IT Hardware and More
1) Workstations, standalone personal computers and desktop
Networks usually require users to occupy workstations. So, in terms of networking, a workstation may refer to a computer that is fundamentally connected to a LAN (local area network. These computers may run on different applications like Word and Excel. This workstation is usually a single-user system.
Workstations, however, continues to evolve, and the line that separates a workstation from a personal computer becomes blurry. This is specifically the case when the business considers the computing power of the workstations. High end computers are now considered low end workstations. On the other hand, high end workstations may be referred to as minicomputers.
Most workstations today are equipped with high resolution screen, graphical user interface and built-in network support. There are workstations that are equipped with mass storage device and there are diskless workstations as well. Evidently, a high end workstation can function as standalone computer system.
Having said all of this, the need for workstations or personal computers will depend on the extent and complexity of the operation. If the business can operate using general-use computer then it may only need a few personal or desktop computers. However, when the business has higher technical requirements, more elaborate and comprehensive workstations will be needed.
2) Laptops, notebooks and PDAs
Workstations may be also mobile. This is where the use of laptops, notebooks and PDAs becomes indispensable. When the business operates on multiple locations, the business might have to distribute equipments needed to accomplish the mobile objectives of the business. Laptops, notebooks and PDAs work like minicomputers. The difference is that these devices are highly portable (hence the term €ultraportable'). Needless to say, they have all the functionalities that an employee may need to perform the job.
However, there are basic differences to the three. Laptop computers are designed to resemble a desktop hence you may find the same functions, features and options that you will find in a desktop computer. This is the reason why laptops have more qualities and features than a notebook computer. On the other end, this is also the reason why notebook computers are more lightweight than laptop computers.
PDA stands for personal digital assistant. Some people referred to the device as pocket or handheld computer. Aside from the computing features, PDAs also have a mobile phone features. The goodness of using PDAs is that it has many features that can rival that of both laptop and notebook computers.
Depending on the expected and desired performance and productivity of the entire workforce, a business may choose either one of these devices or the combination of these devices. If the staff frequently visits customers, suppliers and other contacts, any of these communication tools will do. There will be the possibility of minimizing downtimes and increasing the ability to respond to inquiries immediately. Also, it would be best to conduct an informal survey of the people's technological preference.
Networks usually require users to occupy workstations. So, in terms of networking, a workstation may refer to a computer that is fundamentally connected to a LAN (local area network. These computers may run on different applications like Word and Excel. This workstation is usually a single-user system.
Workstations, however, continues to evolve, and the line that separates a workstation from a personal computer becomes blurry. This is specifically the case when the business considers the computing power of the workstations. High end computers are now considered low end workstations. On the other hand, high end workstations may be referred to as minicomputers.
Most workstations today are equipped with high resolution screen, graphical user interface and built-in network support. There are workstations that are equipped with mass storage device and there are diskless workstations as well. Evidently, a high end workstation can function as standalone computer system.
Having said all of this, the need for workstations or personal computers will depend on the extent and complexity of the operation. If the business can operate using general-use computer then it may only need a few personal or desktop computers. However, when the business has higher technical requirements, more elaborate and comprehensive workstations will be needed.
2) Laptops, notebooks and PDAs
Workstations may be also mobile. This is where the use of laptops, notebooks and PDAs becomes indispensable. When the business operates on multiple locations, the business might have to distribute equipments needed to accomplish the mobile objectives of the business. Laptops, notebooks and PDAs work like minicomputers. The difference is that these devices are highly portable (hence the term €ultraportable'). Needless to say, they have all the functionalities that an employee may need to perform the job.
However, there are basic differences to the three. Laptop computers are designed to resemble a desktop hence you may find the same functions, features and options that you will find in a desktop computer. This is the reason why laptops have more qualities and features than a notebook computer. On the other end, this is also the reason why notebook computers are more lightweight than laptop computers.
PDA stands for personal digital assistant. Some people referred to the device as pocket or handheld computer. Aside from the computing features, PDAs also have a mobile phone features. The goodness of using PDAs is that it has many features that can rival that of both laptop and notebook computers.
Depending on the expected and desired performance and productivity of the entire workforce, a business may choose either one of these devices or the combination of these devices. If the staff frequently visits customers, suppliers and other contacts, any of these communication tools will do. There will be the possibility of minimizing downtimes and increasing the ability to respond to inquiries immediately. Also, it would be best to conduct an informal survey of the people's technological preference.
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