Week 14 Muddy: Thin Client

Thin client computing is an alternative desktop model made possible through virtualization. Using a thin client replaces the traditional PC, reduces maintenance costs and increases management efficiency. It is a part of a larger virtual network consuming less energy and space. The following article details additional benefits of thin client computing.


http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-thin-client.htm

Secure Email

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101117005101/en

Article:
Dell Encryption Solution Helps Organizations Protect Data and Comply with Government Regulations

“Public exposure of private and highly sensitive data continues to occur in organizations both large and small,” said Eric Ouellet, vice president, Secure Business Enablement, Gartner. “Managed endpoint encryption solutions that are flexible and adaptable to the demands of mobile users help minimize risks and are an important part of best practice frameworks.”


The Dell computer company recently implemented the Dell Data ProtectionEncryption to protect information on devices in case of loss or theft. The benefits of the encryption are :

•Easy deployment and integration into heterogeneous IT environments (Dell and non-Dell systems) with support for existing authentication and patching processes.
•Quick recovery of systems with errors by avoiding a multi-step, time-consuming process of decrypting, transporting data and re-encrypting.
•One solution to encrypt data on the disk, plus removable media such as USB thumb drives, external hard drives, eSata drives, 1394 devices, optical storage³ and Secure Digital (SD).
•Pre-set policy templates to provide an easy starting point for compliance management and maintenance.

Week 13 Clear: Computer Forensics

What is computer forensics?

Computer forensics sometimes referred to as computer forensic science is defined by Wikipedia is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media.

Computer forensics is used to discover digital evidence, documents, and "explain the current state of a digital artifact; such as a computer system, storage medium." The scope of a forensic analysis can be very broad or very detailed. Computer forensic scientist may be needed to retrieve documents or very simple information or reconstruct a series of events. As computer use increases exponentially, the need for experts in this field is growing. There are abundant opportunities for predators, computer criminals or hacker to take advantage of uneducated or unaware computer users.



Additional Resources:

Advantages - Article: http://www.computerforensics1.com/computer-forensic-advantage.html

Computer Forensics @ Work -Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--ZHo0Z2mgY

Week 12: Muddy

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth can be defined as the electronic pathway that connects your computer to the internet. If you think of it in terms of a traffic lane, the wider the bandwidth the more internet traffic can travel to your computer and at faster speeds. The number one thing to remember is the more bandwidth you have, the faster your computer connection.

The following link provides additional details about bandwidth.


http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-internet-bandwidth.htm

VoIP Extra Credit

What a pleasant surprise! My sister has lived all over the country for the past few years and I've never used skype. My best friend's husband is in the military and told me how much she loved it but trying it out never interested me. My favorite thing about this class has been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. Technology is useful and fun.

Skype is wonderful. I'm glad that the basic service is free. It is user friendly and if one overlooks the ocasional service interuptions due to faulty internet connections, it can be a useful personally and professionally. I definately see my self continuing my use to communicate with me sister who recently moved from Florida to New Hampshire. I'm excited! I currently work for a small nonprofit and I can see our staff of four using skype for informal meetings when we shift from having a physical location to home offices.

For this extra credit project I recorded a chat with my sister in New Hampshire. The Jing application stopped working a couple of times but I think I finally recorded a segment of our conversation successfully. I had the most trouble attaching the video to my blog. I tried so many different options because the blogger site said it kept having trouble uploading my video.

file:///C:/Users/Jasmine/Desktop/Lane_Jasmine_Skype_Extra_Credit.swf

http://portal.sliderocket.com/AILKL/Skype

My Web Face!

I absolutely LOVED this activity! I've never tried or even thought about trying to create an avatar. This was a really cool activity. I didn't know what to expect. I clicked one of the links from the list provided and it took me to another list of avatar applications. I randomly chose mywebface.com. It turned out to be pretty simple to navigate. I enjoyed the process of choosing intricate details like hair, eyebrows, facial blemishes and such. I was trying to create a cartoon version of myself that was as close to reality as possible. I struggled with accomplishing this goal because none of the options for body type and facial shape were exactly right but in the end, I made an avatar I was very pleased with.

I decided to try another one of the application options. This time I wanted to have a different look. I went to an application offered through a zoo which allowed me to have fun and go crazy with avator options by attaching animal parts. Once again, I had a lot of fun making this one. I asked my 3 year old son to try. He had a blast. He chose the different parts to make up his avatar as I clicked the options. It was a great bonding experience! We both have our "wild" avatars posted on my computer.

Week 11: Managing Change -Muddy

"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”
Winston Churchill

Change Management involves implementing individual and/or organizational change while reducing turnover, accelerating the implementation, reducing productivity loss, reducing employee resistance and ensuring change is flowing smoothly in the right direction. The article reading highlighted two perspectives on change management: the managers' perspective and the employee's perspective.

The managers’ perspective on change is results oriented.

When can the change be completed?

How much improvement will be realized?

