Pace IT - Custom Configurations

Custom hardware configurations.

Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certification

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger

with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues

into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse

workforces, improving processes, analyzing

business needs and creating the solutions

required— with a focus on technology.

PACE-IT.

– Custom configurations for work.

– Custom configurations for play.

– Standard desktop (thick client).» They should meet the recommended hardware

specifications for running the proposed operating system

(OS), not just the minimum specifications.

» The CPU should come from the mid to upper mid-range

of the manufacturer’s lines.

» The amount RAM can be limited by the OS. A 32-bit OS

has a maximum RAM limit of 4 GB.

– Thin client.» Most applications and files are accessed and stored on

servers, allowing this system to only need to meet the

minimum requirements of the OS.

» They should also have enough capabilities to run basic

applications.



– Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation.» This is a workhorse type system and should be built with

power in mind.

» The CPU should be more powerful and should come

from the manufacturer’s line that is designed for heavy

workloads.

» These systems handle large files with a ton of data, so

the maximum amount of RAM should be included.

» These systems also require at least one high end or

specialized video card in order to function properly.

– The audio/video editing workstation.» This workstation is closely related to the design workstation,

but with a few more caveats.

» They require very large and very fast storage (especially for

editing video).

» They require specialized audio and video cards and the video

card(s) needs to be capable of driving at least two monitors.

» They still require powerful CPUs and lots of RAM.

– The virtualization workstation.» There are two keys to this configuration—the CPU and RAM.

» The CPU should be from the upper end of the power

spectrum, and it should have as many cores as can be

purchased and the client can afford (AMD’s Opteron series

comes with up to 16 cores).

» The maximum amount of RAM needs to be included. This is

because each individual virtual machine will be held by, and

operate with, the RAM.


– The gaming PC.» Modern gaming tends to be about the experience; it also has

some specific requirements.

» The CPU should come from the high end of the consumer

range, and—because of the nature of gamers— it should

also be capable of being overclocked.

» Modern games tend to be graphics intensive so, at a

minimum, an upper tier graphics card should be included (or

two or three).

» Including a good sound card will also enhance the

experience.

» Gaming tends to tax systems, so installing increased cooling

capacity is also often required.

– The home PC.» In most cases, the home PC has the same requirements as

the thick client (the standard desktop).


– The home theater PC.» In most home theater PC applications, the CPU and RAM

only play a minor role, so their importance is minimized.

» The HTPC form factor is common, with a low power CPU to

reduce the need for fans.

» Improved audio capabilities is required (surround sound).

» It requires a TV tuner card.

» For best results, it should also have at least one high

definition media interface (HDMI) output.

– Home server PC.» It is used for media streaming and file sharing.

» CPU requirements are minimal for this application.

» It is more important to have more RAM than a powerful CPU.

» It usually requires more and faster storage (large fast hard

drives should be included).

» To improve throughput, try bonding multiple Ethernet

channels to the network to increase available bandwidth.



The key to building any custom configuration is to understand the purposes it will be used for.

Be sure to talk with your clients to fully understand

what the system will be used for, and to understand

what is important to them. Also ensure that you and

the client know what the budget for the project is

going to be. You should also strive to make the

system as future proof as you can and still remain

within the budget allotments.


Each configuration has it own requirements. Thick clients should meet the

recommended OS specification, while thin clients should meet the minimum

requirements. Design and editing workstations require more power and

specialized video capabilities, while virtualization workstations require lots

of RAM and multiple CPU cores.

Topic

Custom configurations for

work.

Summary

Gaming PCs need to be more powerful than other home use systems. The

home theater PC needs to be small and compact and to run quietly, while

outputting the proper media. In all cases, it is imperative to know and

understand what the client requires and what the system will be used for.

Research plays an important part in any successful custom configuration.

Custom configurations for

play.

THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the

U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was

created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.

Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or

assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including

any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the

information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability

or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training

Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are

available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing

impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call

425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For

any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.

Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;

national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran

status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.

Pace IT - Custom Configurations

Education

Transcript of Pace IT - Custom Configurations