In your own words, can you explain the difference between system and application software? How does your business or organizations within your field of study use both system and application software? Are there constraints between using one type of system software with different application products? In replies to peers, explain whether you agree with the differences and constraints your peers discussed?
Other than Microsoft Office and Quicken, what are two common software products that are used in your workplace or organizations within your field of study? Can you provide an explanation and practical examples of how the software is used? In replies to peers, consider one of the following:
- Your experience with the identified software
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Available alternate software that could be considered?
The purpose of this assignment is to use Microsoft Excel to create a laptop computer system cost comparison spreadsheet and utilize Microsoft PowerPoint to report the costs and pros and cons of various computer systems.
Your manager has approved the purchase of new laptop computers for your department.
Part 1 – Laptop Computer Cost Comparison
Create an Excel spreadsheet and, in a text box, identify and describe three software programs specific to your career field of study. This should not include Microsoft Office. The software should be used for productivity, data management, unique needs of the field, increasing market share, and increasing competitive advantage.
From this perspective, research various computer systems. In your Excel spreadsheet, identify and summarize the cost base for three laptop computer systems. Include information on the specifications listed below:
- Computer brand and model
- Price
- CPU: type, clock speed, number of cores
- RAM: amount and type
- Screen size and resolution
- Primary disk: capacity, hard drive or SSD
- Optical disc drive (optional)
At the bottom of the spreadsheet, merge a block of several cells to create a large cell. In this area, provide a link to the website where this product can be found.
- Add a new worksheet page and create two pie charts.
- Pie Chart 1 should compare the cost of the three laptop systems.
- Pie Chart 2 should compare the cost of the three software programs.
Only the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file will be accepted. Do not submit any other file format, such as an Adobe PDF file, or you will not earn full credit.
Part II – Laptop Computer System Selection Presentation
Now that you researched three different laptop computer systems, select a laptop computer system that you chose to recommend to the management for the purchase. Create a PowerPoint presentation with a minimum of six slides that you can use to summarize and justify the laptop computer you have selected. Management has asked that you address the following in the presentation.
- Computer brand and model
- Price
- CPU: type, clock speed, number of cores
- RAM: amount and type
- Screen size and resolution
- Primary disk: capacity, hard drive or SSD
- Optical disc drive (may be optional)
- Detailed discussion of software specific to your career field of study that will be used for productivity, data management, unique needs of the field, increasing market share, and increasing competitive advantage (QuickBooks, SalesForce, Google Analytics, Epic, etc.), including the associated cost.
Only the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation file will be accepted. Do not submit any other file format, such as an Adobe PDF file, or you will not earn full credit.