Dpipes’s Weblog

Ch 9 Discussion December 5, 2007

1. What are the major milestones in the history of computing? Can you identify two or three events that directly affected the way we use computers today? Can you identify any current trends that might similarly affect the future of computing?

Vacuum tubes, custom application programs, and assembly languages marked what we know as “first-gen” computers. Transistors, operating systems, and programming language compilers were the technologies that defined “second-gen” computers. Integrated circuits, and portable operating systems allowed for the development of minicomputers, which are “third-gen” computers. “Fourth-gen” computers incorporated the use of microprocessors. These tiny but powerful chips developed rapidly throughout the 1970′s, ’80′s, and ’90′s.

The advent of the Internet and wireless technology has vastly changed not only the way we use computers today, but our way of life as well.

The consolidation of multiple technologies and the war with privacy issues may lead to some new developments.
2. The computer and IT industries have rapidly emerged as a global economic force in the last twenty years. What benefits and drawbacks does this rapid growth have for our culture? Do you think this growth should be slowed?

The benefits seem to just keep multiplying as these two fields continue to grow and swap ideas, but there have been some drawbacks in the areas of privacy, profits, theft, and security. These are problems that need to be addressed and settled. I think that it is possible that slowing the growth of these fields or slowing the advancement to consumers could be a favorable solution to some of these issues. However, it is possible to allow it to grow, but meticulously examine the pros and cons of a particular wave of technology, and then incorporate solutions to known or foreseeable problems at the release of it to the consumer.

3. Compare computer professions to other professions such as the law, medicine, teaching, etc. in terms of working conditions, educational preparation, salaries, and social status. Consider why you are attracted to the computing professions and discuss what would provide the incentive for you to be successful in an IT field.

The one obvious similarity of those other professions is that they all deal with people. That’s usually an exception to the rule in computers. Law and medicine have the potential to take forever in educational training. Computers don’t initially require an extraordinary amount of time in school, but for one to stay on the edge of the field he must familiarize with each new wave as computer professions change rapidly. The teachers in this country seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to pay, while computers(especially programmers) prove very lucrative. The social status of the computer professions seems to fall somewhere between “well-off geek” and “busy recluse.”  I don’t know. Financially speaking, I think they are in the upper-middle class or above.

I feel that for me to be successful in this field, I need to gain a large knowledge base for programming languages and stay as familiar as possible with using new applications, old ones in new ways, basically anything that will allow me to gain experience and skill.

Ch 12 Discussion November 13, 2007

Can you think of a specific instance when you have become frustrated with a software user interface?

Yes. I’m currently taking class in which I have been required to create some diagrams with any particular drawing software. Because I wasn’t going to fork out the hundreds of dollars to buy a program that I may not use again, I opted to download a free one online. After the first couple of times using it, I realized that it wasn’t the most friendly of UI’s. It was definitely harder to get the desired results compared to some other brand name programs. I couldn’t even copy and paste into other programs like Word!

Is it possible to make computer software significantly easier to use?

Yes. It’s all about relativity. Typically, a program is developed from the programmers point of view and is documented and structured to his perception of what is needed and what is easy. The majority of the effort used to create the program goes toward its purpose and making it as fast and efficient as possible. This usually is not conducive to a normal computer user’s day at work or at home. The elements that the programmer eliminated for the prupose of efficiency are what the normal guy needed to understand how to perform a basic task. If there is more effort taken to realize where the target audience’s skill level is and programs are tailored to that expectation, then they can be easier to use.

Would you agree that programmers don’t understand the viewpoint of a typical computer user and consequently produce bad software?

That may have been a possible reason a time or two, I’m sure. In their defense, they are trying to accomplish a job. They are paid to make a product that does “X.” As long as they do, they have no reason to look back. If that product is supposed to be used by average Joe, then there needs to be an extension of the development team that conforms the program to a basic user.

What do you think of the “Computer User’s Bill of Rights?”

