Thursday, March 6, 2008
My New Team
We have formed teams to work on a group project for the upcoming weeks. Teams make work a lot more easier only if they function correctly. No one wants to do all the work but at the same time no one wants to be an unheard voice. Everyone wants to get their point across. This week I am briefly going to comment on my team's strengths and weaknesses. My team consists of 5 people, myself, Mark, Nick, and Mike and his friend. The biggest challenge we face is figuring out a way to all meet at the same times. Luckily enough we have the web to work to our advantage. We can use instant messanger and webcam's to chat and resolve any issues. Also there is a very innovative webiste, GoogleDocs, that allows us to all work and edit the same item. These are solutions to the challenges that we are facing. We are lucky that this is an age in which computers and the internet have taken over. However, there are weakness' and downfalls to everything. In this case it still is extremely difficult for all of us to meet at the same time. We all have separate lives and separate work and class schedules. Alot of us work too many ours to be addressing a project of such. However these are challenges that we are willing to fight and endure through. Anyways, our team is up and running and everyone else's team should be fearing our team because we are the dominant team.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Finding Information on the Web
Finding information on the web has become fairly easy recently. With library's being used for online access as well as websites such as wikipedia.com, finding information is becoming as easy as possible.
Recently, Microsoft has been in talks to buy out yahoo and create a search engine that would be able to compete with google. However, Yahoo rejected the enormous bid Microsoft put on the table. There have been talks of Microsoft trying to perform a hostile takeover to take over the website, and other talks have been that yahoo rejected the bid because tehy feel they are worth more. Also there have been talks that if Microsoft were to buy Yahoo that Google would sue for monopolizing laws. Considering that the bid was for 44.6 billion dollars, I feel as though Yahoo made a mistake in not accepting the offer, (for more information http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2007/05/microsoft-buying-yahoo.html). A "Micro-hoo" website could be an incredible innovation that could compete with Google. With the number one IT company in the world working with the second best search engine can definitely spark interest of the world. Also it would pose an answer to who will legitamately compete with Google. This partnership would be an incredible venture.
On another note, Google recently came out with an android project called the G phone. This phone would allow users to access google from any point within their realm of service. It is a phoen that is supposed to compete with the innovative product and Time invention of the year, I-Phone. For the most part, the android project works with developing a new interface for phones. For the interesting designs and more information access, (http://www.sizlopedia.com/2007/08/27/google-phone-g-phone-concept-designs/).
On another note, one thing that is important for all people to realize is that the freedom of speech we enjoy as Americans doesn't apply to all. Even on the web, citizens of countries can get arrestetd for talking against their government. In alot of cases these governments have paid of thee major search engines liek Yahoo, Google, and MSN to filter out certain propoganda. This allows them to control what their citizens are reading. Considering the fact there is always a 'backdoor' on the web, it's interesting how these governments are paying so much to repress the thoughts of there citizens. Many times these thoughts can be completely incriminating and in certian cases citizens have gotten arrested for speaking out against theire governments.
The Internet is a great place to get information but it is always important to remember that at any given point, you may be watched.
Recently, Microsoft has been in talks to buy out yahoo and create a search engine that would be able to compete with google. However, Yahoo rejected the enormous bid Microsoft put on the table. There have been talks of Microsoft trying to perform a hostile takeover to take over the website, and other talks have been that yahoo rejected the bid because tehy feel they are worth more. Also there have been talks that if Microsoft were to buy Yahoo that Google would sue for monopolizing laws. Considering that the bid was for 44.6 billion dollars, I feel as though Yahoo made a mistake in not accepting the offer, (for more information http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2007/05/microsoft-buying-yahoo.html). A "Micro-hoo" website could be an incredible innovation that could compete with Google. With the number one IT company in the world working with the second best search engine can definitely spark interest of the world. Also it would pose an answer to who will legitamately compete with Google. This partnership would be an incredible venture.
On another note, Google recently came out with an android project called the G phone. This phone would allow users to access google from any point within their realm of service. It is a phoen that is supposed to compete with the innovative product and Time invention of the year, I-Phone. For the most part, the android project works with developing a new interface for phones. For the interesting designs and more information access, (http://www.sizlopedia.com/2007/08/27/google-phone-g-phone-concept-designs/).
On another note, one thing that is important for all people to realize is that the freedom of speech we enjoy as Americans doesn't apply to all. Even on the web, citizens of countries can get arrestetd for talking against their government. In alot of cases these governments have paid of thee major search engines liek Yahoo, Google, and MSN to filter out certain propoganda. This allows them to control what their citizens are reading. Considering the fact there is always a 'backdoor' on the web, it's interesting how these governments are paying so much to repress the thoughts of there citizens. Many times these thoughts can be completely incriminating and in certian cases citizens have gotten arrested for speaking out against theire governments.
The Internet is a great place to get information but it is always important to remember that at any given point, you may be watched.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Dark Side of the Internet
Today I will be writing on what we discussed in class being the dark side of the internet. The internet wields a lot of power. For instance, at any given time you can search any possible picture from google images. In some rare cases there have been college kids that posted their pictures on facebook and found them in a popular magazine. The odd thing was that these pictures were neither flattering nor consented too. As a matter of fact it also seems impossible to actually leave facebook. The pictures you post will remain there http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/02/facebooks-invasive-beacon-advertising-platform.php. This article discusses some terrible instances of facebook going wrong.
