350 Components of a Good Paper
Many students have difficulty with the papers with an understanding of how the paper should flow and what it should include. Using Video Cards, we have included a general guideline and design of how your papers should be setup and what they should include. Further requirements may be assigned by your instructor and any questions should be asked of your instructor BEFORE the paper is due.
Video Card Example
Components of a good paper:
1) Setup the scenario and why the paper is needed.
- In a few brief sentences, describe why you are writing this paper and why it is necessary.
- Ex. Company KillsTheVideoCards has previously purchased video cards for their systems and have found the video cards do not meet their needs. At this point, it has been determined that the failing and low end video cards need to be replaced………..
2) Setup the parameters and limitations of your paper.
a. The current systems have the following specifications:
- Pentium 2.4ghz with 1gb of ram
- AGP video card slot
- Network Card
- 300w power supply
- Etc, etc, etc.
b. The systems will be used for another 2 years before they will be replaced
c. A budget of $100 - $175 per machine has been calculated for the hardware.
d. The systems do high end 3D gaming and photo restoration services, thus the video card capabilities are important.
3) Define how the search was carried out and the items to be aware of during the search.
a. Limitation in the video card standard in the current machine. It is older technology.
b. Video cards will not be able to be used in newer systems and thus are a complete loss once the machines are disposed of in 2 years.
c. Due to high end 3D gaming and photo restoration services that are being done on the machines, the card must have a good processor and memory to handle the intensive tasks.
d. Define how the choices were limited down Nvidia? ATI? WHY….which model? WHY that model? Which manufacturer? WHY? JUSTIFY…JUSTIFY….JUSTIFY……
e. Will upgrading cause issues that must also be taken care of?
4) Justify how your choice is the correct one in terms of:
a. Price
b. Performance
c. Durability
d. Etc…..
5) Conclusion
6) Bibliography (2 must be from books – online are acceptable), 3 others may be GOOD online resources (Wikipedia, Webopedia do not count!) Try IEEE, manufacturer’s website and white papers, etc.
WHEN DONE, READ YOUR PAPER THROUGH AGAIN…..Look for Red and Green from Word for spelling and grammar errors. Look for obvious grammar and paper flow errors due versus do… four versus for, etc.
350 Hardware Paper
The assignment is to research and write a 4-5 page paper, that does not include the cover page or the reference page, on a piece of hardware that is of interest to you. The paper is for you to understand how to select a particular piece of hardware and the decision making process that is involved in it. Purchasing the top of the line is not always the best solution! Your paper should also include how the chosen hardware will interact with the system as a whole and the advantages / disadvantages of that interaction.
For example: You decide to write your paper on video cards. What do you need to look at in video cards (resolution, 3d graphics capability, memory size, power requirements, price, performance, intended use, etc.). Which one do you purchase from your favorite electronics store? Why choose the ATI version over NVIDIA? What are the drawbacks to choosing that model versus another? Will your system be able to “handle” the video card or does it require bigger power supplies, processors, etc?
Topics include but not limited to the following:
• Hard drive
• Tape drive
• CPU
• Video adapter (may only be done with permission of the instructor)
• Modem
• Network adapter
• Display technology (Different types of monitors)
• Printer Technology
• RAM Technology
• Motherboard Technology
• CD / DVD Drives
• Memory
• PC Cases
The reference list will contain a minimum number of references as determined by your instructor. All references used should be properly cited and should also be checked for spelling and grammar (copy and paste still requires you to check the material!) Additionally, the paper is to be your work. Excessive “copying and pasting” from multiple websites will result in a failing grade. The required number of pages does not include pictures or graphics but they are encouraged if they add to the understanding of your work. Grammar and spelling do count and will be taken into account towards your final grade for this project. All requirements will be given to you by your instructor.
The proper way to submit this assignment is covered in the syllabus for this course and includes the provision that you have to submit your work to turnitin.com. The due dates are as stated in the syllabus and from your instructor.
If you have chosen a topic other than the ones listed above please see your instructor for an approval before proceeding.