Lesson 6 of 6
Choose what meets the task, not the biggest number
One idea at a time. Try the example, then keep going.
Big ideas · 1 of 5
Big ideas
Do this: Read the steps. Explain why one good number is not enough.
Start with what the task requires. Does it need sound input, picture output, saved-file space, or a particular connection? Include any spending limit and whether you need files without the Internet.
A SpecificationThe list of facts about what a device can do.Exactly: A description of a device's features and capabilities, used as evidence when checking requirements.Mix-up alert: A bigger number on a spec does not prove a device is right. Check every requirement.See this in Key words, or spec, describes a device's features. Use the supplied card to check each requirement. CompatibilityBeing able to work together for the job.Exactly: The ability of equipment to work together for the stated task. In class, check it using the supplied capability information.Mix-up alert: Do not infer compatibility from price, capacity, or a plug fitting alone.See this in Key words means the equipment works together for this task. Do not guess about missing capabilities or adapters.
CapacityHow much it can hold.Exactly: The amount of data that memory or storage can hold. Compare amounts in the same unit.Mix-up alert: Capacity is not speed. More saved-file space does not prove faster calculations.See this in Key words means how much data something can hold. Storage capacity is room for saved files. RAM capacity is working space, not extra room for an archive. Compare file sizes using the same unit.
Speed describes how fast work happens. A larger storage capacity does not prove a computer calculates faster. More RAM does not automatically make every task faster either. You need evidence about the task, not just a bigger number.
Cloud storage keeps files on someone else's computers, reached over the Internet. Those computers are real equipment, often in data centers. Local storage is on your device. A cloud file showing on screen is not proof you have a saved local copy for offline use.
For the practice here, use 1 GB = 1000 MB. A problem will say when to ignore overhead, the extra space a device or file format uses for itself. Add the file sizes, then compare with the available space. Capacity is a limit, not a speed score.
Step-through
Do this: Step through the picture. Say what evidence you need at each stop.
A good choice meets all the stated requirements. Keep how much and how fast separate.
Whole picture, 5 steps
5 steps. Tap a number or Show me how it works.
Do this: Check the space first. Then check the other requirements.
Ivo needs to keep two club recordings, 600 MB and 900 MB, on a teacher-approved drive for a Chromebook. The limit is $16. For these fictional cards, use 1 GB = 1000 MB and ignore overhead. Card A costs $12, has 1 GB, and is confirmed compatible. Card B costs $15, has 2 GB, and is confirmed compatible. The files total 1500 MB. A has only 1000 MB, so it fails. B has 2000 MB, leaving 500 MB, and meets the price and compatibility requirements. Choose B. Nothing here proves B is faster.
Do this: Name two things that a large capacity does not prove.
A large storage capacity does not prove speed or compatibility. Cloud storage adds a place for saved files, not RAM inside your Chromebook. If the task needs a file offline, do not assume a cloud copy is already saved locally. Check the stated requirements and what is actually available.
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Code.org, about 4 minutes
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Write it
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Flashcards
Do this: Say your answer, then flip. Explain any calculation out loud.
Card 1 of 9
0 Know it0 Still learning
What must it do?
On the card: Enter or Space flips. Left and Right move. After revealing, 1 marks Still learning and 2 marks Know it. Tab reaches every control.
What comes before choosing a device?
List the task's requirements, including the jobs, connections, and limits.
What is a specification?
A description of a device's features. Use the supplied specs as evidence for a choice.
What does capacity tell you?
How much data can fit. It does not tell you how fast a calculation runs.
A drive holds twice as much. Must it be twice as fast?
No. Capacity and speed describe different things.
Will more RAM directly make room for more saved club videos?
No. RAM is working memory. Saved videos need persistent storage space.
Where does cloud storage keep files?
On someone else's computers, reached over the Internet. The storage is real hardware elsewhere.
A file is saved in the cloud. Is that proof it is ready offline?
No. You must check whether a usable local copy is available. A cloud copy alone is not proof.
You have 800 MB free. Do files of 250 MB and 400 MB fit? Ignore overhead.
Yes. They total 650 MB, leaving 150 MB free.
A card gives capacity and price but says nothing about compatibility. Is it enough?
No. You need evidence that the equipment works together for the required task.
True or false
Do this: Choose True or False. Read the reason each time.
Flashcards
Do this: Say your answer before you flip each card.
Card 1 of 6
0 Know it0 Still learning
Think about cost and access.
On the card: Enter or Space flips. Left and Right move. After revealing, 1 marks Still learning and 2 marks Know it. Tab reaches every control.
Besides connections and storage, which limits should a hardware plan include?
The spending limit and whether files must work without the Internet.
What does overhead mean in this topic?
Extra space a device or file format uses for itself. Ignore it only when the problem says to.
Why convert GB and MB before comparing files with free space?
The comparison needs the same unit. In this practice, 1 GB = 1000 MB.
What should you do before comparing several files with available space?
Add the file sizes, then compare their total with the available space.
Why does fictional Card A fail in Ivo's example despite being under the spending limit?
It has 1000 MB, but the files total 1500 MB.
Fictional Card B fits Ivo's files. Does that prove it calculates faster?
No. Capacity is not proof of calculation speed.
True or false
Do this: Choose True or False and read each explanation.
Self-test
Do this: Answer each question and read the explanation before moving on.
8 questions. One at a time.
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Match
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Connect the ideas
0 / 4 connectedChoose a term, then its meaning. Or drag its grip. Use Tab and Enter or Space; Escape clears.
Classwork
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Homework · 10 points
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Classwork
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https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/choosing-hardware#classwork
Homework
Worth 10 points.
https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/choosing-hardware#homework
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