Chapter Four

Hardware Applications for Educators

Objectives:

You will be able to:

  1. Identify basic troubleshooting techniques.
  2. Describe important considerations when purchasing a personal computer.
  3. Explain how to maintain a personal computer.

This is Important Because...

Purchasing a computer is like shopping for a car. Many look identical but are dramatically different under the hood. There are many considerations when purchasing a computer and it is important to make an informed decision. By understanding the hardware components of a computer you will know exactly what you need for home and the classroom.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) lists a number of technology standards for graduating K-12 students, including that K-12 students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Chapter 4 introduces hardware applications for education and covers many of the hardware issues that teachers and K-12 students need to know.

Chapter 1 introduced the ISTE technology standards for teachers (NETS-T). As noted, many states have adopted these standards and now require that teachers demonstrate knowledge and skill in using technology effectively in the classroom as a condition of their professional certificate renewal. In addition to understanding the hardware, demonstrating basic troubleshooting strategies is another area of proficiency.

Troubleshooting 

trou-ble-shoot-er n. Date: 1905: a person skilled at solving or anticipating problems or difficulties. Source: WWWebster Dictionary

The saying, knowledge is power holds true with computer hardware and troubleshooting. Understanding how a computer works, making informed decisions about what to purchase, and how to maintain a computer will empower you in both your personal and professional life. The Special Feature section at the end of Chapter 4 focuses on these topics. Be sure to review it in the textbook as well as on the Web.

  • PC Lube and Tune is sponsored by Yale University and provides "...usable introductions, tutorials, and education on technical subjects...". This site is excellent for objective, honest assessment, and advice.
  • Emazing offers free e-mail newsletters with information on a variety of subjects including a Hardware Tip of the Day.
  • ZDNet: Help & How-To is a searchable site with links to help you solve any computer problem!

Time Saver!  

You were introduced to the concept of using quick keys in Chapters 1 and 2 and the difference between Save and Save As in Chapter 3. There is one additional keyboard quick key that can save you time and frustration. One of the reasons people tend to not save very often is because it takes time and effort to grab the mouse and then click the Save icon or Save on the File menu. Instead of using the mouse, press Ctrl+S (Command+S on a Mac). This quick key combination will either (1) open the Save As dialog box if you have not saved your file yet, or (2) instantly save your changes since your last save. Your hand never leaves the keyboard thus saving time. Note: If you want to save a file with a different file name or to a different location, you will need to use your mouse and click the Save As command on the File menu. There are dozens of other quick key combinations that are common to Windows-based or Macintosh applications. Pull down any menu on the Menu bar and the quick key combinations are listed to the right of the commands that have quick key combinations.

Chapter Four Assignments

  1. Read Chapter 4 in the textbook and review the Special Feature that follows Chapter 4 (starts on page 4.48): "Buyer's Guide 2002 - How to Purchase, Install, and Maintain a Personal Computer." This Special Feature contains a great deal of useful information for purchasing and maintaining personal computers, notebook computers, and handheld computers for both home and the classroom.
  2. Go online to the Shelly Cashman Web site, http://www.scsite.com/tdc2/ and complete the following textbook end-of-chapter sections.

 

"Learn It Online"

 

# 4 -  Write a 150 - 300 word reflection on the “Troubleshooting Hardware Problems” website that you visited on page 4.47 (url:  http://www.pcguide.com/ts/index.htm) focusing on what you learned. Discuss how the information can be helpful to you and also reflect on your personal reaction the information available on this website.  Type your assignment single space with an extra line between paragraphs. You must use Microsoft Word.

 

Send this document via the “Assignment Dropbox” DO NOT SEND VIA EMAIL.  The assignment must be submitted on or before 11:40 p.m. of the chapter's due date.

 

#6 – “Crossword Puzzle Challenge”

 

Complete the crossword puzzle.  Submit the crossword puzzle using the “screen shot” utility that was demonstrated during orientation.

 

Send this document via the “Assignment Dropbox” DO NOT SEND VIA EMAIL.  The assignment must be submitted on or before 11:40 p.m. of the chapter's due date.

 

  1. Complete chapter 4 Test.

 

 

 

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