Suggested Hardware Configuration for Schools
At the advent of the 21st century, schools are devoting more and more financial and human resources to the task of incorporating technology in the education system. This is becoming critical with technical skills becoming a must for success in the future economy, and the increasing number of success stories which are evidence that if technology is incorporated wisely, it can improve student learning and performance.
But when schools invest in technology, what are the factors they usually consider? The cost of the computers they plan to buy? The cost of software? The cost of peripherals and networking?
Chances are, most schools plan their technology budgets based only on the hardware, software and peripherals costs, as these are the visible costs. What tend to be overlooked are the many other long term expenses that a school will need to incur down the road to use the technology in the most effective manner. The hardware and software costs are unfortunately only a small part of the total expenses, or, as commonly referred to in the business world, just the tip of the iceberg.
Most schools do not realize this at the planning stage and the result is that they end up with computers, but without adequate resources to use them effectively. Lack of planning and adequate resources result in sub optimal usage of the technology and schools not getting the full benefit of their investment.
For a better understanding of the cost implications of an effective technology plan, schools would do well to borrow the concept of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) from the commercial world. TCO includes not just the purchase costs, but all the long-term costs involved in operating networks and computers across the years. Businesses around the world have adopted the TCO model to control costs and make smarter choices as they implement their long-term technology plans.
Suggested Hardware Configuration for Schools
PERFORMANCE DESKTOP-1
Processor : 1.7 GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 processor
Motherboard : Intel® D 850 Chipset Motherboard
Memory : 64 MB RDRAM
Floppy Drive : 1.44 MB
Hard Disk : 40 GB HDD
CD-ROM : 52x CD-ROM drive with speakers and microphone
Monitor : 15" Digital colour monitor
Bundled Software : Windows* Me, Anti Virus and Internet Browser
Desktop Price : Systems based on the above configuration are available around Rs 50,000#
Processor : 1.5 GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 processor Motherboard : Intel® 845e Chipset Motherboard
Memory : 128 MB SDRAM
Floppy Drive : 1.44 MB
Hard Disk : 20 GB HDD
CD-ROM : 52x CD-ROM drive with speakers and microphone
Monitor : 14" Digital colour monitor
Bundled Software : Windows* 98 SE, Anti Virus and Internet Browser
Desktop Price : Systems based on the above configuration are available around Rs 38,000#
Processor : 900 MHz Intel® Celeron™ processor
Motherboard : Intel® 810 Chipset Motherboard
Memory : 64 MB SDRAM
Floppy Drive : 1.44 MB
Hard Disk : 20 GB HDD
CD-ROM : 52x CD-ROM drive with speakers and microphone
Monitor : 14" Digital colour monitor
Bundled Software : Windows* 98 SE, Anti Virus and Internet Browser
Desktop Price : Systems based on the above configuration are available around Rs
30,000#
# These prices are indicative, and do not take into account duties and taxes. Please check with your vendors for the final price details.
* Other name and brands may be claimed as the property of others.