James P's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: The Building of an Affordable Computer BASIS Advisor: Josh Smith Internship Location: PC Simplicity Onsite Mentor: John Redwanski, Owner...PC Simplicity

Project Abstract

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, access to computers is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Yet, the price tag on these machines end up restricting that access to individuals and the community alike. Often, these computers end up being completely unaffordable, especially to those in lower income areas. In addition, the seemingly complex process of building a computer dissuades many from even attempting to construct their own computer. During this project, I have addressed both of these challenges. For my project, I have researched and experimented with various methods of computer creation in order to see which one is the most cost-effective. I investigated which parts are necessary for a sufficiently powerful computer as well as different methods to reduce costs, such as utilizing refurbished parts or buying bundled parts. The remaining portion of my project was focused on destigmatizing the idea that computer building is only available to those technologically proficient. Building a computer is a task anybody can do, and I have set out to prove that. I documented my process into a step-by-step manual on how to construct a computer in detail, simplistic enough for anybody to understand. I also designed several tools and aids that make finding parts and navigating computers much easier. The end result was my manual on how to build the most cost-effective computer that is accessible and achievable for anyone, as well as my Website which housed all my tools.