Week 7 covered various operating systems, system and application software. This week was very beneficial as these concepts can help develop one to become more familiar with technology that is used every day. The most clear of these topics was the different types of operating systems and the pro's & con's of each of the operating systems. I also learned of new operating systems that I was unfamiliar with in the past like Linux.
The first type of operating system that was introduced in chapter 8 was Windows XP. This OS was originally released in 2001 but continues to be the favorite over the more-recent Windows Vista due to it being more stable and having better performance. Windows XP was released in five different versions including: Home Edition, Professional Edition, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Professional x64 Edition. Each of these editions served a specific purpose and catered to a niche market that would allow the user to use it for their own needs. The most popular of these editions is the Home Edition that came pre-installed on many computers in the early 2000's. Home edition was the easiest and most friendly to use for computer users who were using their computer for daily computing needs. It also included easy to use tools that would help address and fix computer related problems.
After the release of Windows XP, Microsoft came about with Windows Vista in 2006. Unfortunately, many users were disappointed by the error-prone Vista and converted to a Mac or went back to Windows XP. Windows Vista was also released in five editions included: Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business and Enterprise. The new interface for Windows Vista was memory intense and older computers did not have the required performance to run Vista successfully. Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7 was designed to fix all of the bugs Vista had and to create a more efficient computing experience.
Windows chief rival is the Macintosh operating system which is focused on ease of use and noted for its video editing abilities. The latest Macintosh operating system is the Mac OS X and is a multitasking OS only available for computers manufactured by Apple. The war between Microsoft and Apple has been going on for decades, in recent years Apple has taken a larger market share due to a very successful advertising campaign. The new operating system has features like: desktop search technology, built-in fast web browser, 3-D personal video and an all new re-designed dashboard.
A less popular but alternative operating choice is Linux, however it has been on the rise in recent years. Unlike previous operating systems which were proprietary, Linux is open source software which means its code is provided for use, modification and redistribution. Thus ultimately meaning it has no restrictions regarding copyrights or any issue with modifying the softwares internal instructions. Linux is available in both a GUI interface and command-line, with the GUI interface being the more popular of the two. Linux can be downloaded from the web for free(www.linux.com), or purchased from distributors who bundle their software along with Linux like Red Hat or IBM.
Knowing the different types of operating systems and how to use them is critical in a business environment. It allows users the capability to diagnosis problems on their own with utilities that are readily available that they may not have had prior knowledge of. It also gives them exposure to different options opposed to only using Windows or Mac, they have other options like Linux which could be more efficient given their computing needs. In the end, it is very important for anyone in a business environment to know the different kinds of operating systems and how to use them properly.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Week 6: Clear - Web 2.0 Tools
This week presented itself with our first big project in ISM3004, it was called the web 2.0 tool project. At first glance, this project looked like a daunting task and I was confused on where to even begin. After printing and reading the instructions several times, I had a better idea on what was being asked of us and how to proceed. I then proceeded to look at different web 2.0 tool websites including ones like Joggle and ImageLoop to decide which one to use. After looking through several different tool websites I went to the course website to see what other students were using to create their slides. The majority of students were using a tool called One True Media (www.onetruemedia.com). After visiting their website, I found that tool to be incredibly easy to use with a friendly interface and the ability to easily edit ones work.
I then signed up to create my montage at One True Media and began to work on my project. However, first I needed to decide what I was going to write about. Originally I planned to write about my current girlfriend, but did not have enough photos on my computer to put together a good presentation. Then I settled to do it on my company, Rx7 Boutique which has been in business for a little bit over a year. I had a lot of photos and information I could used to make an excellent presentation. What I thought would originally only take 2 to 3 hours ended up taking over 8 hours to finalize and make everything just right. The montage came out great and does an excellent job of giving a preview of my company and a glimpse of what we are capable of doing.
This tool can be incredibly important in business. It attracts a new and diverse customer base and gives them a non-traditional way of looking at one's company. More companies should use this tool to widen their customer base and ultimately create more revenue. It is very easy to use, even for those with minimal computer knowledge, thus no one should hesitate to give the web 2.0 tool a try. I believe the future or marketing and advertising lies within the web 2.0 tools and we will be seeing much more use of the tool in the upcoming years.
I then signed up to create my montage at One True Media and began to work on my project. However, first I needed to decide what I was going to write about. Originally I planned to write about my current girlfriend, but did not have enough photos on my computer to put together a good presentation. Then I settled to do it on my company, Rx7 Boutique which has been in business for a little bit over a year. I had a lot of photos and information I could used to make an excellent presentation. What I thought would originally only take 2 to 3 hours ended up taking over 8 hours to finalize and make everything just right. The montage came out great and does an excellent job of giving a preview of my company and a glimpse of what we are capable of doing.
