We have four modules on the
Course Assignments page for Week 10. This week, we begin the portion of the class focused on computer hardware during which we will practice buying a computer; and we're also starting MS Excel. Currently, only two of the three modules are available; like you, illnesses sometimes slow me down a little; I'll have the last module available within the next day or so.
I want to highlight a section of the text from the Computer System modules; we will be spending the next four weeks working on the various modules within this project, and it's likely one of the more useful things we'll do in the class. The scenario for the next four weeks is:
It's time for you to buy a new computer; the one you've been using no longer meets your needs. It may not meet your needs for a variety of reasons: it may be breaking down; it may not run the new versions of software you use; it may not allow the type of working space you need; it may not run software you have recently started using for your job or for personal reasons. Whatever the reason, you need a new computer. The goal? You need to buy a computer that is a "Goldilocks" computer for you. You don't want a computer that does a lot more than what you'll use, and you don't want a computer that won't do enough for you; you don't want to pay too much or too little for the system. You need a computer that is "just right." For that to happen, you have to know what you're buying; you have to consider each aspect of the system carefully and in an informed manner.
- What form factor do you need?
- What base configuration, motherboard and processor is necessary to support your short and long term (2-4 years down the road) computing needs?
- How much RAM/memory is needed to support your technology use habits?
- How much hard drive space will be sufficient for how you use the computer?
- What plugs/ports do you need the computer to support to allow you to connect other devices to the computer? What devices will you connect?
- What quality of display, video, and sound do you need or want?
- What network connectivity do you need the computer to have, and how will that work with the networks to which you connect?
We're going to cover Chapters 2, 6 & 9 in the Technology in Action textbook from two perspectives: How do computer components work? and How do I buy them? By the end of this project, you will have detailed the hardware specifications for your next computer purchase.
Assignments this week that will be included in your grade (with category and due dates noted):
- Daily. Blog post on Base Configuration & Form Factor. Due no later than April 4 @ 11:59pm.
- Daily. Blog post on Process & Motherboards/Buses. Due no later than April 4 @ 11:59pm.
- Daily. Excel Project 10A. Due no later than April 4 @ 11:59pm.
- Daily. Excel Project 10B. Due no later than April 4 @ 11:59pm
I have posted
a sample Base Configuration & Form Factor blog post. Be sure to read all notes posted with it too.
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