Technological enhancements for personal computers

Abstract

This research is concerned with the usability and compatibility of many of the aftermarket enhancements commercially available to agencies using microcomputers in their workplace. These devices include biometric access devices, data input devices, storage devices, and data transfer equipment. A limited number of associated software packages will be evaluated along with the hardware involved. This study explores the feasibility of add-on equipment for the Desktop III PC, the Unisys government contract. Due to delays in availability of a Unisys machine most of the research was done on an 80286 based Packard Bell PB-800D running the MS-DOS 3.3 operating system. Most of the applications were later installed on a Desktop III machine. Security considerations for physical area, data access, and transmission media are discussed as this topic should be a vital concern for DOD computer users. The report concludes with a limited number of application scenarios that represent some of what can be accomplished with personal computers.