In this activity, you will design a computer system for a specific user with a specified budget. To create the computer system, you will need to determine the hardware, software, and peripherals that meet the needs of the specific user. You will make a list of the components and provide an explanation of the function of each. You must support your decision for including each component in the system by describing how it will effectively meet the needs of the user profile you selected.
Use the System Specifications Template (ATTACHED) to complete this assignment. Remember to include links or appropriate citations for the resources you use to support your selections.
Sites such as NewEgg, Micro Center, and Fry’s Electronics provide numerous options to consider when building a computer system. You may find it beneficial to use one of these sites, or you may choose to use other resources.
As you begin to build your computer system, consider the following basic questions and make decisions about items such as the system unit, CD/DVD drive, printer, monitor, speakers, microphone, keyboard, mouse, flash memory card reader, and storage (e.g., hard drive or solid state drive):
Choose one user profile from the following list and create a computer system that meets the needs of that specific user.
The family computer will need to meet the needs of a variety of users. They plan to use it to search the internet, stream videos, create a family budget, and support basic word processing tasks. They expect easy usability, the ability to connect to fast internet, clear picture, and the ability to print documents they create. In addition to the basic questions listed above, when building the computer system for this user, consider the following:
Remember to explain the function of each component you chose and support your decision for including it in the system.
The art student is creative and innovative. They not only focus on traditional school work but also rely on their computer for creating models, animation, and 3D printing projects for their major. In addition to the basic questions listed above, when building the computer system for this user, consider the following:
Remember to explain the function of each component you chose and support your decision for including it in the system.
Most gamers want smooth, fast gameplay with sights and sounds that immerse them in the game. They are interested in streaming or recording video and communicating with other players. They do not want visuals that are grainy, pixelated, or stall mid-move. In addition to the basic questions listed above, when building the computer system for this user, consider the following:
Remember to explain the function of each component you chose and support your decision for including it in the system.
What to Submit: Submit the completed System Specifications Template.
Criteria | Exemplary (100%) | Proficient (85%) | Needs Improvement (55%) | Not Evident (0%) | Value |
Hardware Components | Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner | Identifies all hardware components needed to create a system within a given budget | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include accuracy, clarity, logic, or detail | Does not attempt criterion | 20 |
Purpose | Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner | Describes the purpose/application of each component | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include accuracy, clarity, logic, or detail | Does not attempt criterion | 20 |
Software | Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner | Identifies specific software for a given user | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include accuracy, clarity, logic, or detail | Does not attempt criterion | 20 |
Supports Decision | Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner | Explains decision for inclusion of components | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors or omissions; areas for improvement may include accuracy, clarity, logic, or detail and correct use of concepts throughout the explanation | Does not attempt criterion | 20 |
Articulation of Response | Exceeds proficiency in an exceptionally clear, insightful, sophisticated, or creative manner | Clearly conveys meaning with correct grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, demonstrating an understanding of audience and purpose | Shows progress toward proficiency, but with errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, negatively impacting readability | Submission has critical errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling, preventing understanding of ideas | 10 |
Citations and Attributions | Attributes sources where applicable using citation methods with very few minor errors | Attributes sources where applicable, but with consistent minor errors | Attributes sources where applicable, but with major errors | Does not attribute sources where applicable | 10 |
Total: | 100% |