How will this change impact our financial performance?

What is the required investment?

How will this change impact our customers?
"I need results"

Employee perspective:

Lack the broader context or knowledge base of why the change is being made.

They also do not share the same accountability as managers.

"What will this change mean to me?"

Change management is a way to manage the possible risk of employees resisting the change, valued personnel leaving the organization, delaying critical projects, declining productivity and making customer or clients feel negative impacts of the change.

The best way to get the most value from change management is to address it at the beginning not after the organizational changes have already started. It will be the most effective way to implement a business change and have both managers and employees work together successfully.

The goal of change management is to implement these business changes quickly to:

minimize the impact on productivity

avoid unnecessary turnover or loss of valued employees

eliminate any adverse impact on your customers

achieve the desired business outcomes as soon as possible

http://www.change-management.com/change-management-overview.htm


Additional resources:

http://http//www.tech-faq.com/change-management.html

Week 10: Databases - Clear

What Is SQL?
information from O'Reily Media

SQL is a special-purpose language used to define, access, and manipulate data. SQL is nonprocedural, meaning that it describes the necessary components (i.e., tables) and desired results without dictating exactly how those results should be computed. Every SQL implementation sits atop a database engine, whose job it is to interpret SQL statements and determine how the various data structures in the database should be accessed to accurately and efficiently produce the desired outcome.

The SQL language includes two distinct sets of commands: Data Definition Language (DDL) is the subset of SQL used to define and modify various data structures, while Data Manipulation Language (DML) is the subset of SQL used to access and manipulate data contained within the data structures previously defined via DDL. DDL includes numerous commands for handling such tasks as creating tables, indexes, views, and constraints, while DML is comprised of just five statements:

INSERT

Adds data to a database.

UPDATE

Modifies data in a database.

DELETE

Removes data from a database.

MERGE

Adds and/or modifies data in a database. MERGE is part of the 2003 ANSI SQL standard.

SELECT

Retrieves data from a database.

http://www.devshed.com/c/a/Oracle/Introduction-to-SQL/

Microsoft Access Project

The database project was the most challenging, frustrating and valuable experiences I've had thus far. I learned how to construct a table and use access features like input mask, data type and the description field. The table portion of the project was not as challenging as the other tasks. I successfully imported data. I struggled with this step but after I used the proper import file type and data qualifier I imported all the data successfully!

The next step was the most challenging for me, creating a query. Selecting the data and using the design view made things simple but I struggled with the criteria for the accurate dates. Somehow I deleted information on my "members" table. This was frustrating and made it difficult to move forward with the project without starting completely over.

Everything the began to come together and kinda sort of became a little fun despite the tedium. I enjoyed creating the form and the report. This experience has taught me that if I want to apply this knowledge to my current job, I will have to a lot plenty of time (and patience) to complete different tasks until I become extremely proficient. The results of using a database are beneficial to anyone.

Additional ways to enhance the functionality of this database would be to create membership applications with the gym logos on the forms or attach member photos to their membership information.

Presentations & Web 2.0

Completing the presentations and web 2.0 project was a beneficial experience. I currently work in the nonprofit sector and learning about different technology, free applications and strategies for marketing are useful tools. Small nonprofits and grass roots nonprofits are always looking for professional yet inexpensive ways to market products and services and develop brand recognition.

I enjoyed putting my project together but my biggest critique is that I should've have used more multimedia like music, voice or videos. I had a great opportunity to be creative and I am looking forward to presenting this project to an organization I volunteer for as the foundation for a possible donor solicitation campaign.

http://http//portal.sliderocket.com/AILKL/GEMS-Presentation-5-

Week 7: Muddy - Mapping Out Your Story

You can't overestimate the need to plan and prepare. In most of the mistakes I've made, there has been this common theme of inadequate planning beforehand. You really can't over-prepare in business!
Chris Corrigan

Creating a storyboard is an excellent way to prepare for a presentation. It allows one to develop a well thought out plan that clearly communicates and illustrates the intended message. A storyboard also provides the opportunity to make changes to the script or animations before actually creating the final product. It is an effective way to prepare.

I have listed five steps to creating a storyboard summarized from the Purdue University website (http://www.digitalparlor.org/courses/clark1/storyboarding):


1.Find or create a storyboard template

2.Each frame should represent a unique page or step in a sequence

3.In each frame, identify your content. Use shorthand to describe the content (including images and audio) that you want to include and approximately where it should be placed, as in the example below.

4.Add notes to each frame to help you present and remember information

5.Upon completion of the rough draft of your storyboard be sure that the order is accurate and makes sense


Please click links for additional resources:
http://www.sotherden.com/video101/storyboard.htm
http://www.thestoryboardartist.com/

Week 6: Clear - Vector Graphics

Computer displays are made up from grids of small rectangular cells called pixels. The smaller and closer the cells, the better the picture but if the image increases in size, the pixels become grainy and the picture is distorted. No one likes a pixellated image. Vector graphics help to remedy this type of distortion.

