as to what should an individual opt for: A Branded or an Assembled desktop PC? What parameters should he consider before buying a desktop PC? What about laptops? How soon would the technology get outdated? What about the investment? What is the option before you as CEO of a company? What about servers?
Today, as a professor in IT Department at GJIMT, Mohali, where the organization has hundreds of PCs, many of which are getting obsolete every now and then, I still have the same challenge before me. What is the solution?

List of Exeriments

Peace of Mind - so simple! Power Point Presentation on IT: Click and Search for WCM MB107

WORKSHOP ON COMPUTERS FOR MANAGEMENT (MB-107)

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

(a) List various components required for assembling a desktop PC.
(b) Assemble a desktop PC with above components, switch it ON and explain its booting sequence.
(c) Explain the role of BIOS
(d) What type of keyboard, mouse and monitor did you use? What are the other types that can be used?
(e) What Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is being used for the lab?
(f) How would you select a UPS for a desktop PC? What about a laptop?
(g) What are the advantages of an Online UPS?

(a) Carry out market survey of various components of a desktop PC and prepare a report explaining your preference for each. Give reasons in support of your choice for use of the desktop for your PA.
(b) Carry out market survey of different laptops. Compare and explain your choice for use as a CEO.
(c) Explain advantages and limitations of a Laptop.

(a) Prepare a small booklet of market survey carried out by you using A4 size paper or any other size of your choice using a Word Processor. The design and quality of this booklet should be such that it can be marketed.
(b) Include “Table of Contents” and Index in your booklet.
(c) Use suitable images wherever required.
(d) Use tables where applicable.
(e) Use Bold, Italics, Underline, Dropcap, Left Alignment, Right Alignment and Justified format appropriately. Also include Page Numbers.

Perform the following tasks with Windows Operating System (OS):-

(a) Install Windows XP/Windows 7 on the given system.
(b) Install Video, Sound and LAN Card drivers. Write down step by step procedure.
(c) Configure the system for Internet connection and write down step by step procedure.
(d) Install an Office Suite in Windows and explore the same. Write down step by step procedure.
(e) Install CD/DVD burning software and use it.
(f) Install a printer and write down step by step installation procedure.

Perform the following tasks with Linux OS:-

(a) Install Linux OS (Ubuntu or Fedora or any other variant of your choice) on the given system.
(b) Check working of Video, Sound and LAN Card.
(c) Configure the system for Internet connection and write down step by step procedure.
(d) How would you setup a printer in Linux? Write down step by step procedure.

Explore Linux for the following:-

(a) What applications get installed automatically with the Linux OS as compared to Windows?
(b) How do you install additional applications?
(c) What CD/DVD burning software package is available in Linux?
(d) What multimedia software package is available?
(e) Do .exe files of windows run under Linux? Try on your system and explain.
(f) Based on your lab work, compare Linux OS with Windows OS giving advantages and limitations of each.

(a) Study and explain Open Source software.
(b) List advantages of Open Source software.
(c) What open source software applications are available for Windows?

(a) Prepare a power point presentation of your market survey report.
(b) It must include at least one audio clip and one video clip.
(c) Use suitable and appropriate slide transition.
(d) Include at least one animation.

(a) Prepare a Work Sheet for entry of marks for all subjects of your class.
(b) Protect the worksheet columns in such a manner that the marks for each subject should be editable only by respective teacher by giving his/her password.
(c) Total marks and percentage should get calculated automatically.
(d) Create a graph/chart showing subject wise comparison as under:-

Pass Percentage of students in each subject.
Percentage of students getting 75% or more marks.
Percentage of students getting 60% or more marks but less than 75% marks.

(a) Create two email accounts for yourself on two different email service providers, eg gmail.com and yahoo.com.
(b) Configure outlook express to work with your multiple email accounts created above.
(c) Explain advantage of outlook express. What is its equivalent package in Linux?

(a) Explain advantages of Internet.
(b) What is a broadband connection?
(c) Try and record techniques for using Web Search Engines effectively.

Virus Protection

Linux OS is immune to Windows viruses.
You can install Windows and Linux OSs on the same machine using different partitions.
Use your pen drive through Linux only.
Common virus files can be seen and deleted through Linux.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE STUDENTS

Record of your work in the lab is to be maintained in a file called “Record of Lab Work”.
Experiments may be done in any order. However, change of Experiment Number and its Contents is forbidden.
Record of lab work is required to be:-

(a) Prepared as per format attached.
(b) Hand written.
(c) Written in first person. Eg I installed ……, I did ……, I prepared …., and so on.

