Comment 1
Comment 2
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Week 7 Readings
Tyson, Jeff. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm/printable
I didn't realize that there is a group (The Internet Society) that oversees how the internet is used.--- Another thought, isn't it amazing how a message can travel from one computer half-way across the world to another computer (through a network) in just a fraction of a second? --- I also was impressed with the step-by-step details of how your browser searches for URL or IP addresses when you type them in. What a great website!
Andrew K. Pace. „Dismantling Integrated Library Systems“ Library Journal, vol 129 Issue 2, p34-36. 2/1/2004 http://rt4rf9qn2y.scholar.serialssolutions.com/?sid=google&auinit=AK&aulast=Pace&atitle=Dismantling+integrated+library+system.(Infotech+Feature)(Industry+Overview).&title=Library+journal+(1976)&volume=129&issue=2&date=2004&spage=3&issn=0363-0277
This article was eye-opening for me; I didn't realize that libraries are starting to have frustrations with ILSs. I didn't know that inter-operability meant a more difficult world for librarians... I would have thought it to be the other way around. It was interesting to read about how librarians are trying to find solutions by creating web-based programs or functions, and seeing how these work with their current systems.
Sergey Brin and Larry Page: Inside the Google machine. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/sergey_brin_and_larry_page_on_google.html
It was interesting to learn more about google and how (and why) it works. Besides being impressed over-all with everything that went into Google, I am also always impressed with companies that are dedicated to implementing procedures that keep their employees happy. If more companies would put a little bit of time and effort into that, perhaps they wouldn't suffer from high employee turn-over. What an amazing 'project' google was... it's incredible how much we each rely on google, and they always seem to have the answer we are looking for.
I didn't realize that there is a group (The Internet Society) that oversees how the internet is used.--- Another thought, isn't it amazing how a message can travel from one computer half-way across the world to another computer (through a network) in just a fraction of a second? --- I also was impressed with the step-by-step details of how your browser searches for URL or IP addresses when you type them in. What a great website!
Andrew K. Pace. „Dismantling Integrated Library Systems“ Library Journal, vol 129 Issue 2, p34-36. 2/1/2004 http://rt4rf9qn2y.scholar.serialssolutions.com/?sid=google&auinit=AK&aulast=Pace&atitle=Dismantling+integrated+library+system.(Infotech+Feature)(Industry+Overview).&title=Library+journal+(1976)&volume=129&issue=2&date=2004&spage=3&issn=0363-0277
This article was eye-opening for me; I didn't realize that libraries are starting to have frustrations with ILSs. I didn't know that inter-operability meant a more difficult world for librarians... I would have thought it to be the other way around. It was interesting to read about how librarians are trying to find solutions by creating web-based programs or functions, and seeing how these work with their current systems.
Sergey Brin and Larry Page: Inside the Google machine. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/sergey_brin_and_larry_page_on_google.html
It was interesting to learn more about google and how (and why) it works. Besides being impressed over-all with everything that went into Google, I am also always impressed with companies that are dedicated to implementing procedures that keep their employees happy. If more companies would put a little bit of time and effort into that, perhaps they wouldn't suffer from high employee turn-over. What an amazing 'project' google was... it's incredible how much we each rely on google, and they always seem to have the answer we are looking for.
Muddiest Point 9/30/2008
My question is regarding the phone system, "circuit-switched" network. We were told it assumes that less than 10% of lines are in use at once. That seems like a very low percentage. Why does it have to be that low? And do we have to reach 100% usage before getting the "circuits busy" message? Or do we hear that message when we get to a certain percentage?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week 6 Readings
Local Area Network: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Area_Network
One thing I love about these readings is that I always learn something. It had never occurred to me before that Wi-Fi is a LAN, but of course that makes so much sense now!
Computer network: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network
I have a PAN! (Personal Area Network)... but what I wish I had was a WPAN! I must say, though, there are many more types of networks than I ever realized. This article gave a nice overview of the various terms and their definitions and relations to each other.
