How to Buy the Right Computer
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A Webquest designed to help students purchase
the appropriate computer for their needs.
Welcome Aboard! Were glad you two are the newest members of our team here at the law firm of Pennywise, Scrooge and Gallows INC. Our last I.T. team was fired for wasting company money on unnecessarily expensive computer hardware. I’m sure after were done suing them for the lost money plus interest they will get back on their feet. If only they’d been a little more frugal, but who knew the hardware they would recommend the firm purchase would go on sale 1 week later for $5 dollars cheaper. Well, let’s not dwell on their demise too long. After all they were only with the company 2 weeks. Were confident you will be making the best purchases possible, you two look like people who like their job. Good Luck!
You and your partner have just been hired as the I.T. people for a very merciless law firm. Your chief responsibility is to purchase new computer systems for the lowest cost possible, and as you can see your job depends on it. In order to keep your job you will need to do the following tasks
· Define common vocabulary terms used in the description of computer hardware and software components and requirements.
· Research given software titles and determine their minimum hardware requirements for use.
· Visit many Computer Shopping sites. Compare systems that meet your overall minimum software needs and determine the best bargain available.
· Prepare a purchase recommendation letter.
The executive members of the law firm are anxious to see results. Stick to the following timetable to meet your presentation deadline.
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Submit Definitions: Using links provided in the resource area define the following vocabulary terms relating to computer hardware and software. · Megahertz (MHZ) · Operating System (OS) · Ram · Megabyte (Megs) · Gigabyte (Gig) · CRT · Flat Panel Monitor ·
· HDD · CD-ROM · CDR/CDRW · Scanner · Inkjet Printer · Desktop Computer · Notebook Computer · Local Area Network (LAN) · Wireless LAN |
Day 1 |
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Research Given Software Titles and Document Minimum Requirements. Create an overall minimum requirement list. · Windows XP · Microsoft Office 2000 · Macromedia Dream Weaver MX 2004 · Adobe Acrobat 6.0 · AutoCAD 2000 · Unreal Tournament 2004 (for lunch breaks) NOTE: If you encounter any terms for minimum requirements you had not identified in Task 1 be sure to define them and add them to your definitions list. |
Day 2 |
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Research Computer Systems and Identify Most Cost Effective Purchase Today you will be “Window Shopping” for the system that meets your researched needs. In addition to the software requirements you researched yesterday the law firm has some additional requirements. The computers must be desktop computers with wireless LAN and flat panel display monitors. Visit the links provided in the resource section and shop around for the best bargain. Bookmark any possible sites with systems you are considering. Document the sites you visit with computers you are considering. Compare your best bargain with your partner. Double check each others find to make sure it meets requirements. You will submit your list for credit. |
Day 3 |
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Write Your Recommendation Letter For this part of the web quest you and your partner will be writing a purchase recommendation sheet. This will consist of 2 paragraphs. · The first paragraph should describe the overall minimum requirements of the needed system. Be sure to include the law firm’s additional hardware requirements. · The second paragraph should describe the system you are recommending, the cost, and the company from which you will be buying the computer. |
Day4 |
In the table below are a collection of links divided into task sections. These resources are not “Exclusive” and you may be required to conduct general internet searches to assist in your research.
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Task 1 – Vocabulary Computer Hardware and Vocabulary |
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Task 2 – Software Requirements |
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Task 3 – Computer Shopping There are many more sites… feel free to find sellers not listed here. |
You will be scored using the following grading rubric: Areas that are blank indicate that task only has scores possible for the described points.
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Rubric |
Excellent 4 |
Good 3 |
Satisfactory 2 |
Minimal 1 |
Re-Do 0 |
SCORE |
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Task 1 |
All Vocab Terms listed, numbered and have acceptable
definition statements written in complete sentences |
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Most definitions have acceptable definition
statements. |
ß à |
Assignment not done to minimal acceptable
specifications. Re-do for credit. |
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Task 2 |
A list of minimal requirements for each software
package and a concise written summary overall minimal requirements |
A list of minimal requirements for most software
packages, no written summary. |
A list of minimal requirements for all software
packages given. |
A list of minimal requirements for most software
packages Given, no summary. |
A list of minimal requirements for about half of the
software package, no summary. |
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Task3 |
Team visited at least 10 sites with potential
computer systems |
Team visited at least 8 sites with potential
computer systems |
Team visited at least 6 sites with potential
computer systems |
Team visited at least 4 sites with potential
computer systems |
Visited 3 or less sites. |
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Task4 |
2 Well written paragraphs detailing the
minimum requirements needed and a description of the proposed system shows
that it meets stated needs. Price and
manufacturer /distributor are stated. |
2 paragraphs detailing the minimum
requirements needed and a description of the proposed system shows that it
meets stated needs. Price and
manufacturer /distributor are stated. |
2 paragraphs detailing the minimum
requirements needed and a description of the proposed system shows that it
meets stated needs. |
Written information regarding minimum
requirements and a description of a computer system |
Recommendation not written in stated format. |
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TOTAL |
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During this 4 day activity reflect
on the following essential questions. Be
prepared to discuss them orally.
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What
aspects should one consider when purchasing a new computer?
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Why is knowing the software you plan to run important?
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Are
computers with the same features always similar in price?
This webquest created by
Anthony Rettig