Thursday, September 30, 2010
Muddiest point for 9/27/10
I have a question regarding Red Hat and Linux. I know that one of the stipulations of using Linux is that if you create a beneficial change to the program you need to make it available to others. With Red Hat are they allowed to take Linux and change it for their clients and then charge them for the services. I understand that they provide tech support and are allowing others to access their product, but does it go against the Linux creation principles to charge for the product?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Reading notes for 9/27
Data compression websites (1 and 2)- It was really interesting to read about the Lossy and Lossless data compression types. It seems very logical to understand when one is used over the other. One would have to use lossless for spreadsheets where you wouldn't want anything changed, (even if it took up more space). And then use lossy for audio-visual where the eye cannot differentiate too much between the two uses(and you save space). These practical examples from the readings really helped me understand the reasoning behind using one over another. It also makes sense that the writer and the reader of the information must both understand each others "language" in order for there to be no errors with the data interpretation.
Imaging Pittsburgh (3)- Of all the articles we had to read this week I thought this was the most fascinating. It really gave you the background logistics behind digitizing old photographs from multiple institutions. The metadata data differences, the copyright troubles, the organization,and the indexing language. This whole coordination seemed like it was a difficult yet rewarding project. I was also glad to hear that these material were being brought together and placed online so that others could get a fuller picture into Pittsburgh's history. It would be really sad to see this piece of Pittsburgh's cultural heritage begin to start to decay before it was digitized.
Youtube and libraries it could be a beautiful relationship. (4)- I think this article is stating what most large libraries know or do, use Youtube/video. With the exception of video directions, I think many of these libraries use video to discuss how to perform basic searches/ use library websites. However, they may not be Youtube videos, but videos nonetheless. And I think for a large contingent of people this is the best way to learn. Visual aids and verbal cues really help some peoples brains to conceptualize, versus written material. I also think that these libraries should include video directions for new first time users to help them out initially.
Imaging Pittsburgh (3)- Of all the articles we had to read this week I thought this was the most fascinating. It really gave you the background logistics behind digitizing old photographs from multiple institutions. The metadata data differences, the copyright troubles, the organization,and the indexing language. This whole coordination seemed like it was a difficult yet rewarding project. I was also glad to hear that these material were being brought together and placed online so that others could get a fuller picture into Pittsburgh's history. It would be really sad to see this piece of Pittsburgh's cultural heritage begin to start to decay before it was digitized.
Youtube and libraries it could be a beautiful relationship. (4)- I think this article is stating what most large libraries know or do, use Youtube/video. With the exception of video directions, I think many of these libraries use video to discuss how to perform basic searches/ use library websites. However, they may not be Youtube videos, but videos nonetheless. And I think for a large contingent of people this is the best way to learn. Visual aids and verbal cues really help some peoples brains to conceptualize, versus written material. I also think that these libraries should include video directions for new first time users to help them out initially.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Reading Notes for 9/20/10
Introduction to Linux a hands on guide - I find it quite fascinating that Linux's concepts of free and open access were so revolutionary at the time of their creation. These concepts are continually influencing the way we create and produce information today . There is still a belief in freedom, collaborative expression, and experimentation, for growth . Take for example Wikipedia. Wikipedia has grown to achieve all that it has from these these principles of freedom, collaboration and experimentation that Linus Torvald used when implementing Linux.
Mac OS- The Kernel Thread article was a very complex and intricate article that was mostly about the programming languages and softwares. I think it was a good way to start seeing and absorbing the names associated with the MacOS. I also liked how they discussed the multiple stages and years it took for Apple to produce the Mac OS. Being a layperson (in terms of technology), I didn't know about all the multiple and different failed attempts to produce this product. I think now I understand better the complexities, trials, and difficulties company's face in creating a usable product.
The Kernel Thread article while very interesting was difficult for me to understand. Most of the article was about software and programming. However, the Wikipedia article I think was more along the lines of my understanding. It clarified and simplified the basic background regarding the creation of the Mac OS.
An update on the Windows road map- I was intrigued by the websites mention of "downgrade rights." This was not a concept I had imagined before. Generally, people want to upgrade, not downgrade. But, I understand in certain situations as with business, this can be more a hassle than a help. If for example a small company bought 4 new computers, it could be confusing if the rest of their computers ran on Windows XP and the four new computers ran on Vista. To improve efficiency a company may wish to downgrade until they were ready to upgrade all their computers.
Mac OS- The Kernel Thread article was a very complex and intricate article that was mostly about the programming languages and softwares. I think it was a good way to start seeing and absorbing the names associated with the MacOS. I also liked how they discussed the multiple stages and years it took for Apple to produce the Mac OS. Being a layperson (in terms of technology), I didn't know about all the multiple and different failed attempts to produce this product. I think now I understand better the complexities, trials, and difficulties company's face in creating a usable product.
The Kernel Thread article while very interesting was difficult for me to understand. Most of the article was about software and programming. However, the Wikipedia article I think was more along the lines of my understanding. It clarified and simplified the basic background regarding the creation of the Mac OS.
An update on the Windows road map- I was intrigued by the websites mention of "downgrade rights." This was not a concept I had imagined before. Generally, people want to upgrade, not downgrade. But, I understand in certain situations as with business, this can be more a hassle than a help. If for example a small company bought 4 new computers, it could be confusing if the rest of their computers ran on Windows XP and the four new computers ran on Vista. To improve efficiency a company may wish to downgrade until they were ready to upgrade all their computers.
Muddiest Point for 9/13
I wanted to clarify some concepts from the readings regarding Unix and Linux.
Unix was unique in that it connected computers together into a similar system, however was only available for a select few. Linux was created by Linus based upon the Unix frame even though he never had real access to its code. Therefore, he did not infringe on their copyright? What Linus did was then to create Linux and make it accessible to the "masses" or at least those who were interested in computers. And at this time, this was a revolutionary concept because it was free, available to all, and more user friendly. My question is if these statements are correct. I wish to better understand the Unix/Linux relationship.
Unix was unique in that it connected computers together into a similar system, however was only available for a select few. Linux was created by Linus based upon the Unix frame even though he never had real access to its code. Therefore, he did not infringe on their copyright? What Linus did was then to create Linux and make it accessible to the "masses" or at least those who were interested in computers. And at this time, this was a revolutionary concept because it was free, available to all, and more user friendly. My question is if these statements are correct. I wish to better understand the Unix/Linux relationship.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
WK 2 Readings
Personal computer hardware (Wikipedia) : It is interesting to me that I know about these words and in conversation I do tend to use a certain percentage of them. However, the basic components like the CPU, the RAM, the Motherboard are really things I don't know about. I found it very useful to read this site and see the visual aid on the right to classify all the different parts of the computer. I feel as though I have a broader picture about computers.
Moore's Law: I liked the video for this presentation. Though I did have to stop it once or twice to try to understand and think about what the presenter was saying (as she spoke quickly). I thought on the whole it was an engaging, funny, and well presented video about Moore's law. I spoke with a friend after about this video and he told me that in general computers only need 5-6 volts of energy to sustain themselves. I find this fact to be quite fascinating. The actuality that one of the most important technological devices we own, only needs a small percentage of the energy that we use for everyday things.
Computer History Museum: It was great to see this website. And I also understand why its in Mountain view California! I don't think it could be anywhere else but close to Silicon Valley. The one aspect I really liked about the website was the timeline page. It was interesting to see the steady progression of technology through the years. And also to see the interaction and influence of computers for gaming and special effects in movies towards the later part of the timeline.
Moore's Law: I liked the video for this presentation. Though I did have to stop it once or twice to try to understand and think about what the presenter was saying (as she spoke quickly). I thought on the whole it was an engaging, funny, and well presented video about Moore's law. I spoke with a friend after about this video and he told me that in general computers only need 5-6 volts of energy to sustain themselves. I find this fact to be quite fascinating. The actuality that one of the most important technological devices we own, only needs a small percentage of the energy that we use for everyday things.
Computer History Museum: It was great to see this website. And I also understand why its in Mountain view California! I don't think it could be anywhere else but close to Silicon Valley. The one aspect I really liked about the website was the timeline page. It was interesting to see the steady progression of technology through the years. And also to see the interaction and influence of computers for gaming and special effects in movies towards the later part of the timeline.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
WK 1 muddiest point
This class has many components to it. So in order to not forget or misunderstand what is due, I think it would be helpful if we had a slide for the next class which said:
Due Sat 17th:
muddiest point
Due Sat 17th:
muddiest point
Due Sat 18th :
Read required readings (for third week ) + assignment two + 2 comments on others blogs
I think just to clarify the confusion. Thanks!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
LIS 2600 WK 1
Readings:
1.) One aspect of the first article on the OCLC report that I found interesting was the discussion of the huge boom of cheap mobile devices in third world countries, especially India. The article discusses the significance of people being connected and being able to pass information. In a TED talk by Shashi Tharoor, he discusses the vital importance of being in these connected relationships. He also discusses how this "affordable mobile" boom has helped improve the lives of many of the poorer people. He talks about a change of personal and business infrastructure. Where fisherman who have caught their fish can call all the market towns along the coastline to see who is in need of fish instead of going to each town. For the workers who iron clothes for a living they use their cell phones as a main means of communication. This is because incoming calls are free and also they have a means to find where they need to take their cart for a job. Tharoor states, that this boom is helping people, especially the poorer classes, to link, empower, and connect in ways never before imagined.
2.) I agree with the second articles author, Clifford Lynch, regarding the importance of elementary education as a means to introduce children to an holistic information technology base and thereby move them forward in life. Because if we cannot do it there, then where else can we engage our future generation? I agree also that information literacy is important for the future and that it should be accompanied with a greater understanding of the the infrastructure, history and, construction of the IT world. The more an individual can understand and work with different types of online products, software and, hardware the more set he or she will be in this increasingly technology oriented world. With new products and and newer versions of current products, the next generation must be able to handle the complications or problems and mold technology to fit their purpose.
3.) One concept the author of the third article, mentioned was the significance of the utilization of space. Where his staff would do a "walk through" to assess other places to place computers, rearrange furniture, check for lighting, and sockets. I think it is very important to keep in mind the use of space. Students need to have an appropriate quiet place to study and have access to information. And in a library that can be hindered by aspects like bad lighting, no outlets, slow computers, uncomfortable furniture, and study rooms in noisy areas. Utilization of the space should not only be economically savvy and user friendly but, a welcoming and inviting environment in which individuals can cultivate their mind. In summary, the arrangement of space can inhibit learning and intellectual growth or it can foster it. If done correctly, it can make a library fulfill it's definition as a place to access information and to learn.
1.) One aspect of the first article on the OCLC report that I found interesting was the discussion of the huge boom of cheap mobile devices in third world countries, especially India. The article discusses the significance of people being connected and being able to pass information. In a TED talk by Shashi Tharoor, he discusses the vital importance of being in these connected relationships. He also discusses how this "affordable mobile" boom has helped improve the lives of many of the poorer people. He talks about a change of personal and business infrastructure. Where fisherman who have caught their fish can call all the market towns along the coastline to see who is in need of fish instead of going to each town. For the workers who iron clothes for a living they use their cell phones as a main means of communication. This is because incoming calls are free and also they have a means to find where they need to take their cart for a job. Tharoor states, that this boom is helping people, especially the poorer classes, to link, empower, and connect in ways never before imagined.
2.) I agree with the second articles author, Clifford Lynch, regarding the importance of elementary education as a means to introduce children to an holistic information technology base and thereby move them forward in life. Because if we cannot do it there, then where else can we engage our future generation? I agree also that information literacy is important for the future and that it should be accompanied with a greater understanding of the the infrastructure, history and, construction of the IT world. The more an individual can understand and work with different types of online products, software and, hardware the more set he or she will be in this increasingly technology oriented world. With new products and and newer versions of current products, the next generation must be able to handle the complications or problems and mold technology to fit their purpose.
3.) One concept the author of the third article, mentioned was the significance of the utilization of space. Where his staff would do a "walk through" to assess other places to place computers, rearrange furniture, check for lighting, and sockets. I think it is very important to keep in mind the use of space. Students need to have an appropriate quiet place to study and have access to information. And in a library that can be hindered by aspects like bad lighting, no outlets, slow computers, uncomfortable furniture, and study rooms in noisy areas. Utilization of the space should not only be economically savvy and user friendly but, a welcoming and inviting environment in which individuals can cultivate their mind. In summary, the arrangement of space can inhibit learning and intellectual growth or it can foster it. If done correctly, it can make a library fulfill it's definition as a place to access information and to learn.
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