• Ethiopian TVET-System

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• SUPPORT SERVICE
• Level I
• LEARNING GUIDE # 1 
• Unit of Competence : Connect Hardware Peripherals
• Module Title : Connecting Hardware Peripherals
LG Code : ICT ITS1 L01 01
• TTLM Code : ICT ITS1 TTLM 0511
  
LO 1: Confirm Requirements of Clients 

Definitions of computer
• Device driver
peripherals
• It is a small program that tells the
• External or tangible devices which
are attached to the external part of computer how to communicate
the computer. with input/output (peripheral)
devices. Every peripheral device
• Any device connected internally or
needs device driver to
externally to a computer and used
in the transfer of data. communicate with the computer
system.
• Any input, output or storage
device connected externally or • Computer peripherals were
internally to the computer's CPU, grouped into several categories:
such as - monitor, keyboard, Those are:-
printer, disk, tape, graphics tablet, • Input Devices,
scanner, joy stick, paddle or • Output Devices,
mouse. • Processors & Storage Devices.
 Input device
What is input device? • Keyboard - The computer key board
• Input device - is a device that’s been used as a is used to input or enter letters,
means of input. It is any peripheral  (piece of 
computer hardware equipment) used to provide numbers, symbols, punctuations
data and control signals to an and commands into the computer.
information processing system such as a  The standard keyboard layout is
computer or other information appliance.
sometimes called QWERTY layout
• The common input devices are keyboard, mouse
& scanner.   and it is the most common layout.
• is a device that’s been used as a means of input. • How keyboard works - The keys
It is any peripheral  (piece of computer hardware are arranged in rows and columns.
 equipment) used to provide data and control
signals to an information processing system such When a key is pressed, a unique
as a computer or other information appliance. row-and-column signal is generated
• The common input devices are keyboard, and sent to the keyboard interface
mouse & scanner. IC on the keyboard.
•   •  
 mouse
• Mouse or a pointing • Types of mouse 
-mechanical mouse
device is any human - optical mouse
interface device that • The mechanical mouse consists of a
allows a user to input ball that rolls one of two wheels inside
the mouse. This wheel contains a
spatial data to a circle of holes or notches that allow a 
computer. In the case of LED light to be shined through and
mice and touch screens, detected by a sensor, as each wheel
spins they represent the X or Y axis for
this is usually achieved the mouse pointer. This mouse is
by detecting movement much more accurate than the
traditional mechanical mouse that
across a physical surface. used only wheels and rollers, however
is not as good as an optical mouse.
 mouse
• Optical mouse - Computer mouse • New Optical Mice no longer
 that utilizes light-emitting diodes (
LED) or laser as a method of have the disadvantages of
tracking movement. These mice are earlier mice and are capable
more proficient than other
computer mice. If the mouse has no
of being utilized on any
ball or has a light emitting from the surface. In comparison to
bottom it's most likely an optical the traditional Optical-
mouse. This mouse is much more
accurate than the ordinary optical Mechanical mouse, the
mechanical mouse that relies on the Optical is a much better
traction between the mouse ball
and the rollers. One drawback to an solution for a computer
optical mouse is they can have mouse.
problems in bright lights.
 Scanner

