Part 1: Computer Research Part 1: Computer Research
Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a computer chip doubles every two years. This means that the power, speed, and application of computers are ever increasing. Along with these changes in performance, software is also improving and constantly pushing a computer’s capabilities to the edge. As a computer technician, you must constantly stay up-to-date with these changes in technology. This includes understanding the dynamics of hardware and software and how they interact with each other. To stay current, you must include research as a necessary part of your job. With rapid changes going on in the computer industry, a technician needs to build a trusted network of information resources that includes websites, periodicals, and industry professionals.
Computer benchmark tests and tools are other resources you can turn to for computer information. In a benchmark test, the performance of a software application is measured when one brand of a hardware component is placed inside a computer. By using the same application and computer for each test, different brands of a component can then be compared with one another, allowing you to choose the best brand for the job at the price you want to pay. Benchmarks are a good way to get you started with your research. You will be using them throughout this course.
To help you get started, here are some helpful websites:• www.pricewatch.com: This is a helpful site to check pricing; however, be sure to look at the condition of the product. It can be listed as new or refurbished.• www.tomshardware.com and www.kingston.com: These are benchmark sites to check out product performance.• www.pcworld.com: This is a popular site for information and product reviews.• www.ifixit.com and www.macfixit.com: These are helpful sites for troubleshooting.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many sites available for computer technicians. As you continue gaining experience, you develop your own network of trusted information resources.
Activity: Information Research
Begin your research by searching the Internet for additional websites, not mentioned previously, which offer pricing, technical reviews, and troubleshooting for computers and computer components. Enter these websites into the charts below and provide a succinct description of the website.
Price Check SitesIdentify three price check sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.
Website URL Summary Description
Product Review SitesIdentify three product review sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.
Website URL Summary Description
Troubleshooting SitesIdentify three troubleshooting sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.
Website URL Summary Description
Part 2: Comparing Computers Worksheet
Computers range in price and options the same way as many other consumer products. Before you can buy a computer, you must consider the type of computer you want or need and the price you are willing to spend on it. Researching a product is a great way to compare many variables and helps you determine exactly which computer to buy.
Activity: Preassembled Computer Search
For the following activity, think of a computer that you would like to have. Determine how you would use this computer, whether it is for work, school, gaming, or some other use. Visit two online computer manufacturers (www.dell.com, www.hp.com, www.gateway.com, or www.toshiba.com to name a few), and find a preassembled computer from each company that best matches your dream machine. In the chart below, fill in information for each of the two computers. Then, choose which computer you would buy and give a brief business justification of why you would pick it over the other. Preassembled Computer Chart
Component Computer 1 Computer 2Make, Model, and Series Processor/GHz Operating System Display Optical/CD/DVD Drive Hard Drive Memory Video/Graphics Card Operating System Warranty Other Price Computer URL to Specific Component
Computer Purchase DecisionChoose which computer you would buy and give a brief business justification of why you would pick it over the other.
Make and model of computer I would choose: Business justification for choosing this model: