Week Seven: Clear

This week we learned about operating systems and utility programs. Although the topic was pretty easy to understand from a general point, it did get fairly nit-picky in certain areas. One of such topics is between application software and system software. As defined by Professor Olson in lecture 7a- Introduction, application software "helps you accomplish a task," these are specific tasks, such as Microsoft Word, or Turbo Tax. While system software is "the collection of programs that are needed for the smooth functioning of a computer and its peripheral devices," usually a more general function for a computer, such as an anti-virus program, or Microsoft Windows XP Professional. 
From the general topic of system software, comes the operating system, which many are familiar with as "what runs a computer." According to the book, "an operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources" (Discovering Computers 2010, 398). The operating system is such a powerful tool within a computer unit, because it is what allows the computer to run. Without an operating system, a computer would not be able to function, because of it would not have any instructions to follow, nor any programs to run. Because of the operating system, a user is able to start a computer, whether it be with a cold boot or a warm boot [a cold boot is when a user turns on a computer that was previously completely off, while a warm boot is when a user essentially restarts a computer that was already on]. Operating systems also provide a user interface; the one most common today for users is the graphical user interface, or GUI, which was invented in 1973 by Xerox Alto system, and then used by Apple in 1984, where it was then adopted by other computers today. The other kind of user interface, which is generally used more for network administrative use, is command-line interface. The operating system is also used for managing programs, memory, storage and handling input and output devices. 
Even though operating systems are immensely important in the use of a computer, utility systems, otherwise known as utility, helps users in the maintenance and use of their computer. Utility systems include file managers, which allow users to store documents, pictures, music, etc, into different folders for easy access later on. Search utility is an important function for when users wish to access a document quickly, or if they aren't able to find a file easily. The disk defragmenter utility is a very helpful tool in allowing users to not only have more space in their computer while their files become more organized, but it allows for faster processing as well.  

Week Six: Clear

Memory and Storage
Along with RSI (repetitive strain injury) [see previous blog], another topic that I felt was important was storage! As well as memory, but since I'm currently searching for storage for the data on my computer, it seems more important to me right now. :) Although memory is close behind since I'm also currently researching laptops! But more on that later, maybe. 
So before this course, and this lesson, I wasn't aware that there was more than one type of storage. I thought that there was just flash drives and external hard drives, and that you just stick all your necessary information on there and that's it. But once again, I was wrong. There are actually quite a few kinds of storage, and devices that can be used. [Yay for being informed! :) ] In addition to watching the lectures, I also found this website that helped in the explanation of storage: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/removable-storage.htm. Different types of storage include portable storage (i.e. USB flash drives or memory cards), not-so-portable storage (i.e. internal hard disk, as well as well as some external hard disks), or online storage (i.e. cloud storage). Although everyone should have some kind of storage for backing up data, it is different for everyone. Depending on the amount of storage space needed, products will vary. USB flash drives are usually handy to carry around in case a document or presentation needs to be saved, or turned in. External hard drives generally come with a lot more storage space. Along with external hard drives are pocket hard drives, which allow for more portability, while potentially offering a decent amount of storage space. 
Memory is also an important component of a computer! Depending on what the user of the computer is going to do with the computer, determines how much memory is necessary at the time of purchase. This website helped to explain a little more about memory and its different components: http://www.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm. The website explains the difference between RAM and ROM, as well as describe flash memory, virtual memory, and memory sticks. Memory is not only important in computers today, but also in other electronic devices such as PDAs, cameras, cell phones, and smartphones. Since our society is becoming more technological, people are looking for good portable devices that allows them to keep certain data (i.e. pictures or documents) with them at all times. Another reason, is that music players are becoming more popular on cellphones and smartphones. Storing songs on any device can take up a good portion of memory depending on how much music a person listens too. 
Thus, memory meets storage. Although the two are vastly different, they are very important and oftentimes are used together. But, as I learned in class, before making any major purchases, it is always smart to think what you're going to use the device for and then researching the product before buying it. Following these steps not only help to save money on buying several products, but also allow you to get the most for your money.    

Web 2.0 Tools Project

After creating this Web 2.0 Tools Project, I realized that it was a lot harder than I had expected it to be. But overall the project was fun to create. Although it was frustrating at times, I'm happy with the outcome of my project. 
This project inspired me to be more creative in the way I displayed my pictures and the fonts and colors that I used. By using the Vuvox Collage program to create a slideshow I realized how resourceful this tool could be for future use. Not only is it good for sharing of personal information, but after looking at several other of the presentations featured on the website, it is also a good way to market your business. The program allows for a professional manner because it allows the user to post both pictures and videos of the message they are trying to get across. The upload process was also fast and simple, granting easy access to all the media needed for the presentation. As I found, and as stated in some feedback, the scrollbar at the bottom allows viewers to scroll back and forth throughout the presentation while taking their time and looking at available pictures. Another wonderful thing about this tool is that when you make changes or edit the littlest thing about the presentation, it automatically updates the presentation no matter where you have already posted your presentation.
Thus, I thought this project was every useful, although quite stressful. I went through a few methods of creating my story before officially deciding to use the Vuvox Collage program. In addition to posting my project here, I also posted a link on my Twitter and my Facebook. :) 


Here are the links for my collage, as well as the interaction space where comments/feedback can be posted.  
Web 2.0 Project    
Interaction Method


Enjoy :)

Web 2.0 Interaction Method

Here is my Web 2.0 Project. I would appreciate any comments. Thank you! :)

Week Five: Clear

So this week, there was so much information about memory, different types of storage, input/output devices, etc. Since Blogs five and six are both going to be dealing with all of this information, I figured I'd write about one of the most important issues that many people overlook, until it's too late sometimes. That issue is: repetitive strain injuries (RSI). As previously stated, many people don't pay attention to the signs of RSI, or write it off as nothing. As Mr. Olson states in the lecture, Typing and Pointing, more and more people are being faced with this problem because of the increase in technology use in today's society. 

