In this project, learners will need to use their conceptual and operational knowledge of computers in a real-life scenario to define computer configurations for given sets of requirements. To successfully complete this project, the learners should be able to:
> Choose from different hardware and software components for designing two computer configurations
according to two sets of end-user requirements.
> Prepare two computer configurations, a minimum configuration for meeting the essential
requirements, and a recommended configuration for meeting an additional set of requirements for
enhanced performance.
Scenario
Alex wants to purchase a personal computer to perform some essential tasks. Alex has decided to get the computer assembled instead of buying a preconfigured and branded one. However, Alex is not clear about the hardware and software components required to assemble the computer. Alex wants to be sure that the selected components are compatible with each other. Alex is willing to pay more for a computer with better configuration but does not want the cost to exceed that of a branded computer of similar configuration. In addition, Alex does not want to spend money on any additional hardware components but wants a scalable configuration that can be upgraded easily, if required. The computer that Alex purchases should help Alex to perform the following essential tasks:
> Create presentations
> Prepare documents
> Play multimedia games
> Listen to music and view movies
> Chat with friends and relatives online
> Store photographs
> Browse the Internet and send and receive e-mail using his telephone line
In addition to these essential requirements, Alex has an additional set of requirements as well and wants an estimate of cost for another computer configuration that meets these requirements. The additional requirements that Alex expects the second computer configuration to meet are:
> There should be no cluttering of cables on Alex's desk.
> The monitor should produce high-quality images and not cause any strain to Alex's eyes.
> The speakers should produce stereo sound for better audio quality.
> The keyboard and mouse should be convenient to use.
> The computer's performance should not deteriorate while Alex views online video clips or listens to
audio clips.
> The computer should not stop responding while Alex plays games on it.
> Alex should be able to play online games on the computer.
> Alex should be able to upgrade the computer, if required.
Project Scope
Suggest two computer configurations, one that meets Alex's essential requirements and another that meets
both requirements, essential as well as additional. You will need to prepare:
> A Word memo listing the individual hardware and software components for each configuration along
with reasons for selecting each component.
> An Excel worksheet showing details of cost for each configuration along with a graph to compare
both costs.
> A presentation that explains each of the proposed configurations.
Recommended Approach
For convenience and better categorization of tasks, you should divide the entire project into four modules:
> Module 1: Prepare the minimum configuration for meeting the essential requirements.
> Module 2: Prepare the recommended configuration for meeting the additional requirements.
> Module 3: Compare the costs of the two configurations.
> Module 4: Create the final presentation.
Project Pointers
Module 1: Preparing the minimum configuration for meeting the essential requirements.
Approach
In this module, you should focus on selecting a minimum computer configuration that meets Alex's essential requirements. To do this, you need to consider various components, such as the system case, the type of motherboard, processor, and memory, and the different expansion cards that would be required, such as the video and sound cards. In addition, you need to consider the type of monitor, keyboard, and mouse device, as well as other peripheral devices, such as the printer and scanner.
Your approach in this module should be to minimize the cost, and at the same time, meet all the basic requirements that Alex has listed. In this module, you may ignore the issue of scalability and upgradeability, and instead focus entirely on defining a cost-effective computer configuration with the minimum hardware and software components mandatory for the essential requirements.
Outcome
> A cost effective and practical computer configuration that meets the essential requirements of the
user.
Documentation
> A Word memo identifying the specification and cost of each component of the minimum computer
configuration and the reasons for selecting the component.
Module 2: Preparing the recommended configuration for meeting the additional requirements.
Approach
In this module, you should consider the long-term value of a computer configuration. To do this, you need to consider the essential as well as the additional requirements of the user. You should focus on providing the user with better computing experience, which in turn will ensure better value for the money invested by the user. You should also consider the scalability and upgradeability of the computer configuration you suggest to the user. You can research the market to recommend the hardware and software components that are likely to be part of future computer configurations. Components that are likely to be rendered obsolete must be avoided.
Outcome
> A recommended computer configuration that meets the essential as well as additional requirements
of the user.
Documentation
> A Word memo listing the specifications and cost of each of the components specified in the minimum
computer configuration and the reason for selecting the component.
Module 3: Comparing the costs of the two configurations.
Approach
In this module, you need to compare the costs of the two configurations. You need to define the cost versus value graph for both the configurations and show explicitly how much extra expenditure will have to be incurred for meeting the additional requirements. You also need to identify the components that contribute to the increased cost of the configuration for the additional requirements.
Outcome
> The costs of both computer configurations and a comparison of their costs.
Documentation
> An Excel workbook with three worksheets, two showing details of costs, one for each of the two
options, and a third sheet showing a graphical comparison of the costs of the two configurations.
> A list of the additional components that increase the cost of the configuration for the additional
requirements.
Module 4: Creating the final presentation.
Approach
In this module, you need to prepare the final presentation for the project. In the presentation, you should include the time spent for preparing each of the previous modules. You can also include the specifications and graph sheets from the documentations of other modules. In addition, you should include the rationale for selecting one of the two suggested configurations. You need to justify whether Alex should bear the additional cost of the second configuration or consider the low-cost first configuration.
Outcome
> Final project presentation outlining the suggested configurations.
Documentation
> A PowerPoint presentation that includes pictures of various hardware components downloaded from
the Internet, the specifications and costs of the components, a graph comparing the costs of the two
options, and the rationale for selecting each option.
Reference
For more information, you can refer to:
> Chapter 23: Purchasing a PC or Building Your Own from the book, A+ Guide to Managing and
Maintaining Your PC.