Many of the tenets I can agree with and are right on target, like number three or four. However, some I see as questionable, like number one and number ten. It’s hard for me to believe that “the user is always right.” Anyone who has worked at a customer service job will tell you that sometimes people are just plain wrong. Also, to be a “master” of anything takes time, practice, and dedication.

How would you like to see technology used in your courses?

I guess I’m content with what I do know of and not as diverse as I should be because, I can’t think of anything that isn’t being used or isn’t popular already. We have video conferencing, books online, email, chat, online tests, grades, assignments, research is a fingertip away, lecture downloads, streaming discussions, blogs, etc. Fill me in, please.

Do you think games and/or simulations or blogs or wikis could be used effectively in courses?

I’m currently using a blog in this class and it seems to be a good way of familiarizing with some elements of the course. I can agree that wikis could be helpful. They could be used as study aids between students or speicalized for a particular class. I don’t know about games. That’s only because games and school work have always been conflicting entities for me:)

Ch 11 Discussion November 7, 2007

How much information can you currently find about yourself on the Web?

Not much. I have a MySpace and a Facebook page. The only other things that come up are some road races that I did when I was in high school. They posted the results from the races online on their page.

How much privacy are you willing to release?

Just the basics - name, address, and phone are the only real important ones that I’m comfortable with. Other ones like ht, wt, gender, etc. I prefer not to just because I feel that they are not really important, so I don’t see why they should be needed. I try to divulge only that which is needed to do what I want to do.

Chapter 10 Discussion October 30, 2007

What strategies can an organization use to respond to threats from competitors or take advantage of opportunities? How does an organization’s mission statement help to guide them in identifying and pursuing these strategies?

They can make improvements, change the industry, or create new products. A mission statement is what defines the purpose and goal of a particular organization. By sticking to the parameters that the mission statement outlines, the organization can focus its efforts more effectively. Basically, it will help to eliminate the ideas that would have them pursuing dead ends or problems that aren’t really problems and direct their response more appropriately.

The decision to create an information system is sometimes driven by new technology while other times its driven by users. What are the pros and cons of each approach?

Technology driven system is more like an update. You do it because you can but also because it will help make things better in some way. The bad thing with these is sometimes they “come off the press” too quickly and are a little shaky. A user driven system is usually one that comes from a specific need. It is well developed and structurally sound, but it takes more time and resources to create.

Recall a time when you were frustrated by the way a program or operating system was functioning. How did you solve the problem? For example, did you use a help desk, user manual, or solve the problem on your own? Could the design of the program or operating system itself cause the problem? If so, what changes would you recommend to make the solution to your problem more obvious.

I like video games. I’m a fan of mmorpg’s, Guild Wars in particular. I recently invested in a new laptop. I tried playing GW on my new computer and was unsatisfied with the performance and gameplay. I noticed that the game was extremely glitchy and cumbersome. Because it was an online game, I figured it was an internet connection problem. So, I switched from wireless to wired and got better cables. That did help to steady my connection, but not the glitching. Since it is a pretty memory extensive application, I opted for more ram. This helped to speed up start up and load times and user interface, but not the animation. So, I thought ‘graphics card.’ However, because its a laptop, changing the graphics card is not easy or cheap. Well, that lead me to explore what I could change on the options for the game. I realized the game had extensive possibilities to augment the way the game was displayed. I noticed that higher resolutions on my HD widescreen was harder for my computer to display than lower ones. Also, there were other areas that the graphics could be tuned down to make it easier for my computer to handle. Now, GW runs at an average of 22 frames per second rather than 8. Much better. The biggest problem was the graphics card and its not something I can really help.

Some users have suggested that user documentation should be developed before the system, and then used as the blueprint for system design. How would this approach change the development process and the system itself?

Its like working backwards almost. Normally, a system is developed and then documented to the user so that the user has a way of learning how to interact with it. Doing it by developing user documentation first is like specifying your order at a restaurant - the food is tailored to fit your preferences or taste. This would provide an obvious user friendly advantage. The system itself would be changed to be more redundant in order to uncomplicate things for the user.

Chapter 6 Discussion October 16, 2007

Should governments be allowed to block access to Web sites based on local religions, politics and customs?

I guess that is best left up to the particular government in question. As for the U.S., I think our forefathers actually set up a great system for handling these kinds of questions over 225 years ago with the concepts and principles that are outlined and emphasized in our Consititution. My answer is a general no, and rests upon the idea of a free country that allows free speech. HOWEVER, those two take a back seat when the religion, political view, or custom impedes, violates, or conflicts with any of the other foundational pillars of our Constitution. That way, organizations like the KKK, who to claim to be a “religion,” don’t get to continue promoting racial injustice and disseminating their heinous and utterly vile perspective via the Web just because they wave a banner of “Free Speech.” Its just common sense.

Do you believe that a privately-held Internet Service Provider like AOL has the right to censor the data posted on Web sites it hosts?

I want to say yes, because its theirs. Although, if they are not censoring, they need to monitor their sites and be the first ones to act and notify the proper authorities if something is posted that is a security issue or malicious in nature. They may be allowed to accept or deny any posting through the service they provide, but they are still operating under authority and need to be responsible. Once again, common sense. Think about it – what would we have done if, prior to 9-11-01, an ISP had discovered, but not reported a group of anti-American foreigners that were using the Web to meet and discuss a plot to attack? At the very least, they should be flagged and investigated.

Should companies like Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Cisco Systems provide blocking technology to foreign governments?

What some of those companies have done is simply trade money for ethics. They are a corporation, their objective is to make a profit, they pursue that objective by all means. If they can gain a considerable revenue by providing a way for a particular dictatorship to tighten its grip and choke a little more freedom – why not give a whirl, right?

Would you use filtering software that was preprogrammed to block pornographic and nuisance Web sites?

Most definitely. Especially if it gave me the option to override a particular block, that way, I have the final say. I think that would be extremely handy. It would just be an extra security measure for me, considering most of those types of sites contain malicious code and loggers and trackers anyway.

Chapter 5 Discussion October 10, 2007

1) What problems do networks still need to solve? Do you think networks themselves will be eclipsed by some other type of technology? If so, what characteristics would it have?

Obviously, security is always a problem. However, solving this problem is a little too much to ask because the same technology and know-how is available to the people on both sides of the equation. The best we can hope for is that those of us on the good side stay one step ahead of those on the bad side. Data transmission seems to be an area in demand of change as well. I think people are looking for more consistent rates on all ends of the spectrum. I can’t even speculate on what would be able to merge all the pros of current networks with little of their downfalls.

2) As the “network of networks,” what special technological and ethical problems do Internet users need to solve? Are the technological and ethical problems any different for those who create technology for the Internet? Do you think the growth of the Internet should be limited?

Internet users need to be proactive in taking a stand for what is right and take the perspective of “if it isn’t yours, don’t touch it.” Users need to be aware and against things like plagiarism, counterfeiting, fraud, ID theft, etc. Creators need to keep in mind the same values and base their work on ways to prevent those sort of problems. They may feel that, in the process of making technology safer or more stable, “user friendliness” or convenience is lost. In my opinion, a product is more friendly and convenient if it is reliable and strong. The growth of the Internet seems to be inevitable. Limiting it as if to say, “it can be no larger than this,” is unrealistic and doesn’t offer any obvious advantages. On the other hand, controlling it by only allowing access to users who have adequate protection and a clean profile, or some other set of qualifications may be a good idea.

3) What is your idea of the ideal Internet access? What is necessary to make that happen?

My ideal access would be one that other users are not privileged to use, has consistent data transfer rates, comes with protection provided by the supplier, and is affordable. Basically it would take a combination of: the access of a T1 line, the security and bandwidth of a cable line, and the consistency and affordability of a DSL line.

4) Why would anyone want a home network? What advantages do they offer to home users? What are the drawbacks?

