This weeks lecture was centered on communications and networks. A clear part of this lecture was the beginning of the lecture which was centered on different types of communication concepts. There are two types of communication channels, one which is physical and one that is wireless. The physical communication channel is a hard-wired line like fiber options, compared to a wireless channel which is infrared or radio transmitted. A network is a collection of devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media. There are all kinds of different networks which include PAN ( Personal area Network, LAN ( Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). Knowing these different types of networks can be very useful if one is trying to setup a particular network for a certain purpose.
The benefits of communications include facilitating communications, sharing hardware which increases productivity, and share software. Other benefits include sharing data and information and transferring funds. Some of the disadvantages of networks include cost, security threats, loss of user autonomy and lack of privacy. A popular network architecture is peer-to-peer where each computer has ability to share and use resources. Peer-to-peer programs have become quite popular over recent years due to sharing music and shareware. Popular peer-to-peer programs include Limewire, Napster and Ares. If one wishes to download one of these programs, they can all be downloaded at download.com or at the company's respective website. Knowing these different types of communications would prove to be very important in a business world. Computers revolve around communication with both the user and other computers. By knowing how communications and networks work, one can easily setup a network that many users can access and use. This would be great for companies around the world that have trouble communicating with employees or are having inefficient communication issues.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Excel Project
This weeks project entailed learning how to properly use Excel and its many functions. Fortunately, I have had a considerable amount of training with Excel from my previous finance internship over the summer. However, this project did teach me several new functions of Excel that I was unaware of in the past. Looking at the initial project and data, it was a bit overwhelming since the data set had over 500 entries with multiple columns. After looking at the instructions, the project did not seem too daunting in large part due to my previous Excel experience.
The first group of steps were very basic which included adding columns, cells and modifying data. An interesting item that I learned was the freeze pane option. This step required to freeze the two top rows, which allowed one to scroll down but the two top rows stayed as one scrolled down. Doing this is very useful when analyzing large amounts of data as you can see what your header is without having to scroll up. One of the steps required me to find the largest number in a set of numbers, something I haven't done before. After going through the excel help sections and using the excel book that was needed for this course, I decided to use the "large" function in helping me find the largest number. Using this function was vital for me to find the largest number which was critical for several proceeding steps. The last step was to format the excel worksheet and set it up for printing, something I was unfamiliar with as I never had to print any spreadsheets in my internship. Learning how to have the same row print at the top of each page, using headers and footers and scaling the worksheet helped me learn new tools that will help me succeed in the future.
The last two steps asked us to take the raw data that was modified and changed in the last two paragraphs and used a pivot table to organize the data. I had a little experience with pivot tables, unfortunately that was too long ago to fully remember how to properly use them. After watching the videos online on how to use pivot tables, I felt well equipped to tackle the two steps. It did require a bit of playing around with the different fields and options to get the pivot tables to work, but in the end it made it much simpler using a pivot table opposed to having count each and every data entry. The second step was a bit trickier where we were asked to organize the ages into group. This was done by using the group option and I was then able to g
roup the ages into decades, then have the numbers be a percentage of an average. This is evident by the corresponding picture in this post. I found this project to be very useful in furthering my knowledge and proficiency of Excel. This is critical to my success in the business world and I know it will help me gain an upper hand among my colleagues who are not as familiar in Excel.
The first group of steps were very basic which included adding columns, cells and modifying data. An interesting item that I learned was the freeze pane option. This step required to freeze the two top rows, which allowed one to scroll down but the two top rows stayed as one scrolled down. Doing this is very useful when analyzing large amounts of data as you can see what your header is without having to scroll up. One of the steps required me to find the largest number in a set of numbers, something I haven't done before. After going through the excel help sections and using the excel book that was needed for this course, I decided to use the "large" function in helping me find the largest number. Using this function was vital for me to find the largest number which was critical for several proceeding steps. The last step was to format the excel worksheet and set it up for printing, something I was unfamiliar with as I never had to print any spreadsheets in my internship. Learning how to have the same row print at the top of each page, using headers and footers and scaling the worksheet helped me learn new tools that will help me succeed in the future.
The last two steps asked us to take the raw data that was modified and changed in the last two paragraphs and used a pivot table to organize the data. I had a little experience with pivot tables, unfortunately that was too long ago to fully remember how to properly use them. After watching the videos online on how to use pivot tables, I felt well equipped to tackle the two steps. It did require a bit of playing around with the different fields and options to get the pivot tables to work, but in the end it made it much simpler using a pivot table opposed to having count each and every data entry. The second step was a bit trickier where we were asked to organize the ages into group. This was done by using the group option and I was then able to g
roup the ages into decades, then have the numbers be a percentage of an average. This is evident by the corresponding picture in this post. I found this project to be very useful in furthering my knowledge and proficiency of Excel. This is critical to my success in the business world and I know it will help me gain an upper hand among my colleagues who are not as familiar in Excel.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
9: Clear, Absolute vs. Relative cell addressing
What does it mean for a cell to be addressed as absolute vs. relative? How can you tell the difference?
It is imperative to understand the differences between these two cell references because it is essential to properly using and understanding formulas in excel.
If a cell is addressed as absolute, when any copying is made of cells with functions using that cell reference, the part(s) that is absolute will not change with respect to which direction the formula was copied. If it is relative however, it will change.
The idea of how Absolute vs. relative works can be explained very simply by creating a simple multiplication table in excel, as shown above. No matter where in the table you look, the numbers in column D will be multiplied by the numbers in row 2.
Think you’ve got it? Try making a multiplication table for yourself in excel!
Excel bible 2007. Walkenbach, John pg 175-204
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week 7: Clear - Stand Alone Operating Systems
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.
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 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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