Web Research Project

[Skip Breadcrumb Navigation]

Home

Chapter 5

This activity contains 4 questions.

Web Project 1: Linux vs. Windows

Linux is a free, open-source operating system that allows users to alter its source code. For some users, it is a viable alternative to the Microsoft Windows operating system. This chapter poses an interesting question: If Linux is free, why isn’t everyone using it?

Using the Internet, research Linux and Microsoft Windows. Discuss the differences and the similarities between the two. Do you see Linux gaining in popularity in the future, or do you think it will maintain its current status? Write a brief paper on why you think Linux does not have a larger share of the operating system market.

Suggested Keywords:
Linux, Linux versus Windows, Linux Comparison, Open-Source Operating Systems

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 2: Utility Programs

When discussing system software, it seems that the operating system usually garners the most attention. However, the various utility programs that are part of your system software perform a number of important tasks. Some of these programs are already installed on your computer, whereas others are offered as stand-alone applications that may be available for purchase or as freeware or shareware.

Use an Internet search engine to locate and research three utility programs that are not currently on your computer and that are of interest to you. Create a table that includes the following information for each program:

Utility name and publisher
Cost to purchase or available as freeware/shareware
System requirements and platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.)
Purpose of program
Key features and benefits
Disadvantages or concerns
Competing/similar products

Write a brief summary explaining why you found these utilities interesting. Would you consider installing them on your computer? Why or why not?

Suggested Keywords:
Utility Software, Utility Programs, System Utilities

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 3: The Sugar Operating System

The One Laptop Per Child initiative has undertaken an interesting challenge: create a child-friendly, inexpensive computer that will help children in third-world countries learn about technology. By doing so, they’ve also developed a brand new operating system, named Sugar, with a user interface that is very different from the operating systems you may already be familiar with.

Use an Internet search engine to locate information and reviews on the Sugar OS and its user interface. Write a brief paper describing the differences between the Sugar OS and Microsoft Windows. Locate and include a screenshot of the Sugar OS in your paper and be sure to document your sources.

Suggested Keywords:
One Laptop Per Child, Sugar Operating System, Sugar User Interface

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 4: Restoring Deleted Files

Typically, files that are deleted from your hard drive are sent to the Recycle Bin. If you find that you deleted the wrong file accidentally or subsequently discover that you need a previously deleted file, it’s possible to retrieve the file from the Recycle Bin and restore it to its original location. But what happens if you’ve already emptied the Recycle Bin? In such a situation, you may need to employ special file-recovery programs to retrieve the needed file.

Use an Internet search engine to research at least three file-recovery software programs. Write a brief paper summarizing your findings and answer the following questions:

What steps should you take to improve the odds that a file can be recovered after it has been deleted?
What steps can you take ahead of time to help minimize problems with data loss?
How do the file-recovery programs compare with one another? What are the differences between them?
Which of the applications you have reviewed seems to be the best choice?

Suggested Keywords:
File Recovery Software, File Recovery Procedures, Data Recovery, Deleted Files, Undelete Files

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

The Submit Answers for Grading feature requires scripting to function. Your browser either does not support scripting or you have turned scripting off.

So, the Submit Answers for Grading button below will not work.

The following Submit Answers for Grading button is provided in its place and will clear your answers:
The Clear Answers and Start Over feature requires scripting to function. Your browser either does not support scripting or you have turned scripting off.

So, the Clear Answers and Start Over button below will not work.

The following Clear Answers button is provided in its place and will clear your answers: