DO NOT DO PART 1: SETTING UP A SMALL NETWORK

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An IT support technician is often called on to research equipment to maintain or improve a computer or network and make recommendations for purchase. Suppose you are asked to upgrade a small network that consists of one switch and four computers from 100BaseT to Gigabit Ethernet. The switch connects to a router that already supports Gigabit Ethernet. Do the following to price the hardware needed for this upgrade:

Find three switches by different manufacturers that support Gigabit Ethernet and have at least five ports. Save or print the webpages describing each switch.

Compare the features and prices of the three switches. What additional information might you want to know before you make your recommendation for a small business network?

Additional Information You Might Want to Know:

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Does the switch support PoE in case you want to power devices like IP cameras or phones.

• Mounting options: If you need to install the switch on a wall or in a rack, does the switch come with mounting brackets?

• Network management features: If you plan to implement VLANs, QoS, or SNMP, you may need a managed switch. All three switches above are unmanaged, but for future scalability, you may want to explore managed options.

Find three network adapters by different manufacturers to install in the desktop computers to support Gigabit Ethernet. Save or print webpages for each NIC.

Compare features of the three network adapters. What additional information do you need to know before you make your recommendation?

Additional Information Needed:

• Future-proofing: Will the business require 10 Gbps speeds for large data transfers? If not, sticking with 1 Gbps adapters should suffice.

• Operating system support: Ensure the network adapter is compatible with the operating systems used on the computers.

• Energy efficiency: Some network adapters are designed to be more energy-efficient, which could be a consideration in energy-conscious environments

Make your recommendations based on the moderate (middle-of-the-road) choices. What is the total price of the upgrade, including one switch and four network adapters?

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A friend just dropped their iPhone 14 Pro and broke the screen. 

They have asked you to help them decide how much they should pay for the repair and if you are willing to do it. 

Search the ifixit.com website, which is a wiki-based site with tons of guides for tearing down, repairing, and reassembling all kinds of products, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Locate the directions for an iPhone 14 Pro screen replacement and browse through the instructions.

Guide:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+14+Pro+Max+Screen+Replacement/153003

How much would the parts for the repair cost if they are purchased at ifixit.com?

Iphone 14 Pro Screen - Fix Kit

$515.99

Iphone 14 Pro Screen - Part Only

$502.99

How much would the tools to do the repair cost if they are purchased at ifixit.com?

What is the cost of a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro sold on other sites?

BEST BUY

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Refurbished IPhone 14 Pro

Normally, average price would be CAD $1,000 and CAD $1,300. With current deals going on, average price would be CAD $820 to CAD $1000.

What advice should you give your friend? Is it better to buy a replacement phone or have the broken phone repaired? If you were willing to do the repair, how much would you charge for the labor?

The cost to repair an iPhone 14 screen depends on the model and whether the phone is under warranty or has AppleCare+.

WestWorld Computers Ltd. Charges $365 for an iPhone 14 screen repair 

Apple: Charges between $129 and $379 for an out-of-warranty screen replacement, depending on the model 

AppleCare+: Costs $9.99 per month for an iPhone 14

I would advise my friend to check to see if they have AppleCare first, if that is the case, they should take advantage of their monthly service. Given, the prices for labour are between $129 - $379. Charging $150 - 200 dollars for an overall repair at, seeing it would take 2 hours roughly, that would earn you a rate of $75 - 100 dollars an hour. Given that the repair kit w/tools are $515.99 + an average of $254 repair comes out to a total of $769.99. I would suggest just buying a new phone depending on the specs and also the condition of the phone.