It makes an easy way for more than one person to do more than one thing with the Internet at the same time. Each individual can multitask the web, file sharing, printing jobs, backups, storage, games, etc. all from one place. The good thing is, its all on the same connection which could save money. The bad thing is, while on the network, each computer is susceptible to many kinds of intrusions. Also, if something goes wrong with the network itself, all computers linked to it will lose the resources they were used to having until the problem is fixed.

Chapter 4 Discussion October 2, 2007

HACKERS, CYBER-CRIMINALS OR PRANKSTERS?

How are hackers viewed by the public and portrayed by the media?

 For the most part, I think that this article is right in stating that hackers are viewed by the public as criminals “…who are set on destroying the glue that binds together the Information Age,” and by the media as “…moderately bothersome entities whose pranks are tolerated… along with software bugs and hardware glitches.” However, I believe that these are the two extremes in this case. In my opinion, anyone who can pull off launching something as elaborate as many viruses or worms of recent age has assuredly put some time and resources developing it – and has obvious intents. That fact should be considered when deciding punishment. Likewise, I think the large majority of cyber offenders fall under a category of immensely talented (and bored) computer junkies who want to see how good they are. They play an escalating game of “king of the hill” with their buddies and eventually get themselves into trouble. Let’s not forget how the media certainly goes a long way to blur the line. Hollywood glorifies them as a misunderstood band of ethical rebels who fight to clear their name in “Hackers.“ And the news constantly hammers down on them like dirty scoundrels and wants to throw the book at them. Definitely, there are some out there who are relatively harmless and never actually intend on causing damages or debilitating a business – they are just “having fun.” While others, they have a goal, a target.

Are you in favor of serious legal penalties against hackers? Why or why not? All types of hacking?

Yes. Why shouldn’t they be “serious?” Crimes of this nature can cause “serious” monetary losses, “serious” impedement of information control, “serious” breaches in security, “serious” loss of life in some cases. People’s lives can get absolutely ruined. However, I do think that there should be specifically defined laws that cover the extent of a particular offense of this nature and, like all crimes, be judged according to damages done and responsibilities not taken. They should have boundaries for all infringements. The bad thing is, it will probably turn out like a lot of other gray area laws and crimes and have an “all or none” policy attached to it. Which means that something that most people would do ,that is usually harmless, will get them in trouble because the same thing allows cyber criminals to cause harm. I think an effort should be made to thoroughly define all kinds of hacking, their limits, uses, and consequences.

Why should you follow standard file-naming conventions when you create and save files?

Because you could inadvertently overwrite files that are on your operating system and keep it from working properly. Also, specific characters are designated to represent certain components. For example, the “:” represents a drive on your computer, so, you shouldn’t have that in a file name because it would “confuse’ your computer.

What other guidelines can you think of that you’d like other computer users to follow when naming files?

The only thing I can think of is in very specific and local ways, like in an office or school, where file sharing and transfers are heavy and it would help to know who is sending the file or to whom it belongs, or wether or not it is an original.

Chapter 3 Discussion September 18, 2007

How Serious Is Software Piracy?

Do you believe that software piracy is a serious issue?

>Considering the estimation that a 10% global decline in piracy would result in 1 million jobs and $400 billion in global revenue, then yes, it is serious. However, I think those kinds of numbers and those that are estimated for losses due to piracy more accurately reflect the web sites and businesses that are trying to make a profit from piracy, not average individual users.

Do you know of any instances of software piracy?

>Well, according to this article, I may have to reconsider some of my past actions.

Do you think that most software pirates understand that they are doing something illegal?

>Largely, no. Technically, the majority of pirates fall into the category of the average individual who has no idea about the implications of letting a friend use a CD that he thinks is his own property.

Should software publishers try to adjust software pricing for local markets?

>I’m not sure. If the implication is that the lower local price would make the software more available to customers and thus, reduce overall pirating, then maybe.