• Other input devices 

Scanner is a device that can
• Input devices, such as buttons and
scan or digitize images on joysticks, can be combined on a single
paper and convert them physical device that could be thought of
as a composite device. Many gaming
to data that the  devices have controllers like this.
Technically mice are composite devices,
computer can use. They as they both track movement and
can then be stored in a provide buttons for clicking, but
composite devices are generally
file, displayed on the considered to have more than two
screen, added to different forms of input.
• Game controller
documents, or
• Gamepad (or joy pad)
manipulated. • Paddle (game controller)
• Wii Remote or in the sticks
 Output device
• Speakers • Screen (Monitor)
• A monitor or display (sometimes called
• The computer speakers a visual display unit) is an 
electronic visual display for computers. The
typically packaged with monitor comprises the display device,
circuitry, and an enclosed space. The display
computer systems are device in modern monitors is typically a 
thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-
small, plastic, and have LCD) thin board, while older monitors use a
mediocre sound quality. cathode ray tube about as deep as the screen
size.
Some computer speakers • The first computer monitors used 
have equalization Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which was the
dominant technology until they were replaced
features such as bass and by LCD monitors in the 21st Century.
• Originally computer monitors were used for 
treble controls. data processing while television receivers
 were used for entertainment or activity.
• Printer • Headphones are a pair
• In computing, a printer is a 
of small loudspeakers, 
peripheral which produces a
text /or graphics of documents radio, CD player or 
stored in electronic form, portable media player.
usually on physical print media both are also known
such as paper or transparencies.
Many printers are primarily
as output device
used as local peripherals, and &input device. The in-
are attached by a printer cable ear versions are known
 or, in most newer printers, a 
USB cable to a computer which
as ear phones.
serves as a document source
• The Processor • On large machines, CPUs require one or more
• The Processor or the central printed circuit boards. On personal computers
processing unit (CPU) is the portion of and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a
single chip called a microprocessor. Since the
a computer system that carries out the 
1970s the microprocessor class of CPUs has
instructions of a computer program, to almost completely overtaken all other CPU
perform the basic arithmetical, logical, implementations.
and input/output operations of the • Modern CPUs are large scale 
system. The CPU plays a role somewhat integrated circuits in small, rectangular
analogous to the brain in the computer. packages, with multiple connecting pins.
The term has been in use in the • Two typical components of a CPU are the
computer industry at least since the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs
early 1960s.  The form, design and arithmetic and logical operations, and the
implementation of CPUs have changed control unit (CU), which extracts instructions
dramatically since the earliest from memory and decodes and executes
examples, but their fundamental them, calling on the ALU when necessary.
operation remains much the same. • Example of Processors are: Pentium 4, Core,
Dual Core i3, Core i5, Corei7
 Storage device
• Secondary Storage – Secondary storage (also
 
known as external memory or auxiliary storage),
• The Storage devices
differs from primary storage in that it is not
• Computer data storage, often directly accessible by the CPU. The computer
called storage or memory, refers to  computer  usually uses its input/output channels to access
components and recording media that retain secondary storage and transfers the desired data
digital data. Data storage is one of the core using intermediate area in primary storage.
functions and fundamental components of Secondary storage does not lose the data when
computers. the device is powered down—it is non-volatile.
• There are 3 types of storage devices: Examples of a secondary storage device are
–Primary Storage – is also known as the main Internal Hard drive, external Hard Drive, Flash
memory or a temporary storage device. It is Disk, CD/DVD, Floppy disk, Memory card.
fast in nature but can accommodate • Tertiary Storage - Tertiary storage or tertiary
( lode)only few data. Data that has been memory, provides a third level of storage.
stored in memory flushes off when you Typically it involves a robotic mechanism which
restart your computer, thus called temporary will mount (insert) and dismount removable mass
storage device. storage media into a storage device according to
• It is the only one directly accessible to the CPU. the system's demands; this data is often copied to
The CPU continuously reads instructions stored secondary storage before use.
there and executes them as required. Any data
actively operated on is also stored there in
uniform way.
•

