- Email: [email protected]
Upgrading Hardware
I
COMPUTERS
Upgrading Hardvvare by Renato Cataldo, Jr., PharmD
Q: I have a number of
mM compatible computers and would like to upgrade or replace them. How do I interpret all the hardware choices? Should I add or purchase new equipment? A: It is almost impossible
for most professionals to keep up with the evolution of computer hardware. Before making any decisions about upgrading your microcomputer, you must first understand the terminology and benchmarks used in the microcomputer market. You should always purchase hardware based on the needs of the software you expect to operate. You do not have to be an engineering expert; all you need is a working knowledge of how to evaluate computer performance. If you can differentiate between the options, you will be ,able to make abetter decision.
Processing POlNer The central processor is the engine in a computer. The processor used in all IBM compatibles is based on those designed by the AMERICAN PHARMACY
Intel Corporation. In general, Intel numbers its processors so that the higher the processor number, the greater the number of instructions it can manage. Early IBM compatibles used an 8088 processor. Subsequent microcomputers use 80286, 80386, and now 80486 processors. The 80586 processor is already in the production phase. Within each processor category, the manufacturer offers different speeds. The "clock" speed of a processor is measured in megahertz (MHz). The higher the speed of the processor, the faster it will perform a set of instructions. You can usually find 80286 processors at 12 MHz, 16 MHz, and 20 MHz. The 80386 processors start at 16 MHz and go to 33 MHz. With the 80386 processor, Intel created a few functional subcategories. The "SX" series (80386SX) was created for those who wanted a less expensive yet faster processor and were willing to give up some of the features of the full 80386 processor. The "SL" series (80386SL) is specifically designed for small portable computers and can operate with less battery power.
Internal Storage Capacity The processing power in a microcomputer is only one criterion in selecting a , system. The internal storage capacity is the next most important decision. Microcomputers first used floppy disks for data and software. Hard disks were developed as internal disks with a large capacity for permanent storage. Hard drive capacity is measured in megabytes (MB). A megabyte is one million bytes and can store approximately 500 pages of text. Unfortunately, software programs themselves require a lot of hard disk space. To select the size of a new hard drive, go by the simple rule that too much is never enough. Practically speaking, select a capacity that is two to three times your current requirements.
Hard Disk Speed The size of the hard drive is only one benchmark in the evaluation of disk performance. The most common measurement of hard disk speed is average seek time in milliseconds (ms). It is the average read/ write speed of the disk. A hard drive with a 10-ms access time is twice as fast as one with a 20-ms access time. Paying a little more for a faster hard drive is usually worthwhile.
The speed of the drive is important. If you purchase a fast processor with a slow hard drive, the processor will be idle most of the time while the hard drive is trying to find the data. Therefore, the extra money you pay for the processor is wasted. Software programs require hard disk space for permanent storage and random access memory (RAM) for temporary work space. The RAM in your computer is not for permanent storage and is only active while your computer is on. Each software program requires a different amount of RAM to operate properly. RAM is measured in kilobytes (K) or megabytes; the average microcomputer has 640K to 1 MB. To decide how much RAM you need, evaluate all the software programs that you use now and plan to use in the next year. In general, you should not purchase a new computer with less than 2 MB of RAM if you plan to do any large database, spreadsheet, or graphics work. If you plan to use a graphics user inter-
March 1992/218 Vol. NS32, No.3
face such as Microsoft Windows, 4 MB of RAM is recommended.
