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Part 1: Computer Research

 

Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a computer chip doubles every two years. This means that the power, speed, and application of computers are ever increasing. Along with these changes in performance, software is also improving and constantly pushing a computer’s capabilities to the edge.

As a computer technician, you must constantly stay up-to-date with these changes in technology. This includes understanding the dynamics of hardware and software and how they interact with each other. To stay current, you must include research as a necessary part of your job. With rapid changes going on in the computer industry, a technician needs to build a trusted network of information resources that includes websites, periodicals, and industry professionals.

 

Computer benchmark tests and tools are other resources you can turn to for computer information. In a benchmark test, the performance of a software application is measured when one brand of a hardware component is placed inside a computer. By using the same application and computer for each test, different brands of a component can then be compared with one another, allowing you to choose the best brand for the job at the price you want to pay. Benchmarks are a good way to get you started with your research. You will be using them throughout this course.

 

To help you get started, here are some helpful websites:

• pricewatch.com: This is a helpful site to check pricing; however, be sure to look at the condition of the product. It can be listed as new or refurbished.
• tomshardware.com and www.kingston.com: These are benchmark sites to check out product performance.
• pcworld.com: This is a popular site for information and product reviews.
• ifixit.com and www.macfixit.com: These are helpful sites for troubleshooting.

 

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many sites available for computer technicians. As you continue gaining experience, you develop your own network of trusted information resources.

 

 

Activity: Information Research

 

Begin your research by searching the Internet for additional websites, not mentioned previously, which offer pricing, technical reviews, and troubleshooting for computers and computer components. Enter these websites into the charts below and provide a succinct description of the website.

 

Price Check Sites

Identify three price check sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.

 

Website URL	Summary Description

 

Product Review Sites

Identify three product review sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.

 

Website URL	Summary Description

 

 

 

Troubleshooting Sites

Identify three troubleshooting sites and provide a description summary of what the site provides.

 

Website URL	Summary Description

 

 

 

Part 2: Comparing Computers Worksheet

 

Computers range in price and options the same way as many other consumer products. Before you can buy a computer, you must consider the type of computer you want or need and the price you are willing to spend on it. Researching a product is a great way to compare many variables and helps you determine exactly which computer to buy.

 

Activity:  Preassembled Computer Search

 

For the following activity, think of a computer that you would like to have. Determine how you would use this computer, whether it is for work, school, gaming, or some other use. Visit two online computer manufacturers (www.dell.com, www.hp.com, www.gateway.com, or www.toshiba.com to name a few), and find a preassembled computer from each company that best matches your dream machine. In the chart below, fill in information for each of the two computers. Then, choose which computer you would buy and give a brief business justification of why you would pick it over the other.

 

Preassembled Computer Chart

 

Component	Computer 1	Computer 2
Make, Model, and Series
Processor/GHz
Operating System
Display
Optical/CD/DVD Drive
Hard Drive
Memory
Video/Graphics Card
Operating System
Warranty
Other
Price
Computer URL to Specific Component

 

 

 

 

Computer Purchase Decision

Choose which computer you would buy and give a brief business justification of why you would pick it over the other.

 

Make and model of computer I would choose:
Business justification for choosing this model:

 

 

The Medicaid program serves the poor. Discuss its financing, eligibility, and benefits that are covered for our most vulnerable populations. How can the

system efficiency be improved while delivering cost-effectiveness?

 

 

What is the relationship between behavior and culture? Why is it important to understand this relationship? 

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, be certain to have read all the required resources for this week.

In your initial post, briefly, describe the components of a good evaluation question. Explain the impact of political and ethical issues associated with program evaluation. Explain the process involved in formulating and developing a quality evaluation question. Identify pertinent components that good evaluation questions should contain. In addition, identify an appropriate topic for the Final Paper, and formulate a preliminary research evaluation question relevant to that assignment.

IEP Goals and Measuring Progress
Review the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) example.

Based on the provided PLAAFP, write a narrative in 750-1,000-words that includes the following for Dan, the case study student:
1.Three annual, measureable goals/objectives.
2.Three to four action steps for achieving the goals.
3.An explanation of how Dan and his family will be involved in setting the goals and monitoring his progress.

Rationalize your choices.

For this assignment, you will write a 1200-word critical analysis based on one of the following topics inspired by readings in our

textbook, The McGraw-Hill Reader. The paper will include quoting the text, as well as additional research from the library database or

another approved and reliable source documented correctly in properAPA format. This paper requires writing using Third Person Point of

View and the persuasive mode.
The abstract should be 100 words and the body (excluding the cover page and reference page) of the paper should be 1000 words. Be sure to

use the template for a research paper that you create in Week One, and provide direct support from your sources. It would be best to use

the readings from your textbook, but other reliable sources should also be used. At least four sources are required. Choose ONE of the

following topics:

TOPIC SELECTIONS
History, Culture and Civilization: What can history teach us?
These are general topics meant to inspire further exploration and discovery of a narrower subject for your paper. Your essay should be

persuasive and explore a debatable idea. See Idea Generators below and how the general topic of education as a right or privilege is

narrowed to an examination of integration. Should integration necessarily translate into concrete gains like greater achievement for all

students? If so, is mixing students by race the most effective mechanism for attaining it?
RECOMMENDED READINGS (attached)
History, Culture and Civilization What can history teach us? Overview: p. 279
Essays: “America’s “Oh Sh*t” Moment,” Niall Fergeson pp. 291-295
“1776 and All That: America after September 11,” Edward Hoagland pp. 297-299
These essays are recommended, but you may choose relevant to your topic from other essays in the same chapter.
SAMPLE IDEA GENERATORS
History, Culture and Civilization
In “A World Not Neatly Divided,” Amartya Sin states that “the befuddling influence of a singular classification also traps those who

dispute the thesis of clash: To talk about the “Islamic world” or “the Western world” is already to adopt an impoverished vision of

humanity as unalterable divided.” In a persuasive essay, address the future of a diversified America. Can a nation maintain a strong

sense of self and still remain open to outside influences? Is national identity crucial to a nation’s survival? How would you describe

America’s national identity?
REQUIREMENTS
• Persuasive Essay 1200 word minimum
• APA manuscript format
• Abstract and Title Page
• Resources (minimum four): At least one direct quote from chosen essay, two sources from the library databases. Other sources may

be from your textbook, other books, or credible internet sources.
• Save the file in .doc, .docx, or .rtf
• College level academic writing in third person point of view is required

introduction outline assignment

Independent variable – gender of person holding the door

Dependent variable – door-holding effort

Research question – does gender impact door-holding effort

Hypothesis – males will put forth more effort to hold the door than females

 

How this affects your assignment:

Our hypothesis concerns the role of gender so the introduction will also focus on this.  Think about how prosocial behavior might be affected by gender stereotypes and gender social norms. For those of you who considered gender differences for the lit review assignment those papers might be useful.

 

Here are some suggestions for topics to include in your introduction:

• Prosocial behavior
• Social norms
• Sex norms/Gender norms
• Gender roles
• Gender stereotypes
• Social role theory
• Sex role theory
• Social learning theory
• Evolutionary theory

 

Other things to remember:

Start the introduction with a “hook”; try your best to engage the reader.  Discuss the research question in broad terms.

 

In the last portion of the introduction, explain your variables and hypothesis and talk about implications if your hypothesis is correct.

 

Use the website from the last hw 

you should use 5 articles peer-reviewed, use the 2 articls peer-reviewed that you already use in the last hw so you just need to find 3 more articls peer-reviewed

At least 3 pages

APA format

Scenario:

Erica Freeman, president and CEO of LoneStar Landscaping, has recently partnered with Andrew Porter to expand her established, reputable business to include his business specialties: hardscapes, pools, and spas. Erica and Andrew realize that they need to examine combined organizational structure, hire additional staff, and perhaps reassign several existing employees.

Tasks:

Erica and Andrew hire you as an Industrial Organization (I/O) consultant. Design a narrated Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to help them accomplish their goals.

In your presentation, respond to the following:

• Section 1: Explain the role of a job analysis for successfully accomplishing their stated goals.
  • Explain why a job analysis is a necessary prerequisite to engage in the employee classification, selection, and placement projects.
  • Evaluate the existing job description that Erica and Andrew have provided you for the office manager position.
  • Deliver your professional opinion regarding whether the existing job description is sufficient or whether it needs revisions.
  • Justify your recommendations by citing relevant resources.
• Section 2: Create and critique a selection rating scale for the position of receptionist based on this job description.
  • Select and describe fifteen to twenty factors such as education, experience, abilities, and attitude, for assessment based on the job description provided.
  • Describe the measures used to assess candidate skills: resume, interview, other assessment instruments, or behavioral observation or a combination of assessment measures.
  • Design instructions for the use of the rating scale.
  • Discuss how you would test for reliability and validity of your selection plan.
  • Justify your recommendations by citing relevant resources.
• Section 3: Analyze the need for a classification policy at LoneStar Landscaping. Next, develop an appropriate classification policy for LoneStar.
  • Identify the variety of employment classifications that may exist at the company, including exempt versus nonexempt, seasonal, temporary, and regular.
  • Explain how the policy addresses federal and state laws; clearly define each classification.

