Thursday, October 2, 2008

Week 7 Comments

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4736393327020365268&postID=8983642695450649441

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4009541145167580356&postID=3038662911641859498&page=1

Week 7 Reading Responses and Muddiest Point

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm/printable

This document offers a pretty clear explanation of some material recently covered in class. What interests me the most is how inevitably connected an internet user is and the process of routing information sent from one computer to another. it would be especially interesting to find out how many different computers information travels through when I click on a link from ne of my most frequently visited websites (my favorite placs to go online). I would like a tool to cont how many places throgh which the information is directed before it reaches me. Overall, it seems as though there is no way to use the internet "off the gird" or without being tracked.

Dismantling Integrated Library Systems

Much like any system of information, it naturally follows that library resources tend to follow undr the same operational guidelines. ILS does, however, seem like a very controlling network. I agree with the article of this paper because I openly recognize the need for different informaton repositories to operate under their own organizational guidelines and not be confined by a seemingly oppresive model. In a way, a library sstem sems like a microcosm of the World Wide Web. "Dismantling" ILS, based on the evidence presented by the author, appears to be the most sensible form of constructing a new system unique to an institution.

Inside the Google Machine

I was first introduced to Google early in my career as an undergraduate. This video in particular holds my interests because I am now able to understand many of the processes behind the simple act of using a search term. It is no wnder to me that Google has become so valuable. Google has become the first place to turn to when seeking information. I can also see how the search engine itself, while requiring an enormous staff, also operats by itself in some ways. For this reason, to paraphrase Buckminster Fuller, I view seach engines as processes rather than as corporal objects and companies.


Muddiest Point

The most unclear aspect of class this week for me was the relationship between server and client. Although it is obvious to me what the role of each entails, I began to wonder about the extent of the role of each one. Not to sound like a luddite or, more appropriately, a "technological airhead", but I wonder if a server computer can become a client of the computer that was once its client. Can computers form a symbiotic relationship as users and clients of each other? I suppose server computers must not be frequently used for personal purposes. Overall, this idea was one that kept occurring to me after class.

Assignment 4- Working with Jing

Here is my instructional video:

http://www.screencast.com/users/batcheloro/folders/Jing/media/a4097c9f-a5ed-4f70-b3ac-24bd4925838f

Here are the five screen captures with annotations (in order):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/2907635611/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/2908478842/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/2908479676/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/2908479086/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/2908479290/

Monday, September 15, 2008

My flickr account

Here is the link to my flickr account. You will see a total of 20 photos due to the recent price restriction. The Thumbnails are clearly labeled although there is not much difference in a few instances from the original size of the photograph. It should be clear to everyone that i am very new to photo editing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30555199@N06/

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Week 3 Readings and Murkiest Point

Linux Article: To be perfectly honest, I had never seen a picture of a Linux application before. The examples of "how it runs" proved to be very helpful. The questions and thoughts I have are primarily concerning the use of Linux for programming purposes. Throughout the article, it was clear to me that the author wanted to give the impression that Linux is the most "pure" operating system n terms of its basis in UNIX. Is this the reason why it is often hailed as ideal for programmers and other experienced users. this article made me consider how OS and Windows are marketed towards people with very basic computer needs. As I imagine it, these needs include office work, gaming and family media organization. I'm very attracted to Linux, but I don't feel comfortable enough with the "design your own" aspect of it mentioned by the author of the guide. It certainly doesn't seem to be a major source of revenue for anyone like Gates or Jobs.

Mac OS X Article: As a recent mac convert, I certainly agree with the author of this explanation. The main point of the article seems to be that different operating systems fulfill different needs. In other words, the author didn't seem overly zealous about his recent mac purchase. The most interesting section for me was the one describing the anatomy of OS. Although it was over my head, it was interesting to speculate how it must be vastly different from Windows anatomy which led me to believe is the reason there are so few viruses for OS. Overall, Steve Jobs and the other folks at mac have definitely capitalized on a very user friendly operating system. Not to mention the success they have had with music and film editors as well as graphic designers.

Windows Vista Article: This article was probably my favorite to read because of the controversy surrounding Vista and the vast amount of negative press that surrounds it. The positive thing, however, is that Windows seems to be in a constant sate of development. Microsoft appears to be very quick to release any new product and even to provide specific times for when the next system will emerge on the market. In theory, I like Vista very much. I understand the idea behind it to be a universally accommodating system for Microsoft windows products. in other words, customers don't need to run out and buy the latest software as soon as they've installed the new operating system.

Muddiest Point: By a long shot, the muddiest point of class this week for me has been our discussion of cooling fans and the general maintenance of CPUs. As I previously mentioned, I recently purchased a MacBook and have deliberated to learn the anatomy of it. A relative of mine recently destryed his mac by exposing it to dust for an extended period of time. The fan turned out to be on the bottom of the machine thus blocking the source of cooling. What I don't understand is why no one has developed adequately heat resistant technology to maintain these machines?