Comment One
Comment Two
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Readings For Week Five
1. Data Compression Wikipedia Entry- This article is about the specifics of data compression, a method in which information is encoded in order to take up a smaller amount of space. The person receiving the compressed data must have a means of un-encoding the data so it can be read. There are two different types of data compression, Lossless and lossy. Lossless compresses the data so information is not lost, whereas lossy compresses information less subjectively and information is "rounded off" so that some quality is lost. Lossless compression is used when a degradation in quality cannot be afforded, such as with graphs or charts. Lossless tends to be used for audio and visual files. The article was informative and explained compression in terms that the average user could understand.
2. Data Compression Basics: This article is a basic run through of data compression and how the particular method it uses to encode information. I thought that the first example it gave of Run-Line Encoding was useful but also raised the question of what it can be used for if more often than not, it doesn't decrease the space but makes it bigger. I have noticed when I compress information on my computer that it often doesn't make much difference size wise but instead is useful for when you have a lot of items that you want someone to be able to download as a single file. It is easy to upload a zipped file of all of the items, rather than upload each one separately.
I thought Entropy coding would be more exciting because of it's name but sadly, no.
3. Imaging Pittsburgh: This article is a discussion of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to digitize their catalog of photographs taken in Pittsburgh in the mid 19th and 20th centuries. The purpose of this project was so the public could have access to the photos. The pictures featured in the article are from that collection and they are very interesting to look at. These photographs are representative of Pittsburgh's history and of the way the neighborhoods looked back then. It is interesting to compare them to now and see the changes that have happened. The challenges faced by the three institutions involved in the project included having a good method of communication between them and creating metadata that would work with their extensive collection.
4. Youtube & Libraries- This article discusses the benefits Youtube could have for libraries. It presents the idea that libraries could record their services, like events or readings and put them on the web for people to watch in the hopes of encouraging people to become more interested in libraries and what they do. The videos could be also be used to answer questions or to help people find things within the library like the check out or reference desk. I have to admit the idea of a virtual library tour does make me laugh a little. I just picture this tiny librarian fairy like something from Harry Potter directing you to the Circulation desk in a really cheerful voice.
2. Data Compression Basics: This article is a basic run through of data compression and how the particular method it uses to encode information. I thought that the first example it gave of Run-Line Encoding was useful but also raised the question of what it can be used for if more often than not, it doesn't decrease the space but makes it bigger. I have noticed when I compress information on my computer that it often doesn't make much difference size wise but instead is useful for when you have a lot of items that you want someone to be able to download as a single file. It is easy to upload a zipped file of all of the items, rather than upload each one separately.
I thought Entropy coding would be more exciting because of it's name but sadly, no.
3. Imaging Pittsburgh: This article is a discussion of the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to digitize their catalog of photographs taken in Pittsburgh in the mid 19th and 20th centuries. The purpose of this project was so the public could have access to the photos. The pictures featured in the article are from that collection and they are very interesting to look at. These photographs are representative of Pittsburgh's history and of the way the neighborhoods looked back then. It is interesting to compare them to now and see the changes that have happened. The challenges faced by the three institutions involved in the project included having a good method of communication between them and creating metadata that would work with their extensive collection.
4. Youtube & Libraries- This article discusses the benefits Youtube could have for libraries. It presents the idea that libraries could record their services, like events or readings and put them on the web for people to watch in the hopes of encouraging people to become more interested in libraries and what they do. The videos could be also be used to answer questions or to help people find things within the library like the check out or reference desk. I have to admit the idea of a virtual library tour does make me laugh a little. I just picture this tiny librarian fairy like something from Harry Potter directing you to the Circulation desk in a really cheerful voice.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Muddiest Point Week Four
My Muddiest point for this week is how exactly can metadata be organized and how do people use it to help find information
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Readings For Week Four
1. This article was a wikipedia entry on Databases. It goes into how they are made and how they function. There are a lot of different types of database models that organize data. I sort of understand how all of this works but with computers, the actual programming and steps taken to do something like create a program go over my head. Someone can tell me that this are the way it works but I don't think I'd entirely understand how all of this works.
2. Introduction To Metadata:
I find it vaguely amusing that there is data about data. There has to be some obsessive compulsive person out there coming up with these things. This article is about the use of metadata and how it is becoming increasingly digitized as are most things these days. People have been trying to find a way to catalog all of this data and make it accessible to the public. While I read this article, I sort of lost track of which data was which. In the section where it mentions that students are taught to look for metadata when looking at a website to authenticate it, it almost sounds like Metadata could be something like a stamp of approval from a trusted source of information as well. Metadata could also be things like catalogs. The charts in the article helped in understanding what they were discussing.
