Computer Specifications (PC)
What is the Specification?
The specification or ‘spec’ is a list of the key components that make up the computer. It is
provided by retailers to help buyers decide which PC, and which combination of features, they
need. When buying a PC, it is important to start by deciding what it is you want the PC to do.
This then informs what specification you actually need.
When reviewing a computer specification, the most important components to take account of
are the processor, the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive as these are central to
the overall capability of the system. If it is planned to use specialised programs for students
with special needs (e.g., scan/read software), it is advisable to purchase a suitable
specification computer to meet the system requirements for these programs.
Understanding a Specification
In consultation with the Department of Education, and specifically with the NCTE, a technical
specification has been identified for a School PC. This competitively priced PC should meet
the requirements of most schools and is recommended as suitable for the majority of school
day to day tasks. Five qualified suppliers have proposed such a PC, ceiling prices for these
are listed below.
Supplier Dell Fujitsu
In consultation with the Department of Education, and specifically with the NCTE, a technical
specification has been identified for a School PC. This competitively priced PC should meet
the requirements of most schools and is recommended as suitable for the majority of school
day to day tasks. Five qualified suppliers have proposed such a PC, ceiling prices for these
are listed below.
Processors
Two companies - Intel Inc. and AMD Inc. - manufacture most of today’s PC processors and
both offer a range that balances price and performance. Processors are generally defined by
their speed - in megahertz (MHz) or in gigahertz (GHz) - and this relates to the number of
operations they can perform per second. The higher the value, the faster the PC will perform
and the more expensive it generally is. The latest dual core processors have two processors
on a single chip and operate more efficiently at lower speeds e.g. Intel’s Pentium D and
AMD’s Athlon X2. More recent more powerful processors use a 64 Bit architecture, rather
than the previous 32 Bit models.
Memory (RAM)
The main working memory in a computer is called random access memory or RAM. The
processor uses this memory to run programs. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB). Most
modern computers use DDR 2 RAM.
• A minimum of 2024MB (2GB) of RAM is recommended for general purpose PCs.
2048MB (2GB) of RAM is also sufficient for PCs running multimedia applications, i.e., those
on which digital music, digital video or high-end graphics are being created/edited.
Storage – The Hard Drive
The hard drive is the computer’s primary storage area. It stores the applications and
programs that run on the PC, as well as any work created by users. From a school’s
perspective, the capacity of the hard drive, measured in gigabytes (GB), is a key criterion and
should be given due consideration when reviewing PC specifications.
• A hard drive capacity of at least 80GB is recommended for general purpose PCs.• A hard drive capacity of 200GB or more is recommended if working with multimedia
applications where large graphics and digital audio/video files are being created and
stored.
Other Specifications
Monitors
The older CRTs have been largely replaced by TFT flat-screens. A 15” TFT has the same
viewing area as the older 17” CRT.
• Average entry-level PCs usually come with a 17” flat-screen and this is adequate for
most general purpose applications.
• Larger 19” flat-screens are available and may be appropriate if video editing and
advanced graphics work is being carried out.
• Teachers of students with special needs may want to consider using larger monitors
with their students.
CD / DVD Drives
CD R/W drives are standard on PCs and allow the information on a compact disc (either data
or audio) to be read and written to by the PC. It is defined by its speed (i.e., 48x or 48 speed).
DVD drives can read both CDs and DVDs. 48x DVD-ROM/CD_RW drives are standard on
entry level computers. These allow you to copy to blank CDs. 52x DVD-RWs are standard
on higher performance computers. Educational software is being developed in both DVD and
CD formats, but a DVD can hold over 25 times more data than a CD. Refer to Advice sheet 6
for more information on DVD’s
Graphics and Sound Cards
These cards are installed inside a PC and are responsible for determining the quality of the
audio and visuals (graphics and video) output by the computer. They hold their own memory
(in MB), which is why they add to a computer’s capability.
• An integrated graphics card with 256MB of memory is recommended for general
purpose PCs.
• Computers running high-end applications generally require a separate 256MB
graphics card.
• A sound card generally comes as standard in most PCs purchased today. If students
intend to work extensively with digital music, the school should consider getting a
high-end sound card as this will create greater depth, complexity and realism of
sound.
Speakers and Headphones
Most computers come with either built-in or external speakers. Schools may also consider
buying headphones to control sound levels within a classroom or computer room. Cheap
‘headphone splitters’ can also be purchased — these enable two sets of headphones to be
used per computer.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
It is recommended that all PCs be purchased with a suitable network interface card (NIC). A
network card allows a computer to be connected to a network. A 10/100/1000 Mbps (Mega
bits per second) card is the standard network card today. Few school networks currently
operate at speeds higher than 100Mbps .
Operating Systems (OS)
PCs are generally purchased with an operating system pre-installed. It is worth checking that
your existing software will still work with the operating system of any new systems being
purchased. It may be possible to choose a particular operating system and, if so, this may
help standardise new machines with existing school PCs. At present, Microsoft’s newer OS is
Vista, which generally performs the same functions as Win XP. Microsoft XP Professional is
still the most common OS found in schools and meets schools general needs very well and is
recommended for schools. As Vista operating system can come in various types and
configurations, schools should check that the version of Vista will be suitable and compatible
NCTE Advice Sheet – PC Specifications Advice Sheet 2
© National Centre for Technology in Education Nov 2008
4
for the software and network infrastructure in the school. Vista Home or XP home versions
are not recommended for use in schools, however when ordering computers schools need to
specify a base operating system. The choice of base operating system should be made along
with their choice of operating system licence. Operating system licence costs depend on a
number of factors including type of school, (eg DEIS schools can avail of lower OS licensing
costs), or type of licence, eg once off purchase via Microsoft’s select agreement or
purchasing software per year via Microsoft’s schools agreement. Schools should obtain
relevant information from resellers before deciding which option is best suitable to their
situation.
Linux is a open source free operating system which is not widely used by schools at present
in Ireland, thought it may be suitable for schools who are aware of its capabilities.
Purchasing Considerations
Consider the following points when purchasing PCs
• What is the intended use of the PC and will the chosen specification fulfil these aims?
• Is the PC compatible with existing computer equipment and software?
• Is the technical support service satisfactory?
• A minimum 3 year warranty including next business day (NBD) onsite, including full
parts and labour is recommended
• Will added peripherals be required such as headphones, optical mice etc
• Easy access of multiple USB ports
• Operating System licensing options
Related Web Sites
How stuff works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
In this article, PCs in the general sense and all the different parts that go into them are explained. You
will learn about the various components and how they work together in a basic operating session. You'll
also find out what the future may hold for these machines.
Note: While the advice sheets aim to act as a guide, the inclusion of any products and
company names does not imply approval by the NCTE, nor does the exclusion imply the
reverse. The NCTE does not accept responsibility for any opinions, advice or
recommendations on external web sites linked to the NCTE site.
This Advice Sheet and other relevant information are available at:
