Selecting a Personal Computer Lab
Selecting a Personal Computer Lab
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In this lab, you will “shop” for a personal computer system based on your computing needs. The first
thing you need to do is to describe your computing needs. Then find an advertisement for a computer
that satisfies your computing needs. (25 points maximum)
Use the file renamed YourLastName YourFirstName Selecting a PC to record your answers.
>> If you do NOT understand any part of the instructions – ASK the instructor before it is due.
NOTE:
>> If you intend to configure a custom PC (not from an advertisement at a store), read the section at
the bottom of this document or your assignment may earn a zero for you.
Instructions
Download the Selecting a PC Form. It is a Word document.
Save the file with the new name YourLastName YourFirstName Selecting a PC
Replace YourLastName YourFirstName with your actual first and last name.
This lab has two parts:
i. (A) Why you need a new computer and (B) what it must include (requirements)
ii. The computer you “bought” and its details/specifications
Failure to submit a working URL for the advertisement will result in a score of zero
Read the text on the Form carefully
Part 1
A
Begin by describing why you need a new computer (school, business, job, hobby, etc.)
B
List at least three specific things the computer must have in order to meet your needs (requirements).
Does your computer need to be mobile? Do you require a specific CPU speed, RAM capacity or hard‐drive capacity? You must list the
required CPU speed or amount of RAM you need, or the amount of hard‐drive capacity you need.
Do you need additional hardware such as a scanner, digital camera, or printer? Do you need to purchase additional software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or a
specific game?
Example:
I need a computer for my class work, so a portable computer would be ideal. I also like to listen to
music on the computer.
1) I want a notebook computer so I can take it with me to school.
2) I need Microsoft Office 2013 because the majority of my classes use this software for word
processing, presentations and spreadsheets.
3) Good speakers or a headset will let me listen to music better than the little speakers built into
most notebooks.
Selecting a Personal Computer Lab
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Part 2:
Pretend to buy a computer that will satisfy your needs and requirements.
Either find an advertisement in print or on a Web site for a computer that fulfills the requirements
you listed. You may have to add some items to the computer to satisfy the requirements you listed.
Example: Most computers do NOT come with a long‐term working copy of Microsoft Office, so you
would need to buy Microsoft Office separately.
WARNINGS:
1. For the purpose of this assignment, acceptable solutions maybe a tower, desktop,
notebook/laptop, hybrid or convertible (includes a keyboard).
Use of a tablet, smartphone, game system will result in a score of zero.
2. You MUST provide a copy of the advertisement you used. If you found the advertisement on the
Web, a link (URL) must be included on the Selecting a PC Form.
If your advertisement is printed, bring it to me with your name printed at the top of the advertisement
Failure to submit the URL or the printed advertisement will result in a score of zero 3. What is an advertisement?
An advertisement is a short description of a product for sale through a store. Advertisements can be found in a newspaper, magazine or on the Web. An advertisement is NOT:
A manufacturer’s web site (you cannot use Apple.com, Dell.com, HP.com, etc.)
A product review (example: a magazine article about a specific computer or a comparison of
two or more computers)
An auction site (you cannot use Ebay or any other auction site since the item may be long
gone by the time I go to look for it)
A blog or a forum (someone’s personal comments on a computer or a review site like
eOpinions)
4. Check to see if the advertisement includes the computer requirements you listed.
If they are not included, are the missing requirements easy to buy and add to your computer? If
they are not easy to add, find another advertisement that better meets your needs.
Examples:
You need a higher CPU clock speed. Find another advertisement.
You need Microsoft Office or a printer. Buy this product separately.
In the OTHER HARDWARE or OTHER SOFTWARE section of the form, provide the following
information for each additional item: type of device or name of the software, manufacturer of
the device or software, model of the device or edition of the software, and cost.
You DO NOT need to provide advertisements for the additional items.
Selecting a Personal Computer Lab
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If you intend to configure a custom PC (not from an advertisement at a store):
>> I highly recommend you PDF* the final configuration.
Attach the form to the Canvas assignment link and Inbox me the PDF.
Most of the time when you provide me a link to your configuration web page, I only see the basic configurator NOT your final product.
I MUST see all of your specifications and total price of the configuration you created. If I must go hunting for pieces and parts of your configuration, your score will be negatively
impacted.
Check your attached PDF* before you submit to ensure I can read the specification you used to complete the Form, any requirements you listed, and the price that is stated on the Form.
* ‐ I will NOT accept formats other than PDF, XPS or a Word doc (you screen print to capture the entire configuration).
RUBRIC
A. File renamed to YourLastName YourFirstName Selecting a PC with your Name (potential deductions) (1)
B. Description of why you need a new PC (3)
C. List of specific requirements for your new computer (minimum of 3 required) (3)
D. Listed specific requirements met (3)
E. Personal computer specifications URL to exact product “bought” (2) Name of Store (seller) (1) Manufacturer (1) Model (1) CPU Type (1) CPU Clock Speed (1) RAM Capacity (1) Hard Drive Capacity (1) Display size (1) Operating System (0.5) OS Version (1) Cost of Computer System (0.5) Other hardware (possibly 1‐2 per item) Other software (possibly 1‐2 per item) Total cost of PC and Additional items (0.5)
F. Quality: Spelling, grammar, completeness (potential deductions ½ to 1 point per error)