CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document

Unit 3: Understanding Computers And Operating Systems

TFS Module 3: Computer Hardware
Student Learning Objectives:
Students will have mastered the material in this module when they can:

Recognize the various types of computer hardware

Demonstrate familiarity with input and output devices

Identify hardware components

Introduction:
If you use a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you depend on computer hardware, the physical
components that allow your device to operate properly. Computer hardware can include internal
components that you can’t see, or they can be externally connected devices. In this module you will
learn about the many different types of computer hardware, and how to choose and maintain computer
hardware that will best meet your needs. (TFS Module 3)

Assignment:
To get started with this module, log into Blackboard, CIS212, then on the course links panel (left side of
BB screen), select the link for Course Units, then choose the Cengage MindTap/SAM link:

(Note - MindTap opens in a new browser window. If a MindTap window is already open, it will not open a second window.
Don’t be confused by this – just click in your taskbar to find that open window.)

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CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document
Once in Cengage MindTap, choose Technology for Success: Computer Concepts.

This will open that folder showing you TFS contents. Then select
Concepts Module 3: Computer Hardware to see the textbook module sub-items.

You are now ready to begin working on the assigned readings and activities as specified below. Notice
that point values for graded items are indicated by red text.
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CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document
3.0 – Module 3 Introduction and Lesson Objectives
a. Reading: Read a brief introduction to this module and review the module's lesson
objectives.

3.1 - Categorize the various types of computer hardware

b. Reading: Categorize the Various Types of Computer Hardware
c. Concept Video: How Computers Represent Data
 Watch the video and answer the questions to learn about this key topic. (10 pts)
d. Critical Thinking Challenge: Selecting a Computer
 Test your critical thinking skills and find the best path in this scenario. (10 pts)

3.2 - Demonstrate familiarity with input and output devices

e. Reading: Demonstrate Familiarity with Input and Output Devices

3.3 – Maintain Hardware Components

f. Reading: Maintain Hardware Components

Computer Concepts Skills Training

g. Choose any five or more - Build your computing skills by watching the videos and
answering the questions. (25 pts)

Module Review
h. Review concepts from the module by reading the summary and completing the
following:
 Review the PowerPoint presentation for this module found at:
https://mymaileku-
my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/mike_hawksley_eku_edu/EYcnhcetyE9FmNQW
wteydHkBQ4m8VYszqMjrq0z_j43CMA?e=bG3sik
 Review Questions (practice)
 Discussion Questions (practice)
 Critical Thinking Activities (practice)

Computer Concepts Exam

i. Complete the Module test (100 pts)
 30 questions, 20 minutes
 2 attempts, minimum 75% score to receive credit

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Module Summary:
In this module, you have learned to categorize the various types of computer hardware. Computer
hardware components include the central processing unit (CPU), memory, input devices, and output
devices. You also learned how to identify the different types of memory such as random access memory,
read-only memory, and virtual memory. In addition, you learned about processor logic and the four
steps in the machine cycle: fetching, decoding, executing, and storing. You learned that computers
represent data using binary, which consists of 0s and 1s.

Various types of computers exist, including all-in-ones, tablets, mobile devices, and desktop computers.
This module reviewed the pros and cons of using each of these types of computers. The benefits of
different types of storage, including internal, external, and cloud-based storage, were also discussed.
You learned about hardware features that are necessary to consider when purchasing a computer for
yourself, such as hardware requirements, selecting a form factor, selecting a platform, and buying add-
on devices.

Input and output devices are common types of computer hardware. Types of input devices discussed in
this module include keyboards, pointing devices, touchscreens, pen input devices, cameras, scanners,
game controllers, and microphones. Types of output devices discussed in this module include monitors,
speakers, headphones, projectors, printers, and voice output. In addition to learning about these
devices, you also learned the proper steps to install these devices.

Finally, this module has discussed the steps required to maintain and protect hardware components for
various types of computers and mobile devices. You can measure the performance of computer
hardware by determining a computer’s clock speed, bus speed, and bus width. You also learned about
benchmarking, and how that can be a fairly accurate representation of how a computer performs. This
module also discussed how to restore devices and solve common problems including restoring an
operating system, solving display problems, and updating device drivers. (TFS Module 3)

Computer Buying Guide

Last updated: October 11, 2019
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/computers/buying-guide/index.htm
(accessed 24 June 2020)

These days, it’s not unusual for individuals or families to have more than one type of computer. If you’re
looking to carry your computer to work or on vacation, you obviously need a laptop. And some have
slimmed down to weigh as little as a couple of pounds.

If mobility isn’t a concern, get a desktop, because it’s very likely that you’ll get more performance for the
same money—plus more flexibility in customizing the machine once you buy it. (That’s one reason lots
of serious gamers have desktops.)

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Those are two major categories of computer, but there are several variations to consider—and we
haven’t even mentioned the choice of operating system yet.

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Choices among computers are becoming more confusing as the boundaries between categories blur. For
instance, some new desktops are almost as small and inconspicuous as a laptop. Conversely, you can
easily find a laptop that’s just as powerful as a typical desktop. And then there are some slightly
unconventional categories, such as laptops that can be used liked tablets and all-in-one desktops that
don't need a separate monitor. For more, check our full computer ratings (available to Consumer
Reports members).

https://images.app.goo.gl/7uTcX4eB8qJCtJKTA

Know the Difference

Computer buying habits - What you should do, what you should avoid, and how stupidity
will let others steal your money
https://imgur.com/r/pcmasterrace/JBqslrF
(accessed on 24 June 2020)

The author goes on the explain in great detail why Apple products do not deserve top-shelf prestige they
are automatically assigned – an opinion I agree with wholeheartedly. (See the next page for a portion of
the content.)

/Continued…

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Ready to get dirty? Maybe you’d like to build your own

custom dream computer – on a budget
Building your own computer lets you include the components you really need and leave out the junk you
don’t care about. Get better stuff and maybe do it for less money. Here are some links you can research
if you think this path is for you:

Build Guides
Building your own PC and need ideas on
where to get started? Explore our build
guides which cover systems for a variety of
use-cases and budgets.
https://pcpartpicker.com/
(accessed 24 June 2020)

Building Your Own Custom

PC Starts Here
https://www.newegg.com/tools/custom-pc-builder

(accessed 24 June 2020)

Video: First Person

View PC BUILD Guide!
(POV)
Linus is taking the reins away from our film
team and giving you his own view of
building a gaming PC. This is a first person
build guide featuring Intel's 9700K CPU will
take you step by step through the entire
build from scratch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7MYOpFONCU

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CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document
(accessed 24 June 2020)

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TFS Module 4: Operating Systems and File Management

Student Learning Objectives:
Students will have mastered the material in this module when they can:

State the pros and cons of different types of operating systems

Describe how an operating system works

Personalize a computer operating system, as well as its software

and hardware, to increase productivity

Manage files and folders Identify the role of the web in daily life

Introduction:
Is your computer or device quick to respond to your instructions? Is it reliable? Do you have tools that
enable you to work productively and efficiently? What type of file storage does your computer or device
have? The answers to these questions depend on your system software, specifically your operating
system.

In this module, you will learn about different types of operating systems and compare options of each
type. You will begin to understand how an operating system works to help your computer or device
function. You will explore methods to personalize your operating system and program settings to
increase your productivity. Lastly, you will learn how to manage the files and folders you store on your
computer or device so that you can access them easily. (TFS Module 4)

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CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document
Assignment:
To get started with this module, log into Blackboard, CIS212, then on the course links panel (left side of
BB screen), select the link for Cengage MindTap.
(Note - MindTap opens in a new browser window. If a MindTap window is already open, it will not open a second window.
Don’t be confused by this – just click in your taskbar to find that open window.)
Once in MindTap, choose Technology for Success: computer concepts.

This will open that folder showing you its contents. Then select ‘Concepts Module 2: The Web’ to see the
module sub-items.

You are now ready to begin working on the assigned readings and activities as specified below. Notice
that point values for graded items are indicated by red text.

4.0 – Module 4 Introduction and Lesson Objectives

a. Reading: Read a brief introduction to this module and review the module's lesson
objectives.

4.1 – Explain the pros and cons of different types of operating systems
b. Reading: Compare operating systems
c. Concept Video: Compare operating systems
 Watch the video and answer the questions to learn about this key topic . (10 pts)

4.2 – Explain how an Operating System works

d. Reading: Explain how an Operating System works

4.3 – Personalize a computer operating system, as well as its software and hardware, to
increase productivity
e. Reading: Personalize an Operating System to Increase Productivity

4.4 – Manage files and folders Identify the role of the web in daily life
f. Reading: Manage files and folders
g. Critical Thinking Challenge: Working with OneDrive files
 Test your critical thinking skills and find the best path in this scenario. (10 pts)