Common types of computer networks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dpgqDdfUjQ
One thing he said is that we often use acronyms without knowing their meaning--so true! Besides that, though, he basically gave a brief overview of what we read in wikipedia. However, it is really neat that people can post these video clips where anyone can watch them. Anything that improves upon the ways we can gain knowledge is great, and posting such videos is definitely a beneficial thing to those who would like to learn.
Coyle, K. (2005). Management of RFID in libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(5), 486-489.
When I first began reading this article, I wasn't sure what they were saying... but when I re-read it, I realized how cool these radio frequency tags are:
"The RFID tag does not have to be visible to be read; instead, it can be read even when it is embedded in an item, such as in the cardboard cover of a book or the packaging of a product."
Imagine the changes this brings into the library field! It seems that it could be very time-saving and helpful for librarians to utilize, and perhaps save money as well. Although it still has some concerns, it seems that they could be worked out and this would be a step up from libraries' current barcodes, etc. One thing I felt the article lacked is that it referred to the ALA's statement on RFID in libraries, but didn't say what their statement was, so the reader would have to research that themselves.
One thing I love about these readings is that I always learn something. It had never occurred to me before that Wi-Fi is a LAN, but of course that makes so much sense now!
Computer network: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network
I have a PAN! (Personal Area Network)... but what I wish I had was a WPAN! I must say, though, there are many more types of networks than I ever realized. This article gave a nice overview of the various terms and their definitions and relations to each other.
Common types of computer networks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dpgqDdfUjQ
One thing he said is that we often use acronyms without knowing their meaning--so true! Besides that, though, he basically gave a brief overview of what we read in wikipedia. However, it is really neat that people can post these video clips where anyone can watch them. Anything that improves upon the ways we can gain knowledge is great, and posting such videos is definitely a beneficial thing to those who would like to learn.
Coyle, K. (2005). Management of RFID in libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(5), 486-489.
When I first began reading this article, I wasn't sure what they were saying... but when I re-read it, I realized how cool these radio frequency tags are:
"The RFID tag does not have to be visible to be read; instead, it can be read even when it is embedded in an item, such as in the cardboard cover of a book or the packaging of a product."
Imagine the changes this brings into the library field! It seems that it could be very time-saving and helpful for librarians to utilize, and perhaps save money as well. Although it still has some concerns, it seems that they could be worked out and this would be a step up from libraries' current barcodes, etc. One thing I felt the article lacked is that it referred to the ALA's statement on RFID in libraries, but didn't say what their statement was, so the reader would have to research that themselves.
Muddiest Point 9/23/2008
When we discussed Basic Audio Coding during the lecture, I was wondering about speech. We were told that the standard telephone channel has 8-bit samples; is that the same regardless of whether it is a land line or a cell phone? If there is a difference, what causes it?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 5 Readings
Data Compression. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_compression
As usual, I thought this was a good explanation for anyone who doesn't fully understand 'data compression.' Although I had a pretty good understanding of the term before, it was helpful to read and gain a more thorough comprehension. If there was one part I did not fully follow, it was the part regarding information theory and rate distortion-theory...although they are probably not essential for an understanding of data compression.
Data compression basics (long document, but covers all basics and beyond):
http://dvd-hq.info/data_compression_1.php
The worst thing about this document was how extremely long it seemed; on the other hand, one of the great things about it was that it was written to be easily understood, with language that most average people can easily follow. An interesting vocab word I gained is "lossy"--which describes when the recovered information is not guaranteed to be exactly identical to the original. I definitely learned more from this document than from wikipedia (such as things like run-length encoding, which I had never heard of before). After reading this, I felt I had an even better understanding of how exactly data compression works.
Edward A. Galloway, “Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region” First Monday 9:5 2004 http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_5/galloway/index.html
What a great site! I think every town/city/community should compile similar sites with their own historical photos, information, and documents. I noticed how all of the contributers had to be consistent and use Dublin Core for their metadata... which we just learned about! I was also thinking that many people would be interested in purchasing copies of such compilations in book form. When older photographs and related documents are stored somewhere to preserve them, it is just a start. When they are put on the internet for anyone in the world to see, then we are truly preserving them in the best way for the most good--a historical preservation that even our posterity can benefit from.
