Friday, March 6: online research: where can I get my stuff?

OK, so it's no secret that I try to make this and every class I teach have some practical value beyond this room. Heck, you all have computers at home, or you will; so its good to be able to get a little practical info about them.



Now, you used two programs yesterday to find out some information about your machines. I have sent each of you your reports by email. Those of you who either couldn't get a report done because you were working to get an O.S. loaded or because your USB ports weren't working, I have provided some reports you can use.

Now its time to put this information to good use. One good use for this information is finding CHEAP ways of replacing equipment. Here's what I want you to do:


A) Do a search online for the kind of RAM you currently have in your computer. You may have to do several different kinds of searches to find your RAM online. Here's some different ways to "Google" this:


1) BY MANUFACTURER


2) BY PART NAME


3) A COMBINATION OF 1 AND 2 ABOVE


4) ANY COMBINATION OF EITHER 1 AND 2, plus any of the following:

"module size"in megabytes
OR
"clock speed" in megahertz MHz



B) Once you've got a lock on this, you will need to find at least three places online where you can purchase the specific RAM you are looking for, or some generic replacement.

MAKE SURE TO GET THE SPECIFIC WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR EACH ONE.
google.com, tigerdirect.com, pricewatch.com etc WILL NOT DO IT!!!



C) for each website where you locate your RAM, also list the price and
the name of the company selling it



D) Additionally, see if there are any UPGRADES for your computer's RAM. Maybe we can do better. If you find this to be the case, go with the better stuff when you are writing up your info for B and C above



E) If you find better stuff when you post your information, please list it as an "UPGRADE"



F) When you have all your info together, please post it to our discussion group. Make the subject reading "going on a RAM hunt" plus your name.



Please be specific in your posting

"the tyrant who smiles is still a tyrant"



Mr. L