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?
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