I used Ask.com because it groups search results by relevance.
I had to generate two searches as I did not find everything I wanted the first time.I search "understanding computer components," and "toxics pc components."
These are the two best sites I found:
http://www.viaarena.com/understanding-pc-parts-%93-the-basics.aspx?ID=25&MCatID=3
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/01/high-tech-trash/computer-interactive
The National Geographic site I trust completely because they are held to high standards in terms of the information and programs they generate. There is no specific author or date, but to be produced on their website everything must have been fact checked and the basic components of computers haven't changed much over the years.
The first is not a company I am familiar with. I dug a little more and they appear to be a company that provides computer support articles to pc users. It is an article written by the editor of the website just under 2 years ago so the information appears credible and relevant, aside from the fact the word n00bs is visible after the first paragraph.
The National Geographic site provides an easy to read diagram with labeled components color coded by toxin. The diagram is interactive so more information can be discovered through clicking the components to figure out what they, how they are made, the toxics they contains and the effects of those toxins. I have had to study toxic computer components in many environmental studies classes, but this diagram condenses the information so easily that I have a whole new understanding of the material. While this site does a good job of examining the toxins, the computer components could be explained better.
The Via Arena site had basic diagrams of where things were, but provided no cumulative diagram. What it did best was give al breakdown of all major components and their function with in the computer. They craft helpful metaphors to help readers better understand what all the parts do which is helpful in visualizing information if you are not a computer engineer. This site however, did not provide any information about toxics.
The diagram given on the National Geographic website was an excellent picture to include in the presentation as it think it provided the audience with a better understanding of how widespread the use of the toxic materials is and where exactly the are used.
ReplyDeleteI like the first website; I used it as a starting point for our project. I think it offers good information about the basic parts of the computer without using difficult terminology. The organization and structure of the site makes it easy to follow and look at and the pictures/graphics are good supplements in helping the reader understand the topic.
ReplyDelete