Paula L. Webb, YouTube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship C&RL News, June 2007 Vol. 68, No. 6 http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crlnews/backissues2007/jun07/youtube.cfm
This article seemed to have some great ideas:
"Why couldn’t a library film its various services, load them to YouTube, and then make the link available on its Web site for its patrons? It is not hard to imagine how beneficial this could be to a variety of patrons: students who need help when the library is unavailable, an instruction method for distance education students, and another method of directing possible patrons back to the library catalog."
Their suggestions could be used to improve the services of any library, whether school, public, academic, or other. Personally, I prefer to be taught in person... but for those who don't have that option, these are ways that they could be reached and taught as well.
As usual, I thought this was a good explanation for anyone who doesn't fully understand 'data compression.' Although I had a pretty good understanding of the term before, it was helpful to read and gain a more thorough comprehension. If there was one part I did not fully follow, it was the part regarding information theory and rate distortion-theory...although they are probably not essential for an understanding of data compression.
Data compression basics (long document, but covers all basics and beyond):
http://dvd-hq.info/data_compression_1.php
The worst thing about this document was how extremely long it seemed; on the other hand, one of the great things about it was that it was written to be easily understood, with language that most average people can easily follow. An interesting vocab word I gained is "lossy"--which describes when the recovered information is not guaranteed to be exactly identical to the original. I definitely learned more from this document than from wikipedia (such as things like run-length encoding, which I had never heard of before). After reading this, I felt I had an even better understanding of how exactly data compression works.
Edward A. Galloway, “Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region” First Monday 9:5 2004 http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_5/galloway/index.html
What a great site! I think every town/city/community should compile similar sites with their own historical photos, information, and documents. I noticed how all of the contributers had to be consistent and use Dublin Core for their metadata... which we just learned about! I was also thinking that many people would be interested in purchasing copies of such compilations in book form. When older photographs and related documents are stored somewhere to preserve them, it is just a start. When they are put on the internet for anyone in the world to see, then we are truly preserving them in the best way for the most good--a historical preservation that even our posterity can benefit from.
Paula L. Webb, YouTube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship C&RL News, June 2007 Vol. 68, No. 6 http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crlnews/backissues2007/jun07/youtube.cfm
This article seemed to have some great ideas:
"Why couldn’t a library film its various services, load them to YouTube, and then make the link available on its Web site for its patrons? It is not hard to imagine how beneficial this could be to a variety of patrons: students who need help when the library is unavailable, an instruction method for distance education students, and another method of directing possible patrons back to the library catalog."
Their suggestions could be used to improve the services of any library, whether school, public, academic, or other. Personally, I prefer to be taught in person... but for those who don't have that option, these are ways that they could be reached and taught as well.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Muddiest Point 9/16/2008
I didn't realize that there were options other than MARC for cataloging formats. It was interesting to see the MODS format and the Dublin Core format, and finally realize that MARC isn't the only option--for some reason, that just never clicked with me before. My question is: Are libraries starting to lean towards one of the other formats, rather than MARC? If so, would we have several different formats being used by various institutions? What affect would this have on librarians' work--would they still be able to import others' records? What other programs would be needed so that this would still be a smooth operation? Is it worth it to switch to a different format, when MARC already works well and everyone knows how to use it?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Week 4 Readings
Database: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database
The information presented about Databases in wikipedia covers the topic quite well and is a good review for what we learned in class. Rather than give a quick overview because most people probably understand the term 'database' already, the definition was quite comprehensive, yet simple enough for anyone to understand. It was especially interesting to see the links for 'realtime database' and 'glass databases.' I don't recall ever having been exposed to these terms before, so these links proved to be informative and educational.
