Upgrading existing computers

Purpose Of This Module

Learning Objectives ---- What do we hope to accomplish here?

You will study the alternatives of modifying or replacing computer systems and peripherals.

You will learn the factors involved in upgrading: cost, time, expertise, real needs, testing time, and the probability of the upgrade working.

BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
To update or to replace is not always an easy question. Time, money, convenience and real needs have to be considered.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Given several specific computer configurations, how would you decide whether to upgrade and what to do to them.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Are your recommendations cost effective and appropriate?
2. In evaluating your recommendations on each computer update I won't question the recommendation as long as it is justified by your analysis.

In each case you should have considered the bottom line cost, the time involved, and the real needs and convenience of the users. 

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The completion report processor is Under construction

Background & Discussion ------ Some help in getting started. Why is this important?

Too often, updates are made for the wrong reasons. The normal process is to replace the entire computer when needs change. The old computer is then surplussed or passed on to someone with more simple needs. But if just changing out a motherboard or putting a SCSI controller to handle a new hard disk and CDROM could be much more cost effective than just throwing the old computer out if it still can do the job.

If you are just considering one computer, the time it will take to verify the configuration, select and purchase the replacement parts, install them and check the system out may not be cost effective. On the other hand, if you have a lab with 60 computers that have become obsolete, the cost of upgrading may be less than purchasing new machines.

You should always ask why the computers need to be replaced. Do they not run new software? Are they too slow? Is it an ego thing? --- "I have to have the latest, best computer or I don't feel fulfilled." Generally, you should do a cost-benefits study to select the best course of action.

If the upgrade is considered because of an emergency and has to be done fast, by definition, it will probably not be cost-effective. You should keep up with the industry and know about what things cost, just to be ready for such emergencies. Quick decisions are often wrong.

If you upgrade someone's computer and make it non-standard, it may make your maintenance problem more difficult. Try to stick to some kind of standard that minimizes ongoing costs. 

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Exercise Description -------- Procedures for completing this exercise

1. A 486 133 with 2 M RAM and an 80 M Hard drive (MFM) and no CDROM drive. The user has been running Word Perfect 5.1 and Lotus but wants to upgrade to the latest MS Word for Windows and Excel. The user also wants access to encyclopedia and to certain vertical market Stock market history CD ROMS.
2. A P2-233 with 64 M RAM and a 1 Gig Hard Drive and a 14 inch SVGA monitor. The user uses MS Access and Word almost exclusively for financial management. He uses Power Point to make up presentations. The user wants to upgrade to a Pentium 3 500 with Windows NT workstation and wants a much bigger  monitor.
3. In a non-networked office, two employees want to get on the Internet for scientific research and E-Mail. One has a Cyrix 433 (32 M RAM, 1.1 G HD), the other has a MAC Performa (32 M RAM, 2 Gig HD). The Cyrix has a 2400 Baud Modem, the Mac has no modem. The boss says it is OK as long as it isn't too expensive but wants to know exactly how much it will cost up front and how much per month.
4. In a non-networked office each of 2 Windows 98 computers now has a dot matrix printer. When the employees need a letter quality print they take it to the third computer which has a HP color ink-jet printer. When they do that it irritates the user of the third computer. The HP has just gone dead. The print cartridge is worn out and the page feeder doesn't work. The repair shop says it will be three weeks before it is repaired. You are asked to make a proposal for a quick purchase that will make a laser printer available to all three users without forcing one off the machine when someone wants a print. We estimate that the office will print about 500 pages per day on a laser printer. Can you justify the printer and associated hardware by time saved and convenience? Each employees costs the company $27 per hour.
5. A mini-tower P500 with a 250 Watt power supply. It has 64 M RAM . We recently replaced the hard drive and card with a 12G IDE. It has a 14 inch  SVGA monitor and 16 bit video card.
6. Assume that you are responsible for upgrading 50 computers to 64 Meg of RAM. Half have 16 Meg , half have 24Meg . Estimate the cost for the upgrade in parts cost and in technician time. List the parts you would have to purchase.

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