Personal Computer Comparison Project 1

For the Computer Comparison Project:  READ/DO:  IC³:  Unit 1 (Project 3):  Evaluating, Purchasing, and Maintaining Computer Equipment, pp. 84-121.

For this project you will assume that you are faced with the task of purchasing a new microcomputer for your personal use.  You may assume that you have up to $1500 to spend on the computer and associated peripheral devices.  Your task is to use the Internet to research available personal computers and computer peripherals.  Several web sites are provided in your textbook readings.

As you conduct your research consider the following criteria:

·         Processor speed.
·         Memory type and size.
·         Storage devices (hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Zip disk)
·         Input and output devices such as the computer mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, sound card, and video card.
·         Communications devices (modem and/or network card).
·         Software you require.
·         Overall system cost.

You should compare systems from three different companies. Write a report describing the computer you plan to purchase.  The first page of the report is the cover page which gives the name of the project, your name and the date. On the second page is your one page paper in which you  justify the system you are purchasing and why you need the particular components.  For example, if you plan to use your computer to publish a newsletter for your campus club or organization, you might wish to purchase a scanner.  In this case, you would explain how you planned to use the scanner.

Use the sample provided in Blackboard to create a Word table for the comparison table. This page will be the third  page in your report. The fourth page of your report should contain the references you used for your research. 

·        This Project is worth 25 points.

Web Page Project 2

·        Using Microsoft Word, you will create a home page and a resume page. You will publish your web page using ftp software.  Your web pages will conform to the SIUE web publishing guidelines as provided in class. 

·        This project is worth 25 points.

INTEGRATION Project 3

·        Using the Internet, research your declared or intended major; prepare a 4-page double spaced report including a title page, table of contents, and references (the report is 4 pages in addition to the requirements above); prepare a slide show to share your findings with your peers.

·        Your project should research your declared or intended major and describe:

1.    What is the field of study?

2.    What does this field of study include?

3.    What events lead you to decide (or consider) this field of study.

4.    What must you do to prepare for the field?

5.    What are the employment opportunities for this field?

6.    What can you expect as an annual salary if you become employed in this profession? 

7.    What can you expect to do as you progress in this field?

Your paper must include an imbedded excel spreadsheet that calculates earnings over a 30 year career, based upon your research in 6 above. Salary increases should be assumed and displayed in 5 year increments. You must also use footnotes for your references on the page that the reference is found. Any footnote style is acceptable as long as it is a reference style found in Office 2007.

The PowerPoint slide show should discuss the major points in your paper. You should use proper templates and slide transitions in your slide show.

You will submit two files for grading:

1.    integration project.docx

2.    integration project.pptx

This project is worth 50 points.