CIT 100 Session 2: Internalizing Hardware Components

Building computers, simulating hardware, and making a case

Session Overview

We'll be working on a few projects tonight and we'll all get a chance to work on building a computer computer from components parts, modeling the actions of a computer system, and starting on our computer system advertisement videos.

(Potentially) Interesting Question

Why do some computers cost so much more than others? When is that extra price "worth" the money? When are we being duped by sales fols?

Learning Objectives

1. Explain how each computer component functions and what other components it connects to.
2. Analyze the specifications of a few types of computers offered by major computer manufacterers.

Misc Class Notes:

• Missing class: Please email and check the class schedule. As a once-a-week class, missing class should involve doing some outside work to keep pace. This is important stuff! Start by reading the class session guide (what you're reading now) and asking class mates about what happened and what can be made up. Email Eric if needed.

Activity 1: Simulating how computer components interact

For next time!

Activity 2: Analyzing computer system offerings by major computer companies

Download the sytem review spreadsheet sample

Imagine you are a computer sales group that is conducting reserach for a client and need to make a recommendation for a computer purchase for the entire company. Your goal is to create a promotional recommendation video that features a range of possible computing choices, suggests a winner, and explains your rationale.

Your promotional material should include data about each of these things:

1. What makes each of the four systems the same? What do they have in common?
2. What makes each different? Why would I buy one over the other, generally?
3. What does each one cost? Why do the costs differ?
4. Why would a client care about each of the differnet component parts? I.e. why does a non-computer company care about a processor's speed?
5. Include a pretty spreadsheet comparing features and linking to reviews.

Your video should be something like 4 mins and feature all your group members.

Activity 3: Building computer systems from parts

IBM Build

Dell Build

Practice and Extensions

Use the computer customizer on Lenovo.com or dell.com to create a system with specifications that make sense for an industry you are particularly interested in. Share your results with the class next session.