What are the differences in design for multi-user system versus a personal system on a PC?

Answer 1

Multi-user versus Single-user Design

It is important to distinguish between multi-user systems and single-user applications when thinking about systems analysis and design. The types of systems discussed in this part of the text are largely multi-user systems used by a number of individuals in the organization. One group usually develops these systems for use by another group of employees. As such, development requires input from a lot of individuals who are likely to be affected by the application.

This kind of multi-user system should be contrasted with a more personal system designed by the eventual user. Individuals frequently develop systems for their personal computers. These applications do not have the same requirements as multi-user systems, because the system designer is the systems user. He or she does not have to worry about developing a system for others to use, nor does the system have to meet the needs of many different individuals.

Even a personal computer system we use ourselves can benefit from good design practices, but the requirements are not nearly so stringent for a multi-user system. In these larger systems, we must worry about editing, error controls, the careful design of input screens, retrieval capabilities, and file design. We must design for others as well as for ourselves a much more complicated task!