Computer Hardware and Software Project

Kaitlin Paasch
ISYS 204

1. Processing & Memory: What are your needs regarding processing speed and
amount of memory?
a. I will be getting an i7 processor. The processor speed will be higher than 2.3 GHz
since that is the baseline for basic office work. I will get 16GB of RAM, as well.
This will be beneficial because all I really need the laptop for is schoolwork. I can
also potentially utilize it for more, given the upgraded RAM.

2. Storage: What are your needs regarding storage and how will your new computer
address these needs?
a. I will need 1TB of storage for my personal computer because I want to have
ample room to keep all of my school work.

3. Input & Output: What are some input and output devices that would assist your
needs? What type(s) of interface(s) does the computer have for connecting a
monitor? How many USB ports?
a. For input devices, I will need a keyboard and mouse in order to type and use my
computer for school work.
b. For output devices, I will need a monitor, speaker, headphones, and a printer.
These will help me see, hear, and be able to print out what I need for school.
c. The type of interface I hope for my computer to have to connect to a monitor is an
HDMI cord. I choose the HDMI cable instead of something like VGA because the
HDMI cable can connect both audio and video. It also delivers audio and video
faster and with a better performance.
d. I will need at least two USB ports for both my keyboard and mouse. I will also
likely need an audio jack to connect headphones.

4. Operating System: What type of operating system and why?

a. I will use Windows Operating System because that is what I am most familiar
with. I grew up utilizing Windows, and I plan to continue to use it.

5. Application software: What types and why.

a. I will have application software, such as Google Chrome because it will allow me
to complete school tasks. I will mostly have freeware because there is a variety of
different applications you can get for free such as Evernote basic, LibreOffice,
and Chrome. I will also need some commercial software such as Microsoft Office.
I will need to pay for some software in order to complete my school tasks.
 6. Security: What type of security will you use to protect your computer and why?
a. I will get a variety of programs to help protect my computer.
i. I will get antivirus and antispyware programs to ensure that my computer
is protected from harmful software that could potentially be installed on
my computer.
ii. I will also set up firewalls to protect my computer from people remotely
accessing my computer without my permission or knowledge.

References

Morley, D., & Parker, C. S. (2017). Understanding computers: Today and Tomorrow (16th ed.).
Cengage Learning.

Computer Comparison

Computer #1 Computer #2 Computer #3

Price $939.00 $869.00 On Sale for $1,280.99

Brand HP HP Asus

Delivery Time Free Delivery Free Delivery Free Delivery

Arrives in 3 days Arrives in 2 days Arrives in 3 days

Warranty Amazon Warranty Amazon Warranty 1 Year Manufacturer

(Money back only if (Money back only if Warranty
computer is dead on computer is dead on
arrival) arrival)

Processor 4.8 GHz - i7 2.8 GHz - i7 4.7 GHz - i7

Memory 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB

Storage 1 TB SSD 1 TB SSD 1 TB SSD

Input Keyboard and mouse Built-in keyboard, Built-in backlit

included mouse, video camera, keyboard, mouse,
and microphone touchscreen, camera,
included and microphone
included

USB Ports 4 2 3

Output Built-in speakers Built-in speakers and Built-in speakers and

monitor monitor
 Operating System Windows Windows Windows

Security Free trial of antivirus None Pay an extra $29.99

with purchase of for 6 months of
computer (Lasts 30 days) BestBuy security
software

Comparison Evaluation

Personally, I would choose Computer #2. Not only is it the most budget-friendly option,
but it also has everything that I could ask for in a computer. With the first computer, I would
have to spend more money buying a monitor. With the third computer, there are extra bells and
whistles, such as a touch screen, but I would not really use that since I am more of a pen-and-
paper type of person. The only downside of computer #2 is the processor speed of 2.4 GHz;
however, this processor speed will allow me to accomplish my main goal of doing school work. I
just would like to have a little bit of buffer room if I were to have videos playing while doing my
work. This computer also arrives the fastest out of all of the computers. It has a warranty with
amazon, which states I can get my money back if something is wrong with the computer out of
the box. It has the memory and storage amounts that I would like, as well. With 16 GB of ram, I
have the ability to do high-intensity amounts of work using different programs like Microsoft.
There is adequate storage so I can keep all of my files for school, as well. I have all of the input
devices that I would need; I would not have to spend any extra money to buy any input device. It
has two USB ports, so if I wanted an external keyboard or mouse, I would be able to do so. Upon
further investigation, it also has an audio jack for headphones if I needed them. It has speakers,
so it may not be necessary. There is also a built-in monitor, which is helpful, so I will not have to
buy one. It has a Windows operating system, so I am familiar with that as well. Another
downside is that there is no trial of security measures, but I am sure I can find an antivirus such
as Norton Security for a small price to protect my computer. Overall, the second computer fits
my needs better for a smaller price.