← Years 7–8 Digital Systems

Justifying a hardware recommendation

A hardware choice backed by reasons: name the task, pick the specs that matter for it, and explain why they fit the budget, often by comparing two options.

Part of: 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 19, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Hardware and Performance — Module 39

Understanding Justifying a hardware recommendation in Years 7–8 Digital Systems

What it does: This reason says why the spec helps the task (fast loading) and mentions the budget, which is what a justified recommendation needs. Pick the specs that matter for the task. Video editing needs processing power, memory and graphics. Colour and thickness don't change performance. Comparing two options means using specs and prices side by side, then saying which one fits the task better and why. A spec line lists the exact features chosen, such as memory and storage, instead of just saying 'a good computer'. A fix would be: 'For editing videos, I recommend the Zeta because its 16 GB RAM handles large files.'.

Common mistakes: Video editing needs plenty of RAM and a GPU. 2 GB RAM and no GPU does not match the task. It should be something like 16 GB RAM and a GPU. Essays and email are light tasks, so a gaming GPU is not needed. The reason should say the cheap specs are fast enough for the task.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 4–19) and word search (Modules 4–74).

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Learning
Duo
Which opening line of a recommendation names the TASK?
Mia needs a laptop for editing school videos.This laptop is really good and shiny.
Matches
I recommend the Zeta laptop because it is good.
↓
The reason is vague. It does not name the task or any spec that matters for it.
Applying
Meanings
Term
hardware recommendation
Meaning
A hardware choice backed by reasons: name the task, pick the specs that matter for it, and explain why they fit the budget, often by comparing two options.
Practice
Task: edit school videos.
Testing
Gaps
: edit school videos
Check Answer
Spots
2Budget: $1200
3Spec: 2 GB RAM and no GPU

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Quick Questions

1. Which opening line of a recommendation names the TASK?
A. This laptop is really good and shiny.
B. Mia needs a laptop for editing school videos. ✓
A good recommendation starts by naming the task the person needs the device for. Without a task, you can't pick the specs that matter.
2. Mia edits videos. Which spec should the recommendation focus on?
A. A fast CPU, 16 GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU ✓
B. A bright colour and a thin case
Pick the specs that matter for the task. Video editing needs processing power, memory and graphics. Colour and thickness don't change performance.
3. Which sentence follows the reason structure (spec + because + task)?
A. I picked 16 GB of RAM because editing video uses lots of memory. ✓
B. I picked 16 GB of RAM because it is a big number.
A strong reason links the spec to the task. 'It is a big number' doesn't explain why the spec helps.
4. Sam only needs a laptop for typing essays and browsing. Which justification is better?
A. Buy the most expensive gaming laptop, just in case.
B. A cheaper laptop with 8 GB of RAM is enough, so the budget is saved. ✓
A good recommendation explains the choice within a budget. Paying for specs the task doesn't need wastes money.
5. Which recommendation compares two options properly?
A. Laptop A has an SSD and costs $900. Laptop B has an HDD and costs $850. A is better for fast loading. ✓
B. Laptop A is better than Laptop B.
Comparing two options means using specs and prices side by side, then saying which one fits the task better and why.

Match the Pairs

Task: edit school videos → Names the job the computer must do, which is the first step of a recommendation
Spec: 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD → Picks the specific parts of the hardware that matter for the task
The reason links a spec to the task and the budget → Reason: an SSD loads files fast and fits the $900 budget
Comparing two options shows why one is the better choice → Laptop A: $850, 8 GB RAM. Laptop B: $880, 16 GB RAM. Pick B.
I recommend the Zeta laptop because it is good. → The reason is vague. It does not name the task or any spec that matters for it.
Buy the $2500 gaming PC for typing essays. It has the best GPU. → The spec does not match the task and ignores the budget. A top GPU is not needed for typing essays.

Key Term

hardware recommendation
A hardware choice backed by reasons: name the task, pick the specs that matter for it, and explain why they fit the budget, often by comparing two options.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Task: edit school videos
Hint: Type the label that names the job the computer must do.
2. Choose Laptop A because it has 16 GB RAM.
Hint: Type the linking word that introduces a reason.
3. A has 16 GB RAM, but B has only 8 GB.
Hint: Type the word that shows a contrast between two options.
4. Within budget: $900 <= $1000
Hint: Type the operator meaning the price is no more than the budget.
5. Task: gaming at 1080p Spec: GPU matters most Reason: smooth frames within budget
Hint: Type the component that handles graphics, the key spec for this task.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Task: edit school videos
B Budget: $1200
C Spec: 2 GB RAM and no GPU
Line C — Video editing needs plenty of RAM and a GPU. 2 GB RAM and no GPU does not match the task. It should be something like 16 GB RAM and a GPU.
Question 2
A Task: write essays and email
B Spec: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
C Reason: needs a gaming GPU
Line C — Essays and email are light tasks, so a gaming GPU is not needed. The reason should say the cheap specs are fast enough for the task.
Question 3
A Task: play online games
B Spec: large HDD only, no GPU
C Reason: smooth frame rates
Line B — Gaming needs a strong GPU for smooth graphics. A big HDD with no GPU is the wrong spec for this task. It should be a strong GPU and enough RAM.
Question 4
A A: $950, 16 GB RAM
B B: $750, 16 GB RAM
C Pick A: fits the $800 budget
D Reason: same RAM, lower cost
Line C — Option A costs $950, which is over the $800 budget. Option B costs $750 and has the same RAM, so the pick should be B.
Question 5
A Task: store lots of photos
B Option A: 256 GB SSD, $90
C Option B: 2 TB HDD, $90
D Pick A: more space, same cost
Line D — Option A has only 256 GB, while B has 2 TB for the same price. The task needs lots of storage, so the pick should be B.

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