Why do you think we built a PC this week? If I am to assume all of you are currently or someday will become IT Auditors, what was the point of building a PC from scratch? I gave you the analogy of a Mechanic doing a State Inspection, but can you think of another example? Ultimately, I’m interested to know what you got out of building the PC and if you think it will help you at all in your future careers.
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Heiang Cheung says
I think the point of building the computer was to familiarize ourselves with how everything is connected to one another. Also when we were trying to find out why the computer wasn’t turning on. I think that helped with trouble shooting skills. For examples don’t go for the hardest thing and often time it’s the easiest thing like just trying a different power outlet. Even as an online student I found it useful
Thanks
Folake Stella Alabede says
Yes Heiang,
I think trouble shooting skills will be encountered by everyone at one point or the other, and trouble shooting also requires lots of patience.
When Professor Wasson came to help with the group that was having some issues, it took me back to the days when we were doing Algebra, calculus, statistics etc. When i finish a particular problem and i dont get it right, i put that sheet aside and start the problem over again on a fresh sheet, and i mostly get it right the second time. I find that its sometimes more difficult trying to go over the first sheet trying to figure out where the problem went wrong. And after that second sheet, i even know the topic more deeply. i think its the same with trouble shooting – you actually become better the more you trouble shoot ( it might be frustrating sometimes though)
Patrick J. Wasson says
Great point Heiang! I am very happy you got some value out of this as an online student as well!!
Somayeh Keshtkar says
First of all, in my opinion building a PC was a good opportunity for us to become more familiar with components that goes inside a computer. IT Auditors should have a sufficient knowledge of computer hardware, so they can recognize any extra components that could be installed maliciously. Secondly, it shows us that we should always follow the rules, best practices, and instructions if needed. Additionally, it represented the relationship and connection between every part, and showed that all parts should work together for a healthy system. I also think that just like computer’s components, people are more productive if they work together. As an example, SOD (segregation of duty) is a concept that works based on the fact that more than one person is required to complete a task in IT Auditing, and other related fields in technology.
I think another example is computer programming, where programmers should follow all instructions from a class diagram.
Patrick J. Wasson says
Thanks for the input! Your comment about following best practices is exactly one of the take aways I hoped the class would get from this activity.
Folake Stella Alabede says
For me it was actually well thought out on the professor’s part to make us build a pc.
I studied computer science as an undergraduate, and while I would know all the components that make up a computer and even be able to recognize/label them, it was great seeing how these components all form together to make a super powered up computer. (I can’t recall ever coupling a computer in undergrad, but that was over 12-15 years ago – things might be done differently now). It was fun and it was like learning a new skill.
From building the PC, I realized another interest I might pursue in the future; and in relation to IT Audit, I think it gives better insight to how Technology Audit, software audit, application audits and etc are all intertwined and inter-related. I also think a hiring manager/Audit manager would be impressed (and better inclined) to hire a person who knows the computer parts and can also boast of having built (a) PCs
Patrick J. Wasson says
Good point! It is always good for any IT professional to have an understanding of the basic parts that make up a computer.
Marsha Billups says
I was a little intimidated when you said we’d be building a computer but it turned out to be a great learning experience. Our group had the most issues and that forced us to troubleshoot to rule out potential issues and ultimately identify the root cause. It helped that we understood the role of each part in the computer and learned that there should be a systematic approach when troubleshooting.
Another analogy that comes to mind is a doctor. When they go to medical school, they learn about the entire body, the function(s) of each part and how they inter-relate. When you go to the doctor with an issue they can’t identify, then they systematically rule out issues until they identify the root cause.
Patrick J. Wasson says
Do you think you would be less intimidated if I were to ask you to build a PC again? Of course! That was my exact intention here!
Rouying Tang says
The building of the PC reminds me with my old experience. I had a class in middle school teaching us the principles of that how a bicycle work. We got the textbook, and we read it. However, no matter how vivid the textbooks described, I still can’t understand it until I really opened a bike into parts and rebuilt it. Both classes are technical classes which are hard to be reached by abstract terms and passed skills through language. When we tough the real shapes of the motherboard, CPU, hard drive, etc, we eventually get the deep understanding of the components, and the relationships of each other. For example, our group didn’t connect the hard-drive to the power, then we couldn’t reach to the systems software which is located on the hard-drive.
