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Study guide · 1.1

Evaluate software and hardware devices

Evaluating hardware and software means matching what a person or team actually needs to what a device or program can deliver. At this level you read specifications, compare minimum and recommended requirements and choose tools that fit the task, the budget and the existing systems.

A study feature written by ExamDragon, not part of the real exam. Each heading is one of Certiport's skills for this objective.

1.1.1Assess hardware and software requirements

  • Minimum requirements are the least a program needs to start; recommended requirements are what it needs to run smoothly. Plan for recommended, not minimum.
  • Check the operating system and its version, the processor type and architecture (for example 64-bit x86 or ARM), memory (RAM), free storage and graphics capability.
  • Some software needs specific hardware features, such as a security chip, a camera, a certain screen resolution or a constant internet connection.
  • Think about growth: an update or a larger workload can raise requirements within the life of the device.
  • Look up requirements on the publisher's official page, not on a reseller's listing or a forum.

Example: A video editing program lists 8 GB of RAM as the minimum and 16 GB as recommended; the team chooses laptops with 16 GB so that longer projects do not slow down.

1.1.2Identify digital devices that meet specific requirements

  • Start from the requirements: what tasks, which software, where it will be used and by whom.
  • Compare devices on processor, memory, storage type and size (an SSD is much faster than a hard disk), display, battery life, weight and ports.
  • Check connectivity: Wi-Fi standard, Bluetooth, cellular data and the ports or adapters needed for existing monitors and accessories.
  • Consider durability, warranty, repair options, accessibility features and how long the maker supplies security updates.
  • Balance cost against the full life of the device, including accessories, licences and support.

Example: A field worker needs to take photos, fill forms offline and work all day outdoors, so a rugged tablet with long battery life and cellular data fits better than a powerful desktop.

1.1.3Identify software programs that meet specific needs

  • Define the need first, then list must-have and nice-to-have features.
  • Check compatibility with the operating system, file formats already in use and other tools the team relies on.
  • Compare the licence and cost model: one-time purchase, subscription, free, or open source.
  • Look at support, update frequency, security record, data storage location and privacy terms.
  • Use a trial or a small pilot with real users before rolling software out to everyone.

Example: A small office needs shared calendars and file storage; it compares two cloud suites on price per user, offline access and whether they open the office's existing spreadsheet files.

Key terms

Minimum requirements
The lowest hardware and software specifications a program needs to install and start.
Recommended requirements
The specifications a program needs to run well under normal use.
Processor architecture
The design family of a processor, such as x86 or ARM, which decides which software builds can run.
RAM
Working memory that holds programs and data while they are in use.
Compatibility
The ability of hardware, software and files to work together without problems.

Easy to confuse

  • Meeting the minimum requirements does not mean the program will run well.
  • Storage capacity and memory (RAM) are different things; more storage does not make a slow computer faster at multitasking.
  • A program built for one processor architecture or operating system may not run on another, even if the device looks similar.

After this guide: You can read requirements and specifications and choose a device and software that fit a stated need.