Computer Concepts Skills Training

h. Choose any five or more - Build your computing skills by watching the videos and
answering the questions. (25 pts)

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CIS212 – Unit 3: Assignment Document
Module Review
i. Review concepts from the module by reading the summary and completing the
following:
 Review the PowerPoint presentation for this module found at:
https://mymaileku-
my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/mike_hawksley_eku_edu/EdlwDUDWIQxHl9ecQ
2oRZU0BPbT4MuujpZcmMxsFx09dSA?e=AyLmn5
 Review Questions (practice)
 Discussion Questions (practice)
 Critical Thinking Activities (practice)

Computer Concepts Exam

j. Complete the Module test (100 pts)
 30 questions, 20 minutes
 2 attempts, minimum 75% score to receive credit

Module Summary:
In this module you have learned that system software is the software that runs a computer, including
the operating system and utilities. The operating system manages the complete operation of your
computer or device and lets you interact with it. Operating systems come in three basics types: desktop
operating systems, server operating systems, and mobile operating systems.

Every program or app requires RAM, which is the volatile and temporary storage for open apps and
data. An operating system uses buffers to manage the process of turning input into output.

You can customize elements of system software, including the brightness or resolution of the screen and
adding a theme. You also can use the operating system to customize hardware, such as the keyboard or
pointing device, and to manage and work with windows.

An operating system controls the system resources, such as the processor, storage space, and connected
devices. User accounts identify the resources a user can access.

You can compress files to save space or make them easier to send via email. You can save files to your
hard disk, a flash drive, or the cloud. Every file has properties, such as its name, type, location, and size.
Within your file manager, you can move, copy, and delete folders. (from TFS: Module 4)

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Explore the Number One Operating System

Time to dig a little deeper into operating systems. Pick just one and let’s do a deep-dive. Which one?
Here’s data from https://netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share showing one operating
system is vastly ahead of all contenders from a market share perspective. Let’s go with that one.

(Note: all links in this section were accessed 24 June 2020)

Operating System Market Share

Platform Share
Windows 87.97%

Mac OS 9.42%

Linux 2.03%

Chrome OS 0.42%

Unknown 0.15%

BSD 0.01%

To start with, a little general computer knowledge:

15 Things Every PC User Should Know
Whether you're a grizzled tech veteran or an uninitiated newbie, here are 15 essential facts and tricks
that you ought to know. By Patrick Miller Aug 16, 2010 7:00 PM (dated but still extremely relevant)
https://www.itworld.com/article/2754725/operating-systems/15-things-every-pc-user-should-
know.html

The 21 Greatest PC Mysteries--Solved!

Find out why your documents won’t print, where your downloads disappear to, what a .dat file is, how
those infernal toolbars invaded your browser, and much more.
By Rick Broida,  Jan 23, 2011 8:45 pm
http://www.pcworld.com/article/217250/the_21_greatest_pc_mysteriessolved.html

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Operating systems have been an essential part of every computer since computers were invented. Here
is some information about the current version of the most popular operating system currently being
sold.

Visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 website using this link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/products/windows?os=windows-10
While there, explore a variety of topics that you find especially interesting. Of course, since this is the
official Microsoft site, you should expect that the information you find to be somewhat biased.

The next set of three videos are from an unbiased third party and give a good background on many aspects of
Windows 10. At this site you can also find a wide variety of other videos - some about Windows and others about
various tech-topics.
Text: Windows 10 superguide: Everything you need to know
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2955454/windows/windows-10-superguide-everything-you-need-to-know.html

Video: Learn Windows 10, Windows 10 Tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TneCqdEZuU

Text: Windows 10 Tutorials

http://www.windows10update.com/windows-10-tutorials

The next three articles are also from an unbiased third party and give additional background on a number of
interesting and relevant Windows topics.

Text: Windows 10 after three years: A greatly improved report card

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-after-three-years-a-greatly-improved-report-card/

Text: The 7 best new features of Windows 10 April 2018 Update

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/best-new-features-of-windows-10-april-2018-update/

Audio: Windows 10 May 2020 update: Everything you need to know

Windows 10 2004 (that's the version number) is now generally available, and should take only minutes to install.
Here are all of the new features it includes, and how to download it.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-may-2020-update-everything-you-need-to-know/

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Hands-On: Windows 10 Operating System

Introduction:
An operating system is a computer program that manages the complete operation of your computer or
mobile device and lets you interact with it. The operating system coordinates all the activities of
computer hardware, such as memory, storage devices, and printers, and provides the capability for you
to communicate with the computer.

