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This week we learned about database management. Although most of this information seems fairly straight forward (along with the face that I haven't yet completed the Database project), it just seemed like there was an overwhelming amount of information. Especially since there are different models of database management systems (DBMS).
The general concept of what a database does is simple to understand, since it is basically the storing of information with the ability to modify, add and delete certain entries. As I was reading the textbook, databases did seem quite similar to the functions of Excel. But after reading the FAQ 10-2 box "When should I use a database instead of a spreadsheet?" I understood the difference between the two programs. Basically, databases, such as Microsoft Access should be used when information needs to be manipulated in a quick manner, such as updating, adding, modifying, or deleting. Whereas Microsoft Excel's spreadsheets should be used when information needs to be manipulated as far as the user having to do calculations with the data, create charts, or review any of the statistics given.
I also never realized how prevalent databases are in our society. They are used to store student information for schools, in doctor's offices to store records, and even as a way for marketers to find a target market for their product. Although databases, for the most part seem to be fairly simple to manipulate as far as creating certain fields depending on the database, and entering information about users, not everything should be done be an individual; unless of course, they are a computer programmer. A computer programmer should be used for such instances as sharing data from multiple files so as to create one file.
Networks:
This week we learned about Networks as well as several communication concepts. This topic was actually really informative because when a user uses a laptop, desktop, the internet, or the world wide web, they don't necessarily think about where the information is coming from and how it is getting to their screen. Or at least I don't. This topic opened my eyes to the realization that networks are spread across LAN, WLAN, MAN, and WAN.
LAN is a local area network which is usually used to connect only a limited area such as a home, school or office. Essentially, each house that has an internet connection has a LAN network. WLAN is a wireless LAN; basically a LAN connection that doesn't use any wires. WLAN will often work from a connected LAN, so these too can be featured in the home and other small environments. MAN, a metropolitan area network brings LAN connections together that are close by to one another. Usually within a city, a MAN network will take place, or as an example given in lecture, a group of schools that are close by to one another, who want to keep their networks together. Even bigger than the MAN network is the WAN network, which is a wide area network. This covers very large geographic areas, which can include a city, a state, a country, or even the world!
In order for home computers, company computers, or any computer really to have access to any of the above listed networks, the computer must be connected somehow to a router. A router is used to communicate data from one location to another, no matter how far the computers may be from one another. A router is also used for sending and receiving data for multiple users. In order to reach a certain websites front page, a request goes through the router in order to gain access to that webpage.
(I found this web page really helpful in clarifying a few things: http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm).
This week I worked on the Excel Project. To be honest, I thought that this project was going to be a lot more difficult and time-consuming than it actually was. Of course, there were several times when my frustration got the better of me, but I think this project was extremely useful. Not only did it require the manipulation of a "normal" table of data, (that which was featured in the "Raw Data" sheet), it also required the creation of not just one, but two(!) pivot tables.
For me, the pivot tables were probably the most challenging since you had to place certain categories in either the row or the column, and then having to change from the defaulted sum to the average, or the count of the numbers. As I read through the discussion boards, I came upon the same problem as several other students where the percentages featured in the "Average Increase" pivot table (featured above) were in the thousands. After playing with the decimal places and the number formats for several minutes, I realized that I was using "sum" instead of "average." After switching, my numbers fixed themselves and I simply changed the percentages to one decimal place. I also decided to add a little color to the pivot table by using the "Pivot Style Dark 9" option under design. I thought this made the table a little more appealing and user friendly instead of being all white like the "raw data" table.
One reason that this project didn't seem that difficult was because a large portion of it was adding and manipulating a basic excel table. I actually found this part kind of fun because it included the usage of formulas. The formulas function of excel made calculating the data so much simpler, especially considering that there were about 500 rows of data! Also, the fact that this project was displayed as a real-life situation with the gym owner made me realize how useful Excel really is for a multitude of reasons.
With the use of Microsoft Excel, the creation of spreadsheets is made simple. Not only does Excel allow the user to create one spreadsheet, but to create multiple spreadsheets together in a workbook. This week, learning about some of the basic functions of Excel, has been a review for me. Although I don't regularly use Excel, it is true that it is a very powerful tool. I originally learned the basics of Excel, along with some of its other functions in another computer class. Through ISM3004, more emphasis was put onto some of the functions that Excel is capable, one of which was the formulas ability.
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.
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.
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 :)
