Student Resources
Section 2A: Processing and Sorting Data
Internet Labs
Learn More About Unicode
The Unicode text code system may become universally accepted in the next few years. All operating systems, application programs, data, and hardware architectures will start to conform to it. For this reason, learn as much as you can about Unicode and how it may affect your computing in the future. Visit the following Web sites for more information about Unicode:
As you review these Web sites, look for the type of information about Unicode that interests you most. What particular aspect of Unicode do you think is most important? Why? When you are finished, write a three- or four-paragraph essay explaining your thoughts on Unicode.
Pick the Perfect Processor
The Web is a great place to shop and the perfect place to find information about constantly changing processor technologies.
For this exercise, imagine you are planning to buy a new PC. Set a budget for yourself, then use the following links to
decide which processor meets your needs best, based on your budget:
Visit the following sites and search for reviews of processors. Look for head-to-head comparisons and price/performance analysis:
When you are finished, compare your findings with your classmates. What processors did they pick? What price/performance criteria did they use as the basis for their decisions?
Backup Online
Suppose you want to back up the hard disk on your home computer, but you do not want to research, purchase, and set up a backup system. Instead, you decide to check out some online backup services that can back up your data over the Internet. Here are a few online backup services. Visit their Web sites and decide which service would be best for your needs:
CD-Rewritable Drives
Suppose you are in the market for a CD-rewritable drive, which you want to add to your computer system. Visit the following
Web sites and gather information about the CD-RW products offered by these vendors:
When you are done, write a one-page paper summarizing your findings and explaining which CD-RW unit you would purchase. Give your reasons for choosing that unit.