Connectivity devices   •There exist several types of ports like serial

port, parallel port, USB port, AGP port,
•The majority of external power supply port.  
peripheral devices connect to •As the name suggests, the serial port
the back of the computer’s transfers data serially a bit at a time. As a
result, the serial port needs only wire to
system unit with cables. The
transmit 8 bits. The disadvantage is that it
computer’s system unit has a takes 8 times longer to transmit a byte.
variety of ports available for use Also, it is necessary to send a start bit
by different peripheral device before each byte of data, a stop bit after
the byte to mark the end of byte and a
cables. A port is a socket that is
parity bit to help check the integrity of
used to connect the cables from data. Serial ports come in the form of 9-pin
peripheral devices to the or 25-pin male connector. Serial ports are
computer.  often known as communication ports or
RS232C ports. They are typically used to
•Computer connectivity devices connect devices like old mouse and
were grouped into several modem.
categories: 
•Parallel ports can send or receive a byte •The AGP (Accelerated Graphics
(8-bit) at a time. Unlike the serial port,
Port) port is used to connect to
these 8-bits are transmitted parallel to
each other. Parallel ports come in the graphic card that provides high-
form of 25-pin female connector. Parallel speed video performance typically
ports are popularly used to connect required in games and other
printer, scanner, CD writer, zip drive, multimedia applications.
external hard disk drive, tape backup •Alternatively referred to as
drive, etc.  an Ethernet port, the LAN port is a
•To spare the user botheration of 8-pin, port connection that allows a
25-pin, male, female connectors, the
computer to connect to a network
USB has been designed. It gives you a
using a wired connection. In the
single, standardized, easy-to-use way to
connect up to 127 devices to a computer. picture to the right, is a close up
These devices include printers, scanners, example of what a LAN port looks
mice, joystick, digital camera, web like for a network cable using an RJ-
cameras, speakers, telephones, zip 45 connector. In the case of this
drives, network connections, scientific example, the two led lights will blink
data acquisition devices, etc. when that port is active and
receiving activity.
• The PS/2 connector is a 6-pin  • A power supply is a device that
Mini-DIN connector used for supplies electrical energy to one or
more electric loads. The term is
connecting some  keyboards 
most commonly applied to devices
and mice to a PC compatible that convert one form of electrical
 computer system.  The PS/2 energy to another, though it may
designs on keyboard and mouse also refer to devices that convert
interfaces are electrically similar another form of energy (e.g.,
and employ the same mechanical, chemical, solar) to
electrical energy. A 
communication protocol.
regulated power supply is one that
However, a given system's controls the output voltage or
keyboard and mouse port may current to a specific value; the
not be interchangeable since the controlled value is held nearly
two devices use a different set constant despite variations in either
of commands. Today this load current or the voltage supplied
connector has all but been by the power supply's energy
source.
replaced by USB
• A Video Graphics Array • Terminals 
• A computer terminal is an electronic or
 (VGA) connector is a electromechanical hardware device that
three-row 15-pin DE-15 is used for entering data into, and
displaying data from, a computer or a 
 connector. The 15-pin computing system.
VGA connector is found • The function of a terminal is confined to
on many video cards, display and input of data; a device with
significant local programmable data
computer monitors, and processing capability may be called a
some high definition "smart terminal" or fat client. A terminal
that depends on the host computer for
televisionsets. On laptop its processing power is called a 
computers or other small dumb terminal or thin client. A personal
devices, a mini-VGA port computer can run software that 
emulates the function of a terminal,
is sometimes used in sometimes allowing concurrent use of
place of the full-sized local programs and access to a
distant terminal host system. 
VGA connector.
• Connectors • PRINTER CABLE - This is a 25-pin
• CAT5 NETWORK CABLE - This cable allows
"D" shaped connector that
the computer to communicate to other
computers over a network. It also provides connect printers to the parallel
networked computers access to the port on a computer. (Newer
Internet  printers may connect with a USB
• MONITOR CABLE - This cable is usually
permanently connected to a monitor. Small
plug.) 
screws hold the cable in place  • PS2 CABLE - On most computers
• USB CABLE - Most PC's now have these fast these days, this connection is
and versatile ports on the front and back.
They can be used for portable storage
used for both the Mouse and the
devices, digital cameras, scanners, video keyboard. This plug has 6 pins-
cameras, printers, keyboards and mice - just •  VGA CABLE – This is use to
about everything! 
• POWER CORD - This is a standard "kettle
connect the monitor to the VGA
cord" that connects the computer to the AC port.
outlet on the wall and the power supply of •  AUDIO CABLE – This is use to
the computer. This MUST be unplugged if
you are ever doing any maintenance work connect the speaker to the
inside the computer. Audio port.
 Ethiopian TVET-System 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORT SERVICE
Level I
LEARNING GUIDE # 2 
Unit of Competence : Connect Hardware
Peripherals
Module Title : Obtain Required Peripherals
LG Code: ICT ITS1 L01 01
TTLM Code : ICT ITS1 TTLM 0511
 Confirm Client Requirements
• System development life cycle • Planning
• To determine appropriate hardware • This stage involves identifying the
peripheral devices needed within an client’s current technology and
organization, it is important to clearly taking into account any limitations.
understand what your client needs. Often During the planning phase it is
clients don’t have a clear idea of what necessary to find out information
they want until they have been presented
including:
with a series of options. Working out
clients’ needs requires careful planning • system specifications
and organisation. • connections available
• The system development life cycle is a • budget constraints
methodology that computer consultants • available timeframe
often follow to help them properly
• availability of physical space.
consider the client’s information
technology needs. The first three stages A feasibility study can be performed to
of the system development life cycle are: provide a preliminary report to the
• 1. planning client about benefits, costs and impact
• 2. analysing to the organisation. Additionally, a