3. An Overview of The Dublin Core Data Model
I have to admit that in the first sentence when the author described the purpose of the Dublin Core Data Model, it sounded like a lot of buzz words to me. It didn't actually say anything that I could ascertain except that they deal with information in some way or another. I'm assuming they are a company that creates databases for other companies but I could be wrong as I didn't entirely understand the article.
2. Introduction To Metadata:
I find it vaguely amusing that there is data about data. There has to be some obsessive compulsive person out there coming up with these things. This article is about the use of metadata and how it is becoming increasingly digitized as are most things these days. People have been trying to find a way to catalog all of this data and make it accessible to the public. While I read this article, I sort of lost track of which data was which. In the section where it mentions that students are taught to look for metadata when looking at a website to authenticate it, it almost sounds like Metadata could be something like a stamp of approval from a trusted source of information as well. Metadata could also be things like catalogs. The charts in the article helped in understanding what they were discussing.
3. An Overview of The Dublin Core Data Model
I have to admit that in the first sentence when the author described the purpose of the Dublin Core Data Model, it sounded like a lot of buzz words to me. It didn't actually say anything that I could ascertain except that they deal with information in some way or another. I'm assuming they are a company that creates databases for other companies but I could be wrong as I didn't entirely understand the article.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Week Three Muddiest Point
I was confused by the article on Linux and how exactly it worked. The article mentioned that it could be installed on any machine for free and I wondered if it was a separate operating system how that would work. Would you be able to boot both like a mac? Also, how exactly do people go about editing the system.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Readings For Week Three
1. Introduction to Linux: A Hands On Guide:
The first reading was about the Linux operating system which I don't know that much about. I've heard that Linux and Apple are similar but I could (and probably am) totally wrong on that account. After reading the article, it seems like it was a system most often used by programmers. I thought it was very interesting that the system can be downloaded from the internet for free without buying a CD or anything like that. Also, that it can edited and changed by anyone though I don't quite understand how that works, probably because I have never done any computer programming. Some of the cons of Linux mentioned in the article are that, while so many people are able to edit the system, this leads to many options and being confused as to which one to explore. It seems more of a system that would be easily adaptable to people who had more computer and programming experience. I saw the mention of OpenOffice and GIMP software, both of which I use on my computer and did not know were created by Linux.
2. What is Mac OS?
The article on Mac OS X was very interesting to me, as I use a mac. I used to have a windows computer and I can say that I am a lot happier with my mac. I have never had such fondness for a computer in my life. This is all beside the point though. The article goes into a lot of technical aspects of the system, it's evolution from it's original program and it's different command processes. I would agree with writers comments about the operating system in general. I find that Windows tends to be "busy" as the author puts it, though I never thought to put it like that but after I read it, it is a very good word choice to describe it because windows is always doing something, usually something I don't want it to do.
3. Mac OS: Wikipedia
This article was very similar to the last article with an emphasis on the features and history of apple. There was a description of the different versions of Apple, leading up to newest version recently released.
4. An Update on the Windows Roadmap
This article was an update (obviously) on Windows progress with Vista and XP operating systems. There was some clarification on security and capability with these programs. Security updates were made to Windows Vista. There is work being done on Windows 7 which is a new version of the operating system. The focus seems to be to make more applications available and usable on the system and to increase stability and security.
The first reading was about the Linux operating system which I don't know that much about. I've heard that Linux and Apple are similar but I could (and probably am) totally wrong on that account. After reading the article, it seems like it was a system most often used by programmers. I thought it was very interesting that the system can be downloaded from the internet for free without buying a CD or anything like that. Also, that it can edited and changed by anyone though I don't quite understand how that works, probably because I have never done any computer programming. Some of the cons of Linux mentioned in the article are that, while so many people are able to edit the system, this leads to many options and being confused as to which one to explore. It seems more of a system that would be easily adaptable to people who had more computer and programming experience. I saw the mention of OpenOffice and GIMP software, both of which I use on my computer and did not know were created by Linux.
2. What is Mac OS?
The article on Mac OS X was very interesting to me, as I use a mac. I used to have a windows computer and I can say that I am a lot happier with my mac. I have never had such fondness for a computer in my life. This is all beside the point though. The article goes into a lot of technical aspects of the system, it's evolution from it's original program and it's different command processes. I would agree with writers comments about the operating system in general. I find that Windows tends to be "busy" as the author puts it, though I never thought to put it like that but after I read it, it is a very good word choice to describe it because windows is always doing something, usually something I don't want it to do.
3. Mac OS: Wikipedia
This article was very similar to the last article with an emphasis on the features and history of apple. There was a description of the different versions of Apple, leading up to newest version recently released.
