Week four entailed in-depth coverage over application software and the many uses it has in a business environment. The most clear and thoroughly explained part was the different types of Application software. The first type of software category is packaged software. This type of software is often mass produced and can be used in a variety of different applications. A great example of packaged software is Microsoft Office which business professionals across a wide arrange of professions can use and utilize no matter their occupation. To the contrary, custom software is application software that is specifically tailored to an industry like the auto industry. Auto-cad is an example of custom software that is mainly used in the engineering field. Web-based software is programs that are hosted by a website. This can include e-mail websites like hotmail or game programs.
Next, open source software is meant for use, modification and redistribution. This allows users to modify or edit the source code to either meet their needs or the needs of others. No copyright laws apply to this type of software since it is available for everyone to share. Shareware is a type of copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. After the trial period expires, the user can either purchase the software or they must discontinue use. Compared to shareware, freeware is a type of software that is free and retains all rights to the software. An example of freeware is a program like winamp which is a mp3 player that comes at no cost, it can be downloaded by anyone at www.winamp.com.
The last type of software category is public-domain software which has no copyright protection and was donated for public use. Knowing the different types of software is very important in the business environment. For example, knowing different copyright protection laws can save a company from lawsuits or understanding the costs savings of packaged software can save a small fortune.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Week3: Clear - Type of Websites
Week 3 material covered a wide array of basic web information, including how a URL works, search engines and navigating the internet. The different types of websites was very well explained and made it clear that the internet has so much to offer. The first type of website is a portal which provides services all in one place, an example of a portal is Yahoo.com. Many people are familiar with news websites, they include articles and stories much like CNN or CNBC do. Next are informational websites, they are usually government websites that can provide information of the budget, taxes, census data etc. Educational websites are also abundant on the internet, they provide structured learning like cooking a meal or learning how things work.
Entertainment websites are very popular among Americans, here individuals can get the latest gossip and news on celebrities and popular entertainment. Blog websites have taken over the internet, this is where an individual writes basically a diary or journal about his or her life. Over the past few years, wiki websites have become extremely popular. A wiki is a"collaborative website that allows users to create, add to, modify or delete web site content via their web browser", an example of this is www.wikipedia.org. The most recent craze that has taken over the internet are online social networking sites like facebook.com and myspace.com. These websites allow individuals to stay in contact with old friends, meet new friends and inform friends of whats on their mind.
Knowing the different types of websites is key in a business environment. If an individual needs to find a certain piece of information it will be much easier to find if they know where to go and exactly what they are looking for. By knowing the different types of websites, users will know what is available and exactly what each website will provide them with.
Entertainment websites are very popular among Americans, here individuals can get the latest gossip and news on celebrities and popular entertainment. Blog websites have taken over the internet, this is where an individual writes basically a diary or journal about his or her life. Over the past few years, wiki websites have become extremely popular. A wiki is a"collaborative website that allows users to create, add to, modify or delete web site content via their web browser", an example of this is www.wikipedia.org. The most recent craze that has taken over the internet are online social networking sites like facebook.com and myspace.com. These websites allow individuals to stay in contact with old friends, meet new friends and inform friends of whats on their mind.
Knowing the different types of websites is key in a business environment. If an individual needs to find a certain piece of information it will be much easier to find if they know where to go and exactly what they are looking for. By knowing the different types of websites, users will know what is available and exactly what each website will provide them with.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Week 2: Clear - Computer Hardware
Week 2 material consisted of an overall introduction to computers, how they work, who uses them and a brief history dating back to the origin of the computer. Having a rather detailed computer background, I found this weeks material very clear, concise and to the point. The concept that I believe is the most important to have a firm grasp on is computer hardware and how an individual can use it to improve their computing experience. Not only can people use this hardware to improve their own computing experience, it can also be vital in a business environment.
For example, take a meeting that someone has with a client over the phone and one that is done through a webcam and or conference. The client would feel more engaged in the conversation knowing that the people can see him and having a face to talk to helps secure confidence and trust in the client. A webcam is a device that one attaches to their computer that allows another individual to see them on their computer, when both parties have a webcam they can see and interact with each other. This is great for business or even for long distance relationships where the couple are not physically able to see each other. Having a microphone is critical when us
ing a webcam, the microphone allows the other person to hear what your saying, without the microphone it would only be a video. Most desktops and laptops come with microphones already included, however they are very inexpensive if they need to be purchased separately. For those unfamiliar with a webcam, I have included a picture of one to the left.
