Research / Library Databases Project

Research / Library Databases Project

Write a report comparing two similar pieces of hardware to determine which would be better for a certain situation. It must be researched using the Adelphi library databases. Include at least two works cited. Next to the works cited, please name the database that supplied the information.

It needs to be correctly formatted, with cover page, table of contents, correct pagination and works cited section. Sample Report (but not on a subject you can choose)

Possible topics:

Is an Athlon microprocessor better than a Pentium microprocessor? (would need to describe the processing differences)
Is Gateway better than Dell? (would need to make clear which parts of the computers are actually different between the two manufacturers)
Is it better to have a DVD-RWor DVD+RW or DVD-ROM drive? (would need to describe the different technologies)
Is DSL better than Cable modem or Fiber Optic internet connection? (would need to describe the different ways the internet is physically connected to the home computers, and the different way the traffic travels between the two connections)
Compare two flash memory cards (would need to describe the different storage technologies, or confirm they were the same.)
Compare two different type of MP3 players (would need to describe the compression formats, legal download sources, and any other technologies that differentiate them)
Is a serial ATA or Ultra ATA hard drive better?
Is it better to use a SCSI hard drive or an Ultra ATA Raid Array?
You can choose your own topic.

Possible qualities to compare:

Cost
Speed
Reliability
Flexibility
Durability

Specific format:

Cover page with your name, date and the course (CSC170)
Table of Contents page (computer generated) with a page number of “i” in the footer and the name of your report in the header.
Report text with page numbers starting with 1 in the footer. The footer also needs the date and filename. The name of your report will be in the header.

Opening:

Intro: Include answers to the following questions:

What is being compared
In what situation will the product be used
What qualities will you compare

First paragraph - describe the first first product
Second paragraph - describe the second product

Point 1 (replace with the name of that point)
Point 2 (replace with the name of that point)
Table of points vs. product
Conclusion - restate your points and state your conclusion.
Works Cited.

* Each section (the opening, point 1, 2, 3, table, conclusion and works cited) are all listed in the Table of Contents.

For help with formatting header, footer and creating table of contents, see: paginating.htm

For formatting of the works cited, see: http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/humanities/list.html, but also add the name of the database. For example:

Lord, Lewis. "There's Something about Mary Todd." US News and_World Report 19 Feb. 2001: 53. (Gale Database)

Recommended databases:

EbscoHost – and choose the following databases:

Academic search premier
Business source premier
Master File select
Newspaper source
Communications and Mass Media

Business & Company Resource Center - search for articles using subject guide

Business Source Premier
MasterFILE Select - helpful to search by subject first

ProQuest Research Library

LexisNexis Academic

IEEE COMPUTER SOCIETY DIGITAL LIBRARY

Some recommended magazines:

Computerworld
Creative computing
Home office computing
Macworld
PC magazine
PC world
PCNetter newsletter
InfoWorld

Help with technical terms:

www.webopedia.com
www.hyperdictionary.com

Grading:

Grammar - 5%
Research quality & logical argument - 45%
Formatting - 50%

Sample

Here is a sample report on a software subject. You cannot choose the same subject for your report, because you need to choose a hardware subject.

Right Click on this link: Sample Report OR : samplerpt.doc

(You will need to “save target as” to download this report to your pc, and then you will need word to open it.)