4. An Update on the Windows Roadmap
This article was an update (obviously) on Windows progress with Vista and XP operating systems. There was some clarification on security and capability with these programs. Security updates were made to Windows Vista. There is work being done on Windows 7 which is a new version of the operating system. The focus seems to be to make more applications available and usable on the system and to increase stability and security.
Readings For Week Two
1. Computer Hardware: Wikipedia
This wikipedia article explained the different parts of a computer and how they worked. I've had a previous computer science class that went into some detail on this topic but not as much on how the parts worked together. It was interesting the inside of the system unit. In the discussion of the fan cooling the CPU, I was reminded of my first laptop which died due to overheating and also a virus that OIT had never seen before.
2. Moore's Law Wikipedia and Video:
This article was a wikipedia entry on Moore's law and a video explaining it. I understood the concept of Moore's Law a lot better after I watched the video. I am still not entirely sure how all of these transmitters can keep getting smaller and smaller and still produce the same results but I'm not much of a computer person. I also do not think I would want a cell phone the size of a paperclip. I would definitely lose it somewhere. Aren't bluetooths kind of like that though? I hate when someone is talking on one of those and I think they are talking to me and say hi but they are actually on the phone. I feel really stupid.
3. Computer History Museum:
The Computer History Museum was especially interesting to me. The evolution of a computer from a large room-sized machine to being able to fit in the palm of your hand is fascinating to me. I looked in particular at the evolution of the apple computer. I liked looking at the old ads and what computers looked like then. It is amazing to think that in such a short time, they have advanced to what they are now.
This wikipedia article explained the different parts of a computer and how they worked. I've had a previous computer science class that went into some detail on this topic but not as much on how the parts worked together. It was interesting the inside of the system unit. In the discussion of the fan cooling the CPU, I was reminded of my first laptop which died due to overheating and also a virus that OIT had never seen before.
2. Moore's Law Wikipedia and Video:
This article was a wikipedia entry on Moore's law and a video explaining it. I understood the concept of Moore's Law a lot better after I watched the video. I am still not entirely sure how all of these transmitters can keep getting smaller and smaller and still produce the same results but I'm not much of a computer person. I also do not think I would want a cell phone the size of a paperclip. I would definitely lose it somewhere. Aren't bluetooths kind of like that though? I hate when someone is talking on one of those and I think they are talking to me and say hi but they are actually on the phone. I feel really stupid.
3. Computer History Museum:
The Computer History Museum was especially interesting to me. The evolution of a computer from a large room-sized machine to being able to fit in the palm of your hand is fascinating to me. I looked in particular at the evolution of the apple computer. I liked looking at the old ads and what computers looked like then. It is amazing to think that in such a short time, they have advanced to what they are now.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Readings For Week One
1. "Information Format Trends: Content; Not Containers"
This article highlights information format trends, specifically that things like books, CD's, and movies are available in digital formats over the internet rather than in physical packages. The public cares more about the actual content rather than the packaging. Information can now be more easily shared with other people. In reading this article, I can see that many of the predictions of how people would use and share information have come true in the years since it's been published and it just emphasizes how fast technology changes.
2. "Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy"
This article was about the difference between Information literacy and Information technology literacy. Information Literacy, according to the article is the understanding of the information and technology literacy is the understanding of how the technology works that generates the information. The article stresses the importance of being able to not only use technology but to understand how, for example, a website is coded or a database is created, as well as how to use the website and the database.
I think that while knowing how to create a website and all of the coding that goes into it is interesting and can be useful, it's not really practical for the average person using a computer.
3. "Lied Library @ Four Years"
This article detailed Lied Libraries technology updates over the course of four years. The article shows how important it is for libraries to keep on top of new technology for the public and how they organized their materials to allow for access. There is a lot of work involved in updating and maintaining a library and the article shows the reader how important this work is for the public.
This article highlights information format trends, specifically that things like books, CD's, and movies are available in digital formats over the internet rather than in physical packages. The public cares more about the actual content rather than the packaging. Information can now be more easily shared with other people. In reading this article, I can see that many of the predictions of how people would use and share information have come true in the years since it's been published and it just emphasizes how fast technology changes.
2. "Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy"
This article was about the difference between Information literacy and Information technology literacy. Information Literacy, according to the article is the understanding of the information and technology literacy is the understanding of how the technology works that generates the information. The article stresses the importance of being able to not only use technology but to understand how, for example, a website is coded or a database is created, as well as how to use the website and the database.
I think that while knowing how to create a website and all of the coding that goes into it is interesting and can be useful, it's not really practical for the average person using a computer.
3. "Lied Library @ Four Years"
This article detailed Lied Libraries technology updates over the course of four years. The article shows how important it is for libraries to keep on top of new technology for the public and how they organized their materials to allow for access. There is a lot of work involved in updating and maintaining a library and the article shows the reader how important this work is for the public.
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