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