Also, understanding the main hardware of a computer can greatly help an individual diagnosis problems that may occur in the future. Knowing the purpose of the CPU, memory, hard drive, mother board and power supply allows a person to grasp what really makes a computer tick. If one were to upgrade in the future, it would be easy for one to swap the parts themselves and avoid having to pay a professional to do it. I found the concept of hardware and devices very interesting and it amazes me how so many parts are easily intertwined. A great website that explains computer hardware is: http://www.computer-hardware-explained.com/. It gives great examples and includes pictures to help explain what the author is saying, I would recommend it to anyone with a minimal amount of computer literacy.
For example, take a meeting that someone has with a client over the phone and one that is done through a webcam and or conference. The client would feel more engaged in the conversation knowing that the people can see him and having a face to talk to helps secure confidence and trust in the client. A webcam is a device that one attaches to their computer that allows another individual to see them on their computer, when both parties have a webcam they can see and interact with each other. This is great for business or even for long distance relationships where the couple are not physically able to see each other. Having a microphone is critical when us
ing a webcam, the microphone allows the other person to hear what your saying, without the microphone it would only be a video. Most desktops and laptops come with microphones already included, however they are very inexpensive if they need to be purchased separately. For those unfamiliar with a webcam, I have included a picture of one to the left.Also, understanding the main hardware of a computer can greatly help an individual diagnosis problems that may occur in the future. Knowing the purpose of the CPU, memory, hard drive, mother board and power supply allows a person to grasp what really makes a computer tick. If one were to upgrade in the future, it would be easy for one to swap the parts themselves and avoid having to pay a professional to do it. I found the concept of hardware and devices very interesting and it amazes me how so many parts are easily intertwined. A great website that explains computer hardware is: http://www.computer-hardware-explained.com/. It gives great examples and includes pictures to help explain what the author is saying, I would recommend it to anyone with a minimal amount of computer literacy.
Week 1: Muddy - Copyright Laws and Implications
The first week of coursework was very straightforward with an introduction to search and netiquette principles that helped prepare students with using the internet. The coursework also included an overview of copyright laws and their implications towards students and society. This concept was difficult to grasp because the copyright laws are so vague that they could virtually apply to everyone. The laws are too misconstrued to allows individuals to distinguish between what can and cannot be used. While I found the articles that were posted pertaining to Copyright laws informative, they just made the concept even more difficult to understand due to being over burdened with information.
Unfortunately the line that distinguished a copyright infringement is very fine and difficult to define. In cases where a large copyright infringement has occurred it becomes easy for a judiciary system to enforce the law. For example, if an artist blatantly copied lyrics from another artist and used it in their song, it would be easy for the original artist to sue. However, in much smaller cases where a student downloads music or unknowingly copies a minimal amount of information for a paper, it is almost impossible for the author to find the violator. Besides, for the original author to take them to court over such irrelevant grounds would be a waste of time for both parties.
Through my research, I have concluded it is almost impossible to put a firm definition to copyright laws. I came across a website that dis-spelled several myths regarding copyrights: http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html. This website helped me understand and distinguish somethings that are and aren't copyright infringements. Another link, which is contained in the same website, gave an easy to understand and good introduction to copyright laws, that can be found here:http://www.templetons.com/brad/copyright.html. That website does an excellent job of introducing copyright laws by saying:"Copyright law secures for the creator of a creative effort the exclusive right to control who can make copies, or make works derived from the original work. There are a lot of subtleties and international variations but that's the gist of it. If you create something, and it fits the definition of a creative work, you get to control who can make copies of it and how they make copies, with some important exceptions."
In the end my understanding of copyright laws has dramatically improved. I feel more confident in how to distinguish what I can and can't use, and how to properly use items that are copyrighted.
Unfortunately the line that distinguished a copyright infringement is very fine and difficult to define. In cases where a large copyright infringement has occurred it becomes easy for a judiciary system to enforce the law. For example, if an artist blatantly copied lyrics from another artist and used it in their song, it would be easy for the original artist to sue. However, in much smaller cases where a student downloads music or unknowingly copies a minimal amount of information for a paper, it is almost impossible for the author to find the violator. Besides, for the original author to take them to court over such irrelevant grounds would be a waste of time for both parties.
Through my research, I have concluded it is almost impossible to put a firm definition to copyright laws. I came across a website that dis-spelled several myths regarding copyrights: http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html. This website helped me understand and distinguish somethings that are and aren't copyright infringements. Another link, which is contained in the same website, gave an easy to understand and good introduction to copyright laws, that can be found here:http://www.templetons.com/brad/copyright.html. That website does an excellent job of introducing copyright laws by saying:"Copyright law secures for the creator of a creative effort the exclusive right to control who can make copies, or make works derived from the original work. There are a lot of subtleties and international variations but that's the gist of it. If you create something, and it fits the definition of a creative work, you get to control who can make copies of it and how they make copies, with some important exceptions."
In the end my understanding of copyright laws has dramatically improved. I feel more confident in how to distinguish what I can and can't use, and how to properly use items that are copyrighted.
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