Name, Date, Professor CIS206 Course Project Phase 1 Report

Name Date Professorcis206 Course Project Phase 1 Reportpoint Dist

Identify the core assignment prompt, which involves completing a project related to building a computer, including selecting purpose, budgeting, listing components, sourcing parts, and reflecting on the process.

Write a comprehensive report describing the purpose of the computer, the chosen price range and budget adherence, the major components, the necessary parts to purchase, the OS and software included, and the process of updating and comparing prices from two sources. Additionally, include a four- to five-paragraph reflection on the learning experiences gained from completing this project.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of designing and planning a custom computer build necessitates careful consideration of purpose, budget, components, and sources. Assembling such a comprehensive project offers valuable insights into the intricacies of technology selection and cost management, essential skills in the realm of IT and personal computing.

Firstly, the purpose of the computer significantly influences the selection of components and overall budget. For example, if the computer is intended for gaming, high-performance graphics cards and processors are essential; for office use, a more modest configuration suffices. In my case, I aimed to build a versatile machine suitable for both casual gaming and productivity tasks. This purpose dictated specific hardware choices and a manageable budget of approximately $1,000. I found that adhering to this budget was feasible, but required careful selection of components to balance performance and cost. I prioritized essential components while considering future upgrade potential, which helped me stay within the allocated financial constraints.

Secondly, the list of major components included the motherboard, processor, memory, storage drives, and monitor. I created a detailed spreadsheet to document each item’s specifications, prices, and sources. This spreadsheet served as the central planning tool for comparing options systematically. For the CPU, I chose an Intel Core i5 processor, which strikes a balance between performance and affordability. The motherboard was selected to support the processor and future upgrades. Memory consisted of 16GB of DDR4 RAM, suitable for multitasking and gaming. Storage included a 512GB SSD for quick access and a 1TB HDD for larger data. The monitor of 24-inch size was selected to provide ample workspace without compromising space or cost. All these components were listed in the spreadsheet, with links to product details and prices from two different sources—Newegg and Micro Center. This detailed documentation enabled thorough comparison shopping and informed purchasing decisions.

Thirdly, identifying necessary parts to purchase involved determining the essential hardware and peripherals. I included in this list the case, additional expansion cards such as a Wi-Fi NIC, keyboard, and mouse. After reviewing options, I decided to purchase a mid-tower case compatible with my chosen components, a Wi-Fi adapter to support wireless connectivity, and a basic keyboard and mouse combo. These peripherals and accessories were added to the spreadsheet with separate columns for each vendor's prices. I sourced options from both online and local retailers, ensuring a broad comparison. The total costs from each source were calculated and analyzed to determine the most economical and reliable purchasing options.

Fourthly, the software and operating system were integral to completing the build. I selected Windows 10 as the OS, considering its compatibility and popularity among users. Additionally, I included productivity software such as Microsoft Office and some free antivirus programs. These software choices were documented alongside the hardware components in the spreadsheet, with links and pricing details. Ensuring the inclusion of the OS and software was critical for the functional readiness of the system upon assembly. The spreadsheet was regularly updated with purchase confirmations and real-time prices from the two sources, facilitating a comprehensive financial overview.

Finally, reflecting on the process, I learned the importance of meticulous planning and research when building a computer. Updating the spreadsheet with detailed specifications, prices, and sources reinforced my understanding of the value of comparison shopping and cost analysis. The experience also highlighted the necessity of balancing performance requirements with budget constraints, a fundamental skill in IT management. Furthermore, the process of researching vendors, evaluating component compatibility, and documenting the entire process improved my technical literacy and organizational skills. Overall, this project provided practical knowledge that bridges theoretical understanding and real-world application, preparing me for future technology projects and informed consumer choices.

References

  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2013). Strategic management: Concepts and cases: Competiveness and globalization (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
  • Newegg. (n.d.). Computer components and electronics. https://www.newegg.com
  • Micro Center. (n.d.). Computer hardware and accessories. https://www.microcenter.com
  • Intel. (2023). Intel Core i5 Processors. https://www.intel.com
  • Microsoft. (2023). Windows 10 Operating System. https://www.microsoft.com
  • Crucial. (2023). DDR4 RAM Modules. https://www.crucial.com
  • Crucial. (2023). SSD Storage Options. https://www.crucial.com
  • Gartner. (2022). Market analysis on consumer electronics. https://www.gartner.com
  • Edgar. (n.d.). SEC filings of publicly traded companies. https://www.sec.gov/edgar
  • TechRadar. (2023). Components for gaming and productivity PCs. https://www.techradar.com

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