My STEP Signature Project was completed through the STEP Computer Build opportunity and consisted of weekly online classroom sessions throughout the course of the Summer of 2024. The instructor, Ty James, assisted in the budgeting and assembly of a PC with a 1,500-dollar budget provided by the STEP program.

From Microsoft Excel statistical analysis to 3D CAD modeling in SolidWorks, I have taken computers for granted in my daily usage of engineering programs throughout my academic career. Despite having a strong reliance upon computers through the mechanical engineering curriculum at Ohio State, my view of technology changed after completing the STEP Computer Build project, because it provided a deeper understanding of the fundamental building blocks that make up a PC. Research and discussions provided unique insight into the hardware related to PC assembly and allowed for an informed selection of parts and assembly process. Not only did this provide unique and valuable experience in important technological understanding, but also established a level of confidence in computer hardware that shifted the way I view PCs. To those that are not familiar with the field, understanding PC hardware seems complicated and out of reach. However, this program taught me that with a relatively little amount of time and research, anyone can become acquainted with PC building and use it to benefit their own PC experiences.

Under the expert oversight of Cybersecurity instructor Ty James, I was able to be curious and explore further into different aspects of PC technology that I had no previous experience with. He created a relaxed and open environment to share ideas and concerns with him and the other members of the course to use collective knowledge to benefit the group. With all the students in the same position of relatively little experience or knowledge of PC building, the format of the course allowed both general and specific questions to be openly asked that benefitted everyone involved. Weekly meetings provided a basis for action, outlining important tips and considerations for each step of the computer building process without holding our hands too tightly. The time in between the meetings allowed us to take initiative and try applying our new and then report back with any updates, questions, or concerns we might have throughout the process.

Additionally, the course included elements of personal freedom that allowed us to prioritize different aspects of the PC builds depending on what we valued in our product and what applications we desired. For example, I intend to use my PC for CAD modeling software, so I made sure to invest in a solid graphics card to properly render the models I will be working with. This aspect of personalization increased my interest in the build and provided me with confidence that the application of my research would go to good use in my desired product.

The STEP Computer Build project inspired me to reach out to other experts in the field, consulting with anyone I could find to provide different perspectives on important considerations. I learned that hardware choices within the PC community are highly debated and there are several different philosophies depending on who you ask. I learned that in many cases there are no wrong answers, and as long as the selected parts are compatible with one another it is often up to personal preference what route to take. This opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities associated with PC builds and suddenly the complex mystery of computer hardware became much simpler. After purchasing the parts, the assembly process was loosely guided with tips and instructions, but largely became a personal process of research and troubleshooting. Ultimately, the experience of building my own PC opened my eyes to countless possibilities and provided me with confidence to tackle my own computer hardware related endeavors in the future.

The knowledge and confidence I gained from the STEP Computer Build project will not only apply currently with my new PC and academic career but will also extend into the future with potential applications in personal and professional technology. I have confidence that if I ever find the need to upgrade or replace my current computer, I have the tools in place to solve any potential problems myself and curate my changes to meet my needs. Additionally, an understanding of PC hardware and assembly is becoming increasingly important in the modern technology-driven era and will without a doubt be beneficial in any field I choose to pursue with my engineering degree. This experience has not only provided me with the practical benefit of a new PC but has also equipped me with a set of tools that contribute to a confidence and understanding of technology that will propel me into a successful future.