Operating System Case Study no. 2

A Theory about How a Newspaper Reporter and a Manager in a Supermarket might use a Hand-held Computer in their Work

Hand held computer is a portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, hand held computers have not replaced notebook computers of their small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as calendar and address book. And due to the fact that hand-held computers are handy, it would be favorable to those people who are in need of this kind of device.

Newspaper Reporter

A reporter is a type of journalist who researches and presents information in certain types of mass media. Reporters gather their information in a variety of ways, including tips, press releases, sources (those with newsworthy information) and witnessing events. They perform research through interviews, public records, and other sources. However, reporters generally split their time between working in a newsroom and going out to witness events or interview people.

For the reason that reporters are busy in terms of their work, they would need a scheduler for them to cope up with their activities. And now that hand held computers are invented, it would be suitable for them since most PIMs enable people to enter various kinds of textual notes such as reminders, lists, and dates. Furthermore, it is also capable to link these bits of information together in useful ways. Another thing is that, hand held devices have become ruggedized for use in mobile field management situations to record information in the field.

With the uses of the device, it would lessen the burden of the reporters since their activities and events would be organized plus it could support them to be more productive.

Manager in a Supermarket

Aside from having textual notes and can record information, hand held devices are also use to achieve a variety of tasks for increasing efficiency that include digitizing notes, sending and receiving invoices, asset management, recording signatures, managing parts and scanning barcodes. These capabilities are profitable for a manager in a supermarket since the manager can keep automatic track of all inventory that the supermarket has.

Through this, managers in supermarket can analyze sales data and can create better marketing plans. Furthermore, managers can also use the efficiency of hand held computers to organize schedules. Besides, many PIMs also include calendar, and calculator programs.

The adequacy of hand held devices are nevertheless functional, not only for the managers in supermarkets and newspaper reporters, but also to all people who needs help to handle their daily lives appropriately.