This assignment constitutes 30% of the total marks.
Due date: 7th August 2009
You may submit your assignment via email. Each answer should not be more than 5 pages long using Arial font type, size 12 and single spaced. Choose 1 question form each chapter
Chapter 6: Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
1. Optical Storage
Some methods of optical storage, such as CDs, have become fairly commonplace for most users, whereas others, such as DVDs and the new Blu-ray technology, are not as familiar. To add to the confusion between which type of optical storage to use, optical drives are available in a variety of speeds, and the technology is available in different formats (e.g., DVD-RW vs. DVD+RW).
Some methods of optical storage, such as CDs, have become fairly commonplace for most users, whereas others, such as DVDs and the new Blu-ray technology, are not as familiar. To add to the confusion between which type of optical storage to use, optical drives are available in a variety of speeds, and the technology is available in different formats (e.g., DVD-RW vs. DVD+RW).
Use the Internet to research the various types and formats of optical storage available today. Create a table that includes the following for each type of storage (CD, DVD, etc.)
- Available formats
- Storage capacity
- Types of data it typically stores
- Key features or benefits
Then, visit the Web sites of two computer manufacturers, and determine the types of optical storage they offer for low-end systems and high-end systems. List this information in a second table, including the computer manufacturer and model, the drive speed, and if available, the cost of the drive. Finally, write a brief summary of your findings, including any mention of competing technologies, and indicate which optical drive would be your ideal choice.
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Blu-ray, Optical Media, Optical Media Standards, Optical Formats
2. Online Storage
You no longer have to rely on hard drives, CDs, DVDs, and so on to store or back up your data. Numerous online providers store or back up your data over the Internet. With online storage, a company provides you with space on its servers, which you use to store your backup data, photos and movies, large files—whatever you need.
You no longer have to rely on hard drives, CDs, DVDs, and so on to store or back up your data. Numerous online providers store or back up your data over the Internet. With online storage, a company provides you with space on its servers, which you use to store your backup data, photos and movies, large files—whatever you need.
Using an Internet search engine, find four different companies that provide online storage. Create a chart, and for each company, answer the following questions:
- What is the name of the company?
- Is there a free trial period? If so, how long is it?
- What is the cost?
- How much storage space is available?
- What security measures are in place to protect your data?
- What additional features does the company offer?
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Online Storage, Internet Storage, Web Storage, Online Data Storage, Online Backup
Chapter 7: Networking and Security: Connecting computers and keeping them safe from hackers and viruses
1. Identity Theft
Identity theft—it is such a scary term. You have no doubt heard of someone who has had his or her name, address, social security number, bank account, and/or credit card information stolen. This can ruin a person’s credit and leave him or her holding the bag and being harassed by creditors attempting to collect on the fraudulent debts. It sounds horrible, and it is.
Using the Internet, research identity theft and write a brief paper answering the following questions:
- What is identity theft?
- How can you prevent identity theft?
- What steps should you take if your identity is stolen?
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Identity Theft, Preventing Identity Theft, Identity Theft Protection
2. Hackers
We know from this chapter that a hacker is anyone who unlawfully breaks into a computer system—whether an individual computer or a network. However, there is a great deal of dissension (especially among hackers themselves) as to what a hacker actually is. Using the Internet, research four different types of hackers, and define each one. As part of your research, seek information about the typical profile of a hacker. Why do hackers do what they do? What are the laws against hacking in your state?
Suggested Web Sites:
Identity Theft, Preventing Identity Theft, Identity Theft Protection
2. Hackers
We know from this chapter that a hacker is anyone who unlawfully breaks into a computer system—whether an individual computer or a network. However, there is a great deal of dissension (especially among hackers themselves) as to what a hacker actually is. Using the Internet, research four different types of hackers, and define each one. As part of your research, seek information about the typical profile of a hacker. Why do hackers do what they do? What are the laws against hacking in your state?
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Computer Hackers, Hacker Classification, Types of Hackers, Hacking Laws
Chapter 8: Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand
1. Rivalry among PDA/Smartphones
PDAs/smartphones are becoming the new craze in the world of cellular technology. Cell phone users want the latest technology and no longer want a phone just to talk on and send text messages from. Using the Internet, locate and research four PDA/smartphones. Create a chart comparing and contrasting the four phones based on the following characteristics:
- name of the phone
- manufacturer
- retail price
- operating system
- talk time
- weight
- memory
- input device(s)
- capabilities
After comparing the phones, write a brief paragraph stating which PDA/smartphone would best suit your needs and whether you would be willing to purchase it.
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Smartphone, PDA/Smartphone, Compare SmartPhones
2. Global Positioning Systems (GPSs)
Another new craze in the world of technology is global positioning systems (GPSs). As we learned in the chapter, GPS devices use an antenna to pick up signals from satellites and special software to transform those signals into latitude and longitude. Using the information obtained from the satellites, GPS devices can determine your geographical location anywhere on the planet to within 10 feet. How neat is it that a small device can tell you exactly where you are on Earth—anytime and anywhere?
We all know that you can buy a handheld device that is just a GPS, but what else can you buy that contains a GPS? In addition to tracking where we are standing, what are other uses of GPSs? Besides consumers, who else uses GPSs? How accurate are GPSs? Do you have to subscribe to use a GPS? Write a brief report of your findings.
Suggested Web Sites:
Suggested Keywords:
Global Positioning System, GPS, Uses of GPS, GPS Accuracy, GPS Subscriptions
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