Anne J. Gilliland. Introduction to Metadata, pathways to Digital Information: 1: Setting the Stage http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/standards/intrometadata/setting.html
If you have ever wondered just exactly what 'metadata' is, here is your answer! In the library professional setting, I have heard this term used more and more commonly over the past few years... yet, I could not have given a good explanation or definition of it until reading this article. As explained, metadata is "the sum total of what one can say about any information object at any level of aggregation." I can't help but wondering, though, why this new buzz-word? Librarians and other professionals have been working with 'metadata' for decades now... yet this term is rather new.
Eric J. Miller: An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
http://dublincore.org/1999/06/06-overview/
Although quite descriptive, this was definitely not a reader-friendly overview. The authors did attempt to include as much information as possible, and to explain in their terms why they believe the way they did, but too often, I found myself re-reading paragraphs to figure out what point they were trying to get across. The end result, though, is that they are correct, and having a 'formalized data model' would enhance DCMI's functions and efforts.
The information presented about Databases in wikipedia covers the topic quite well and is a good review for what we learned in class. Rather than give a quick overview because most people probably understand the term 'database' already, the definition was quite comprehensive, yet simple enough for anyone to understand. It was especially interesting to see the links for 'realtime database' and 'glass databases.' I don't recall ever having been exposed to these terms before, so these links proved to be informative and educational.
Anne J. Gilliland. Introduction to Metadata, pathways to Digital Information: 1: Setting the Stage http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/standards/intrometadata/setting.html
If you have ever wondered just exactly what 'metadata' is, here is your answer! In the library professional setting, I have heard this term used more and more commonly over the past few years... yet, I could not have given a good explanation or definition of it until reading this article. As explained, metadata is "the sum total of what one can say about any information object at any level of aggregation." I can't help but wondering, though, why this new buzz-word? Librarians and other professionals have been working with 'metadata' for decades now... yet this term is rather new.
Eric J. Miller: An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
http://dublincore.org/1999/06/06-overview/
Although quite descriptive, this was definitely not a reader-friendly overview. The authors did attempt to include as much information as possible, and to explain in their terms why they believe the way they did, but too often, I found myself re-reading paragraphs to figure out what point they were trying to get across. The end result, though, is that they are correct, and having a 'formalized data model' would enhance DCMI's functions and efforts.
Muddiest Point 9/09/2008
I was just wondering about Integrated Library Systems, which were addressed very briefly in class. So many different systems are available... which are viewed to be the best and why? And which are viewed to be less efficient?
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Week 3 Readings
Machtelt Garrels "Introduction to Linux: A hands on Guide"
I really didn't know anything about Linux until taking this course; I had heard the name, but couldn't have told you anything about it. One thing that has impressed me, though, is the premise of this operating system being free to everyone--what a great idea! To be able to have input from any or all users, as well, without cost for their input, is a huge advantage. It makes me wonder how I could have gone this long without exposure to it? It was also interesting to learn that clusters of Linux machines were used for the creation of well-known movies that we all have seen. I had never thought before about what systems were used to make those movies. It made me realize that even if a person doesn't know anything about Linux, their life is touched and/or influenced by it anyway!
Kernelthread.com Mac OS X
This gave a good background on Mac OS X... perhaps too much information?... for those of us who are unfamiliar with it. It is starting to help me see how everything "fits" together--different operating systems, computers, software, etc. So many terms I have always heard but not used myself or completely understood, and now I am starting to grasp what they mean! I've seen the word "kernel" mentioned in several readings now, but I don't feel I could explain what the term means (in this usage). Am I making it more difficult than it is? I mean, is there another word that could be substituted, and still convey what the writers are saying? Is this a new term, because I have never heard it related to I.T. before.
Wikipedia: Mac OS X
This article gave a completely thorough history and description of Mac OS X. I definitely think it is beneficial for all to read this who are interested in having an overview and a better understanding. Most of the writings could be easily understood by someone with only a basic computer background; however, some terms under "Prominent Features" were not explained as clearly within this article. For example, the term "Aqua GUI" was not clearly explained on these pages, and I was wondering exactly what it meant, but to find out you have to click on its link and go to another article (which is indeed good that it is there), but then you have another full description to read... which could lead to further words that you need clarified, hence additional links to investigate... that could be a never-ending scenario! (I guess, both good and bad.)
