The Diskless PC Revolution

Discussion Questions
1) Using a flashdrive can be helpful, becasue it is more convenient than carrying around a personal computer, and one can transfer files form other computers into it easily. Also, you dont have to worry about losing information if your PC isn't working properly, or if the memory is malfunctioning, our data is always with us. The downside is that becasue it is so small, it can be easily lost, and one risks losing all their important files.

2) It would be more secure becasue you would have your informaton with you an a flashdrive, it wouldnt be cnnected to a server so no one could steal it and it would be less likey lost becaue you would always have it on your flashdrive, and wouldnt have to rely on computer memory.

Multiple Choice and Discussion Questions

Page 96-97

Multiple Choice:

1) C

2) D

3) A

4)E

5)D

6) E

7) C

8) A

9)

10)B

11)C

12)C

13)E

14)

15)C

Discussion Questions:

7) Non-Impact printers can print many pages quilkly with high quality. they are very durable and reliable. The disadvantages are tht they are more pricey and cant be used to print multipart forms.

8)These peripherals can be used to enter information into the computer, as well as display the output. An example can be memory devices, that can give information to the computer, as well as save/extract information from it. Touch screens are also a good example because they can be used to input commands, and display output at the same time.

9) Sequential Access Memory has a lot of space to hold information, however, it takes time to access information . It is usually used as a back-up memory. Random Access memory can retrieve information very quickly but cannot be used to store large amounts of information.

Biometrics

1- Define biometrics

A method of identifying individuals based on biological properties; The technology must scan the body part and compare and try to match the information to data previously stored in the database.



2- list and explain a use of a biometrics system in each area of impact



a) Business and Empoyment: Banks would use iris scanning technology so that only employees can access financial accounts and the office. Retailers also allow customers to pay for thie items using fingerprint scanners.

b) Education

c) Health: DNA recognition can be used to tell individuals apart based on DNA samples.

d) Arts, Entertainment, and Leisure: Regarding travel, airports will be using iris scanners when checking in [eople for flights.

e) Science and Enviroment

f) Politics and Government: Law enforcement uses DNA recognition to accurately find and identify criminals.



3- Explain how one type of biometric system works.

Iris recognition scans the iris and compares the scan to a database of iris patterns to math up the iris scan to data connected to it. FIngerprint scans work in the sane manner, the finger is scanned and the image is compared to other fingerprints in the database to math the print with data.

4- who approves/disapproves of the use of biometrics?



Companies and organizations concerned about security think biometric systems would be most secure and accurate and wish to adopt them in their systems. It is also effiecnet when it comes to certian processes and accurate in identifying people. COnsumers, howver, are suspicious that the government and any company using biometrics willa buse the information they are given from it



5- explain 3 concerns regarding the use of the biometrics system.



a) Security: corporations may abuse biometrics and use the information for personal needs.

b) Crime: People who want to access things that involve biometric security may startt o steal body parts and such to access the area.





6- explain 3 advantages to using the biometrics system.

a)Security: It can keep restricted offices and areas open to authorized personel only, so that others can't enter easily.

b) Accuracy: It is easier to identify people, because biological properties are unique to every individual, they can't be changed or forged in any way.

c) Less Chance of misidentification or identity theft: People's identities would be more secure.

7- what is the benefit of using biometrics as shown in the last clip?

It can be used by advertisers to recognize the consumer and advertise to their needs, calling them by name to make it more personal and appealing. it can help advertising agencies and businesses sell their products.

ITGS PROJECT: Criterion !

Criterion I: Planning

Week of Dec 27-Jan 2

-Talk to Client (sis Dalia) about the information to include on the website.

-Start figuring out what pages will be included. map them out

Week of Jan 3- Jan 9

-Finish mapping out website on paper, have all the information written out.

-Start designing intro page and basic pages that i already know how to make via microsoft publisher.

-Resaerch ways to create interactive pages, such as a quiz and some wort of excel sheet

Week of Jan 10-16

-Continue researching options. Try starting in any feasable methods found

- Make sure the basic information for the quiz, and any other page is already written so when the solution is found it can easily be transferred to the site.

Week of Jan 17- Jan23

-Show progress of website to client, ask if any changes should be made or included.

-Continue creating quiz and excel sheet pages

Week of Jan 24-Jan 30

-Continue fixing up anything that client said to fix. Show progress.

-Think of possible ways to make the page secure so only teachers can log in with passwords.

Week of Jan 31- Feb 5

-Start setting security/log in system on website if solution is found via research.

Week of Feb 6-Feb 12

-Make any final changes to the website

Week of Feb 13- Feb

-Introduce teachers to new system for logging in points. Assign passowrds that may be changed.

-Start writing paper on ITGS project

Weeks of Feb 19- march 4

-Finish Writing paper on Project.

Qwerty keyboard Social/Ethical Questions

Social Questions:

2) How did this issue emerge?

Many, including Parkinson were frustrated with the illogic of the QWERTY keyboard, because it makes i difficult to type efficiently.

3) Who are the stakeholders?

Stakeholders include Parkinson, the designer of a new alphabetically arranged keyboard, and any other who are interested in using/purchasing his new model because they are also frustrated with he QWERTY keyboard.

4)What are the Advantages and Disadvantages for the stakeholders?

The advantage is that those who want an easier to use keyboard that doesn't run on the QWERTY system, can now purchase one. The disadvantage is that because the QWERTY keyboard is so widespread, they'll still have to use it in other places and may not be in practice if they have the alphabetically arranged keyboard at home.

6)What areas of impact does it affect?

This affects business and employment because if the new keyboard become popular enough, many manufacturers will start to produce it and those still selling the QWERTY keyboard may have lower sales. it can also affect any other area because computers and keyboards play a role in all of them, and the people involved in these areas may switch to the new keyboard.

Ethical Questions

8) What are some ethical issues?

Although this new keyboard is being designed to help others it may harm them because if the new design doesn't become popular, those with it will still have to use QWERTY keyboards in other places and they may be out of practice.

9)Who is Responsible?

Parkinson and any who chooses to manufacture and sell the keyboard is responsible for its affects.

10)Who is Accountable?

Parkinson and any company who chooses to sell and manufacture the keyboard, as well as anyone who decides to purchase and use it.

12) Are there alternative solutions?

Those who aren't used to the QWERTY keyboard should simply practice more and get a hold of it. On the other hand if the keyboard is adopted then it should become the new standard used everywhere, or at least available in public libraries and internet cafes.

Article on Biometrics

New Biometric Passport System...

http://www.elsevierscitech.com/nl/btt/FreeArticles.asp

Review Questions pg 97

CRTs and LCDs

5) CRT moniters are less expensive than LCDS, and they also produce high-quality images at many different resolutions, as compared to a LCD.

6) Laptop computers and video projectors use LCDs to project output becasue they are more compact and easy to carry around. CRTs are too bulky/heavy and cannot project for large viewing audiences, making it unfavorable for these devices.

http://www.tipandtrick.net/2009/new-bluetooth-enabled-docupen-xtreme-x-series-high-resolution-portable-scanning-pen-by-planon/

For some reason the article link wasn't posting on here so i just made it the title^^^

I left my tech folder with the social/ethical Qs at home so ill turn in the assignment about the article with the QWERTY keyboard tomorrow night for late points iA. JAK

Reading Review: 12/23/09

List five input devices and three output devices that might be attached to a PC.
Describe a typical use for each.

INPUT DEVICES:
Keyboard: Used for inputing information into the computer through typing. Such as typing a repot using a word processor.
Mouse: Used to send commands to the computer, such as clicking on the link to a website
Scanner: Used to input pictures and text into computers.
White smartboard: Used in schools and otehr places for presentaitons to store tha images on the board in the computer.

OUTPUT DEVICES
Moniter: Allows the computer to display information and any work being done by the computer on the screen
Speakers: Allows one to hear the content in the computer such as videos, music, etc
Pritner: Allows one to print information displayed on the screen form the ocmputer onto paper.


Name and describe three special-purpose input devices people commonly use in public places, such as stores, banks, and libraries.

Touch Screens: USed in restaurants and stores to input information regardign a purchase tinto a computer during checkout.
Optical mark Readers: Used by test amking companies to score standardized tests by scanning pencil marks.
Bar code Readers: Allow stores to gather information on a product by scanning its barcode

Many people find that the mouse is impractical for use as a pointing device on a laptop computer. Describe at least three alternatives that are more appropriate.

There are many alternatives for a mouse:
Touchpad: commonly found on laptops; uses a small panel sensitive to touch to navigate the computer screen.
Trackball: Uses a protruding ball to control the pointer on the screen.
Pointing stick: A small joysttick on the keyboard that can be used to control the pointer by pushing it in the direction you wish teh cursor to move.

ITGS Project: Criterion G

This year, a new system was created for the school to encourage moral behavior and boost school spirit. This was a house system, modeled after the system practiced in British schools, that divided all Ib students into one of four houses. Each house would then be capable of earning or losing points for their house through their actions. Teachers and administration would have the power to give or take points from each house based on their judgment. This made teachers responsible for keeping track of points they awarded or took away and turning them in every week to those responsible for calculating points and keeping students up to date of which house was in the lead.
The system was initially successful and definitely boosted school spirit in a new way, but there were a few problems. Perhaps the most significant problem was that the current system had a very tedious way for teachers to keep track of points they gave or took away. This caused teachers to not reward or deduct points and therefore, caused students to forget there even was a house system. The administration and students who created the system want it to be more inherent in the school, and would like a more efficient and easy to use means for recoding points. They have expressed their concerns, but do not have the time to carry out anything for improvement.
In order to revive the system, a new more effect way for recording points must be created. Tow possible solutions include using spreadsheets in the computer lab. Teachers may access the spreadsheets and log in their data, which would automatically be calculated. Another method, which is more complex in terms of set up, but easier for teachers and those responsible for calculating points would be to create a website, where teachers may log in with their own passwords and plug g in points taken or given to houses. They may then be calculated automatically on the website and then the results can be posted on the website itself. The website can also have other house system-related features such as descriptions of the houses and a “sorting” personality quiz.
With a more efficient system in pace, teachers and students will likely participate more in the house system and school spirit and moral character will improve.

Get Ready for the Real Bionic Man

Discussion Questions Page 57

1) Glasses are more of a hassle in the sense that you have to take them on and off. They can also easily be danmaged and don't offer a full 360 degrees clear view; one is limited to seeing only within the frames of their glasses.

2) There are many benefits to using bionic devices with interated chips, becasue the devices will be able to perform more tasks and run more effiecently. It will make them more reliable overall. The downsides would be that no matter how reliable, a machine is a machine and it can never replicate the biological functions fo our body, they will still at one point or another lack in ability. We may rely on them too much and be dissapointed.

3) Yes, unless a clear threat is scene in their development and use, the development of bionic devices seems inveitable. Especially with the line between science and ethics thinning, and technological advances being seen as opportunities, technology will find its way into all aspects of life.

Chapter 3: Hardware Basics

Review Questions (page 60)

3) Both are different methods for a computer to break down and understand/manipulate any information input into it. The binary number system would denote the information into combinations fo two digits, while the ASCII code represents each character with a 8-bit code to break down the information.

4)Information is stored in binary formats because a computer cannot directly read any text, multipeida,etc, unless it breaks it down into binary code.

5) Not all software is compatible with every CPU, becasue software isusually written for a specifi processor, and not for any other ones. This is why mactintoch sfotware won't work with an intel processor.

6) Another factor besides clock speed that determines a CPU's performance level is the "architecture" of the CPU, as wella s how many bits it can process at one time (word size).

7)

8) Symmettric multi-processing is when chip makers put multiple CPUs in a single chip. Its more efficeint becasue it makes use of one operating ssytem to control more than one processor; it in creases a PCs performance without geenrating the heat that owould be generated by adding a single, faster CPU.

9) RAM is random access memory. it stores information until the processor is ready to handle it, but it only stores things temporarily. ROM, on the other hand, is read-only memory. It stores information for the computer to carry out essential functions permanently.

10)Primary storage, such as the RAM, stores data that needds to be instantly accessible to the CPU. Secondary storage, such as various storage devices (USBs, CDs,etc) stores any other data, that one can easily access and retrieve information with.

Hardware Basics Review

Questions 12/08/09

1)What are the four basic functions of a computer?
-Recieve Input
-Process information
-Produce Output
-Store Information

2)Waht oes CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit

3) Explain what a bit is.
A computer must break down information input to it into binary numbers. The smallest Binary digit or unit of information is a bit.

4)Name two codes used to convert words into bits:
-Unicode
-ASCII

5)Why is information stored in some kind of binary format in computers?
A computer cannot read text,images,etc unless it first converts it into binary digits.

Notes "How Stuff Works" Video

Seven Major parts of A Computer:

Motherboard: Heart of the Computer

CPU: Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer that runs much of its functions.

RAM: Random Access ememory. Hold the data and software you're currently running.

Video card: creates the images displayed on your computer.

Power suppy: Supplies the power to the computer.

Hard Disk: Holds information even when the powers off. When the computer turns on, the information is transferred tot he RAM.

Optical Drive: Uses a laser to read or write CDs and DVDs

Tech Reflect: 12/01

Discuss the advantages and disadvanteges of telecommuting:

The advantages of telecommuting include:
-less air pollution, becasue people aren't driving to work
-less office distractions
-more time for the employee to get work done becasue they're not stuck in traffic
-studies show that telecommuting shows increased productivity.
-Employee has more freedom as to how to use their time. Less control from project managers over employees in the aspect of time.

The disadvantages of telecommuting include:
-Holding meetings could be difficult.
-Those in charge would not be able to track an employees progress as easily ( control), or ask their employees direct questions.
- If the project managers, need to have an urgent conversation with an employee, they cannot do so as easily as a face to face conversation. ( reliability)

Labeled Computer Pic

Hope i didn't miss anything...

Chapter 11 Review

Review Questions page 420

4)When it comes to telecommuntig, there seems to be only advantages. For the owrker, it is more comftable working at home, and it gives them more time to spend with their family, becasue they don't have to spend that time commuting. For the management, it also has advantges.The manager sees more productivity adn more work form their employess, because they aren't distracted form the office enviroment. Telecommuting also helps soceity, in the sense tht it helps the enviroment. It lessens drivers commuting to work and therefore lowers pollution frm cars. There don't seem to be too mnay disadvanteges, except that maybe that it doesn't help when workers need to hold meetings to discuss group projects.

5)Managers can use surveilance technology and software to keep an eye on their employees. They can moniter their employees work, productivity etc. They can also keep track on whether their employyess are wroking or surfing the net and wasting time via surveilance software.

6)De skilling is when you take an automated job and make it simpler, involving less skill, such as cashregisters that simply have the names of the items for sale to press, and all the computng is done by the computer. Up skilling is when jobs become more coplicated with the advances of technology. for example, as offices adopt amail sstems, spreadsheets, and so on, it makes secretarial jobs mroe difficult.

7) Electronic sweatshop s a term coined by writer Barbara Grson to describe jobs where people, often minotrities are paid minimum wage to do minless computer work in windoless rooms, with monitered breaks and so on. it has the sort of opressive feel of the sweatshops in the 19th centruty. Corporations like them becasue it allows them to take advantage of minorities, paying them less to get small jobs done. others feel it is opressive and should be stoped or at least guideleines should be set to make it less opressive.

8)As technolog improves, there will be more automated jobs, but there will also be technology that will need a human behind to run it. Education is critical to get students aquainted with new technologies so they can be prepared for the workforce they are being sent to.

9)The industrial age was desinged to prepare studetns for the workforce. It desinged a sort of balnd school system, expecting students to work quietly and absorb facts poured to them by the teacher. With the information age, the goal is the smae, to prapare children for the workforce, but theres more artistic expressiona and the ways of teahcing vary for the needs of different students.

10) A student needs allt he basics, ut they also need to learn about the different technologies arising at out times, so they can be prepared to use them in the jobs they wil probably get in the fututre.

12)Students and teachers use multimeida often in classrooms often nowadays. Multi media is ususally used to create presentations to help teach classes. Thse presentations can be altered and personalized to meet the needs of specific students. Students can be more expressive by presenting twhat they learn through powerpoints vieos, and music theyve synthesized.

13) Distance education can allow students to connect wth other students worwide and explore different cultures or help others. It can also help us access information and resources from around he world.

14) In order to ensure success students need to be allowed to use the technology to enhance their own strenthgs, and they need to have echnolog incorporated into theri classrooms, not just a trip to the lab once week.

15) Home computers are used to assist in homework and work, as well as with day to day tasks, such as communicting cvia e-mail, and looking up any sort of information or tutorial.They can also be used to shop online, find recipes,and so on.

16)Smart cards look like credit ards, but they have a microprocesso r embedded that can keep track of transactions. it is better to protect against identity theft and so on, so it seems to be a smarter alternative to credit cards in the are of online transactions. they are also used as drivers licenses, food stamps, and keys to sensitive info on computers.

17)Technology is makign home interactive more interactive. It allows us to be more involved in games and tv viewing. It also allows us to connect with and play games with other players in different locations.

Chapter 11 DIscussion Questions

Multiple chpice page 420

4)Running electronic sweatshops with techlnology can maeke prcesses more efficent and accurate, however, many people would lose jobs. however, there may still be workers needed to runa dnc reate technology, so the job market shouldn't change to dramamtically.

6)This is a big conern out there today, and it is, to anextent true. We tend to get to dependant on tehcnology and forget how to calculate, or correct grammatical erros, because we expect it to be taken care of for us. However, coputers allow us to focus on other skills, and unlock potential witht eh help of computers. WE can acheive more with technology, at the expense of being dependant on it for simple skills.

11)There has been a coputer lab at shcool for quite some time, and technology was a class trtaken every year, so i feel ive had a sufficent amount of education in that area.WE also have projectore and calsulators to use in class. However, when it comes to technology for extra cirricular activities, there oculd be more. A vdeio lab, or a photography lab would be nice, technology centered around creaticvity.

12)Home computers can actually weaken a family, if certian memeber ss spend all theri time on the compuiter instead of quality time witht the family.However, teh computer does create menas for communicating with fmaily emmebrs abroad, and in that sense strenthens the family.

13)I think computers can make people more creative. Those who would like to stick to other methods of art may do so, but computers provide tools to advocate new forms of creativity. One can edit pictures and videos and so on, and create theri own graphics.

Tech Reflect: 10/22

Tech Reflect: If we fell asleep a thousand years a go and woke up today, what would we do to catch up tot he technology of the times.

Well, considering that we would still be educated and could read, the place to start would be to read books, possibly how to books, on how to use technology. Its obvious that one would also need to consult someone from the technological age to teach the basics. Once one has picked up the basics on how to use a computer, internet, etc, they can go online and access even more resources with would explain how to use any other technology. There are many websites that offer step by step instructions and "how to" videos. There are also documentaries one can watch on TV and so on. nce one can use technology that provides access to even more resources and information, they can pick up on any technology they want to in no time.

What inspired Alan Kay? What did he accomplish?

Since he was a child, Alan Kay was trying to invent things. He composed his own music and built a harpsichord. In college, as his PhD project, he invented the first microcomputer. After seeing a presentation where Engelbert showed a demonstration of the first personal computer, Kay was inspired to create one of his own, a personal computer with even more benefits. He created a computer called the Alto and tried to improve it, but it still hadn't reached his vision of what a personal computer can be. So he continued to work in the world of technology, being hired by apple and then working at Disney. He then started to focus on creating kid friendly software and was awarded the Kyoto prize for his efforts.

Tech Reflect: 10/21

Do you think educational games are good ways for students to learn in schools? Give examples that support your arguments.

Yes, i think educational games are a good way to learn in school. SOmetimes learning through games creates a sense of competition, and students are more likely to study for the game so they can win. Games also keep students more awake in class, and more liekly to participate, especially if there is a reward for the winner of the game. An example that i've done in many classes is jeaporday, which makes me as a student participate more, becasue its more interesting and engaging.

b- What about other games, such as this one?
I don't see how this game is particulary educational, although it may sharpen thinking skills, because it involves stategic thinking. It may be a good warm-up to a class, becasue itll get students into "thinking mode".

Test 1 Study Guide

Review Questions:
1- Write the URL for your blog.

http://areebasblog.blogspot.com/

2- What is a domain? Where does it appear in the URL?

The domain is the "dot something" that appears at the end of a website URL. It classifies all URLs based on content, or website type. Examples include: .com, .edu, .org, etc. On my blog URL, "blogspot.com" would be the domain.

3- What is Boolean logic? How can you use it to find a passage of Beowulf in Old English?

Boolean Logic is a system that helps one give more precise commands in search engines. If one wanted to find Beowulf in Old English via a search engine, they'd use boolean logic to type in "Beowulf" AND "Old English" to specify that they wanted both words to appear in the article they were looking for.

4- How is using the search engine helpful in different classes? Math? Arabic?

The search engine can be used to find information on virtually anything, be it math or Arabic. One can find necessary equations online, and find online textbook resources via search engines for math. For Arabic, one can find articles in Arabic itself, online translating services, or even simplified lessons published online.

5- What is the purpose of a network server?

A network is a server that provides computers connection to a network of computers. Its purpose is to offer those connected to other computers access to various resources,databases, etc.

6- Pros and cons of USB drives?

An area of impact that a USB greatly effects is education.
Pros include: you can store assignments and easily transport them without relying on the internet. Its easier to share files.

Cons: There may not be enough space on the USB you are using to transport files and you may lose the USB in which case you could lose many files.

Podcast Reviews

1)Discover Spanish
This is a series of podcasts that teaches one how to speak spanish " in just fifteen mintutes a day". Each lesson opens with a catchy tune. =P It also has a corresponding website where one can follow along with lesson plans and activities. In each lesson, the instructor, Johnny "spnaish", teaches key words and phrases based on themes. The first podcasts taught phrases related to greetings and conversation starters. Johnny spanish says each word.phrase with translation, and repeats them a few times, with a co-host repeating them as well. Each is fifteen minutes long and is aimed at teaching spanish to a wide audience in a few minutes a day.

2)MuggleCast
This podcast was interesting, becasue it had advertisements in the begining. Than,it moves on to the "mugglecast". Its about an hour long, and has about 182 podcasts in the series so far. In each episode, mugglecast discusses Harry potter books and movies. In this segment, which was released October 6th, discussed a chapter from the book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. it also related the chapter to its protrayal of the movie. After the discussion, they bring up any updates related to Harry Potter. Its a regular show and has multiple hosts who lead the discussions and segments.

3) Ummahfilms
The popular youtube vlog is also a podcast series with all of the videos in an easy to download format. =)
The format of the show itself is simple, just a guy trying to educate the general muslim public on simple matters. Theres no standard format follwoed, it varries from podcast to podcast, but thats what keeps it interesting. All of them involve some comedy via the protrayal of sterotypical characters anss jokes.

Internet Censorship

Country : Ranked Least Access to Most
Cuba
Cuba has the lowest ratio of computer and internet access per citizen. There are certain locations where the internet can be accessed and they are government controlled. Websites and internet activity is blocked there via IP blockers. Cuba also arrests journalists who post any information against the government

China and Brazil
China blocks any articles related to politically sensitive material, or anything against the government. It also bans any websites with child pornography, and other inappropriate material. Chinese search engines aren’t allowed to display information on these topics. A total of 18000 websites are banned in mainland china.

Brazil restricts freedom of expression online, especially if content is racist or culturally offensive. Any person who publishes online cannot remain anonymous.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia filters all internet traffic by sending it through “King Abdulaziz’s City for Science and technology. Here, all internet traffic is filtered of anything offensive to the government, politically sensitive, racist, or against moral values.

India
India completely blocks about seventeen websites it finds inappropriate for its citizens.

France and Japan
France is under the process of passing a blacklist of websites that show any displays of adult content, especially any that shows explicit content involving a child. . Also, any internet user who is caught stealing copyrighted material from the internet, their internet access can be taken away temporarily.
Japan uses filtering software to remove information it deem harmful. It also has procedures to find any messages sent or received involving potential attacks and suicides.


United States
The United States does not filter any internet content, although some content is illegal and can be taken off the web, mostly any websites including child pornography.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think that the idea of banning certain websites is good, but some countries take it to far. Since most countries seem to agree on certain things, maybe an international law regarding websites with inappropriate content should be created.When it comes to political information, that should be left online, because even if it is banned, citizens will find ways to access it; blocking it is a waste of time and money. All countries should allow for the freedom of expression online, and people shouldn't be arrested for the publishing of their opinion.

October 9 Review

1- Why is file compression important on the Internet?


2- What new services are available as a result of the commercialization of the Internet? What new problems are arising as a result of that commercialization?
With the commercialization of the internet, more and more services are available to internet users. One can do almost anything, from checking the weather,to reading articles, researching, watching live video, sharing files, to online shopping, to communication in many different ways.
With the rise of internet use, there comes a set of social.ethical issues. One of the most important is that of Privacy and anonymity. There are websites that can track ones virtual footprint, and people can learn information about others very easily.Security is also an issue, identity theft is more common via internet and hackers can hack your online accounts/computer. Through file sharing, people also violate the idea of intellectual property because they are in a sense stealing from the people responsible for the files.

3- Residents of the People’s Republic of China can have their Internet access blocked for a period of time if they attempt to access banned sites. Do you feel this is an effective way for the Chinese government to control people’s behavior on the Internet?
It seems a bit extreme to do something like this, especially because too much restriction from something can lead to the person being restricted wanting it even more and finding other ways to get what they want.Banning at a national level may not be as effective, because there are too many people to keep track of. If its done at a more local level, and the punishment isn't as harsh or controlling, they may be more effective in achieving their goal.

SMS in Kenya

What is SMS?
SMS (short message service) is basically text messaging from a phone to another phone, or in this case, to a database.

How is it used in Kenya?
In Kenya, SMS is being used to help record information concerning the malnutrition of children. Malnutrition is measured based on the circumference and length of a child's upper arm. This is simple enough, but recording the data, especially when dealing with thousands of children can be tricky and error-prone. In order to creat a more efficient and quick means of recording the information, health workers use SMS to send the information of each child from their phones to a medical database.This way they may know if there is someone too malnurished and need sudden attention, they can get it quickly.

Social/Ethical issues:
Privacy and Anonymity: The personal medical information of each child can be at risk of being revealed if the SMS is accidently sent to the wrong phone or database.
Reliability: If the health worker recording the information is in a zone where they can't recieve the cell-phone service with which to send the SMS, the news will be delayed, and they may resort to wrting out the information which could lead to mistakes because tis a tedious process.

How can this be used in education?
SMS can be used between teachers and students while on a field trip in case the student gets lost. Its might also be helpful for a student to ask the teacher a quesion without disturbing others when in a quiet area.

Net Censorship and Democracy's Fall

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1) DO you think AMericans have a double standard when it comes to free speecha nd censorship? Put another way, do you think Americans hold other societies to a higher standard when it comes to the right of free speech?

There does seem to be a double standard.America seems to be a strong proponet of free speech and privacy, but its clear that theres a lot of behind the scenes snooping of peoples personal information online by government agencies and large corporations. Theres also a degree of censorship, such as the example the author mentioned in the article. At the smae time while all this is going on, America denounces censorship in other countires.

2)Do you agree with Dvorak that "all censorship mechanisms are bad for society?"

Censorship at a national level seems like a bit much, but there are smaller applications of censoship that are useful. For example, the blocking of websites with adult content in schools and homes is good for children.

AOI: This can affect every Area of interaction, because all those areas are involved witht he internet, and censorship can be applied to all.

IT Systems: This mainly affects the systems of the internet and communications.

Socail/Ethical Issues: Privacy and Security- collecting personal information is a violation of privacy on the part of the agencies and government agencies involved, no matter what the cause.

Chapter 9 Review A

Explain how and why the Internet was created.

The computer was initially used to perform calculations,and in order to share information form one computer to another, one had to save the information on a magnetic tape. During the cold war, the US military wanted a more efficient way of sharing data, so they created a network of computers called ARPANET. ARPANET grew and grew until it became an international network, the internet.

Describe the technology that’s at the heart of the Internet.

The technology at the heart of the internet is the TCP/IP protocol. It is used to connect different types of networks in computer systems.It uses a system similar to a postal one, breaking down information into packets and sending it to where it needs to be sent. It also uses an addressing system for the internet, so its clear where all information needs to be sent to.

Describe the technology that makes the Web work as a multimedia mass medium.

Nowadays, web browsers offer plug-ins, which are basically software extensions that add new features. One a person downloads the plug in, they can take advantage of different applications and multi-media available on the web.

Discuss the tools people use to build Web sites.

People use various scripted languages to create webpages, such as HTML, Dynamic HTML, Java, Active X and XML. Websites can be further programmed to include updates, applications, etc with more complex languages such as Perl.

Discuss the trends that are changing the Internet and the way people use it.

As the internet grows, people are finding more uses of it and changing it. There are online businesses where one can purchase items. Most communication is easily accomplished through the internet. There are often live broadcasts of news and live streaming movies. People share movies, music and various other files. As the uses of the internet become more complex. More sophisticated and efficnet websites are designed with more applications and capabilities.

Discuss some of the most important social and political issues raised by the growth of the Internet.

The internet creates a means of sharing information. Sometimes this leads to people sharing files that may be copyrighted and may hurt the incomes of those responsible for the files, such as music artisists and so on. It can be considered teh theft of intellectual property.
Also, because the inteernet isn't centralized, and is more of a global network, it can't be governed over. Any sites that offer inappropriate or offensive material can't be blocked.
There are also lots of privacy and security ciolations due to hacking and identity theft. People are also scammed in "get rich quick schemes and so on by con artists online.

Describe various ways that governments restrict access to the Internet.

Because the internet isn't centralized, its difficult to censor information or set guidelines for the internet. Some countries try to control the internet by routing the internet through a centralized control center. Here, technicians attempt to block any information they have been ordered to, before it reaches the person trying to access the internet.

October 7 Review: Boolean Logic

Review: What is Boolean logic?
Boolean logic is a sort of system that makes web searching more efficient.It uses words such as NOT, AND, OR to simplify your web search in search engines.

October 7 Tech Reflect

TechReflect: How easy/difficult is it to use RSS? Find 2 online applications that display feeds. How difficult is it to use RSS (can a clue-less web browser figure out how to use it)? Post a picture of the icon used for RSS.

RSS ( really simple syndication) is a form of push technology that makes it easy to receive regular updates on blogs and websites.It makes it easier for people to share data and attract readers to their blogs by sending regular updates to their subscribers.If one simply subscribes to a blog or an application, or even if they use social networks, they are using RSS technology. It's not very difficult for the average web-user to utilize; chances are they're suing it without realizing.
Social Networks such as Facebook and Myspace use RSS
Any blog services also use it

HTML VS PUBLIISHER: Which is better in regards to creating a webpage?

Honestly, I'm not very familiar with either method of creating a webpage; in fact im not very familiar with creating webpages in general, but its clear that from the two methods i used to create similar pages, Microsoft Publisher was easier to use.
Both of the pages i created were simple. The were each only page, and didn't really have mych information onthem. I was simply trying to create what i could baesed on what i new. HTML was more difficult becasue in order to color the background, or change font types or sizes, i needed to know the code for doing so. Since i didn't really know any ikept th epage simple. I wrote a few words, used headings, and added a picture.
When usuing Publisher, it was much easier. Everything was easily accomplished by the click of a mouse. I simply ha d to select the colors i wanted, selelct the fonts, and even the layout of the page. It was like filling in th eblanks, whereas html was like starting form scratch.

I didn't do anything elaborate on either page. I didn't add sound or animation, just a link to the itgs blog, a few words,,,and a logo. =)

(The pages are saved on my USB)

Latest Technologies in Schools

Technology in Schools

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100500108.html
Silicon Valley
One school had a full video production studio for announcements and school news, as well as other student project presentations and broadcasting.
LA
On school had a full-time Mac computer lab for video and graphic work
Used for clubs such as yearbook and photography clubs, as well as specific classes sucha s animation.

(based on an article I did a news bubble on recently called “In Pod we Trust”)
Schools in general
Ipods are being widely used for students to record and store information for projects. Some teachers have students start their own podcasts as projects. Other teachers have students upload certain speeches and lectures into their ipods and assign them students to listen to them on hteir way to school as homework. In Orange County they now offer courses for teachers on how to utilize ipods in the classroom.

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech173.shtml
High Schools in Columbus, Ohio
Many schools are considering giving each student tablet computers, on which students can write with their own handwriting and itll be converted to typed writing.it runs on an independent battery and is compact, making it easy to move around and it can connect to the internet.


Based on these articles, here is a wish list for Al-Arqam:

-Equipment for a Video production studio: camcorders, TVs for each classroom, wiring and whatever else necessary for everything to work, etc

-Tablet Computers for each student to use in class

-Ipods for each student to use as a harddrive, recording presentations, etc

-Equipment for a photography lab for developing photos and such for classes.

-More designing and photo editing software for computers in the computer lab.

10/02/09 Review Question

What do email addresses and URLs have in common? (p.310)
Both URLs and Emails are used to locate things on the internet using the domain naming system. A URL helps locate the web server that houses the page one is looking for. With emails, the domain name system helps locate the location of the computer that has the email user's mail server.

10/01/09 Review Questions

a) How does the type of Internet connection influence the things you can do on the internet?
The type of internet connection one has determines when and where they can access the internet as well as how fast we can receive webpages or upload things onto the internet. For example, it one has connection to the internet via a direct connection through a LAN, your files are stored on your computer and you can receive and transfer information much more quickly than other options.Dial-up connections tend to be slower in term of response time.Broadband connections are quick to transfer information, but the biggest benefit is that through this connection you can access the internet anytime.With Broadband connections, you can also access the internet in any place with wireless equipment with the help of a wireless receiver in a laptop.

b) Choose 2 areas of impact to discuss 1-2 (in total 3) social & ethical issues related to internet connections.
3.4 Arts Entertainment and Leisure: often times the internet is used purely for entertainment, such as downloading and listening to movies and music, playing online games, socializing via chatting and networking sites, and just surfing the web in general
Reliability: If one has a slow internet connection, such as dial-up, they
won't be able to download videos and music very quilkly, or if
they chat online, the response time will be slow.

3.2 Education: The internet is often used to research for educational purposes. It may be a large project, or simply looking up the definition of a word. In any case, the internet if often looked to for the large pool of information it contains, as well as for how easily and quickly it can be accessed.

Reliability: Slow internet connections will make it longer to download any
files needed in research.
Equality of Access: If one is taking part in an online
class/seminar, they may not be able to use videos to see the
lecture/teacher because of slow connection.They may also not be
able to pull up large files for research.

9/30 Review Questions

1) Why is it hard to determine how big the internet is today?
The internet is a large connection of networks.Theres many different kinds i=of networks out there, some being national, some statewide, some local, and some international. With so many networks and different kinds of websites, its difficult to comprehend how large the internet is. Its even more unfathomable when one considers the fact that almost everyone has access to the internet, more than one billion people.Besides all the commercial sites that we are all aware of, more than half the internet is not made of commercial based websites. blogs, personal webpages, and so on. The internet is growing very quickly, and theres no official record of how many websites are added daily and theres new connections made every minute. The internet isn't centralized. Anyone can access it and add what they would like..theres no power controlling it. It also has no hard boundaries, so anyone can access it in whatever way they like and can do as they please.

2)Why are TCP/IP protocols so important to the functioning of the internet? What do they do?
These protocols are seen as the sort of language of the internet. They allow for networks to easily connect with each other. They are key to communication between networks and computer systems. They also make this process even easier by defining how information can be transferred, and by making the location of information easier through IP addresses.

Domains....

Different domains:
www.harvard.edu
www.google.com
www.whitehouse.gov
www.defenselink.mil
www.comcast.net
www.amnestyusa.org
www.nic.aero
www.billboard.biz
www.ica.coop
www.germany.info
annfrank.house.museum
www.cartonnetwork.co.uk
www.cartoonnetwork.com.au

Arqam House Party! =P

Chapter 1 Objectives

1) Computers play very critical trole in modern life. Most people have their own PCs which they use for personal reason,s including the utilization of various softwares, word processing, and using the internet for communication,, expression, and research. They are also used in any transactions we do in stores, banks, or online. They are also used to store data for various organizations.

2)The computer was at first just an idea and people would rely on others to perform calculations, or simple machines. The computer came about first when it had to be developed for more difficult calculations. It was first primarioly utilized by the army. Developments were made as World War 2 came, and the SPace race further advanced the competition to create smaller more efficient computers. As computers became more and more small and inexpensive to produce with newer technologies such as the microprocessor, companies such as IBM started to produce Personal computers by the 1970s. Developmensts continues and still continuue to today, creating faster, more portable and efficient computers.

3)

4)Five Major Types of Computers:

>>Main frame computers: These are large, room-sized computers used by large organizations for big computing jobs, such as bank or airline transactions

>>Supercomputers: These are the fastest, most powerful comupters available, used by researchers who need more power than that available by mainframe computers.

>>Desktop Computers: Personal computers that aren't portable, they are usually placed on desks or tables and are stationary.

>>Laptop Computers: These are Personal computers that are portable and can run off of batteries. They can be used eaily anywhere, making them good for students who would like to use them in class, or anyone who may need it on the go.

>>Persoanl Digital Computers: These are personal computers with limited capabilties that are protable and can be carried anywhere, usually small enoguh to fit into a pocket.

5)The internaet is widely used and continues to be used by anyone who can access it. There is usually some way for anyone around the world to access it and use it for whatever reasons they please. They can be used for socializing and communication, sharing information and expression, as well as research. The wide use of the internet is simply making life easier, but at the same time, it raises various social and ethical issues.

6)Today's technology makes it so easy to access information and share information that it makes the worls a smaller place. Compared to other times, people can nowadays access information very easily, with the click of the mouse. However, since anyone can also share information and people can also post opinions, the power of the internet can be abused and people can be manipulated.

Tech Article Summary: How Web Servers Work

Article: How Web Servers Work

Link: http://www.howstuffworks.com/web-server.htm/printable

Summary:

This article explains the basics of how web servers work; how the web pages we read are delivered to us. At the very basic level, every time we type in the url to a page, our computer sends a request to a server for the webpage, the server processes it, and sends the page over.

The process can be further broken down,

1) The web page breaks down the web address into three parts: the protocal, server name, and file name.

2) The browser communicates with the name server, which translates the server name into an IP address.

3) The browser then makes a connection with a server at the IP address, and sends a request for the specific file.

4) The server then sends the HTML code for the page to your browser, which formats the page accordingly and displays it to your screen.

The entire process utilizes the internet, which is basicaly a large network of computers linked together through ISP (Internet Service Providers) Networks. Servers, which get the request for the page and send the HTML code are machines conncected via internet that provide services to us clients. When we request a page we type in the wesite which has the domain name in it This is basically the website name that we can easily remember and type in. In order to communicate with a server, the address sent to it must be converted to an IP address, which is an address that consists of digits,and is difficult to remember, which is why the server does the converting. The request is sent to the server through the appropriate port; each server has numbered ports that are used for diferetn services the server offers. Once one is connected t a server, it uses a protocol (ie. http) to access the service needed. The protocal is basically the code used to communicate with the service the client is trying to access.

After all these processes ahve been completed, the request gos through and viola!...the page you typed the address for appears in a matter of seconds. =)

Chapter 1 Review: Multiple Choice

Multiple Choice page 30

11) D

2) D

3) D

4) B

5) C

6) B

7) D

8) B

9) B

10)B

11)E

12)A

13)C

14)C

15)B

"Whither the Renaissance Man?"

Discussion Questions

1) The author suggests that people "invest in knowledge that won't wear out". What kind of knowledge do youthink he's reffering to?

I think that he is saying that we should invest in knowledege that won't die away, becasue only a few individuals have specialized in it. If we invest in some specialized field, and dedicate all of our time to it, it won't be worth it becasue the need for that knowledge may die out. We should learn things that we will always need and that we can sharem, and everyone can benefit from. If we keep a broad perspective when learning, we'll learn all kinds of information, so even if the need for a type of knowledge we gained dies out, we'll still have other knowledge to rely on.

2)How could you make your own undergraduate studies more of an exploration and less of a routine?

The idea is to keep a broad perspective when learning. In the first two years of college when I'm taking general ed, I can take different types of classes in different areas, to explore different fields, and than narrow my focus in the last two years. In doing so i'll have a background of many types of knowlegde instead of just the one i choose to specialize in.

Differences Between a Mainframe and a Microcomputer

A Microcomputer is a computer that uses a microprocessor. Mainframe computers also have a microprosessor, but the term micro computer usually refers to smaller scale computers, such as commonplace PCs, PDAs and so on. Microcomputers can be found commonly in homes, offices, schools, etc. They are used for day to day applications, and pretty much anyone has access to a microcomputer. Mainframes aren't as accessible. These room-sized machines are usually used by banks, airlines and large organizations. they are hidden in climate-controlled rooms and are used to store and process large amnounts of information and transactions. They can also communicate with sevral servers at one through a process called timesharing.

Tech Reflect 2

Contributions to the Development of the Computer BEFORE the 20th Century

Before the 20th century, the mechanical computer was simply an idea. The need for the computer grew as humans statred to perform complex calculatons. In the early civilizations and dynasties, simple tools were used for calculations,such as a the abacus, a "calculator" used by the Chinese and Babylonians. There wer also number systems developed to help calculate and give value tot higns such as the Hindu-Arabic number system. As time progressed and the 19th Century came around, the need for more advanced calculating technology grew. At the time, people who performed calculatiosn were called computers, but obviously there was room for error in their calculations. great minds of the 19th centturies envisioned the idea of a mechanical computer, but major contributions to the development of these mechanical computers weren't given until the 20th century.


NEgative and Positive aspects of the Car, TV and Computer:

Cars are huge part of our society today, and are probably the most commonly used form of transportstion. They allow us to cover long distances in quickly and effiecenty. It makes iteeasier to reach destinations, and doesn't take as much of our energy as previous modes of transportation did. They also offer us otherluxuries while traveling includig air conditioning, comfortable seats, and even entertainemnt through radio, cd players, and so on. Cars make traveling a more comfortable experience. There are however always downsides to any technology. Cars contribute to pollution and global warming, and therefroe harm the enviroment, but this is a minor setback, becasue more effiecent and hybrid carrs lessen the damage.

The television is also very improtant technology, which is very commonly used worldwide. Its uses vary. it can be used to communicate news and current events to a large audience collectively. It can also bradcast live events. The television can also teach through educational programming. its a major tool dfor advertising, through commercials. The television is also greatly used for entertainment, allowign for shows, movies, and sports to be ssn fromt he comfort of one's home. The televison also has setbacks. As all technology, it makes us lazier; peple spend more time watchign Tv then other recreational activites. It can worsen ones eyesight with excessive emounts and there can also be inappropraite programming.

The computer has many of the same benefits as the television. Through the internet, It can be used to inform, educate and entertain. It can also be used to communicate via email and instant messaging. One can also share their opinion via blogs, articles, and posting videos. Teh computer also allows for work to be easier and more effiecent. Data and files can be stored on it, making th use of paper and filing unnecessary. Various software makes it possible to do many things such asedit photos, movies, type documents, create presentations, etc. The computer also has negativ aspects to it. In excess it can harm eyesight, make one lazy, spread negative messages, and so on.

In general all technology has its positive and negative aspects, but the postive seems to outweih the negative in my opinion. All technology will better humanity and have setbakcs, but the imporvements it brings to society makes us overlook it. The setbacks can also usually be solved in one way or another.

Five Facts from the Tech Book.

FIVE FACTS (pages 6-7 in "Tomorrow's Technology and You"

1) The abacus and the Hindu-Arabic number system are examples of early calculating tools that had an immediate and profounfd effect on the human race.

2) It took 125 years for the computer to go from idea to reality. They were first designed for military use and over the years adated to what we have today.

3) After the first computers in the early days, they started to develop rapidly, with new ones replacing the old every year. The transistor, whichwas developed in 1948 started to appear in computers, making them smaller and more reliable.

4)Soon after in the 1960s, the US developed integrated circuits, which were silicon chips with many transistors in them, creating smaller, more efficient, more powerful computers.

5) In 1971, Intel developed the first microprocessor, which was a silicon chip that contained all of the computers computational functions. They made the computer even more powerful, and they were inexpensive to develop, leading to mass productions of watches, calculators. It also lead to the launch and mass productions of personal computers in the 1970s.

Article 2: At&t family tracking service

Article Link:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10219786-94.html

AT&T Launches Family Tracking Service
Just recently, AT&T released a new system that allows parents to track their children via cell phone. It uses GPS technology and cell phone tower triangulation to track the individual in question. The parents may watch where their children are online in real time, or they can recieve text messagesevery now and then informing them of their child's location. The person being tracked recieves periodic text messxgaes reminding them they are being watched. In order to prevent stalkers from using the service, one can only track people in their family plan.

Tech Article: Ipods

Here's an interesting article...it talks about how ipods help teachers and studetns in school.
http://www.questiaschool.com/read/5014694173

Tech Reflect: 8/25

TechReflect: How do you feel about computers and technology? Explain your positive and negative feelings.

I feel computers are very useful, becasuse they provide us with efficent means for communication, research, entertainment, work. One can easily look up infortmation on any research topic, exsisting business, upcoming events, and so on. You can also use it to stay in touch with people around the world, look up directions for a destination, watch videos, and even shop or pay bills. You can also express your own opinion and spread your ideas via the internet.Software for all kinds of applications are availabe. Computers basically help in all aspects of life and the benefits seem to outweigh the negative aspects of computers, such as security issues, and so on...

ITGS triangle

ASSIGNMENT: Choose an IT system, and generally apply the social/ethical issues to it. Then apply the IT system to two areas of impact.

Online Blogs
Section 2: IT Systems in a Socail Context
Often times, teachers decide to use online blogs to keep their students updated on school assignments na dpost up notes and links to hlep students study. A lot of the teacehrs at al-Arqam this year decided to use this method, and it'sdefinately an easy way to prevent miscommunication between students and teachers. It's an efficient communication system becasue it makes it easier for studetns to catch up with whats going on in class and what the homework is if they were absent, or if they just eren't paying too much attention is class.

Section 1: SOcial and Ethical Issues
There are many benefits to this method of communication, but there are some issues that may arise.

1)For one thing, it's not personal, and even if there are notes posted on the blog, it won't be the same as having a teacher teach the student.

2)There is also the issue of equality of access. There may be some people who don't have access to the blog, and may therefore not be able to recieve the notes, homework posts, and other benefits. This may cause miscommunication among the taecher and students without access to the blog.

3)There's also the issue of privacy; if students wanted to make personal comments to the teacher or if the teacher wanted to discuss grades via the blog, others owuld be able to see the comments.

Section 3: Areas of Impact
EDUCATION: It's clear that blogs help create ew streams of communication among students and teachers...and obviosly its becoming popular since half the teachers at Al-Arqam have chosen this route.it creates an efficient and effective means of communication.

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT: Just as it helps in schools, blogs may also help ease communication between employers and employees in businesses and organizations. Tasks can be posted, meeting dates can peple up to pace, and updates on projects would help keep every employee on track with what's going on.

Since the internet is a so widely used nowadays in every area, its a great way to communicate with others and keep people posted.

Social Networking Websites...

Assignment: Apply a social/ethicla issue to the idea of social networking websites.

Reliability:
The issue i was assigned was reliability, which refers to how dependable an IT system is. When it coms to networking sites such as facebook, myspace, or twitter, thye can be relaible in some senses and unreliable in others. One of the purposes of networking sites is to keep in touch with friends and family you don't see ofetn. Or to simply send messages to those you need to. In this sense these websites are reliable becuase they're a method of communicating with others. ANy message you want to send to someone can be sent via threse sites. It's also a relaible way of sharing pictures, videos, and information.
Another purpose of these webistes is to ceonnect with old friends who you may not have seen in a while, or network with new people. In this sense you cannot always depend on these wesites. Poeple can fake information about themselves, and put up random pictures, saying its them. Stalkers and online predators can make fake accounts and try to add people and get to know them, with ulterior motives. This sense of unrelaiblity can make sicializing websites dangerous if one isn't careful on them...

ITGS MAP (courtesy of bubbl.us)

the "Death Star"

Assignment: Looking at the "Death Star" as an IT system, apply it to a social and ethical issue.



1.8 Control: This issue talks about how technology can impose control on a goup of people. The "Death Star" can in a sense control people, because as we saw in the clip, it could literally control ships by pulling them closer to it. It's a very literal analysis...but i couldn't come up with another one...

1.11 People and Machines: This area addresses all the problems and issues that couldarrise as a result of the use of a specific piece of technology. Becasue the "Death Star" has a very destructive nature, it's important that it is designed to be safe and accurate when aiming at a target. Also, if the "Death Star was mass produced somehow, it would be chaotic, because people would use it for their own purposes, destoying planets left and right, and leading all living species in the universe to their impending doom. So basically this can be a very dangerous piece fo technology if it were to be accessible to all, if it weren't designed well, or if it fell into the wrong hands...(enter suspense music here).

My Interaction with Computers...

Assignment: List the ways you interact with computers in your daily life:

I interact with computers constantly....

1) Homework/Research: I pretty much type up most of my assignements, and when we're given the option of doing a powerpoint for a project, i go for it. There's also always some sort of research assignemtn to do, in which case the internet is my number one research destination. i also like online translating services... So basically if school's in session, you'll find me on my laptop every afternoon.

2)SOCAILIZING: This is the reason i love computers...particulary the internet. With it's magical powers i can stay in touch with everyone and hold conversations via networking sites like facebook, email, and im-ing via Aim.

3) Keeping up with everything: When i hear about some news story or anything im interestied in, i usually hit up google or yahoo and catch up on current events, recent studies; any topic im intereted in. I also usually look up new words on online dictionaries.

4) Movies: I watch many many movies online, especailly on the weekends or vacations, when Rimsha and I are in the mood and don't have anything else to do. We also watch our fair share of random pointless youtube videos.

5) Other stuff: I like to use some different programs on the computer for entertainment, i learnedhow to use photoshop to an extent so sometimes i'm on there messing around with photos. Paint is fun when i want to make random drawings and then make them my sister's desktop picture.

Thats all i can think of...thanks for reading folks...