This tool can be incredibly important in business. It attracts a new and diverse customer base and gives them a non-traditional way of looking at one's company. More companies should use this tool to widen their customer base and ultimately create more revenue. It is very easy to use, even for those with minimal computer knowledge, thus no one should hesitate to give the web 2.0 tool a try. I believe the future or marketing and advertising lies within the web 2.0 tools and we will be seeing much more use of the tool in the upcoming years.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Rx7 Boutique - My First Company
Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com
You can also leave comments and view my story here: Rx7 Boutique - My First Company.
This was my first time using any sort of Web 2.0 tools, after researching more about the concept, I was stunned to find that so many different tools existed. After going to numerous Web 2.0 design tools like Joggle, Image Loop and SlideFlickr I finally decided on using One True Media. I chose One True Media for its easy to understand interface and the ability to easily edit or change items. Looking through different Web 2.0 slides that other students created,I noticed the majority of them also used One True Media. My only gripe regarding One True Media is that a lot of the more efficient and nicer features were only available to paying customers. Only a basic "free" version was allowed to be created before you had to pay to become a premium member. I agree with Judy Riley's comment that the web 2.0 tool is great for marketing your company, I want to thank her for the kind words she left. This tool has taught me new ways to market my company and reach new customers. I learned that putting projects like these together are not as easy at it seems but can allow a unique way for customers to understand our line of business. The web 2.0 tool will help the advertisement of my business and show customers what we can offer in a non-traditional format.
This was my first time using any sort of Web 2.0 tools, after researching more about the concept, I was stunned to find that so many different tools existed. After going to numerous Web 2.0 design tools like Joggle, Image Loop and SlideFlickr I finally decided on using One True Media. I chose One True Media for its easy to understand interface and the ability to easily edit or change items. Looking through different Web 2.0 slides that other students created,I noticed the majority of them also used One True Media. My only gripe regarding One True Media is that a lot of the more efficient and nicer features were only available to paying customers. Only a basic "free" version was allowed to be created before you had to pay to become a premium member. I agree with Judy Riley's comment that the web 2.0 tool is great for marketing your company, I want to thank her for the kind words she left. This tool has taught me new ways to market my company and reach new customers. I learned that putting projects like these together are not as easy at it seems but can allow a unique way for customers to understand our line of business. The web 2.0 tool will help the advertisement of my business and show customers what we can offer in a non-traditional format.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Week 5: Clear - System Unit of a PC
Chapter four covers different units and processes of key components that system units like a personal computer use to properly function. The book does an excellent job of explaining each part of a PC and what role that particular part plays in the functioning of the system unit. All parts within a PC intertwine and they need each other for the computer to function as intended. The most important part of a PC is the CPU or the central processing unit. The two most popular CPU manufacturers are Intel(www.intel.com) and AMD (www.amd.com) which have been competing for market share for the past few years. The CPU interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. Another key component of a PC is the motherboard. The mother board is the main circuit board, this is where all the key components are including the CPU, memory, graphics card and sound card. Each motherboard is designed for a specific type of CPU, thus a motherboard made for an Intel CPU can not used a AMD CPU.
Memory is also essential to the operation of a PC, the memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor. The memory stores operating systems like Windows, application programs like Excel or Powerpoint and the data being processed by the application programs and resulting information. When individuals discuss memory, they usually are referring to RAM or main memory. The CPU and other main processing units require RAM to properly work and help start the operating system. Several types of RAM are available including, DRAM, SRAM and a newer type of RAM called MRAM. To help power all these components, a power supply must be included with the PC. A power supply is the component of the system unit that converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power. Other key components of a PC include the hard drive, graphics card, sound card, and different ports all that help make a PC as we know it today.
This is important in a business environment because it teaches individuals the technical details of the equipment they are using. Thus, if an issues arises or a part needs to be replaced, they can do it themselves and not need a technician which ultimately saves money for the company in the long run. Users can also upgrade equipment by themselves with the proper knowledge thus leading them to a more productive PC and more efficient time spent at work.
Memory is also essential to the operation of a PC, the memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor. The memory stores operating systems like Windows, application programs like Excel or Powerpoint and the data being processed by the application programs and resulting information. When individuals discuss memory, they usually are referring to RAM or main memory. The CPU and other main processing units require RAM to properly work and help start the operating system. Several types of RAM are available including, DRAM, SRAM and a newer type of RAM called MRAM. To help power all these components, a power supply must be included with the PC. A power supply is the component of the system unit that converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power. Other key components of a PC include the hard drive, graphics card, sound card, and different ports all that help make a PC as we know it today.
This is important in a business environment because it teaches individuals the technical details of the equipment they are using. Thus, if an issues arises or a part needs to be replaced, they can do it themselves and not need a technician which ultimately saves money for the company in the long run. Users can also upgrade equipment by themselves with the proper knowledge thus leading them to a more productive PC and more efficient time spent at work.
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