M aking the D ecision The decision to upgrade or purchase new equipment may not be that difficult. In many cases, it is far less expensive to purchase new equipment with all the features you want and sell your old computer t.h an to upgrade your existing hardware. If you have an IBMXT (8088) with a hard drive and monochrome monitor
and want to upgrade it, a new 40 MB hard drive may cost as much as $350. A new VGA monitor and controller card may cost between $400 and $600. If you already have an 80286 microcomputer, it may be worth upgrading the hard disk or RAM. For an 80286 (or higher) microcomputer, you can purchase a 105-MB, 9-ms hard drive for $435. RAM costs approxilnately $125 per megabyte. In today's market, a new 80286 or 80386sx microcomputer is very affordable and either is suitable for general office or home use. The cen-
tral processor should be at least an 80386sx-16 MHz or an 80286-12 MHz, with 2 MB RAM, 40-80 MB hard disk, VGA monitor, 3.5" and 5.25" floppy drives, and a mouse. The basic 80386sx configuration is priced between $1,400 and $2,200. The 80286 configuration can be purchased for approximately $950--$1,200. Models within each example differ in price because of individual variations between the components (e.g., monitor and hard drives). You should understand that in two years, your equiplnent may need to be
replaced or upgraded again. It is usually not worth buying the "latest" system because you always will pay a premium for new technology. In a future issue, I will discuss where to purchase computer hardware and if mail order companies can be trusted with your business. Renato Cataldo, Jr., PharmD, is director of microcomputer applications and assistant professor ofpharmacy administration, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Mo .
Pharmacy Leadership In Northern California As a four-hospital regional network, Mercy Healthcare Sacramento's dynamic pharmacy departments feature a wide variety of clinical and dispensing services-all in computerized environments. For Pharmacists, we provide exceptional opportunities in which you can enjoy active clinical involvement and participate in some of the most innovative pharmacy programs in Northern California. Whether you prefer a suburban or urban setting, Sacramento offers the best of California living - with a moderate cost of living. Ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the top ten places to live and work in the country, Sacramento is rich in recreational and cultural activities and offers some of the state's most affordable housing. Please make sure to join us during the APA's Annual Conference at Booth #4 in the Career Expo. If you are
unable to attend, we invite you to send your resume or call us today: Mercy Hea1thcare Sacramento, 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 230N, Sacramento, CA 95833, or call (800) 688-3834. An equal opportunity employer.
Mercy Healthcare Sacramento
Vol. NS32, No.3 March 1992/219
+
AMERICAN PHARMACY
COMPUTERS
Upgrading Hardvvare by Renato Cataldo, Jr., PharmD
Q: I have a number of
mM compatible computers and would like to upgrade or replace them. How do I interpret all the hardware choices? Should I add or purchase new equipment? A: It is almost impossible
for most professionals to keep up with the evolution of computer hardware. Before making any decisions about upgrading your microcomputer, you must first understand the terminology and benchmarks used in the microcomputer market. You should always purchase hardware based on the needs of the software you expect to operate. You do not have to be an engineering expert; all you need is a working knowledge of how to evaluate computer performance. If you can differentiate between the options, you will be ,able to make abetter decision.
Processing POlNer The central processor is the engine in a computer. The processor used in all IBM compatibles is based on those designed by the AMERICAN PHARMACY
Intel Corporation. In general, Intel numbers its processors so that the higher the processor number, the greater the number of instructions it can manage. Early IBM compatibles used an 8088 processor. Subsequent microcomputers use 80286, 80386, and now 80486 processors. The 80586 processor is already in the production phase. Within each processor category, the manufacturer offers different speeds. The "clock" speed of a processor is measured in megahertz (MHz). The higher the speed of the processor, the faster it will perform a set of instructions. You can usually find 80286 processors at 12 MHz, 16 MHz, and 20 MHz. The 80386 processors start at 16 MHz and go to 33 MHz. With the 80386 processor, Intel created a few functional subcategories. The "SX" series (80386SX) was created for those who wanted a less expensive yet faster processor and were willing to give up some of the features of the full 80386 processor. The "SL" series (80386SL) is specifically designed for small portable computers and can operate with less battery power.
Internal Storage Capacity The processing power in a microcomputer is only one criterion in selecting a , system. The internal storage capacity is the next most important decision. Microcomputers first used floppy disks for data and software. Hard disks were developed as internal disks with a large capacity for permanent storage. Hard drive capacity is measured in megabytes (MB). A megabyte is one million bytes and can store approximately 500 pages of text. Unfortunately, software programs themselves require a lot of hard disk space. To select the size of a new hard drive, go by the simple rule that too much is never enough. Practically speaking, select a capacity that is two to three times your current requirements.
