In this lab, we’ll use presentation and document
processing software to help
communicate how much electrical power a standard desktop computer
consumes and how much a company could save by implementing
power-saving practices.
This lab will assume that you can use the following software
tools:
- Document Processors - Document processors,
e.g., OO Writer, help you create static documents like letters,
newsletters, etc. If you are new to document processors, then you
can go through an Open Office Writer tutorial (e.g., http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/openofficeimpress/tp/071021openoffice_beginguide.htm).
- Presentation Software - Presentation
software, e.g., OO Impress, helps you create slides for live
presentations. If you are new to presentation software, then you
can go through an Open Office Impress tutorial (e.g., http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/openofficeimpress/tp/071021openoffice_beginguide.htm).
Creating a Message
The first step in any communication/presentation task is
identifying your message. In this exercise, you will advocate the
use of hibernate or some other power-saving solution to a larger
organization to both save them money and to save the
environment.
As you saw last time, your desktop machine costs money to
operate, and if your single machine costs money to operate,
imagine the cost to a large company that owns and operates
thousands of computers. Companies are now seriously interested in
addressing this sort of cost/environmental issue.
Exercise 2.c.1: Use your consumption and cost
estimates from the previous exercises to estimate the cost to a
business of owning and operating computers. Try to answer the
following questions:
- How much would a company that operates 1000 computers save
by using low-power settings rather than “normal”
settings?
- Can you think of reasons that companies might not want to
configure all their machines for low-power consumption?
- Are there other ways in which computer and communication
technologies could help save on environmental costs?
Update your spreadsheet from last time to compute estimated cost
savings.
Creating a Presentation
A live presentation of your message is generally the most
effective way to communication, and presentation software is
commonly used to aid in this task.
Exercise 2.c.2: Create a short presentation making
your case for power-saving measures on computers. Your
presentation should have at least the following slides:
- Title - Your title slide should have a
title, your names, the venue and the date.
- Message - Your message slide should a
bulleted list of the basic points you want to make.
- Data - Your data slide should have an image
of your spreadsheet data (and a chart if possible).
- Conclusion - Your conclusion slide should
repeat your basic point and ask the audience if they have any
questions.
Creating a Cover Letter
Messages can also be communicated through formal letters.
Exercise 2.c.3: Create a one-page cover letter with
the following elements:
addressing a target individual, making your key point and
including
- Address - Address an appropriate
recipient for your message.
- Salutation - Greet your recipient with
"Dear Sir or Madam" or some such greeting.
- Your Point - Start with a paragraph
making your basic point.
- Your Data - Include a copy of your
spreadsheet data.
- Closing - Include an appropriate
closing.
Checking In
When you are finished with all the exercises, do the
following:
- Submit your updated spreadsheet and your completed
presentation and cover letter to the course instructor via
email.