project request form allows a client to
• 3. designing.
document their initial request.
• System specifications
• It is important to find out the • Computer peripherals
specifications of the computer system requirement considerations
you are planning to connect the
peripheral device to. Many newer
• Desktop hardware, such as a
types of peripheral devices require a desktop computer itself, is the
specific amount of memory, CPU most common type of IT
speed, hard disk space, and may only
hardware purchased by a small
be compatible with certain operating
systems. business. The cost of hardware
• You also need to be aware of the depends on its specification,
peripheral’s system requirements. which in turn is determined by
• The manual for the peripheral device some key components. When
as well as the manufacturer’s website
will help you determine the minimum you buy desktop hardware,
system specifications. you will need to decide what
the specification of these key
components should be.
•The processor is the driver of the
• The processor is the driver of the computer.
computer. Processors are usually Processors are usually differentiated by speed,
differentiated by speed, measured in measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz,
gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, the the faster the computer will run. You should buy
faster the computer will run. You should the fastest processor you can afford, but a 3 GHz
buy the fastest processor you can afford, processor will normally be enough for most
business functions, e.g. word processing and
but a 3 GHz processor will normally be spreadsheets, together with some multimedia.
enough for most business functions, e.g. • Memory is used by the processor to run
word processing and spreadsheets, programs. Generally, the more random access
together with some multimedia. memory (RAM) you have, the better your
•Memory is used by the processor to run computer will run when using several programs at
once. Your computer should have enough
programs. Generally, the more random
memory to make the most of the processor
access memory (RAM) you have, the speed. For a 3 GHz processor, for example, you
better your computer will run when using should have around 2-3 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
several programs at once. Your computer • The hard disk is used to store the data you create
should have enough memory to make the in your business, as well as the programs you use.
most of the processor speed. For a 3 GHz Its capacity is much greater than the RAM. An
processor, for example, you should have office computer with a 3 GHz processor should
have at least 200 GB of hard disk space, but if you
around 2-3 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
intend to use a single desktop PC as the main
storage location for all your business data, you will
need at least 500 GB.
• External plug-ins, such as rewritable DVD, • Display adapter
DVD-Read Only Memory (ROM), or CD- • Software requiring a better than
RW (rewritable) drives can be used to average computer graphics display,
supplement your computer's memory. like graphics editors and high-end 
• The monitor is the computer's display games, often define high-end 
screen. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or flat display adapters in the system
screen monitors offer reduced bulk and requirements. 
lower power consumption, relative to • Software requirements
cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. • Software Requirements deal with
Monitors are normally measured defining software resource
diagonally in inches - typically 19, 22 or requirements and pre-requisites that
24. Larger or wide-screen monitors allow need to be installed on a computer to
you to compare two documents on- provide optimal functioning of an
screen. Many monitors have an aspect application. These requirements or
ratio - the proportion of image width to pre-requisites are generally not
height - of 16:10, although screens with a included in the software installation
16:9 ratio are becoming more widely package and need to be installed
available and offer higher resolution. separately before the software is
•   installed.
• . Platform • For example, most software
• In computing, a platform describes
designed for 
some sort of framework, either in 
hardware or software, which allows Microsoft Windows XP does
software to run. Typical platforms not run on 
include a computer's architecture,  Microsoft Windows 98,
operating system, or 
programming languages and their  although the converse is not
run time libraries. always true. Similarly,
• Operating system is one of the first software designed using
requirements mentioned when
defining system requirements
newer features of Linux 
(software). Software may not be Kernel v2.6 generally does not
compatible with different versions of run or compile properly (or at
same line of operating systems,
all) on Linux distributions
although some measure of backward
compatibility is often maintained. using Kernel v2.2 or v2.4.
• . APIs and drivers • Other requirements
• Software making extensive use of • Some software also has other requirements
special hardware devices, like high-end  for proper performance. 
display adapters, needs special API or Internet connection (type and speed) and 
resolution of the display screen are notable
newer device drivers. A good example
examples.
is DirectX, which is a collection of APIs
• Examples
for handling tasks related to
• Following are a few examples of system
multimedia, especially game
requirement definitions for popular 
programming, on Microsoft platforms. PC games and trend of ever increasing
• 3. Web browser resource needs:
• Most web applications and software • For instance, while StarCraft (1998)
depending heavily on  needed:
Internet technologies make use of the • Windows 95 or NT or superior
default browser installed on system.  • Pentium processor at 90 MHz or higher
Microsoft Internet Explorer is a frequent • 16 MB RAM
choice of software running on Microsoft • 80 MB available in the hard disk
Windows, which makes use of ActiveX • CD-ROM, 2x or higher
 controls, despite their vulnerabilities. • DirectX 3.0 or higher
• Spider-Man (2002) needed: • 2.2 GB free hard disk space
• 3D Hardware Accelerator • DirectX 9.0b compatible 16-bit 
• sound card
Windows 98/2000/NT/XP
• DirectX 9.0b 
• Pentium III processor at 500 MHz or
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2009)
higher
needed:
• 128 MB RAM • 3D Hardware Accelerator - 256MB of
• 1.5 GB available in the hard disk memory minimum
• DirectX 8.1 Doom 3 (2004) needed: • Windows Windows XP SP3, Windows
• 3D Hardware Accelerator - 64MB of Vista SP2, Windows 7
memory minimum • Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2 at 2.4 GHz
• Windows 2000/XP • 2 GB RAM RAM
• Pentium 4 1.5 GHz or Athlon XP • 8x Speed DVD-ROM
 1500+ processor or higher • 23.8 GB + 1 GB Swap File hard disk space
