Computer+Report

= Computer Hardware =

Expectations:
The student will:
 * 1) describe the function and location of the basic components of a computer (e.g., motherboard, CPU, I/O devices, memory)
 * 2) identify common computer peripheral devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, screen, printer, multimedia devices) and their primary functions

Activity:
Your neighbor is planning to purchase a home computer for their family, but they do not know very much about computer hardware yet. They have asked you for help in choosing a system that will meet their needs and be a good value for their money. They will use it for internet browsing, renting movies on iTunes, watching netflix, using work-specific software as well as playing the occasional game, but not the latest and greatest games out there.

Challenge: Using price lists from www.futureshop.ca, www.tigerdirect.ca and www.newegg.ca, choose the system that will best meet your neighbor's needs and will also be within their budget of $1200 before taxes. Then write a report that explains the specifications of the system you have chosen and why it would be a good computer for them to buy. Criteria and Constraints:

Part 1

 * 1) Clearly explain the following (explore websites such as [|this], this gaming computer how-to or this first in a series of videos on building your own computer:
 * 2) CPU types (manufacturers: Intel, AMD) and models (Core i5, Athlon etc)
 * 3) motherboard
 * 4) soundcard
 * 5) ports (types and number)
 * 6) monitors types
 * 7) mice types
 * 8) video cards
 * 9) speakers
 * 10) keyboards
 * 11) computer cases (desktop, laptop, tower)
 * 12) Internet connection (dial up, cable, high speed DSL)
 * 13) RAM (types, sizes and speeds, such as DDR)
 * 14) hard drives (size, speed and types)
 * 15) CD and DVD drives (speeds, types such as CD-RW, DVD-R)
 * 16) printers (ink jet, laser)

Part 2
Your report must contain:: Your report must be typed, using double spacing and Times Roman font at 12 points. Use standard margins, that is 1 inch top and bottom and 1.25 inches left and right.
 * 1) Decide what are the needs of your neighbors and write up a needs analysis (1-2 paragraphs). List the top five reasons they need a computer (e.g. email, home accounting, kids’ homework, gaming, multimedia, CD or DVD burning, video editing, photo hobby…). Given those plans, list which components and peripherals they need.
 * 2) Second, go “shopping” for a system which will meet their needs. Look for advertised prices on computer systems and components. Print out the web page that lists the components and price. Collect at least four ads from different sources. If the advertised system doesn’t include something you need, say a printer, then you will have to find ads for printers as well. Make sure your total cost is no more than $1200 before taxes.
 * 3) Choose the best deal from the ads you have collected. Explain why it is a good system for your neighbors and how it meets all their needs. (1-2 paragraphs). Write for your neighbors the specifications on all the components.(e.g. Processor type, processor speed, size of hard drive…)
 * 1) a title page with your name, date and assignment title;
 * 2) a 1 to 2 paragraph description of your neighbor's computing needs;
 * 3) two to three paragraphs explaning how the one system you chose is the best at meeting their needs, giving all specifications of the system;
 * 4) an appendix of definitions of all computer components listed above;
 * 5) copies of at least 4 appropriate computer ads (print the webpages).

Evaluation

 * ~ Criteria ||~ Level 1 ||~ Level 2 ||~ Level 3 ||~ Level 4 ||
 * **Category: Knowledge** ||
 * describe the function and location of the basic components of a computer and peripherals || limited description of the function and location of the basic components of a computer and peripherals || some description of the function and location of the basic components of a computer and peripherals || considerable description of the function and location of the basic components of a computer and peripherals || thorough description of the function and location of the basic components of a computer and peripherals ||
 * **Category: Thinking** ||
 * analysis of computing needs and available products || limited analysis of computing needs and available products || some analysis of computing needs and available products || considerable analysis of computing needs and available products || thorough analysis of computing needs and available products ||
 * **Category: Communication** ||
 * Clarity of communication || limited clarity of communication, numerous spelling or grammar errors || some clarity of communication, some spelling or grammar errors || considerable clarity of communication, few spelling or grammar errors || thorough clarity of communication, no spelling or grammar errors ||