Components of a Computer System

This exercise was copied from IT Book1 by S. Schwarz and P. Taverne

All computer systems can be described in terms of the five major components of hardware, software, data,
procedures and personnel.
Consider the following system:
We have been asked to design a new system for your local gym, where members can sign on with one of the
six personal trainers. There are a variety of pieces of gym equipment, each of which is aimed at specific
muscle development (such as biceps, quads, cardio and so on.)
Close to the entrance to the gym, we would like to offer members and visitors the facility to view details of
the various pieces of equipment, or view details of their own personalised training program including which
equipment is used, for how long, and at what level is appropriate for that particular equipment. Of course,
we must be mindful of privacy and security issues, but not at the expense of quick and easy access to the
information for an authorised member.
When a new member signs on, we would like them to be able to enter their personal details directly through
a form displayed on a screen at reception; this data can then be stored appropriately for ease of subsequent
access.
At any stage, trainers and management can review and update each of their assigned members personal
training programs. Management also requires a backup to be taken each night in case of a system failure
resulting in possible loss of data.
1. Complete the following tables to show each of the components of this proposed system:

Hardware
Input devices
Hardware
Output devices
Hardware
Storage Devices

Software

Magnetic card reader for member sign on

Numeric keypad for entry of pin number

Printer for production of member training program reports for trainers to peruse

CD Burner or Tape Drive for backup

Graphic editing software to

Sequential approach in software used for new membership

Event driven software for

Data

Personal
Procedures

Member details including

Equipment details including

Management
Member

Add a new member

Look at equipment

To develop the system it is important to discover the data elements required. Use the information below to
complete the next question.
Field name
Create realistic names that help describe the data element.
Use either camel notation or _ to assist readability.
Data Type
Include Integer, Floating Point, String, Currency, Date/Time
Length
Take a guess at the largest word or number a field name could have
Description
Your description should be clear to anyone who reads it. Give examples to assist your
description
Any validation required?
No or Yes. If Yes, what type of validation might be required.
2. Complete a data dictionary for the member data used in the system
Field name

Data type

Length

Description/ Example

MemberId

Integer

5 digits

00124

MemberFirstName

String

50 char

First name of member

MemberFamilyName

String

50 char

Family name of member

PIN number

Integer

4 digits

1477

Any validation required?

Must be unique

3. Imagine that a new device now becomes available that can be strapped to a members chest as they train,
which will automatically transmit measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and so on to the CPU for
processing and storage. For each area, copy and paste at least 2 questions from the list below that must be
asked by the software developer when considering incorporating this new device into the system.
Area

Questions to be asked

Minimum configuration
Availability of drivers
Format of data stream
Port for attachment of device to the
CPU
Compatibility
Effect on existing system
Effect on members
Effect on managers and trainers

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)

Can the trainer plan better training programs for members?

Which delimiters are used between fields (heart rate, blood pressure)?
Do I currently have enough memory?
Does it slow up the existing software?
Does the use of the device lead to privacy issues?
Does the device give us more accuracy or more useful information?
Does this give members better service?
How do I address that port for input in the software?
How much memory does it need?
If I have to add more memory, will it affect the existing system?
If there is not a suitable driver available, where can I find the technical specifications?
Is the device intrusive on members when they train?
Does it affect the systems current response time?
Does the device give us more accuracy or more useful information?
What is the number of fields in each transmission?
What operating system does it need?
What type of port (connection) is required USB, Serial, Firewire, etc
Which platforms does it run on?
3