Module 1: Using Computers, LANs, and Email for Academic
Coursework
Module 1 Project: Review of a Computer System
Description
Write a review of a computer hardware system showing why the system is useful for AUI
students. Tell specifically how the features of the system will help a student to do academic
work at AUI. Use email to work with another student in your class to choose the best system.
This project is worth 15% of your final grade.
Instructions:
Part 1
1. Find an online advertisement for a laptop or desktop computer system or create your own
custom-made system. The system should be appropriate for an AUI student to buy. You
must include the price and specifications of the system.
2. Send your teacher an email with an attachment file containing:
 the name of the computer system
 its specifications
 The URL showing where you found it or made it
3. Name the attachment P1yourlastname yourfirstname
Deadline for Part 1: Friday February 24, 5:00 p.m.
Part 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Your teacher will find you a partner to work on this project with.
Use email to discuss your 2 chosen systems with your partner.
Use email to make the decision of choosing the better system from the two.
CC your teacher on all emails with your partner.
Email your teacher explaining your chosen system and why you chose it.
Deadline for Part 2: Monday February 27, 5:00 p.m.
Part 3
1. With your partner, write 1 review of the chosen computer system for the AUI newspaper.
You may do this together by email or in person. Your review should be about 250 words
long and must include discussions of these key features, and why they are important to AUI
students:
operating system
memory
microprocessor
display
size
data storage
input devices
connectivity
ports
application software
HINT: Read reviews in computer magazines to get ideas for writing your own review. If you are not
sure about what types of academic work students do, ask students in different majors what kinds of
assignments they are required to do and what computer applications they need to use to do them.
At the end of your review, use copy/paste to include the internet address where you found the
advertisement or where you built your own system.
2. Type your review in Microsoft Word and save the file in your network partition. Name the
file: P1 lastname lastname (use both your last names) Remember, you are a pair.
3. Print 2 paper copies of your review to keep in each of your portfolios. Follow your
teacher's instructions for submitting your review as an email attachment.
Deadline for Part 3: Wednesday March 1, 5:00 p.m.
Grading
Your work on this project will be graded according to the following criteria.
Criterion
Part 1
You showed that you can find or build an appropriate laptop or desktop computer.
You showed that you can send an email with a file attachment.
You showed that you can name the file attachment correctly.
You showed that you can follow the rules of netiquette.
You used correct spelling and grammar.
You showed that you can follow directions.
Part 1 Total
Points
2
2
2
2
2
2
12
Part 2
You showed that you can explain choices to a partner by email.
You showed that you can respond effectively and politely to a partner’s email
You showed that you can use email appropriately to arrive at a decision.
You showed that you can follow directions.
Part 2 Total
2
2
2
2
8
Part 3
You showed that you understood the meanings of key concepts.
You explained why certain computer features are important to AUI students.
You showed that you can name a file correctly.
You showed that you can follow directions.
Part 3 Total
3
3
2
2
10
TOTAL
30