Hard Disk Speed The size of the hard drive is only one benchmark in the evaluation of disk performance. The most common measurement of hard disk speed is average seek time in milliseconds (ms). It is the average read/ write speed of the disk. A hard drive with a 10-ms access time is twice as fast as one with a 20-ms access time. Paying a little more for a faster hard drive is usually worthwhile.
The speed of the drive is important. If you purchase a fast processor with a slow hard drive, the processor will be idle most of the time while the hard drive is trying to find the data. Therefore, the extra money you pay for the processor is wasted. Software programs require hard disk space for permanent storage and random access memory (RAM) for temporary work space. The RAM in your computer is not for permanent storage and is only active while your computer is on. Each software program requires a different amount of RAM to operate properly. RAM is measured in kilobytes (K) or megabytes; the average microcomputer has 640K to 1 MB. To decide how much RAM you need, evaluate all the software programs that you use now and plan to use in the next year. In general, you should not purchase a new computer with less than 2 MB of RAM if you plan to do any large database, spreadsheet, or graphics work. If you plan to use a graphics user inter-
March 1992/218 Vol. NS32, No.3
face such as Microsoft Windows, 4 MB of RAM is recommended.
M aking the D ecision The decision to upgrade or purchase new equipment may not be that difficult. In many cases, it is far less expensive to purchase new equipment with all the features you want and sell your old computer t.h an to upgrade your existing hardware. If you have an IBMXT (8088) with a hard drive and monochrome monitor
and want to upgrade it, a new 40 MB hard drive may cost as much as $350. A new VGA monitor and controller card may cost between $400 and $600. If you already have an 80286 microcomputer, it may be worth upgrading the hard disk or RAM. For an 80286 (or higher) microcomputer, you can purchase a 105-MB, 9-ms hard drive for $435. RAM costs approxilnately $125 per megabyte. In today's market, a new 80286 or 80386sx microcomputer is very affordable and either is suitable for general office or home use. The cen-
tral processor should be at least an 80386sx-16 MHz or an 80286-12 MHz, with 2 MB RAM, 40-80 MB hard disk, VGA monitor, 3.5" and 5.25" floppy drives, and a mouse. The basic 80386sx configuration is priced between $1,400 and $2,200. The 80286 configuration can be purchased for approximately $950--$1,200. Models within each example differ in price because of individual variations between the components (e.g., monitor and hard drives). You should understand that in two years, your equiplnent may need to be
replaced or upgraded again. It is usually not worth buying the "latest" system because you always will pay a premium for new technology. In a future issue, I will discuss where to purchase computer hardware and if mail order companies can be trusted with your business. Renato Cataldo, Jr., PharmD, is director of microcomputer applications and assistant professor ofpharmacy administration, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Mo .
Pharmacy Leadership In Northern California As a four-hospital regional network, Mercy Healthcare Sacramento's dynamic pharmacy departments feature a wide variety of clinical and dispensing services-all in computerized environments. For Pharmacists, we provide exceptional opportunities in which you can enjoy active clinical involvement and participate in some of the most innovative pharmacy programs in Northern California. Whether you prefer a suburban or urban setting, Sacramento offers the best of California living - with a moderate cost of living. Ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the top ten places to live and work in the country, Sacramento is rich in recreational and cultural activities and offers some of the state's most affordable housing. Please make sure to join us during the APA's Annual Conference at Booth #4 in the Career Expo. If you are
unable to attend, we invite you to send your resume or call us today: Mercy Hea1thcare Sacramento, 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 230N, Sacramento, CA 95833, or call (800) 688-3834. An equal opportunity employer.
Mercy Healthcare Sacramento
Vol. NS32, No.3 March 1992/219
+
AMERICAN PHARMACY