This chapter will test your hardware architecture skills.

Go through the first problem and try to solve it yourself. A sample answer is given afterwards. Do not worry if your answers are a bit different because there are many ways to solve a hardware architecture problem. Problems two through four are similar than the first one so as long as you have studied the previous nine chapters well, you shouldn't have a problem coming up with a solution to all the problems.

Problem 1

You realize that there is a demand for an internet cafe in your area. Given a limited budget, draft the cheapest possible business plan that can have twenty computers in a cafe. Customers in your internet cafe must be able to play online games, surf the internet, and maximize the features of Yahoo Messenger.

messenger.yahoo.com, Yahoo Messenger has been a big hit in the online communication business. It offers chatting, videoconferencing, pc to pc voice calls, file sharing, and many more! If you do not have a Yahoo Messenger account then you should certainly get one!

Solution to Problem 1

You have to set the specifications of each and every personal computer in the cafe. Since you are trying to conserve money, you can't be lavish on some features. Forget about the high definition widescreen monitor and the 5.1 sound surround. Although since you need to satisfy gamers, you can't be too stringent on processing power and memory. These are the main components of fluid gameplay. Each personal computer in your internet cafe will have a runner up processor, runner up memory capacity, and a runner up hard drive (not top of the line). You will buy an external CD/DVD drive to install the games. You will buy cheap webcams and cheap headphones for each personal computer in order to maximize the features of Yahoo Messenger. Note that you are not supposed to buy speakers because the customers are seated by each other. The administrator of the internet cafe, the twenty first computer, will be the server and it will specialize in logging. It will track the usage per computer and the charge associated with it. Your internet connection must be able to handle twenty one computers. You will need to buy a router too.

Problem 2

You are asked by the manager of a hotel to draft a plan for their business center. The business center must have internet ready capabilities. You can only buy one computer. Assume that all the businessmen that visit the business center all have laptops. Your business center must be able to house twenty businessmen at once. The businessmen are not allowed to play online games while they are in the business center.

Problem 3

You are assigned by NASA to visit the space station orbiting earth. Assume that the space station has a server with WiFi capabilities. Design a laptop that can access the internet without using a WiFi card. You are also prohibited from using cables or wires of any sort.  

www.nasa.gov, working for NASA is certainly a tough job. Can your hardware architecture skills get the job done? 

Problem 4

Microsoft has launched a new game and is having problems with its gaming server. The Xbox360 is similar to a high end personal computer. What should be done in order to improve online gaming? You are allowed to tinker with the Xbox360 or tinker with the server. List ways to improve client-server performance in this regard.

Now that you are done learning the basics of computer hardware, you might want to set up a personal computer on your own. If you are more daring then set up a server computer and make money out of it!