Fortunately though, doctors as well as computer manufacturers are beginning to take notice and do something about this growing issue. I researched the topic of RSI a little more, and found these websites to be very helpful in not only explaining what RSI was, but some signs for how to tell if you have it (although it is recommended that a doctor be consulted if you think you have some of the listed symptoms), and some helpful ways to avoid it, or to make it better. The websites include: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html and http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/rsi. Although both websites list common information, I think it just goes to show how important of a situation this is. I'll be the first to admit that I don't follow many of the rules to RSI prevention, but I'm working on changing that. 
A little FYI, repetitive strain injuries can occur in the workplace, or in the home and any where in between. But, as previously mentioned, manufacturers are coming out with products that help to reduce the occurrence of RSI. Some examples are ergonomic keyboards (pictured below) that create a divide in the keyboard and place the keys at an angle so that less stress is put on your wrists. There are also special types of mice that allow for easier use because the user does not have to continually move their wrist (or hand) with the mouse. 

Week Four: Clear, but a little bit muddy!

So this week was a sort of a difficult one. It could have something do do with the fact that I was kind of rushing through the material since it was a busy week, and maybe it just hasn't all sank in yet. Looking through the material its fairly simple to understand; there is a multitude of software available for a plethora of uses. There are softwares available for businesses, for personal use, for communicating, and for multimedia purposes. 

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-application-software.html < This website helped to simplify what the text book was saying a little bit. It talks about what software actually is and describes what some of the different types of application software are. This website both helped in clarifying what the book was saying, as well as clearing up some of the information. What I learned about software that I think would be the most important concept, is that it helps to make things easier, as well as that it's used for a variety of things, and therefore, inescapable. 

Most professions will come into contact with software along the way. Businesses use it for presentations, and for creating spreadsheets. Engineers use it to plan out new designs or products. Manufacturers use it for the assembly line in the production of goods. Even video game designers use it to create their graphics. People also use software for personal reasons. Such as typing up documents, taking notes, editing videos and photo shopping pictures. Although there are more advanced softwares offered for editing photos and videos at a professional level, there are also softwares for personal use.           

Week Three: Clear

Internet or World Wide Web?!
I say or because yes, there is a difference! This week in ISM3004, one of the many things I learned and found totally fascinating is that the internet and the World Wide Web aren't the same thing. Actually the World Wide Web, also known as the Web is a service that the internet provides. "While the Internet was developed in the late 1960s, the World Wide Web emerged in the early 1990s." (Discovering Computers 2010, 80) This definitely will change the way I address certain things, for example, when I want to research how to bake a cake, I will say I'm going to search the Web, instead of the Internet. This may not seem important, but really it is when taking into consideration the fact that some things a person doesn't have to use the Web for, but only the internet; things such as e-mail, or instant messaging. 
 I also learned that the Web contains about a trillion web pages, and that those web pages can generally be divided into groups such as educational, online social network, entertainment, and informational, just to name a few. Each web page contains links that take you to either other web pages within that same site, or to web pages that are by another author that may deal with the same issue. But in order to get to a web page in the first place, unless a user already knows the web page, the most helpful tools that the web offers are search engines! Some of the most common search engines available include Google.com, Yahoo.com, Altavista.com and msn.com, just to name few. Web pages contain links, articles, pictures and sometimes interactive activities for its users. For more information on using web pages, I used this site to learn: http://www.howstuffworks.com/web-page.htm.

 

Not only do people use the Web for researching things or for entertainment, but also for buying goods! Sites such as ebay.com or amazon.com offer a variety of goods that people can purchase online and have shipped to them the next day or in a few weeks. In the textbook, the authors discuss three types of commerce that occur electronically, or as it is know, e-commerce. The three kinds of commerce are Business-to-consumer (B2C), where a business is selling to a customer; Consumer-to-consumer (C2C), where a consumer is selling to another consumer; and Business-to-business (B2B), where a business is selling to another business. Online shopping, as e-commerce is otherwise known to many, is becoming more and more popular in today's society because it's more convenient in the way that people don't have to leave their house and go to the store to buy something, but rather it can just be shipped to their house. Another advantage of online shopping is being able to pre-order certain items, as well as being able to buy items that maybe be sold out in stores. An example of online shopping's growing popularity is looking at online sales before the holiday time, especially in the north. In northern states people would rather not drive in the snow, so it's easier to just order something online. But even people who live in southern states will find shopping online easier instead of waiting in long lines around the holiday time. 
Both the Internet and the World Wide Web are important in the business world as well because it allows businesses not only to interact and communicate with other businesses, but with their customers as well. Offering their products online lets business open their client base to a much larger population rather than just having two or three stores scattered throughout the country.