Vector graphics files store the lines, shapes and colours that make up an image as mathematical formulae. A vector graphics program uses these mathematical formulae to construct the screen image, building the best quality image possible, given the screen resolution. Using the mathmatic formula produces the best quality image regardless of the scale. Vector graphics allows for a more precise higher resolutions image giving a sharper quality than pixels.

Check out this link for additional information:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics

Week 6: Excel Project

The Excel project required me to analyze data from a large fitness center in a spreadsheet. I was the employee for the fitness center and my task was to use the information provided in the spreadsheet to assist the owner in researching the effectiveness of a particular workout. This task required me to use basic excel skills necessary to navigate the spreadsheet, create and name new worksheets, name and create columns, adjust widths, format cells and create pivot tables to name a few. I also had to prepare the final document for printing which required me to configure the layout to ensure a professional looking report.

I loved this assignment. Excel has always been somewhat of an enigma to me especially creating formulas. I enjoyed applying everything I learned from the scavenger hunt to this project. I currently work for a small nonprofit that needs this type data analysis. This was my first time creating a pivot table. What a useful tool! This project left me empowered. I've read books and watched tutorials but this project brought everything together for me. I am so happy to be able to directly apply everything I learned from this project to my professional and personal life. Excel is great!

Week 5: Muddy - Excel Formulas

Excel by far is my favorite Microsoft application. I love the data analysis capabilities. Excel is extremely useful in my professional and personal work.

Traditionally, I used excel for simple tasks, reports and organizing data. Learning about formulas unlocked a whole new world. Using the formulas is the most useful thing about Excel. Learning different formulas always appeared challenging and intimidating. Once I learned the basics to formatting cells and implementing equations, I began to discover what a true jewel the Excel software is.

Please read the following link. It briefly presents some basic information about Excel formulas.
http://www.ehow.com/how_9699_create-excel-formula.html

Week 4: Clear - I Want My Apps!

From pumping gas, purchasing groceries, driving a car to visiting the doctor or registering for college courses, application software is an integral part of life. As societal needs constantly evolve, application softare is developed to keep up with such rapid change. If one needs it or can think of it, there is an application for whatever "it" might be.

Application software has taken over the world. Can you imagine life without software? Software is used to communicate different tasks and commands to hardware. There are three types of software: operating, utility and application. Operating communicates actual operating tasks to the hardware, utility maintains the programs and application software is what we use to complete daily personal and professional tasks. Most individuals do not purchase phones or watch television without the added benefits application software brings to using a device. After all, the reason to purchase an iphoneis for the applications or apps, right?

Check out the link below to learn more about application software:

http://http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-application-software.html

Week3: Muddy- OS Virtual Memory

Virtual Memory is an integral part to a computer's operating system. Virtual memory frees up space in the computer's RAM without using physical memory. This enables an operation to run smoothly. The link below provides details about how virtual memory works, how it’s configured and how memory is managed.

Check it out!
http://www.howstuffworks.com/virtual-memory.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMVsx6kVWJo

Week 2: Clear -Finding the Best Fit

Ergonomics is the science of finding the best fit between working conditions and the worker. Individuals at jobs in particular, those working on computers conducting repetitive exercises are at high risk for work related injury and illness.



Engineers are desinging work stations and tools to alleviate some of the risk associated with work related injury. The picutre to the right is an example of an ergonomic computer station. Its very expensive and specialized. OSHA outlines some simple and inexpensive solutions individuals can do if their company cannot afford consultants to design ergonomic work spaces or ergonomic tools:

• Top of monitor at or just below eye level


• Head and neck balanced and in-line with torso


• Shoulders relaxed


• Elbows close to body and supported


• Lower back supported


• Wrists and hands in-line with forearms


• Adequate room for keyboard and mouse


• Feet flat on the floor

Additional information:

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html

Week1: Clear - Rules of Engagement

Whether you are dining at a restaurant with friends, studing at the library or just trying to make the morning commute to work, every social setting has rules to govern interaction. Rules are implemented to protect an individual's rights and safety. Can you imagine everyone driving without traffic signs, lights or speed limits? Other rules maintain order or enforce accepted standards or traditions. For example, many churches have rules when preparing and engaging in worship. Rules of engagement enable people to interact harmoniously in social settings and are commonly known as etiquette. Etiquete can be defined as rules of conduct in social settings.

As internet use increases, etiquette practices are required to ensure safety, enforce laws and protect rights. Netiquette is a term referring to the rules governing social interaction on the internet. Netiquette encourages proper use of resources and safe communication. Businesses lacking proper netiquette practices risk misrepresenting the company and creating liabilitites. It is important for businesses to adopt regular netiquette practices as a part of organizational culture and training.

Additional helpful information on internet etiquette, netiquette, can be explored at:

http://internet.suite101.com/article.cfm/netiquette_guidelines