Monday, September 27, 2010

Week 5 - Muddiest Point

The RGB color model is red, green and blue, Sharp Electronics has now offered LCD television with the color yellow in the RGB model. How does the addition of the color yellow change the RGB spectrum? 

http://www.aquos-world.com/

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Week 4 - Comments

http://maj66.blogspot.com/2010/09/imaging-pittsburgh.html?showComment=1285432231947#c7356079056389427749

http://mdunawa.blogspot.com/2010/09/unit-four-multimedia-representation-and.html?showComment=1285435117833#c1226299107428356023

 http://sek80.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-4-reading-notes.html?showComment=1285435385915#c2027088999788394224

Week 4 – Reading Notes

Wikipedia article: Data Compression

Data compression is great for saving space but I have had some lousy experiences with data decompression (as the article points out). When I attempt to decompress word documents and choose Microsoft Word 2007 as the application to open the file I usually receive an “unable to complete the task message.”

Side note: If possible, can someone provide me with technical instructions? Thanks. 

DVD HQ: Data compression basics

The layman's terms used in this article are perfect in helping  me understand a little more about data compression algorithms. These works are usually written for an audience familiar with technical jargon so at times the concepts are hard to grasp.   

Edward A. Galloway, “Imaging Pittsburgh:”

Digitization is vital to a region because it allows individuals to explore/connect with the places and people in their community without having to travel. Opening access to the Pittsburgh regions cultural and people is important for growth and I think it is best articulated through images.  As a Pittsburgh native the Institute of Museum of Library Services made a good investment by providing the grant. 

Paula L. Webb, YouTube and libraries: 

Using YouTube to reach a broader audience is a creative idea and inexpensive. The public library I work at would not use the resource because it is an nontraditional method of dissemination. Another branch is staffed by older adults who are unfamiliar with the technology. I find this both interesting and unfortunate. Something else to think about is how to preserve this medium owned by a third party.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Muddiest points for 9/20

We talked about the various types of software; Are certain types more vulnerable to viruses or bot-nets? 

Friday, September 17, 2010

Week 3 - Comments


http://kaitmlyons.blogspot.com/2010/09/reading-notes-920.html?showComment=1284782724145#c7290638850391602979

http://sarahwithtechnologyblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-3-reading-notes.html?showComment=1284781858280#c4420582220593193794

Week 3 – Reading Notes

Machtelt Garrels. “Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide”

Learning about the history and function of Linux is interesting because I have heard of the software but was unaware of its purpose. I highly doubt that I will utilize Linux in the near future become “desktop user” friendly software is much more manageable. Given the software’s history (made by techies for techies) I’m not surprised.

What is Mac OS X? and Wikipedia article: Mac OS X

There is factual information in this work but I took it with a grain of salt because there was some clear basis. The Wikipedia article gave a more balanced view about Mac OS X. Like all written material it is good to remember there are two sides to every story.

Paul Thurott “An Update on the Windows Roadmap”

I actually like Windows Vista but the overwhelming majority of consumers didn’t so Microsoft developed Windows 7. I probably won’t upgrade for a while but I do like the Windows 7 marketing commercials.

Here is an article from CNN that talks about Window’s Vista aggravations.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/22/windows.seven/index.html?iref=allsearch

Week 2 - Muddiest Points

I have no muddiest points pertaining to the lecture for week 2.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Week 2 – Reading Notes

Wikipedia Article: Personal computer hardware

I like this article because it was fun to test my knowledge. I looked at the picture and named as many components as possible. I was able to name most of the external hardware but only a few of the internal pieces. This article did increase my knowledge of internal computer parts.

Wikipedia Article: Moore's law

Technological increases and consumer demand has transformed our expectations of technology and the speed at which information is processed. This is a blessing and a curse because when technology fails the systems starts to shut down (education, payroll, business, and so on).

Computer History Museum

The timeline of computer history exhibit is interesting to see the physical change in technology size. I remember in middle school inserting a pancake size floppy disk into a computer :)

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Hand's on point: machine adware cleaning using Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware

After running a Lavasoft Ad-aware scan I was completely shocked to learn the program had deleted a high level spy-ware threat because I only frequent trusted sites. When I ran the software on a friend’s computer it deleted 240 cookies privacy objects and 2 high level spy-ware threats.

Stacey Kinsel

Week 1 – Readings Notes

OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers (2004).

“Historically, libraries have been the unparalleled collectors of content, and for many reasons: their mandate to protect collections that reflect local communities; the necessity of a single place to find and obtain information; and because, frankly, no one did it better” (OCLC, 2004, p. 13).



It is irrefutably true that increasingly consumer consumption of content/information is being distributed using a “just-in-time” business model. Through my actions of previewing and downloading individual songs using the iTunes business model/platform I reinforce the main point of the author’s argument. But I ask the question:


If the container is irrelevant as the article suggests why has library circulation increased?


Major bookstore chains would have moved to an entirely electronic business model if there was not a demand for the container. The report also failed to articulate that libraries “just-in-case” business model serves a greater purpose than reasons mentioned in the quote above. Libraries are the great equalizer in regards to access and dissemination of information serving populations with increased needs such as the elderly, poor, disabled, and unemployed.

I agree that the library community traditionally lags when incorporating information technology trends. Although libraries should be wary of temporary trends by not adapting to permanent trends they risk alienating younger generations. It is more difficult for libraries to incorporate innovative technology into the OPAC because of limited resources and a public (not corporate/profit) service business model. Realistically I think the library community should take steps that move in the right direction, adding a spell check and automatic suggested authors reading function.

Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture

Lynch has established solid definitions and detailed components involving information technology and information literacy. Due to limited monetary funding and staff constraints I don’t believe it is realistic to expect some elementary and/or high school's to have access to the latest technology. The information technology literacy component can be taught alone as a foundation or basis of knowledge which can be built upon at a later date. In this regard I do not believe students would be at a disadvantage with just one component.

Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still

This article articulates perfectly through its own challenges with funding, security, and space how it is not easy for small – medium sized libraries to make transitions with information technology. I find it interesting that some articles can recommend many changes libraries should incorporate but do not provide practical steps for making the developments.      

Stacey Kinsel

Friday, September 3, 2010

Muddiest point

Are the notes/comments we write in our blogs each week different and/or in addition to the structured discussion topic questions posted on Blackboard? For example: For next week Blackboard has posted - Unit 2: Discussion Topic: Digitization, with structured discussion questions on the readings. Should the questions listed in the Blackboard discussion section be answered in addition to our blog postings?