• 384 MB RAM • DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
• 8x Speed CD-ROM • DirectX 9.0c compatible video card.
• As a cost-saving consideration, for a small • Hardware Requirements for Windows 7
enterprise, getting the exact client system
specifications would be a good consideration • If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC,
but for a big enterprise, getting the high end here's what it takes:
hardware would be of great choice.   • 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 
• Considering the future hardware trend would 64-bit (x64) processor
also be a deciding factor. If the price of a • 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-
specific peripheral remains the same for a bit)
long period of time, you could consider buying • 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20
a high end one since over time the price GB (64-bit)
remains the same while you get a higher • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or
hardware performance. Otherwise, choose a higher driver
medium range peripherals or just exactly what • Hardware Requirements for Windows XP
your organization need since for a short Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
period of time the price lowers so you could • These are the minimum requirements for basic
have an opportunity of upgrading it to a high functionality. Actual requirements vary,
end one in the future at a low cost.   depending on the system configuration and the
• Another factor is what operating system are programs and features that you choose to
you going to use? Below are the hardware install. If you are installing Windows XP over a
requirements for installing Windows XP and network, you may need additional available
Windows 7: hard-disk space.
 •After you have determine your organization
• The minimum hardware requirements needs, you can now start documenting your
for Windows XP Home Edition are: hardware needs, to help you decide on the
• Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) specifications, canvassing would be a great
processor or faster (300 MHz is idea. There were several sites in the net
recommended) where you can browse and compare the
• At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM price of the different medium range to high
(128 MB is recommended) end computer peripherals. One by one you
• can list down the hardware specs for your
At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available
client. The list below will help you in
space on the hard disk
documenting your chosen hardware:
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive • 
• Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or • Processor
some other compatible pointing device
• RAM or Memory
• Video adapter and monitor with Super
• Hard Disk size
VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
• Video Card
• Sound card
• Lan Card
• Speakers or headphones
• DVD drive
•   • Sound Card
• Mouse
• Keyboard Monitor
• One deciding factor to consider in • Budget constraints
buying computer peripherals is the
• While planning the connection of
warranty and after sales support service.
A cheaper price would vary greatly on the hardware peripheral devices, it is
performance, durability and warranty. important to be aware of the
Mostly, the cheaper it gets, the less client’s available budget. A client
durable and less warranty you could needs to determine whether the
expect. Oftentimes, the good warranty benefits that will be gained from
and after sales service they provide, the
better the quality of the products they
the peripheral device justify the
have. Do not risk buying the cheaper one financial outlay. Factors including
if you’re not sure of the quality. the organisation’s size, the
  necessity of the peripheral device
• After you have finalized your hardware to the organisation, number of
specifications, you can now forward it to people requiring the device, will all
the right person for budget considerations contribute to the organisation’s
and finally for procurement. allocation of a budget. Costs will
sometimes prohibit an organisation
from proceeding with the purchase
of equipment.
• Another cost to consider is ongoing • Physical space restrictions
maintenance. A laser printer, for • Before considering acquiring any
example, may initially be more peripheral device, planning needs to be
expensive to purchase than an inkjet done to work out where and how the
peripheral will reside. The following
printer. However when you consider
questions need to be considered:
that some inkjet cartridges can cost
• What physical space is available to
nearly as much as an inkjet printer, it
accommodate the device?
may be more practical to choose a
• Are power points in a near proximity if
laser printer, where toner costs are the device needs them?
more reasonable. • If a peripheral does not have access to a
• Available timeframe suitable power source, problems may
• The time available to complete a task occur including the overloading of power
also needs to be considered when boards and power leads causing
identifying client requirements. If, dangerous obstructions to users of the
equipment.
for example, a peripheral device is
• Will the installation of the device mean
needed urgently, it will be necessary
other equipment needs to be relocated?
to quickly find out which suppliers
• Could the device cause disruption or
can immediately provide the impact on the safety of users?
peripheral equipment.
• Feasibility study • A feasibility study can also reveal that
• A feasibility study can be carried out to a client’s peripheral requirements are
show the client benefits, approximate not achievable. The requirements
costs of the new equipment and the may exceed budget, or the requested
impact on the organisation. Several peripheral devices may not be
hardware devices can also be compatible with the current
recommended to the client. The aim of computer system. The results of a
the feasibility study is to recognise the feasibility study can determine
whether or not an organisation
best solution under the circumstances
proceeds with the purchase and
by identifying the effects of this
installation of the peripheral devices.
solution on the organisation.
• Project request form
• After undertaking a feasibility study, it
• An initial request for hardware
may be discovered that a simple
peripheral devices can be
solution is possible. Take the example
documented using a project request
of an organisation that would like to
form. This form documents
update their monitors so that they can
information from both the client and
have better screen resolution.
the computer consultant in order to
Changing the monitors’ internal
document preliminary requirements.
settings could be a very simple solution
to obtain an improved resolution.
 Typical information requested on a project request
form includes:

• project title • Sample project request form

• Request date: 
• date received • Required completion date:
 
• completion date • Request information:
• project number • First name: Last name:
• description of problem Department or division: Telephone:
• objectives Email:
• anticipated benefits
• Project title:
• person requesting
• constraints. • Project information:
 Analyzing • Interviews, questionnaires,
• In the analysis phase, the client’s checklists and observations are
some methods that consultants use
requirements are investigated in
to gather information. If a device is
more depth. It is important to
to be used by a large group of
try to gain as much information users, a questionnaire or checklist
from the client as possible, in could be constructed to find out
order to obtain an accurate what features are required by the
understanding of the situation. majority of users. Interviewing
Detailed client requirements, users can provide a better way of
such as: finding out specific information.
• specific features of the device Interviews
required • A well-prepared interview can help
• the number of people who will provide you with valuable
need to use device information about your client
requirements. Information that has
• support opportunity been collected during the planning
• training requirements stage can also give you some useful
•   background information when
preparing questions.
• Questions asked of a client may be specific or open ended.
Specific questions generally mean that the client will give either
a yes/no response or a specific answer. Open-ended questions,
however, generally commence with ‘how’ or ‘why’. These types
of questions help to discuss and clarify issues and establish a
firmer understanding of client requirements.
• For example, some questions you may want to ask during an
interview to replace an existing printer could include:
• How will a new printer solve existing printer issues?
• Who will be using the new printer the majority of the time?
• What will be the new printer key purposes? Eg:
– letters
– advertising brochures
– information from the Internet.
Why do you need colour printing?
What is the approximate number of pages that would be printed
each day?
 • Observations
Questionnaires
• Even informal observations of current
• Questionnaires are helpful when
business procedures can provide
you need to gather information
another way of determining client
from a number of clients. A number
needs. Observing users as they go
of questions incorporating short
about their day-to-day tasks, can
answers, multiple choice and
confirm if current peripheral devices
true/false choices can help you
are not working properly or assessing
quickly determine what kinds of
the need for a new peripheral device.
features the majority of clients are
requiring. • Designing
• In a similar manner to • The design phase enables you to
questionnaires, checklists that ask figure out an effective solution. All
clients to choose what features they the information you have gathered
would like from a specific peripheral via questionnaires, interviews,
device can also provide an efficient observations and during planning can
way to determine a set of popular be assessed to determine the best
requirements. way of satisfying client requirements.
• There will often be
Specification Scanner 1 Scanner 2 Scanner 3
several peripheral devices sPrice
that are capable of Optical
performing the job resolution
(dpi)
Dimensions
satisfactorily. An Operating
evaluation grid can be system
Software
created to show the client included
Comments

each device’s
functionality.
• The example below
illustrates an evaluation
grid that could be used
for appraising scanners.
Once client requirements have been clarified, all
requests for hardware peripherals need to be
documented clearly in a concise form. An
organisation will often have its own
organizational standards (for example, report
templates, guidelines) to which you will need to
adhere. The documentation will also need to be
checked and confirmed by the client before a
request for purchase in sent to the preferred
supplier.