Web Research Project

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Chapter 6

This activity contains 6 questions.

Discuss when you should upgrade an existing computer as opposed to buying a new one.

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

Discuss each step of the machine cycle.

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

Web Project 1: Training

Are you utilizing your computer to its full potential? Whether you have purchased a new system or recently upgraded, you might benefit from additional instruction. Using the Internet, research free online training sources available to teach you more about hardware and software. Review at least three tutorials and write a brief paper describing what you learned. Was this information new to you? Was it explained in an easy-to-understand format? Would you recommend it to others?

Suggested Web Sites

office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/training-FX101782702.aspx
www.lynda.com
www.tamingthebeast.net/training/hardwaretraining.htm

Suggested Key Words

Hardware training, software training, computer-based training

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

Web Project 2: Obsolete Equipment

You’ve followed all the advice in Chapter 6 and have determined that your old computer system is not worth upgrading. You’ve gotten your new system all set up, but there’s still one more decision to be made: What should you do with your old computer?

Use the Internet to explore possible new uses for old systems that are still in good working order. Similarly, research the proper disposal methods for computers that are truly defunct. Consider the importance of protecting the data that might still be on your old computer. Write a brief paper that outlines several possibilities for each scenario, and discuss the option or options that would be most useful or interesting to you.

Suggested Web Sites

thefuntimesguide.com/2004/11/oldcomputeruses.php
www.care2.com/greenliving/dealing-with-obsolete-computers.html
www.pcworld.com/article/id,102526-page,1/article.html
www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/how_to_recycle_1.php

Suggested Keywords

Obsolete computer, uses for old computers, recycle computer, computer disposal

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

Web Project 3: HDTV on Your Notebook, Laptop, or Tablet

Your text mentions new USB devices that let you watch TV on your laptop. Conduct a Web search to learn more about how this works. Check into brands and costs. Provide a comparison of at least three brands and costs; this can be done in a table or a short written paper. In addition, include information on how these devices function, and additional hardware (video or sound) that you might need on your laptop.

Suggested Web Sites

www.getusb.info/hdtv-for-your-notebook/
www.ehow.com/how_5185216_add-hdtv-notebook-computer.html
www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-media-center/get-started/record-tv.aspx

Suggested Keywords

HDTV on notebook, HDTV tuner notebook, USB HDTV tuner

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

Web Project 4: Moore’s Law and the Future of Processors

Gordon Moore, cofounder of processor manufacturer Intel, predicted more than 40 years ago that the number of transistors on a processor would double every 18 months. So far, this theory, known as Moore’s Law, has been surprisingly accurate. More than once over the last 40 years, experts have believed that the theory had finally broken down—surely no further improvement to CPUs would be possible! Yet processors continue to grow smaller while becoming more powerful.

Use the Internet to research the background of CPUs and the path they’ve taken thus far. Create a visual timeline for your results. Then explore the future of the CPU. Do you think that the physical limitations of the CPU will finally prevent further improvements? How small is too small? What new routes do experts think processors will take? Did you find any information about technologies that seemed promising but failed to follow through? Write a brief paper summarizing your findings.

Suggested Web Sites

www.geeks.com/techtips/2005/techtips-NOV22-05.htm
www.intel.com/technology/mooreslaw/index.htm
www.pcmech.com/article/a-cpu-history/
www.spectrum.ieee.org/jun06/3649

Suggested Keywords

Moore’s Law, history of the CPU, evolution of the CPU, future of the CPU, microprocessor, processor, CPU timeline

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

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