Senior Computer Class 2011 Photo Album
14 years ago
Friday, September 12, 2008
Muddiest point class #3
What effect will exclusive use of web browser have on older computer hardware that is no longer supported by current operating systems?
Readings week #4
The readings this week focused on databases. The 3 articles combined with the chapters in the book were somewhat confusing because it seems that the same vocabulary has different meanings depending upon the author.
The article in Wikipedia originally caused confusion, namely concerning database models and database management system models. I realized that I confusing a structure to store data with a type of software used to organize the stored data. The database management system models in the Wikipedia article did not match those described in Discovering Computers 2009. I wonder why since both are suppose to be up to date?
The article on the Dublin Core Data Model was enlightening. In a global setting there is need for some standardization of databases, since the goal is to access information. The goal of this effort is to foster interoperability between databases by establishing a formal data model by identifying a set of metadata (data about data) elements that can be used to describe and search across information sources.
"Setting the Stage" was an article about metadata and its use in databases and other digital and non-digital information systems. This article also made reference to library situations! Also mentioned was the importance of structure of information objects and the need for some sort of metadata standards. The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set was also mentioned, as was the need for standards for purposes of interoperability. Information is processed data that is organized, meaningful, and useful, and hopefully retrieveable both now and in the future.
The article in Wikipedia originally caused confusion, namely concerning database models and database management system models. I realized that I confusing a structure to store data with a type of software used to organize the stored data. The database management system models in the Wikipedia article did not match those described in Discovering Computers 2009. I wonder why since both are suppose to be up to date?
The article on the Dublin Core Data Model was enlightening. In a global setting there is need for some standardization of databases, since the goal is to access information. The goal of this effort is to foster interoperability between databases by establishing a formal data model by identifying a set of metadata (data about data) elements that can be used to describe and search across information sources.
"Setting the Stage" was an article about metadata and its use in databases and other digital and non-digital information systems. This article also made reference to library situations! Also mentioned was the importance of structure of information objects and the need for some sort of metadata standards. The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set was also mentioned, as was the need for standards for purposes of interoperability. Information is processed data that is organized, meaningful, and useful, and hopefully retrieveable both now and in the future.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Discussion question ditgitization
A comment to the digitization question was posted by me
https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
Friday, September 5, 2008
Muddiest point class #2
My question has to do with storage media life expectancies. I work with microfilm which has fallen out of favor for a number of legitimate reasons. Microfilm is being replaced by storage media that seems to have a guaranteed life expectancy of 10 years at the most. What happens then? If the media has to be replaced who will bear the burden of the cost? Is this a hidden cost of digitization?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Week 3 Readings
These readings concentrated on operating systems, specifically Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows Vista. The Linux and 2 Mac OS X readings were very technical. The Windows Vista reading was more like a sales pitch and not technical at all. As a person who is not very technically inclined, I think this is the appeal of Microsoft products and advertising. Like many other computer users, I jut want the system to work. That being said I have not upgraded to Vista at home because of negative experiences with Vista at work. Before Vista we were able to scan microfilm and email the pdf file to our patrons. This program was and still is uncompatible with Vista. We had to go back to XP in order to continue to support this service.
I agree that there apparently is no perfect operating system. As stated by Amit Singh in "What is Mac OS X" a user should determine which operating system fits their needs.
I thought that the articles demonstrated an interesting contrast between users of the different operating systems. Microsoft seemed to abe able to do no right, while Apple could do no wrong. Linux users seemed to be above the fray. More people use Microsoft which may be the reason they seemingly recieve more complaints.
Another interesting part of the readings was the sections concerning continued support of older operating systems by both Microsoft and Apple. Amazingly, the operating systems that one has to pay for will terminate support of certain "classic" system in set time frames, while Linux, the free system, runs not only on new computers, but "is also the system of choice for old and exoctic hardware that would be useless if Linux didn't exist" (Machtelt Garrels Intoduction to Linux).
I developed a real interest in Linux as a result of the readings. A free operating system tested by a mutitude of tester with no obvious monetary interest is unusual.
I agree that there apparently is no perfect operating system. As stated by Amit Singh in "What is Mac OS X" a user should determine which operating system fits their needs.
I thought that the articles demonstrated an interesting contrast between users of the different operating systems. Microsoft seemed to abe able to do no right, while Apple could do no wrong. Linux users seemed to be above the fray. More people use Microsoft which may be the reason they seemingly recieve more complaints.
Another interesting part of the readings was the sections concerning continued support of older operating systems by both Microsoft and Apple. Amazingly, the operating systems that one has to pay for will terminate support of certain "classic" system in set time frames, while Linux, the free system, runs not only on new computers, but "is also the system of choice for old and exoctic hardware that would be useless if Linux didn't exist" (Machtelt Garrels Intoduction to Linux).
I developed a real interest in Linux as a result of the readings. A free operating system tested by a mutitude of tester with no obvious monetary interest is unusual.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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