When you enter the lab, you must be in possession of:

(a) “Record of Lab Work” file.
(b) Set of Software CDs/DVDs as per requirement.
(c) Blank CDs/DVDs (Preferably Re-Writable (RW)).
(d) Pen Drive.

Each page of the “Record of Lab Work” must be signed by you.
Finally, towards the end of semester, the “Record of Lab Work” must be bound neatly.
Almost all software resources for your requirements are available on the local Linux Web Server at GJIMT. This server is accessible only in GJIMT. Its IP address is 192.168.1.12 or 192.168.2.6. You may access it by typing this IP address in any web browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox etc.
For software keys, motherboard drivers etc, contact your lab supervisor.
One PC is allocated to each student. Please ensure that your PC is always functional.
Username and Password. For all installations, you would use the following:-

(a) Username: student
(b) Password: gjimt

Know the particulars and contact number of students from other classes who use the same system as is yours.
Virus Free System/Pen Drive.

(a) In Windows use Microsoft Security Essentials. This antivirus software can be downloaded free for a legal copy of Windows OS.
(b) You can clean common viruses from your pen drives using Linux OS. It is very simple. Learn the procedure from your lab supervisor/faculty, share with others and keep your system virus free. This is in your own interest.

Conduct in the Lab.

(a) You have limited sessions in the lab. Be present and make full use of your resources, ie Lab and Time.
(b) An activity that leads you towards your goal is correct, continue. An activity that leads you in a direction other than your goal is incorrect, stop it.
(c) Share your knowledge and experience with your colleagues. There are no business secrets in a class.

FORMAT
for

RECORD OF LAB WORK

EXPERIMENT #

Experiment. (Exactly as per list of experiments)

Introduction/Importance of Experiment (Why am I doing this experiment?).
Hardware Requirements (Minimum Essential Hardware Configuration).
Network Requirements.
Software Requirements.
Part (a).

Procedure/Method*.
Activity*.
Observations/Results*.

Part (b).

Procedure/Method*.
Activity*.
Observations/Results*.

Part (c).

What did I gain by doing this experiment?
Difficulties Faced.
Suggested Remedial Measures.
Certificate. Certified that I did this experiment personally and understood all aspects related to the experiment.

* Note: Describe Procedure/Method, Activity and Observations/Results separately for each part of the experiment.

Signatures:

Date:

Roll Number:

Name:

Course and Semester:

Lesson Plan

Peace of Mind - so Simple! Power Point Presentation on IT: Click and Search for WCM MB107

LESSON PLAN

MBA SEMESTER 1^st 2011

Name of the Subject: WORKSHOP ON COMPUTERS FOR MANAGEMENT

Subject Code: MB-107

General

Syllabus of MB-107, WORKSHOP ON COMPUTERS FOR MANAGEMENT (WCM), encompasses two categories:-

Basics of Computers, software and internet - Unit I
Office suite consisting of Word Processing, Presentation software and Spread Sheets:-

Word Processing - Unit II
Presentation software - Unit III
Spread Sheets - Unit IV

Since this subject is to be conducted as a workshop, the classes would be generally conducted in the Lab.
Further, since Word Processing, Presentation software and Spread Sheet programs (Unit II, III and IV) are interlinked as office suite, these have been merged with Unit I and redefined in the form of two parts (integrated):-

Part I would be covered upto Mid Semester Test I (MST I).
Remaining would be covered upto MST II.

Open source software would be dealt with simultaneously.
List of experiments has been prepared separately and forms part of this syllabus.

Syllabus: MB-107, WCM

PUNJAB TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

WORKSHOP ON COMPUTERS FOR MANAGEMENT (MB-107)

Max. Marks: 100

Internal Assessment: 100

Unit I

Introduction to Computers: Block structure of a computer, Components of a computer system.
Introduction to Problem Analysis, Flow Chart and Algorithm.
Introduction to High Level and Low Level Languages.
Software: System s/w, Application s/w.
Basic concepts of operating systems.
Internet access:
- Introduction to www, Internet and intranet
- Creation of E-mail address
- Send & receive messages
- Use of search engines
- Delivering information with Microsoft Mail.
- Use of MS – Outlook/Outlook Express

Unit II

MS-Office (Contemporary version):

Word processing:

MS-Word, word basics, creating a new word document, page-setup, Editing document, cut, copy, paste, paste special, paste as hyperlink.
Different views of document, tool bar customization, formatting text and documents, working with header and footer, footnotes, endnotes, tables and sorting, graphics, mail merge and macros.
Insert page break, column break, section break, paragraph, change cases, borders and shading.
Spelling and grammar checking, Auto correct, Track changes, Inserting, deleting, selecting table, Insert rows and columns, Table auto format, formulas, split table.

Unit III

Power Point:

Basics, working with texts and graphics in Power Point,
Adding animation, sound, pictures and video.
Creating new slide, inserting new slide, background setting, auto layout, apply design templates.
Inserting header and footer, Slide from file, Clip art.
Different view of slide, duplicates, delete slide, slide sorter, Master slide. Animation setting, slide transition, custom show.

Unit IV

MS Excel:

Spreadsheets and their uses in business,
Excel basics, Creating a new worksheet, rearranging worksheets, excel formatting techniques, using functions and working with graphics in excel. Cut, Copy, Paste, Paste special,
Auto fill, Delete Sheet, Clear. Page break preview, Custom View, Header and footer.
Inserting Row, Column, Worksheet, Function, Object, Hyperlink.
Formatting row and column.
Protection, goal seeks scenarios, Customize, option, sort, filter, form, and subtotal.
Validation, table, consolidate, pivot table and chart, get external data.

Text Books:
Sr. Author Title Publisher
1 P.K.Sinha Fundamental of Computers BPB
2 Leon & Leon Internet for Everyone Leon Tech World
3 Curtin, Foley, Sen Information Technology Tata MCGraw Hill
& Martin
4 Ron Masfield MS-Office Tech Publication
5.Download Power Point Presentation here: http://www.scribd.com/home

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Workshop on Computers for Management (WCM) MB-107

Workshop on Computers for Management (WCM) MB-107

Col SC Sood(Retd)

This subject is being taught as part of MBA first semester curriculum in the form of a workshop. The code MB-107 refers to the subject code as specified in Punjab Technical University (PTU) syllabus. Based on the contents listed therein, a tentative list of ten projects/experiments has been drawn up so that the students get the most out of their efforts.

Lab/Project Work

Assembling a PC with its components.
(a) Install Windows XP on a given system. (b) Install Ubuntu (Linux) Desktop Edition within windows.
Market survey of various components of a PC with a suitable configuration to meet general requirements of a company office.
Creating report of above survey in the form of a small booklet in Microsoft Word with Table of Contents and Index.
Preparing presentation of above survey in Power Point.
(a) Mail Merge in Microsoft Office XP. (b) Mail Merge in OpenOffice.org. (c) Comparison of above word processors for mail merge features.
(a) Data entry, formatting and computations using worksheet in Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org and their comparison. (b) Creation of data graphs.
(a) Worksheet protection features in Microsoft Excel and OpenOffice.org spreadsheet. (b) Editing range of cells with passwords. (c) Comparison of features in both.
(a) Creating presentations using Power Point. (b) Inserting images. (c) Inserting audio clips. (d) Inserting Video clips.
(a) Slide transitions. (b) Slide animations. (c) Linking slides in a presentation. (d) Linking external files.

Question Bank: MB-107

List components required to assemble a Desktop PC.
What is a Flow Chart? How is it related to an Algorithm?
Differentiate between High Level and Low Level Languages.
Differentiate between System s/w and Application s/w. Give one example each.
What is an operating system?
Compare Windows XP and Ubuntu (Linux) operating systems.
Differentiate between www and Internet.
Differentiate between Internet and Intranet.
How would you create an email address?
What is the advantage of Outlook Express?

Project No. 1 Assembling a PC with its components.

This project aims at:-

Making the students familiar with the components required to assemble a desktop PC for their home requirements: e.g. Motherboard, Processor with Cooling Fan, RAM (Memory), SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply), Hard Disk, CD/DVD writer, UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply), Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor etc.
Various brands available in the local market for above components.
Comparative study of their features.
Warranty available for each component.
Cost comparison.
Customer Support.
Ultimately the student should be in a position to arrive at logical conclusions based on his/her requirements and above factors.
Students should be able to compare branded and assembled computers.
They should be able to use these deductions for their home requirements as well as requirements of their office/company etc.

Project No. 2

2. (a) Install Windows XP on a given system. (b) Install Ubuntu (Linux) Desktop Edition within windows.

