Homework # 1

Due: Monday, Feb. 2, 2008

 

Problem: You are a computer advisor. Dr. Wiezel, turned to you with the following request:

Dear Computer Advisor,

I am in charge of the information technology policy at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at ASU. We decided to recommend our sophomores to buy a notebook computer that will serve them throughout their studies at ASU. They will use extensively the MS Office programs as well as specialty programs based on DBMS (database management systems) and BIM (Building Information Modeling - including 3D modeling and visualization, as well as Autodesk products they can download for free from www.autodesk.com/edcommunity). We do not foresee them using these computers for video editing.

Please let me know what the minimal configuration and cost would be. Also please provide me with an explanation as of why we should require the configuration you selected. 

Note: ASU students will use the http://www.asu.edu/1to1/laptops.html web site to buy their computers.

Thank you!

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Avi Wiezel

Notes:

  1. Don't forget taxes or S&H.
  2. Rebates cannot be used, as they expire before DEWSC can make the recommendations.
  3. Web pages are frequently updated. Remember to attach a hard copy of the WWW quote to your letter.
  4. Make no mistake; this homework is NOT what it appears to be. It is more about documenting your decisions than about the hardware you select. Look at the rewards and penalties in the grading.

Submission: The homework will be submitted in a form of an answer letter, in a #10 white regular business envelope (4-1/8" x 9-1/2" ). The first page (and only the first page!) will have a letterhead containing your name and email address*. You can use more than one page if needed. You are NOT allowed to use DEWSC envelopes. Envelopes will be deposited in the homework basket in the computer lab.

Grading: 90 points for the selection 10 points for the neatness of presentation. 5 points will be deducted for each of your choices that are not sustained in writing.

Bonus: 10 bonus points will be given for 3 best URLs (other than the ones in the lecture notes or their mirrors) containing explanations about how PC hardware works that you would recommend to be included in the list of resources of the course. You have to have visited those sites and be familiar with their contents in order to recommend them. Include a short description of the reasons you recommend that particular web site. The bonus points will be added to the grade of this homework. You will be asked to show how you have found the URL. URLs will be submitted in an email to CON251@asu.edu. Make sure your email contains a signature  block, identifying your name, class section and ASU email address.

* Check your knowledge: While it is not specifically required by this homework, the letterhead should be part of your personal MS Word template. The template should contain the the letterhead in the heading of the first page only. If this note is not clear to you please see the instructor. Your knowledge in this area will be tested  in Homework #2.