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Lesson 1
Selecting Computers and Operating Systems
8-5
applications to high-powered computers performing complex graphics, video,
and
computer-aided design (CAD) functions.
At the low end, workstations require little more than the basic components
needed to
run the operating system. If you want the users to be limited to a specific
workstation
configuration, you might even want to omit the CD-ROM and floppy disk
drives, so
they cannot install their own applications or boot the computer with another
operating
system. Workstations that have to perform resource-intensive tasks can start
to look a
lot like servers in terms of processor speed, amount of memory, and disk
capacity, but
they don’t typically have the same availability requirements as a server.
The basic function of a desktop workstation on a network is to access server
applica-
tions or files stored on servers so that the user can work with the data.
Here again, the
capabilities of the workstation are defined by the applications it runs. In
some cases,
the applications your workstations use are dictated by the applications you
selected for
your servers. For example, you might have to run a specific client program
to connect
to a server application.
Understanding the Portable Workstation’s Role
Portable workstations can also perform a number of different roles,
depending on the
needs of the users. In most cases, a portable workstation refers to a
notebook com-
puter, but personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other handhelds are
becoming viable
options for the traveling user. In some cases, portable computers must be
capable of
supporting all the functions of a desktop workstation, while other users
prefer to sac-
rifice functionality for a smaller size and less weight.
Creating Hardware Specifications
Creating hardware specifications before you begin evaluating computers for
your net-
work enables you to decide which components a computer needs to fulfill a
particular
role. Administering a large fleet of computers is easiest when you define
your comput-
ers’ roles and standardize the hardware and software needed for each role.
This way,
support personnel know what to expect when they troubleshoot a problem.
Server Hardware Specifications
When you create the hardware specification for a server, you must consider
the
requirements and capabilities of the applications that the server will run.
Computers
that are marketed as servers typically have more robust power supplies than
normal
PCs. A server might also have integrated components not usually found in a
worksta-
tion, such as network interface adapters, SCSI host adapters, and drive
arrays.
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