Chapter 8 Projects

The Computer Industry
Although the computer industry is about half a century old, it has more than its share of good luck and hard luck stories. The history of each computer company has contributed in some way to the current state of the computer industry. Select a well-known company in the computer industry such as IBM, Digital, Microsoft, Apple, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Cray Research, or Toshiba. Use library and/or Internet resources to research the history of the company and trace the events that led to the company's current status in the computer industry. Write a report that summarizes your research. Follow your instructor's requirements for the length of your report.

The Latest "Scoop" from Industry Analysts
Different industry analysts tend to give their readers the scoop on many of the same "hot topics." It is fascinating to see how rumors spread and how analysts see events from different perspectives. Read at least 10 industry analysts' columns from several computer magazines published in the same month and year. Although 10 columns might sound like a lot, they are not long and many are fairly entertaining. Summarize what you read by indicating the topics that were "hot" that month and how the analysts agreed or disagreed.