Out of building the PC, I think paying attentions to the directions really helps, but there might be something missed in direction or be ignore by us, and we need to figure it out. We did the jobs really smoothly and quickly for all component except the hard-drive, that is because we all focus on the pictures shown on direction but ignore the sentences ask us to link the powers.
Ruby(Qianru) Yang says
From class perspective, our class mean to introduce us a strong foundation in key information technology components. Leaning the basic knowledge of hardware by building a computer in class is a great beginning for non-tech people to step into IT world. Meanwhile, the team work experience also give us opportunity to interact with classmate and professor. In our team, we faced different small problems. We tried to figure it out together. Professor Wasson also showed us how to find and fix a problem in a easier way. I really enjoying the experience.
From career perspective, as an IT Auditor, we need expertise in IT system, infrastructure and applications. In order to identify IT related issues and provide recommendations. Knowing the hardware is a important base for all of that.
Linlan Chen says
For me, building a PC is a good opportunity to learn that how different component worked and how everything is connected to another one. The process of building PC in our group is not very smooth. But when we met new trouble, we need to consider about why we failed and find the reason, what happened during our process of building PC. During that time, we can learn different components’ function inside computer. Every connection has no problem, but the screen still sleepy, finally, we check the PCU ,which did not set properly. The more step we failed, the more information we got, which are based information of IT auditor.
Yijiang Li says
As an IT auditor, our audit work should concentrate on both computer’s software and hardware. Building a PC is the best method to understand what components a PC has and how it works, so we will able to address where an issue comes from, either hardware or software when we are auditing a IT system. An example of this could be a pilot checks the health status of an airplane.
For future career, knowledge from building a PC can help us compete in a wider range of areas because we can carry out some similar work that usually belongs to mechanist and engineer’s responsibility.
Karabo Ntokwane says
We built a computer so that we know where everything starts. We got to the realization that before you can see the system coming on the screen everything must be in its correct position on the motherboard. As IT auditors, we will be working with specialists in computer hardware and it only helps if we can communicate the same language. We might find ourselves in a position where we need to find out if the acquisitions or investments add value to the company. If for example, the project manager tells you we decided to upgrade all the RAM in the computers, it only helps if you know what RAM is, what it does, and be able to determine if indeed that was a wise decision.
Hanqing Zhou says
It is a great opportunity to build up a computer, it gives us a chance to know about the components go inside a computer, how it matches with each other and how it works. It is very important for IT Auditors to know about these components and hardware because sometime the so called “technical(computer) problems” are not the results that hackers attack the system, it just some components break or fall down of their clips. There is another issue that if the IT Auditors can know the computer inside structure, they can know whether people installed any extra components. This class told us we need to follow the rules and do your tasks. I would like to say it seems like a company, employees should to cooperate in work with other and they also need to do their personal jobs well.
Xinteng Chen says
Learning how to build a computer is important for IT auditors to know the hardware of PC. IT auditor’s job is to control the environment and evaluate risks. Building a computer is a start of knowing the entire information system. Furthermore, people can use hard ware to attack the information system. If IT auditor is familiar with computer hardware, it lower the risk of the issue. In addition, we also can practice the ability of dealing with problems during build a computer. When we finished each step, if the computer still does not work, it needed us to figure out the reasons. It brings benefits for us to improve our logical thinking. Moreover, this practice enhances our teamwork abilities. We discuss during the practice to make sure every get right. Therefore, it is important for us to know how to build a P.C.
Zhixin Wei says
I think build a PC is a basic skill for an IT auditor. Also, we can learn the components of a computer and how it works. An IT auditor likes a security staff at airport, he or she should check all passengers and ensure every passenger do not carry any hazardous materials to flights.
During the process of building a computer, I learn that we should check all parts of a computer when it doesn’t work. We should figure out the origin of the problem and learn why it happened. In the same way, we should pay attention to every detail of a job in our feature career. Every little mistakes can lead to big ones.
