Activity 1: Explain the following specifications
You are working for a small company that is looking to upgrade their computer systems and the following cryptic quote has been received. Rewrite the quote so that the company's accountant can better understand what equipment is being offered.
P4 2.8Ghz, 512 MB DDR-SDRAM, 40GB 7200 HDD, 52x CD-ROM, 17" LCD, integrated sound, video and network with WinXP Pro $1500
Answer :
The computer that we are quoting on has the following specifications:
| Specification |
| CPU | Intel Pentium 4 speed 2.8Ghz |
| Memory | 512 MB DDR-SDRAM |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB rotational speed 7200 rpm |
| CD | speed 52x, read only |
| Monitor | 17" flat panel LCD |
| Sound, Video, Network interface | integrated on the motherboard |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
Also included in the system are: floppy drive, mouse and keyboard.
Activity 2: Computer ports
Students should be able to select the most appropriate hardware for the task and be able to identify the ports that are used to connect computer peripherals.
Complete the following questions.
- Give a brief definition of the term computer port.
- Name two devices that might use a USB connection.
- Your company is looking to purchase a new modem. Would you recommend that they purchase a modem with a serial or USB connection?
- What features of the IEE1394 (Firewire) port make it suitable for use with video recorders?
- Your desktop computer system has two USB ports, but you have four USB devices - printer, modem, web camera and keyboard. What would you recommend?
Answer :- Give a brief definition of the term computer port.
A computer port is a physical connector usually on the back of the computer which allows a cable from a peripheral device such as a printer to connect to the computer system.
- Name two devices that might use a USB connection.
Devices that might use a USB connection are: - keyboard
- mouse,
- modem,
- scanner,
- printer,
- digital cameras.
- Your company is looking to purchase a new modem. Would you recommend that they purchase a modem with a serial or USB connection?
Your company is looking to purchase a new modem. You would recommend the USB connection as it is the latest. (Some new computer systems do not even have a serial port.)
- What features of the IEE1394 (Firewire) port make it suitable for use with video recorders?
The following features make the IEE1394 (Firewire) port suitable for use with video recorders:
Hot swappable, high data transfer rates of 400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b).
- Your desktop computer system has two USB ports, but you have four USB devices - printer, modem, web camera and keyboard. What would you recommend?
As USB devices are hot swappable, you unplug and plug devices as required. A better solution would be to purchase a USB hub to allow all devices to be connected at the same time.
Activity 3: Select appropriate hardware
- Students should be able to select the most appropriate hardware for the task.
Suggest the most appropriate peripheral device that will be suitable for the following tasks.
| Task | Suitable peripheral |
| Connect to the Internet |
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| Capture digital images |
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| Store large amounts of data in a portable format |
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| Capture an audio signal |
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| Convert an image on paper to a digital image |
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- You have just purchased a new printer.
- Give three possible sources that you could use to find the appropriate device driver.
- The printer is "plug and play". Explain what this means.
Answer :
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| Task | Suitable peripheral |
| Connect to the Internet. | modem |
| Capture digital images. | digital camera |
| Store large amounts of data in a portable format. | USB memory stick or large capacity disk drive such as a Zip drive |
| Capture an audio signal. | microphone |
| Convert an image on paper to a digital image | scanner |
- You have just purchased a new printer.
- Give three possible sources that you could use to find the appropriate device driver.
Three possible sources are: - the installation CD that comes with the printer
- the manufacturer's web site (this would ensure that you are using the latest driver)
- the computer’s operating system.
- The printer is "plug and play". Explain what this means.
"Plug and play" devices are devices that will work together with the operating system to automatically configure themselves. The BIOS must also support "plug and play"
Activity 4: Examine your computer system
To install a new peripheral device or a new software application, it is important that you know what components are installed in your computer system. Then you can decide if your system meets the minimum system requirements.
Print a copy of the following table. Use the operating system tools described in 'My computer specifications’ to complete the table for the computer system that you are currently using.
| Component | Description |
| Operating system |
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| Memory |
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| CPU |
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Storage capacity
C:
D: |
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| Installed devices |
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| Display adapter |
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| DVD/CD-Rom drive |
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| Modem |
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| Printer |
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| Do any installed devices have a problem? |
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| If so, describe the problem |
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Answer :
| Component | Description |
| CPU | Intel Pentium 4 speed 2.8Ghz |
| Memory | 512 MB DDR-SDRAM |
| Hard Drive | 40 GB rotational speed 7200 rpm |
| CD | speed 52x, read only |
| Monitor | 17" flat panel LCD |
| Sound, Video, Network interface | integrated on the motherboard |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
Activity 5: Dream machine
Research via the Internet your “dream machine” – a computer system you could build for yourself (within reason) if money were no object!
If possible, for each system component you are required to include two possible choices. You should then indicate your preferred choice and justify why; for example, it may be cheaper, faster, more reliable etc.
List each component in a table format as per the example below. Then include your justification for your preferred components. Also include costs for each component and a total price.
Sample table
| Configuration | Choice One
(preferred) | Price | Choice Two | Price | Justification |
| Motherboard |
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| CPU |
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| Graphics Card |
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| RAM |
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| HDD |
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| CDROM |
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| Modem |
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| LCD |
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| Case |
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| Power Supply |
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| Keyboard |
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| Mouse |
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| Operating Sys |
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| Software |
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| Printer |
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| Scanner |
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| Total Price |
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Windows Vista® Home Premium