Aim of installing Windows XP is multi-fold.
The student must be aware of the fact that Windows is a series of Operating Systems. It has gone through a series of versions such as Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Server 2000, Windows Millennium Edition(ME), Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and the recent one as of October 2009 is Windows 7.
Firstly, the student must be able to understand that it is essential to install at least one operating system on a PC before we can use it.
Secondly, There are many operating systems available in the market. E.g. Windows, Linux and others. It is important to know as to which Operating System (OS) is prevalent in your area. Accordingly, you would be able to get the support from your local vendors easily.
Thirdly, it must be clear that all operating systems would provide you with the following general facilities:- (a) Format a Hard Disk and other media for writing data/information. (b) Creating files and folders so that you can organise your data storage for easy reference subsequently. (c) Addition and deletion of files including audio and video files.
It is essential that you understand the requirement of of having the motherboard hardware drivers CD readily available with you. After installation of Windows, you would require this CD for installing these drivers, e.g. On board LAN Card drivers, Sound and Video card drivers, Modem Card drivers etc. Without installing these drivers thr above hardware would not function.
Installing Ubuntu (Linux) within Windows follows in subsequent paras.
Advantages of using Linux are still unknown to many people.
Firstly, Linux is also an operating system. It would provide all essential elements/services as provided by Windows XP etc. It is a question of getting acquainted with the new operating system as you do for new version of Windows e.g. Windows Vista, Windows 7 etc.
For doing specific computational tasks, we install various application softwares after installing an Operating System, e.g. Microsoft Office for Word processing, Power Point for presentations and Excel for spread sheet computations. On Linux you have OpenOffice.Org suit.
Secondly, while you pay license fee for Windows operating system, Linux operating System, in general, is free of charge. You can send your request to Ubuntu on their website and you would get free Ubuntu(Linux) software CD. You can search for ubuntu on Google. Free CD, free packing, free operating system, home delivery! Wonderful. Hats off to Canonical group and the Ubuntu community.
This operating system is fully based on Graphics User Interface(GUI) which means absolutely all action by mouse clicks like you do in Windows.
On Windows operating System, you have to pay and buy almost all application software e.g. Microsoft Office, Corel or Photoshop for graphics applications etc, in Linux you get all these applications free of charge.
All updates for operating system as well as application packages are also free of cost and you can download them from the internet.
If you have Windows XP etc. installed on your, you can install Ubuntu (Linux) by just inserting the Ubuntu desktop CD in your drive.
It would just ask you three things:- (a) On which drive do you wish to install Ubuntu. (b) What size of hard disk in GB would you like Linux to use for Ubuntu, (c) Your username and password.
You do not have to do any hard disk partitioning etc.
If you do not like Ubuntu, you would be able to uninstall it without causing any damage to your Windows Operating System. You can try many times till you feel comfortable.
Files created in Microsoft Word, power point and Excel can be read, edited, and saved, in OpenOffice.org. You only have to ensure saving in the same format as that of Microsoft Office files.
Virus and Antivirus. The best of all - Linux is much more immune to viruses as compared to Windows. In general, no viruses, no antiviruses.
System going Slow. Practically, for an ordinary user, no virus, no antivirus means no question of your system running slow on account of virus and antivirus.
Command line facility gives you choice of running many of the infinite Unix like command for getting the most.

Project No. 3

3. Market survey of various components of a PC with a suitable configuration to meet general requirements of a company office.

Before we do market survey for buying PC components, it is essential to understand the underlying parameters for the same. The configuration would be based on certain parameters. These parameters are given in next para.
Parameters. (a) Operating system to be used in the company. E.g. Windows, Linux, Unix etc. with specific version of the same. (b) Applications to be run on the system. E.g. Office suit (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org), Corel or Photoshop or GIMP image editor (for Linux) and any other specific applications like CAD/CAM, Desktop Publishing (DTP), computer languages etc. (c) Space limitations. E.g. Desktop occupies more space, as compared to laptop, palmtop etc. LCD monitors occupy less space as compared to CRT monitors. (d) Power limitations etc. Desktos PCs and CRT monitors consume more power as compared to laptop and LCD monitors (d) Network plan (e) Nature of power cuts: short/long. Desktops need uninterrupted power supply (UPS) of a much higher rating. They occupy extra space as well. Laptops have inbuilt power supplies.and they also give extended backup time. (f) Warranty on specific items. E.g. Some hard may carry replacement warranty upto five years. Some RAM manufacturers may extend warranty upto five years. (g) Local support for repairs/warranty. Support is easily available for popular items. (h) Future plans of the company. Electronic items as well as software get outdated very fast. This aspect needs due consideration. (j) Whether the equipment is to be bought for short term or long term requirements. For long term requirements, the company may plan slightly newer version with a reasonable balance with cost. (k) Budget constraints. Budget constraints influence the purchases to a great extent.

(More to follow ....)