DISADVANTAGES
1. The Text-Editors with display system are more expensive than the non-display system because of the initial cost of the display unit.
2. The operator can suffer from eye strain, back aches, swollen foot.
3. Files have to be duplicated on disks for each work-station because they cannot access the files.
H. PRINTER
The main function of the printer is to produce the hardcopies. There are many types of printers but the choice of a printer will be determined by the need and the purpose it is expected to serve.
A printer can be connected to three or four workstation.
There are slow printers that produce a high quality letters, prints and fast printers that produce a draft quality prints. Some printers have automatic sheet feeder while others do not. At the same time, some printers can print both graphs, charts and text while others may not. As a result, the choice of the printer depends absolutely on the need of the company and the purpose of its use.
I. COMPUTER WITH WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE
Computers are primarily designed for processing data but they can also perform other functions. This is made possible through the use of software programmers.
The three most popular application programmes are word processing database and spreadsheet. Computer users who want to operate other programmes besides word processing usually buy microcomputers.
MULTI-TERMINAL WORD PROCESSING SYSTEM
Two or more workstations are connected to the CPU. The terminals may share the use of another devises such as the printer and the storage medium. This arrangement is called multi-station or multi-terminal system.
By sharing certain functions, each workstation does not need to have all the component parts of a computer system. For Example, three or four word processors can share one printer.
Each station may have its own intelligence or it may depend on another station or a computer for its intelligence. By sharing the intelligence of a computer, completed maths calculation done by one computer can be added to a report being processed on the text editors. By sharing certain functions the average cost of ach word processor is less than that of a stand-alone system.
The multi-terminal system are usually located within a building or within a nearby building owned by the Company.
ADVANTAGES
1. Costs are reduced because many workstations can be connected to the CPU.
2. Documents are processed at a faster speed.
3. The quality and standard of output is enhanced.
4. Merging of text and data is possible because of the storage capacity of the system.
SHARED LOGIC SYSTEM
The shared logic system does everything a stand-alone mini-computer can do and more. It may have several terminals that simultaneously use (share) the memory and logic of a single dedicated mini-computer. It can accommodate six or more work stations. This system uses a mini-computer that is capable of supporting peripherals devices such as optical chracter recognition readers, high speed printers and phototypesetters. The most important feature of the shared logic system is that it offers an expanded storage capacity and a higher speed output than the mini-computer system. Many operators can work simultaneously on a long document. In a shared logic system machines are not independent. A malfunction in the CPU will affect the entire system and other workstations connected to CPU.
ADVANTAGES
1. The document files on the hard disk can be shared by all workstations connected to the CPU.
2. Many operators can be working on separate sections of a large document.
3. Can communicate with other office system.
MICROPROCESSORS
Microprocessors are also known as microchips or chips. They have tiny bits of silicon which can be programmed to calculate follow instructions or store information. The microprocessor not a computer. It consists of the control unit and the arithmetic/ logic unit only. It is also called the CPU. It has no storage or memory unit, no input and output devices and not auxiliary storage devices.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are the advantages of the Electronic Typewriter over the terminal typewriter?
2. What are the differences between the typewriter keyboard and the word processing alpha-numeric keyboard?
3. Electronic typewriters can be upgraded to function as a low-level work processor with the addition of some peripherals. Name and explain two of them.
4. What are the differences between the electric typewriter and the electronic typewriters?
5. What are the advantages and the disadvantages of stand-alone text editors with display?
6. What is the function of the printer?
7. What factors will you consider before deciding on the choice of a printer?
8. Compare and contrast the sugared logic system with the multiterminal word processing system.
9. Explain the difference between a microprocessor and a microcomputer?