1. Windows domination, Pros/Cons. Does the dominance of Windows make it easier or harder for you to use computers?

>Cons: Not much competition between them and other businesses thus, potenially higher prices for products and service. Pros: Uniformability accross manufacures (i.e. compatible parts when you build your own pc). I think it’s easier for the most part because, any new stuff that is developed (accessories, programs, etc.) is made compatible with Windows. However, when Microsoft is pushing its next product out too fast and leaves it with multiple bugs, they aren’t really quick on getting the issues resolved because they know they can afford to wait.

2. Do you think software licenses are fair? If you developed an application that proved popular with your friends, how would you distribute it to others?

>Yes and no. Yes, because, what else do you expect the developers to do to protect their investment/property? There are people out there who love trying to see how many programs they can break and play with. No, beacause, the idea that I’m buying something that I can store, move, use, and utterly destroy with no consequences, but if I lend it to my friend years later, I can go to jail. If I had my own software application, I have no real idea what I could do to cover myself at the same time as making it available to many people. I guess the real problem is the development of the hardware and devices that can copy and/or break the protective measures on software and how anyone can use them.

3. What are your thoughts on software piracy? What is the impact short-term and long? What is your solution to the problem? How do you feel about these different circumstances of piracy: a student copying a friend’s game, a company in a poor country pirating word-processing software, a business woman using copies of her office software on her home computer.

>Overall, I think that developers weren’t initially concerned with “Joe Schmoe” letting his buddy use his piece of software. Honestly, who constantly goes and buys things just so they can give them to their friends all the time? I wouldn’t. Besides, most software app’s, like computer games for example, would become extremely frustrating if I had to track down my copy that I lent to my friend every time I wanted it.

On the contrary, it’s the businesses and web sites that are seeking to make a profit by distributing their counterfeit copies that make this an issue. In addition, I think it’s the hardware that makes the copies and how easy they are to obtain and use that is the real problem. Practically everyone who owns a computer has a DVD burner! Maybe that’s the stuff that needs to be high-priced, not the software. The reason piracy is so prevalent is that it is so EASY!

People like you and I are just caught in the cross-fire of the developers and the “real” pirates. The developers are forced to make these obsurd, all-encompassing rules and regulations because there are people/businesses who want to take advantage of the developers and they can POSE as one of US.

As for the scenario of the business woman and her software – if it were PURCHASED and GIVEN to her, or if she BOUGHT it, fine. If she were required by the company to use it, they bought it, and she needs to work from home, fine. If not, she shouldn’t do it.

Chapter 2 Discussion September 11, 2007

The following is the link to the article I read entitled, “Q&A: Secrets of the Call Center Guy”: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2156512,00.asp

In this article, one of the columnists from the magazine interviews a call center rep named Abhijit Dasgupta or, Abby David.

There were two things I found interesting about this article. First, when the columnist asked if the language barrier is an issue, I don’t think that Abby considered the other side of the fence. He mentioned customers with regional accents, but he is from India! I had to laugh because I know I have had my share of call center reps that are difficult to understand.

Secondly, I noticed that he did a good job of dodging the bullet when the columnist asked about how he handles irate customers. You can’t tell me that wasn’t one of those “suggested verbiages.” 

Chapter 7 Discussion September 4, 2007

Online shopping.

I have done very little online shopping. I have had both good and negative experiences with it.

The good experiences came when I purchased items for fun. The negative ones seem to plague me on important things like textbooks for school. For instance, for the fall semester of last year, I was running a little late in buying a book for my math class. I went online to a well-known bookstore and placed my order. I paid to have it shipped express and wouldn’t you know, it didn’t come for weeks. I sent countless emails trying to find my book and ask for a refund. I finally recieved a reply and they just gave me a refund so, I still needed a book. Needless to say, that was a rough start to my class.

About emails:  I think there shouldn’t be anything to direct how a personal email should look or sound. However, in a business setting, there should obviously be some professionalism expressed in the email. For me, that would include cutting out things like texting abbreviations and slang. Its basically the difference between how you might talk to your buddy while out to lunch and how you should speak to a customer if you were a salesman.