Web Research Projects

WEB RESEARCH PROJECTS

CHAPTER 2
Looking at Computers:
Understanding the Parts

Discussion Questions

1. Compare and contrast inkjet and laser printers. Be sure to include in your discussion which printer is more economical and why.

Answers will vary.

Most inkjet printers use drop-on-demand technology, in which the ink is “demanded” and then “dropped” onto the paper. Laser printers use a different process. Inside a laser printer, a big metal cylinder (or drum) is charged with static electricity. When you ask the printer to print something, the printer sends signals to the laser telling it to “uncharge” selected spots on the charged cylinder, corresponding to the document you wish to print. Toner, a fine powder that is used in place of liquid ink, is attracted to only those areas on the drum that are not charged. The toner is then transferred to the paper as it feeds through the printer. Finally, the toner is melted onto the paper. All unused toner is swept away before the next job starts the process all over again.

Because of their high quality and low price, inkjet printers are the most popular for color printing and are most commonly used in the home. Laser printersare often preferred for their quick and quiet production and high-quality printouts. Because they print quickly, laser printers are often used in schools and offices where multiple computers share one printer. Although more expensive to buy than inkjet printers, over the long run, for high-volume printing, laser printers are more economical than inkjets when you include the price of ink and special paper in the overall cost. Recently, the prices of color laser printers have fallen dramatically, making them very price competitive with high-end inkjet printers.

2.Discuss what “healthy computing” is and what you can do to work healthy while using your tablet or laptop computer.

Usually, people think of healthy computing or ergonomics when working at a desk in an office.However, these days, people take their laptops everywhere and work on them everywhere from their beds to airplane seats, resulting in poor posture. Portable computers are also becoming smaller, which affects hand and finger motion, glare, and eyestrain.

Tips for healthy computing include taking short breaks and changing your posture, and switching from lap to table to improve wrist posture and improve your neck position. Use a footrest.Use a laptop bag with wheels.Try using a wireless-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA) like the Blackberry or Palm Pilot if you don’t need all the functions of a PC.

CHAPTER 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Web Project 1: Ergonomics

As defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, ergonomics is “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” Repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders often result from using equipment that is not ergonomically correct.

For this project, you will set up a brandnew, ergonomically correct home office. Use a search engine to research the various items and equipment you might need to accomplish this task. Remember to consider lighting, furniture, computer monitors, and input devices, as well as any other items you think appropriate. Create a table listing each component and its purpose, product details, and expected benefit or advantage. Although no price limit has been set, you should attempt to locate similar items in three different price ranges—low, medium, and high (i.e., locate a chair in the $50–$100 range, another in the $100–$300 range, and a third in the $300+ range).

Suggested Web Sites

Suggested Keywords

Ergonomics, repetitive strain injury, musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomicdevices

CHAPTER 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Web Project 2:What Kinds of Microphones Are There?

Let’s say you want to purchase an external microphone so you can use Skype to chat with family and friends, create a podcast, or participate in a Web conference. You know from reading Chapter 2 that there are a variety of microphones available such as desktop, unidirectional, omnidirectional, clip-on, and close-talk.

Conduct a Web search on the various types of external microphones.Is there a difference in the choice of a microphone you would use in a studio to record vocals or instruments as opposed to the type you would select for home use?Make a chart that compares the features of at least three different microphones.Determine which microphone is best for your needs and why.

Suggested Web Sites

Suggested Keywords

External microphones, condenser microphone, cardioid microphone

CHAPTER 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Web Project 3: Blu-rayDiscs

Blu-ray is the latest optical storage medium. It is replacing DVDs. You have probably seen advertisements touting it as the new way to view your favorite movies. If you have visited your local video store lately, you have probably noticed that many new releases are now available for rent in this format.

Using an Internet search engine, find at least three Web sites that discussBlu-ray. Write about your findings and answer the following questions: Who developed Blu-ray? What advantages does it offer over CDs or DVDs? What equipment do you need to play Blu-ray discs? Are you persuaded to go out and purchase Blu-ray movies?

Suggested Web Sites

Suggested Keywords

Blu-ray, Blu-ray technology, Blu-ray players

CHAPTER 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Web Project 4: Ethical Computing

What constitutes ethical behavior while using a computer?Ethics is a system of moral principles, rules, and accepted standards of conduct. (Refer to the chapter’s list of ethical computing guidelines.)The implications and restrictions of U.S. copyright law are that copying of software is illegal, copying of software by individuals can harm the entire academic community, and copying and use of software deprives publishers and developers of a fair return for their work.Software copying, or piracy, increases prices, reduces the level of future support and enhancements, and can inhibit the development of new software products.

Consider guideline number 6: “Do not use software (or make illegal copies for others) without paying the creator for it.”Have you or anyone you know ever done this, thinking it was alright?

Conduct a Web search on the ethics of copying music or software from another person or the Internet.Write a paper that discusses the information you find.Is it legal?Is it accepted by the general public?Include information on shareware and freeware.Is copying moral or immoral?Is it wrong when so many people are doing it?Is anyone really harmed?Is copying music different from copying software?

Suggested Web Sites

Suggested Keywords

Ethics of copying music, ethics of copying software, computer ethics