Front and Back Matter

Front Matter
Transmittal Letter
Home Network Instructions Recommendations Report
Memo
To: Janie Santoy
From: Leonardo Hernandez
Date: April 19, 2009
Subject: Recommendations Report for Home Network Instructions

Enclosed in this report are the results of the usability test and recommendations that were made.

The instructions were tested in two ways:(1) how easy it is or it should be, to remember all or most of the steps for this tutorial (2) the satisfaction that the user feels once the tutorial was finished. Due to lack of illustrations, some problems occur in which the two users that took the test were confused.

It is my hope that the creator of this tutorial will take the time to read and fix the problems found in this tutorial. The tutorial is good to use if you want to set up a home network but it needs a little work.

Cover
Home Network Instruction
Recommendations Report




Leonardo Hernandez
April 19, 2009
Texas State Technical College




Title Page

Home Network Instructions
Recommendations Report

Prepared By Leonardo Hernandez

Report was submitted April 21, 2009

Prepared for
Janie Santoy


Abstract
The purpose of this report is to recommend changes to a tutorial that was created to help a student at TSTC. There were two ways of testing the effectiveness of this tutorial. The first was to test how easy it was to learn this set of instructions or tutorial and the second was to see if the tutorial satisfied the needs of the user. There several test conducted and there are some recommendations that are going to be submitted in the report. I hope the creator of this tutorial will take in mind the recommendations and does the changes in his tutorial.

Executive Summary
In this report I will recommend some changes to the tutorial title “Home Network Instructions”.
The purpose of this report is to test the tutorial and see if it does what it was meant to do. There were several test conducted and two of them were based on learn ability and satisfaction. In the learn ability test, the test was to see if the tutorial was easy to learn or remember the major steps that were needed in order for the tutorial to work. The second test was to see if the tutorial meets or satisfied the user’s requirements. During these test the two users that took the tests were confronted with a series of problems. For one user, the whole tutorial was a big puzzle. The user did not understand what was needed due to the fact that tutorial consisted of just words and no illustrations. The steps were just written down and the user did not know were to start. I recommend that the tutorial will be a much better tutorial if there were more illustrations and more simple and easy to follow steps. The use of illustrations is extremely important because it is proven that the majority of the population understands more threw a picture than a word. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………
Executive Summery…………………………………………………………………………….
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..
MEELS………………………………………………………………………………………….
Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………….
Results…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………
Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………….
Work Cited………………………………………………………………………………………



Back Matter
Work Cited
Downe, Natalie. "Fast and Simple Usability Testing." 12/16/2006 8 Apr 2009.

Mauerer, R. (2002). "Usability Testing." University of Colorado System. Retrieved from https://www.cu.edu/irm/stds/usability/index.html on April 08, 2009.

Petersen, Constance J.. "Remove Stumbling Blocks by Usability Testing." 1999 8 Apr
2009.

Intro & Body

The recommendations report is based on the information giving by the usability test.

Here is an overview of my report
• Summary
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Test Results
• Conclusion
• Recommendations

MEELS
The meals that I choose were Learn ability and Satisfaction. I wanted to learn how easy it is for the user to learn the test and I also wanted to know if it satisfied the user on what they wanted. There aren’t many tutorials (that I can find) on how to create a Home Network, so I wanted to see how essay it was for the user to learn this tutorial at first glance. And after that was taken care of, I wanted to see how pleased the user was with this tutorial. Did the tutorial cover what the user wanted? Did the tutorial explain in detail and made it ease for the user to understand?

Methodology
In part of my report I will be focusing the students that took the usability test. I will explain in more detail the steps used to conduct the usability test and will also give a little background on the students that took the test.

Conclusion
I will be presenting the findings of the usability test. I will present my results for the all test that were conducted.

Recommendations
In order for a tutorial to have a good effect, I believe that illustrations are a key ingredient to making that tutorial helpful. I also recommend that more information can be giving about the item that are being used and that the information that is in the tutorial can be a little more separated.

Analysis of Research

What did you find that your client can use to improve the tutorial?

I found many reports that suggest that the use of illustrations can help improve the instructions. Many people learn more if they see rather than just read.

What categories does your information fit into? What were the types of issues, etc. which were revealed via your research?

The categories that the information will be fall into will be visual and writing. During my research I found that one test proved that in order for you to use this test, you must have computer knowledge. To improve the tutorial you must have some type of illustrations in order for it to be a really successful tutorial.

Refrence

Downe, Natalie. "Fast and Simple Usability Testing." 12/16/2006 8 Apr 2009.

Mauerer, R. (2002). "Usability Testing." University of Colorado System. Retrieved from https://www.cu.edu/irm/stds/usability/index.html on April 08, 2009.

Petersen, Constance J.. "Remove Stumbling Blocks by Usability Testing." 1999 8 Apr
2009.

Recommendations Report

A recommendations report is a report that is used to literally recommend a certain item or product or even a service. It is used when a client request a recommendation on a certain thing. Or sometimes it is used by the same people that are trying to sell you that item or service. The will hire people that will test this product or service and with there feedback the can know what they need to improve on or what don’t they need.

Main Section of Recommendations Report
1. Introduction
2. Technical background
3. Background on the situation
4. Requirements and criteria
5. Conclusions
6. Recommendation or final opinion

Test Plan

Leo Hernandez
Ms. Santoy
4/1/09


Notes for the 1st person that will take the test plan for “Home Network Instructions”
• The first problem that was encountered was figuring out what cable was going to be disconnected and were it was going to be connected (small problem-solved easily)
• Didn’t understand what ISP stood for
• Had a hard time remember the password they used
• Connection failed due to a mission wire


Notes for the 2nd person that will take the test plan for “Home Network Instructions”
• Did not know which one was the router and which one was the modem
• Could not figure out where to insert the network cable
• Got confused with the first and second step
• Did pretty well once they set up the wires
• Once CD was installed they did much better
• Did not know what ISP was
• Could not think of a Password or name to use

Reflection–Rhetorical

Who is your audience?
My audience is the people that would like to upgrade there computer hard ware.
*
What visuals did you choose to include Why? If you included a visual, why did you choose to include this particular visual?
I used images that could help me explain what the instructions have to say. there were some instructions that I needed to explain but i felt that the reader wasn't going to be able to understand them so I used and image to explain the IDE cable and the Power cable.
*
What are the important or essential design elements of your set of instructions?
*It was illustrated in a power point presentation with many many pictures.
In which medium do you anticipate these instructions would be used?
*The many that would like to save money and do it themselves
How would you change the presentation of your instructions if you had to physically present them to a user?
I would add more pictures.

Introduction, Requirements, Warnings, Conclusion

Intro

In today’s new age technology, everything evolves at the speed of light. Now technology comes out almost on a daily basis and there for makes it hard most of us to stay current with the latest hardware. The good thing about computer is that even though they update everyday, you can still swamp out something from your computer and replace it with something new. Most computer come with a regular CD Drive that can only read and write CDs. Now there are DVD and Blue Ray players. The advantage of having a DVD or Blue Ray is that they have more memory and there for can hold more file, pictures, videos music, etc.

Requirements
In order for you to change the CD Drive on your computer, you will need the CD that is both CD and DVD reader and burner. Make sure you find the correct size for your particular computer. At the time of the purchase of your CD Drive, you can ask if the item fits your computer case slot. Also keep in mind that the CD drive has to work for your current operating system (Windows XP, or Windows Vista). You will so need a ground strap; this will help you to stay static-free. Depending on your computer case, you might need a Philips screw driver.

Warning
• Before you start make sure there is no power in the computer. Please disconnect the power wire from your computer.
• Wear the grounding strap at all time while working inside the computer
• Have the computer in a safe location
• Do not pull, cut or rip any wires that are not specified in the instructions.
• Do not touch anything that is not specified in the instructions.
Conclusion
Now that you have completed this, you can start saving money on your computer equipment. Many people believe it’s hard to do anything to your computer, but as you witness, it’s really not that hard. If you take it to a store such as Best Buy or Circuit City, they are going to charge you a pretty penny. Why pay a ridiculous amount a money when you can do it your self for free and for free.

Tutorial

How to Install a CD Drive

1. Unplug computer completely
2. Remove side panel ( Varies on Computer case)
3. Remove front lid were the CD Drive will go
4. Install the CD drive
5. Connect the sound cable
6. Connect the IDE cable
7. Connect the power cable
8. Replace the Side Panel
9. Re-connect wire and turn on your computer
10. Install the CD Drive drivers and software

Question

· Describe your intended audience---who are these readers?
The intended audience is students and the people that are learning the new age technology.

·

· Describe your intended audience in terms of the organization they work for and their position or title.
They are currently attending school or they are working for companies that are using the World Wide Web to communicate and save time.

· Describe your intended audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field.
The intended audience is students, business men, or office clerks.

Describe your intended audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project.
The would need this instruction if they would want to leave a blog or they have to comment back to some on a blog.
Describe how your intended audience will use the information you include in this writing project.
The information that I will use will help the user learn how to use or create a blog and how to comment on either a blog or any other program or web site that requires commenting.
Describe the technical background of your intended audience--what do they know and not know about your topic? what are their technical limitations in relation to this writing project?
Many might know the general idea of blogging. What they can do and what not, but most of them do not know how to create a blog or were to go to open an account to create a blog. Many might not even know that they have to open an account to blog.

Designing the Document: Format and Graphics

I have chosen this two images because they will help me in my paper. I feel that actions are much better understood than words and for many readers, when they are trying to learn something, visual representation is a really good way to go. So I feel that in order for the reader to understand how my tool works, I have to show they tool in action. I will be using the style used in Practical Graphic Design–variation.

Questionnaire

1. Is there more access to the internet in today’s modern world?
2. Can the internet be more than a source of music?
3. Can the gap between students and teacher be smaller?
4. Can there be more peer to peer interaction in the classroom?
5. Can sometimes asking questions be a little embarrassing?
6. Could a website that gives instructors the chance to explain to the students there mistakes in there work after school or on the weekends be helpful?
7. If there was a tool that was accessible to you that would allow you to get feedback on your projects would you use it?
8. Would you say that most students would want to have some form of feedback about their essays or projects?
9. Would it help that students would help other students?
10. Does it help students understand what mistakes they made so they wont repeat them?

Purpose, Audience, Genre

When you address Prof. Santoy, you address to her in a professional manor. When you address a student you usually address them in a more casual way. You are lay back when you greet your fellow class mates. The difference between a micro-blog to a blog is that the micro-blog is a one or two sentence blog. In a regular blog you have the space to write in detail what ever it is that you want to write. You don’t have that type of freedom in a micro-blog. A memo is a reminder of something that you can to or that has to be done. There are no extra info just what you need to know and they are simple, to me, to do a memo.

Introduce Proposal/Reasearch/White Paper Project # 2

The purpose of the White Paper is to introduce to the audience a new concept or new technology. My targeted audience will be Ms.Santoy and the students at TSTC. Before I can start to write my white paper I must first research more on the tool I choose and gain permission from Ms.Santoy. The goal of the Proposal is to gain permission from Ms.Santoy to write the white paper. The targeted audience will be Ms.Santoy. Before I can write the proposal I have to research more on my tool

Introduce Proposal/Reasearch/White Paper Project # 2

My intended audience is Ms. Santoy and the students who attend TSTC. Ms. Santoy is my targted audience because I will need approval for my proposal, the students are my second intended audience because I hope to have the tech tool I chose be beneficial to them. Ms. Santoy is an English Professor at TSTC Harlingen. My other intended audience are students who attend TSTC Harlingen and are mostly in the Digital Media Design. The needs or interest for this tech tool is that it offers feedbacks to projects or assignments that the students can put up the website. It lets other people comment and leave feedback. The intended audience is familiar with the internet and uploading files to different websites.

Purpose, Audience, Genre Task 3 Part 2

I am following ImportRPM because I love cars, but I only drive tuner cars(import car). Don't get me wrong, I love the American Muscle, but after owning a Honda and the beating it can take, there is nothing that can compare to it. The writer concentrates mostly on import cars but gives a little spotlight to the American car, which i would do the same. The information on his blog is so useful for me to stay up to date. Some of the things on there are something that i haven't hear before so the writer is much more into the car industry than I am which is great.

Purpose, Audience, Genre Task 3 Part 1

http://carworld123.blogspot.com/search/label/HONDA

This blog interested me for many reasons, I love cars and I'm a very big fan of the Honda car maker. The blog is mainly about the revolutionary Honda Insight and other Honda Hybrids. It explains in detail the cars features and specialties.

Purpose, Audience, Genre

The blog I choose was maystardesigns.com. It’s a blog intended for people that enjoy there type of music and I love music, no matter what kind as long as it isn’t country. The blog details the bands tour dates and there plans for any fan along with company bands. The blog is well designed and its very useful if you are a big fan of that particular band. It keeps the readers up to date on the bands every move and the blog has the attitude of the band. You can hear what music they play just by taking a look at there blog. The writer only puts information that would matter to the reader. The information giving is short, easy to read and straight to the point. No pointless jabbering, just short and sweet.

About Me

I graduated in 2006 and my plans were to graduate high school and jump straight into college. Right after graduating I applied at TSTC and was accepted. Being the first of my family to graduate high school and attend college, I feel that I have accomplished more than I was expected to. I am close to finishing college and after that, I have to plans in mind. One, apply at Collins College for game design and attend for four years and hopefully land a job with Square Enix., or any other major game company. If unable to continue on that path, I will do my best to open an automotive shop here in the valley. I have a creative mind a heart set on making my dreams come true and I plan to make this happen. My father is a self employed and I believe that if he can achieve that then so can I. I would also love to open up a Animal Hospital were you don’t have to be rich to walk in. And I feel that communication skills are an essential part of my career. In order for me to get work I have to know what a client wants whether it’s in advertising a small business or repairing to customizing a client’s car. I plan on making all my dreams come true, I will not quite I will show to my family and all those people that ever said I will never amount to anything. I will succeed.