Another platform that can be abused is myspace. Myspace allows anyone to make an account and just like facebook it is a social network. However, there are many petafiles and older men abusing the webiste to prey on young children. As a matter of fact they actually created a TV show about this called how to catch a myspace predator. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11064451/
If you turn to the link above you will see how dangerous myspace actually can be, with child molestors storming to myspace and using it as there new medium.
The last thing I was planning on discussing in my blog today was security over the internet. I personally do not like to ever give out my social security number, credit card numbers or even my phone number over the internet, unless if I know that the site is real secure. It's troubling how often identity theft can actually occur. There are a lot of scams out there that look to get your information so the culprits can just take advantage of what specific assests you have. Also alot of times people will find themselves thousands of dollars in debt after purchasing a T-shirt online.
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/08/16/id.theft.offline.idg/
This link above shows how concerned America is now with identity theft. As a matter of fact, security protection against identity theft is becoming a growing industry in America.
Well thats the just a brief summary of what I know about the dark side of the internet. Whomever reads this, this is just a warning, the internet is still a great place to search for information and conduct business. Also it is a great way of meeting new people. However, I just warn you, something may not be what it seems online so just keep that in the back of your mind.
Another platform that can be abused is myspace. Myspace allows anyone to make an account and just like facebook it is a social network. However, there are many petafiles and older men abusing the webiste to prey on young children. As a matter of fact they actually created a TV show about this called how to catch a myspace predator. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11064451/
If you turn to the link above you will see how dangerous myspace actually can be, with child molestors storming to myspace and using it as there new medium.
The last thing I was planning on discussing in my blog today was security over the internet. I personally do not like to ever give out my social security number, credit card numbers or even my phone number over the internet, unless if I know that the site is real secure. It's troubling how often identity theft can actually occur. There are a lot of scams out there that look to get your information so the culprits can just take advantage of what specific assests you have. Also alot of times people will find themselves thousands of dollars in debt after purchasing a T-shirt online.
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/08/16/id.theft.offline.idg/
This link above shows how concerned America is now with identity theft. As a matter of fact, security protection against identity theft is becoming a growing industry in America.
Well thats the just a brief summary of what I know about the dark side of the internet. Whomever reads this, this is just a warning, the internet is still a great place to search for information and conduct business. Also it is a great way of meeting new people. However, I just warn you, something may not be what it seems online so just keep that in the back of your mind.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Computers in Automobiles
For the first assignment of my "Everydat Computing" class I am supposed to discuss the future of computers in cars. It is believed that adding computers to cars cars can make them more efficient. Cars today may have up to 50 different microprocessors in your car. These microoprocessors can make it difficult to work on your own car but some of them actually make it much easier to service your car. Whether you may believe it or not, your car most likely has more than one computer. These computers can regulate the speed of your car, enable your Anti-Lock brakes or even keep track of how many times you drive over 80 miles an hour.
One of the most simple, basic examples of having a computer in your car would be a GPS system. These systems allow your car to help navigate where you would like to go. Also there is a company like Onstar that will provide you with roadside assistance. That is because of the GPS system in your car they are able to triangulate your exact position and send a worker out to help you out. These systems are becoming more and more popular today. For more information about Onstar and their services go to http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/index.jsp?seo=goo_onstar.
If entertainment is what you would like to have most in your car, there are automotive companies planning on creating cars that have wireless connectivity, full computing ability. As of now you can even play video games in your car or watch DVD's. How often do you drive on the road alongside someone who is watching "Finding Nemo" or playing "Madden 08'." These portable entertainment systems are becoming more and more popular now a days. However, there have been recent talks that these portable systems are becomign to distractive to drivers.
Finally, remarkable recently General Motors has created a new concept car that has a computer running the whole car!!!!! A computer is able to operate the components that move the wheels and activate the brakes an all of this is based on an electronic controller. The good thing in regards to a computer driving a motor vehicle is that there would be a small margin of error. If you go to http://www.gm.com you can find out more information on this innovative vehicle.
One of the most simple, basic examples of having a computer in your car would be a GPS system. These systems allow your car to help navigate where you would like to go. Also there is a company like Onstar that will provide you with roadside assistance. That is because of the GPS system in your car they are able to triangulate your exact position and send a worker out to help you out. These systems are becoming more and more popular today. For more information about Onstar and their services go to http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/index.jsp?seo=goo_onstar.
If entertainment is what you would like to have most in your car, there are automotive companies planning on creating cars that have wireless connectivity, full computing ability. As of now you can even play video games in your car or watch DVD's. How often do you drive on the road alongside someone who is watching "Finding Nemo" or playing "Madden 08'." These portable entertainment systems are becoming more and more popular now a days. However, there have been recent talks that these portable systems are becomign to distractive to drivers.
Finally, remarkable recently General Motors has created a new concept car that has a computer running the whole car!!!!! A computer is able to operate the components that move the wheels and activate the brakes an all of this is based on an electronic controller. The good thing in regards to a computer driving a motor vehicle is that there would be a small margin of error. If you go to http://www.gm.com you can find out more information on this innovative vehicle.
Everday Computing
I love computing, I wake up everyday and compute. I believe that the world needs to be ubiquitous. Computing allows me to check my stocks, play games like Jetman, talk trash on facebook and E-mail my colleagues. I love computing.
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