Windows 10 is the newest version of Microsoft Windows, which is a popular and widely used operating
system. Windows 10 initially was released in 2015, but Microsoft releases updates to the operating
system approximately two times per year. The Windows operating system simplifies the process of
working with documents and apps by organizing the manner in which you interact with the computer.
(Windows Module 1)

Assignment:
To get started with this module, log into Blackboard, CIS212, then on the course links panel (left side of
BB screen), select the link for Course Units, then choose the Cengage MindTap/SAM link:

(Note - MindTap opens in a new browser window. If a MindTap window is already open, it will not open a second window.
Don’t be confused by this – just click in your taskbar to find that open window.)

Once in Cengage MindTap, choose Operating Systems.

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This will open that folder showing you its contents. Then select ‘Windows Module 1: Introduction to
Windows 10’ to see the textbook module sub-items.

You are now ready to begin working on the assigned readings and activities as specified below. Notice
that point values for graded items are indicated by red text.

W.1a – Windows Module 1: Introduction to Windows 10

a. Reading: Click the MindTap link to access our eBook. Read the module in preparation for
completing the in-module training.
b. Review the PowerPoint presentation for this module found at:
 Windows Module 1: Introduction to Windows 10
 https://mymaileku-
my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/mike_hawksley_eku_edu/EXc8fxqmt2ZLoS92s
hegnPkB5m6AH9CGIrVH33g0eg5_Yg?e=jKJZak

W.1b - Windows Module 1: Introduction to Windows 10 - SAM Training

c. Observe, Practice & Apply – (Note: move directly to apply to complete an item more
quickly if you already know how to use that tool/feature.) Work through SAM Training as
long an as many times as needed to earn credit for all items. This is an easy way to start
the module with a solid block of points. Most students will earn 100 percent on all SAM
Training. To receive credit for this assignment you must earn a minimum score of 75%.
You’ll have unlimited time. The password for this assignment is: SAMwin10t1
(100 pts)

Continued…

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W.2a – Windows Module 2: Working with the Windows 10 Desktop
a. Reading: Click the MindTap link to access our eBook. Read the module in preparation for
completing the in-module training.
b. Review the PowerPoint presentation for this module found at:
 Windows Module 2: Working with the Windows 10 Desktop
 https://mymaileku-
my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/mike_hawksley_eku_edu/ER6KWtXAWRRMl3T
fp9d7TZUBM0emkIslEiRfR7GLlQgP1A?e=IVHC4L

W.2b - Windows Module 2: Working with the Windows 10 Desktop - SAM Training
c. Observe, Practice & Apply – (Note: move directly to apply to complete an item more
quickly if you already know how to use that tool/feature.) Work through SAM Training as
long an as many times as needed to earn credit for all items. This is an easy way to start
the module with a solid block of points. Most students will earn 100 percent on all SAM
Training. To receive credit for this assignment you must earn a minimum score of 75%.
You’ll have unlimited time. The password for this assignment is: SAMwin10t2
(100 pts)
W.3a – Windows Module 3: File and Folder Management
a. Reading: Click the MindTap link to access our eBook. Read the module in preparation for
completing the in-module training.
b. Review the PowerPoint presentation for this module found at:
 Windows Module 3: File and Folder Management
 https://mymaileku-
my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/mike_hawksley_eku_edu/EbHr5TrT9W1FsF85
DzlmjUkBFYnikbuwJOz6DORWWga_Lg?e=qal3Q6

W.3b - Windows Module 3: File and Folder Management - SAM Training

c. Observe, Practice & Apply – (Note: move directly to apply to complete an item more
quickly if you already know how to use that tool/feature.) Work through SAM Training as
long an as many times as needed to earn credit for all items. This is an easy way to start
the module with a solid block of points. Most students will earn 100 percent on all SAM
Training. To receive credit for this assignment you must earn a minimum score of 75%.
You’ll have unlimited time. The password for this assignment is: SAMwin10t3
(100 pts)

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Module Summary:
In completing this module, you’ll now have a working knowledge of what Windows 10 is all about and how to
make it do the work you need to get done. Is Windows perfect? Of course not. Windows has by far the greatest
market share of any commercially available operating system – and that paints a pretty large target on its back.
Hackers want into any computer that contains something of value they can exploit. This is a fact faced by all
operating system, and is the basis for the critical topic of cyber-security that we’ll be covering later. For now, we
can leave it at you now being a proficient operator of a Windows 10 workstation.

/end

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