Chenhui Lai says
This was a great experience to build a PC which I never did that before, At first, I was thinking it was very hard and need complex steps to complete that, while the fact was opposite. Also, become an IT auditor, I think when we build the PC, we can know how to put hardware and units in the correct places, and if there have something wrong, we can find that. And another example is a doctor performed CPR on the patient. And I think I can get out teamwork is important, everyone needs unity, and everyone is necessary for my future career.
Ping Sun says
As an IT auditor, to know the basis of computer hardware components is a very basic skill. IT auditors need to audit computer information, database, and operation system, etc. These things include software, hardware, network, and many different systems. Therefore, if we want to be IT auditors, to know what is actually going on in the computer case, which component for what purpose, how to connect them together, if something is wrong, to find why it happens and do our best to fix the problems, and even if somebody wants to cheat, hack, or doing fraud through hardware, we could be able to catch them and kick them out. And for doing all above, to learn how to build a computer is the first step.
Tamekia P. says
I think the point of building computers was to gain a sense of familiarity. Even if we don’t remember the detailed steps, we gain the experience have done it. As an online student, the major take away for me was isolate the problem and try individual changes instead of doing everything at once. When my group couldn’t figure out why the machine wasn’t turning on, the solution wasn’t to unplug everything start over. It was to re-trace the steps and check that each step was done correctly.
Raisa Ahmed says
We were instructed to build PCs this week to familiarize ourselves of the basic components of a computer system. Not to mention, in doing so, allowed us to understand the role each component played in a computer system. Such knowledge is important for an IT Auditor (or anyone in general) because it helps him/her effectively communicate with others. After all, an employer/customer wants someone who is well-rounded and knows a little bit of everything.
This exercise helped me a lot— before I had limited knowledge of the components but now I understand how each component helps the other to make a whole. Also, because my group had the most issues during the exercise, I learned how to properly troubleshoot and learned more about the components.
Another analogy that comes to mind is the role of a neurosurgeon. You would want the neurosurgeon who is about to operate on your brain to know about the entire body and how the brain affects every other part in your body such as your spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels. If he/she didn’t, it could obviously lead to severe complications, paralysis, or death.
Patrick J. Wasson says
Good analogy!!!
Dongjie Wang says
I think the point of building a computer was to get familiar with the construction of a computer and better understand the work process of a computer. We have learned how to connect each part inside of a computer through this hands-on experience, especially for some students who lack IT background. As future IT auditors, understand the work flow of a computer can help us to define the problems and risks.
Fraser G says
I think the point of building a PC was to get over the hurdle that technology is some sort of mystic art that only a select few can do. The physical act of putting it together really emphasizes that computers are accessible to anyone who wants to learn. I think learning HOW to learn about computers is a big part of that lesson. Being able to screw up, make mistakes and still have the confidence to continue is a skill that many of us will need. I kept thinking during class “I hope every kid in America gets to do this in school ….. and I wish my parents would try this.” When someone asks me for “IT” help I get frustrated sometimes, not because of the problem they have, but there complete inability or desire to fix it or figure it out themselves — “oops I havent seen this message before better not do anything and call Fraser.” Maybe it takes a little arrogance, I always think to myself, “well this was designed by humans and I am human so I can figure this out.” Anyway enough soapboxing. In the IT auditing/cyber security realm we are going to be on our own oftentimes, and we need to have the curiosity and confidence to look at these seemingly complex, high tech things and understand them for ourselves.
Patrick J. Wasson says
Exactly!! Good point Fraser.
Andres Galarza says
Building a PC from scratch gave us some practical knowledge of what goes on inside a computer. I always have thought that pulling a PC apart to take a look at the “guts” gives you a different perspective on what makes the software that we interact with more regularly tick. Another positive is that it makes hardware a little less… “scary.”
I built the PC I’m typing this reply on by myself, and it was less daunting than I thought it would be.
Yingyan Wang says
As an IT auditor, the very first step is to know about the computer structure since all other knowledge in IT auditing field are relating to computers. For those who do not have the background of IT, knowing how to build a computer is a good step to start. Building a PC help us to understand how a computer works, what components a computer has and what components are crucial to future use. Meanwhile, learning the structure of a PC is good for us to find the problem and determine the risks in the future career. It is the basic knowledge for an IT auditor.