 

The Internet of Us Paper
This assignment is based on the text, Superconnected: The Internet, Digital Media and Techno-Social Life, by Mary Chayko. In this assignment, you are to summarize, reflect, and apply the ideas and concepts discussed by Chayko.
 You may respond to each of these questions separately.
 PART I: You must answer all of questions #1-6.
 PART II: Then, choose any one of the following questions to answer from #7-9.
PART I: You must answer all of questions #1-6.
From chapter 3, Inhabiting a Digital Environment (5 points)
1. These days, many scholars are moving away from use of the term “cyberspace” to describe digital communications and networked environments. Similarly, the inventor of the term, science fiction writer, William Gibson, also warns against the misinterpretation and misuse of the term. What are the reasons behind this view of scholars and Gibson? Explain.
2. In what ways have researchers understood online communities? What are some of the aspects of community online? What are some of the communication dynamics of digital environments, such as reality, presence and promimity? Also consider emotionality and intimacy.
From chapter 4, Sharing and Surveillance (5 points)
3. What does the word “prosumption” mean? Where does it come from? How is prosumption part of the business model of many companies? Discuss some examples. How have you participated in prosumption?
4. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Wikipedia, YouTube, and a host of blogs and other sharing sites, rely heavily if not entirely on individuals producing content (often unpaid) for others’ consumption. Why is this problematic? What information and research does Chayko offer to understand this trend?
5. What is the attention economy?
6. What is vertical or asymmetrical surveillance? Discuss some examples from your own experience. What is horizontal or social surveillance? Discuss some examples from your own experience.
PART II: Choose any one (1) additional question to answer. (5 points)
From chapter 7 Friending, Dating, and Relating
7. What are some of the communication and interpersonal dynamics involved in making digital connections? What are some of the similarities and differences between online friendship and face-to-face friendship as discussed in the research from the chapter? Summarize the discussion about flirting, dating, romance and sex online. Did anything surprise you?
OR
From chapter 8, The Techo-Social Institutions
8. How are families, health care, work, and religion, education, politics, media, techo-social institutions? What are some of the key digital aspects of each of these institutions?
OR
From chapter 9, More Benefits and Hazards of 24/7 Superconnectedness
9. Drawing on the research from the chapter, discuss the benefits and hazards related to the following aspects of superconnectedness: constant availability, convenience and microcoordination; fun, play and entertainment; multitasking and the attention span; stress, information overload and FOMO; emergencies, dependency and addiction; health and moods.

The Circle Paper: (15 points)
Paper Assignment:
Your paper should discuss the following in as much depth and reflection on the novel as possible:
1. How many characters are in the novel? What are there names, brief description and what roles do they play in the story? (1 paragraph that includes a list)
2. Is MAE a victim or a villain? (2 paragraphs)
3. What are the positive and negative effects of the corporate ownership of privacy in the novel? (2 paragraphs)
4. The belief that PRIVACY IS THEFT and SECRETS ARE LIES is held by whom? Resisted by whom? 2-3 paragraphs
5. Does the novel suggest we need any limits on self-disclosure? Do you agree? (2 paragraphs)
6. Does the novel show that privacy is no longer necessary and maybe even unproductive and undesirable?(2 or 3 paragraphs)
7. Do characters have a right to disappear? Do we need such a right? (about 2 paragraphs)
8. What do you think the author, Dave Eggers is saying with this novel: a society based on The Circle is inevitable? b) is desirable? c) would be evil? d) would help us achieve full health and happiness? Give reasons for your interpretation. (about 3 paragraphs)
9. What does the novel get right about the effects of the digital age on our lives? What does it get wrong?
Please note that this is a philosophy class so I am not looking for you to have a particular opinion. You don’t have to like or hate the book. I am looking for how you develop your very own position based on your own values and your own critical outlook.
Paragraphs are suggested minimum. There is no maximum. Write as much as you like.

 

TITLE: The Internet of Us Paper (underline the book title always)

Points for this Paper can also be found at MY GRADES/ COLUMN, “Circle.”
Minimum Length: 850 words

Paper Assignment:
Your paper should discuss the following in as much depth and reflection on the novel as possible:
1. Explain the book’s subtitle: “Knowing more and Understanding less in the age of big data” What do you think Michael Lynch means? (1 paragraph)
2. Explain Lynch’s concept of “Google-knowing” . Also, does he think it is an advance for society? (a good thing?) (2 paragraphs)
3. Explain what Lynch means by “information cascades.” (1 paragraph)
4. Explain “isolated tribes.” What is he getting at? (1 paragraph)
5. According to Lynch, what is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? (2 paragraphs)
6. According to Lynch, is the Internet making us less reasonable? (2 paragraphs)
7. According to Lynch, what happens to truth in the age of the Internet? (2 paragraphs)
8. Does Lynch think that the Internet enhances privacy? (2 paragraphs)
9. What is Lynch’s view of Big Data? (2 paragraphs)
10. What is Lynch’s view about the politics of knowledge in the digital age (e.g. who controls knowledge and for what purposes?) (3 paragraphs)
11. How does Lynch see the Internet as expanding and inhibiting our knowledge and does he offer any solutions? ( 3 paragraphs)
12. What are your views about the ways in which the Internet influences our process of knowing? What does Lynch get right (in your opinion) and why does he get wrong? (4 paragraphs)
Please note that this is a philosophy class so I am not looking for you to have a particular opinion. You don’t have to like or hate the book. I am looking for how you develop your very own position based on your own values and your own critical outlook.
Paragraphs are suggested minimum. There is no maximum. Write as much as you like.
.*Refer to the text and specific points, ideas, arguments as much as possible.