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
Regarding Windows Vista, I know it supposedly has significant advances over previous systems, but it doesn't seem as easy to just know how to do everything in it. It always takes me too long to figure out how to do something new! I was impressed, though, by their efforts at identifying third-party software that causes performance issues. It is incredible that they were able to reduce system boot time and system resume time, but especially that they were able to extend battery life by 10%! That is a significant improvement that can affect a vast majority of us! Everyone is benefited by saved time. I also was impressed by their show of caring what we, as users, want, and what they can do to deliver. I was wondering while reading about this, how woulod our day-to-day lives differ without Windows? I really can't imagine! Another thought I had, though, was that back in the Linux article they showed how they were trying to make the sofware look like Windows so people would feel 'at home.' I wonder why, then, Windows Vista changes the look so extremely, rather than simply building upon how things were in previous versions?
I really didn't know anything about Linux until taking this course; I had heard the name, but couldn't have told you anything about it. One thing that has impressed me, though, is the premise of this operating system being free to everyone--what a great idea! To be able to have input from any or all users, as well, without cost for their input, is a huge advantage. It makes me wonder how I could have gone this long without exposure to it? It was also interesting to learn that clusters of Linux machines were used for the creation of well-known movies that we all have seen. I had never thought before about what systems were used to make those movies. It made me realize that even if a person doesn't know anything about Linux, their life is touched and/or influenced by it anyway!
Kernelthread.com Mac OS X
This gave a good background on Mac OS X... perhaps too much information?... for those of us who are unfamiliar with it. It is starting to help me see how everything "fits" together--different operating systems, computers, software, etc. So many terms I have always heard but not used myself or completely understood, and now I am starting to grasp what they mean! I've seen the word "kernel" mentioned in several readings now, but I don't feel I could explain what the term means (in this usage). Am I making it more difficult than it is? I mean, is there another word that could be substituted, and still convey what the writers are saying? Is this a new term, because I have never heard it related to I.T. before.
Wikipedia: Mac OS X
This article gave a completely thorough history and description of Mac OS X. I definitely think it is beneficial for all to read this who are interested in having an overview and a better understanding. Most of the writings could be easily understood by someone with only a basic computer background; however, some terms under "Prominent Features" were not explained as clearly within this article. For example, the term "Aqua GUI" was not clearly explained on these pages, and I was wondering exactly what it meant, but to find out you have to click on its link and go to another article (which is indeed good that it is there), but then you have another full description to read... which could lead to further words that you need clarified, hence additional links to investigate... that could be a never-ending scenario! (I guess, both good and bad.)
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
Regarding Windows Vista, I know it supposedly has significant advances over previous systems, but it doesn't seem as easy to just know how to do everything in it. It always takes me too long to figure out how to do something new! I was impressed, though, by their efforts at identifying third-party software that causes performance issues. It is incredible that they were able to reduce system boot time and system resume time, but especially that they were able to extend battery life by 10%! That is a significant improvement that can affect a vast majority of us! Everyone is benefited by saved time. I also was impressed by their show of caring what we, as users, want, and what they can do to deliver. I was wondering while reading about this, how woulod our day-to-day lives differ without Windows? I really can't imagine! Another thought I had, though, was that back in the Linux article they showed how they were trying to make the sofware look like Windows so people would feel 'at home.' I wonder why, then, Windows Vista changes the look so extremely, rather than simply building upon how things were in previous versions?
Muddiest Point 9/02/2008
Today's lecture had SO very much in it! I feel I followed fairly well, for the most part. However, one thing that I didn't understand and would have liked to hear more about was the other keyboard that was actually more efficient because it had the most-used letters placed better. When was this keyboard developed, in comparison to QWERTY? On the one hand, it would be a monumental task to switch to a different keyboard at this point; but if it was developed when most people just had typewriters, then wouldn't it have made sense to switch at that point? Then all of us would have grown up with it, and would be able to type that much more quickly and efficiently, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)