Monday, September 29, 2008
Week 6:
Comments:
Blogger:
On Kirsten's blog response:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7533952523781723717&postID=5618822023673789896
Courseweb:
On Theresa's entry on YouTube Libraries
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
Local Area Network:
This was a nice article on the history of networking and cabling. It defined a local area network, or LAN network, as a computer network covering a small physical area. It listed the characteristics and how they contrast to wide-area networks, or WANs. I'm sure we've all worked with LAN networks before, considering some of us have LAN networks in our houses. It also went into the history of the personal computer.
Computer Network:
This article described the different computer networks out there and how they are classified. There's a lot of different network names that I didn't even know existed such as the Campus Area Network, Metropolitan Area Network, and Global Area Network.
Relativity YouTube Video:
Short and sweet, right to the point. Great definitions to different networks and where they are most commonly used. These videos go the best with the Computer Network Wiki site.
Muddiest Point:
The assignments were a little hard to comprehend and pretty vague. What I did enjoy this week was the relativity of all the assigned readings and watchings.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Week 5:
Comments:
Blogger:
To Mel on her post about YouTube and Libraries:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2377332459864294084&postID=6417367062252901942&page=1
Courseweb:
On Evelyn McCarthy's Muddiest Point:
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
Data Compression
The introduction of Zip Files was one of the best things to happen in file compression and information transferring. It’s nice to be able to take a bunch of large files, compress them into one file, and then extract them onto your own computer wherever destination folder you choose.
Compression is valuable as far as transferring data from place to place. People use compression every day. It’s nice to be able to send multiple large files through email after compressing them. Graphic designers sacrifice picture quality and color loss using the lossy method while compressing photos in Photoshop. Families compress home video footage so that it can fit and be burned to a DVD.
Data Compression Basics
I appreciated how the author stated what he wanted to say in non-technical terms to make it easy to read and thoroughly understand. This article and the Data Compression article seem to go hand in hand with each other. This article sort of picks up where the other left off and reiterates what was previously discussed. It was interesting to see the different styles of compression. I had no idea that there were so many… and being a graphic designer it was nice to see how compression is applied to images. It kind of reminded me of being in past high school math and statistics classes for some reason?
Imaging Pittsburgh
This was a great example of taking old photos and digitizing them for archival and informational purposes. It’s a great way to preserve Pittsburgh’s heritage and allow people like myself to access these photos without having to go to several different places. Using a keyword search engine is also a great idea! I really want to check this out and see how the project further develops.
YouTube and Libraries
From personal experience, I’ve learned so much about graphic design and screen printing that I didn’t learn in the classroom through watching video tutorials on YouTube. I think that librarians organizing this information will make it easier to find on the site. I agree that video libraries on YouTube is a great thing!
Muddiest Point:
This week was a pretty good read for me. I could relate to pretty much everything and that's a big thing when it comes to keeping my attention. I wish that there were more pictures from the Pittsburgh Imaging project... unless I totally missed the link (comments welcome). I use compression quite often but I still don't get how you can compress something to lets say, send through and email, and then decompress it to its originality? Maybe I missed the memo, ha!
Blogger:
To Mel on her post about YouTube and Libraries:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2377332459864294084&postID=6417367062252901942&page=1
Courseweb:
On Evelyn McCarthy's Muddiest Point:
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
Data Compression
The introduction of Zip Files was one of the best things to happen in file compression and information transferring. It’s nice to be able to take a bunch of large files, compress them into one file, and then extract them onto your own computer wherever destination folder you choose.
Compression is valuable as far as transferring data from place to place. People use compression every day. It’s nice to be able to send multiple large files through email after compressing them. Graphic designers sacrifice picture quality and color loss using the lossy method while compressing photos in Photoshop. Families compress home video footage so that it can fit and be burned to a DVD.
Data Compression Basics
I appreciated how the author stated what he wanted to say in non-technical terms to make it easy to read and thoroughly understand. This article and the Data Compression article seem to go hand in hand with each other. This article sort of picks up where the other left off and reiterates what was previously discussed. It was interesting to see the different styles of compression. I had no idea that there were so many… and being a graphic designer it was nice to see how compression is applied to images. It kind of reminded me of being in past high school math and statistics classes for some reason?
Imaging Pittsburgh
This was a great example of taking old photos and digitizing them for archival and informational purposes. It’s a great way to preserve Pittsburgh’s heritage and allow people like myself to access these photos without having to go to several different places. Using a keyword search engine is also a great idea! I really want to check this out and see how the project further develops.
YouTube and Libraries
From personal experience, I’ve learned so much about graphic design and screen printing that I didn’t learn in the classroom through watching video tutorials on YouTube. I think that librarians organizing this information will make it easier to find on the site. I agree that video libraries on YouTube is a great thing!
Muddiest Point:
This week was a pretty good read for me. I could relate to pretty much everything and that's a big thing when it comes to keeping my attention. I wish that there were more pictures from the Pittsburgh Imaging project... unless I totally missed the link (comments welcome). I use compression quite often but I still don't get how you can compress something to lets say, send through and email, and then decompress it to its originality? Maybe I missed the memo, ha!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week 4:
This will be the format for my blog from now on... promise!
Comments:
Blogger:
To Peter on Metadata:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4619180577856147392&postID=6564099702343520457&page=1
To Nate on week 4 in general:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=301150766198525940&postID=684622235319305917
Courseweb:
Reply to Cari's 2 cents on Digitizing:
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
Database:
Out of the 3 different database models, the database model that makes the most sense to me is the hierarchical model, which is the model made up of information organized in an inverted tree-like structure. I guess it makes the most sense because it the easiest one to visualize in my head and I can relate it to other types of models, like family trees. It seems like it would take up a lot of space, say if it were printed out, but I think its a lot easier to read than the relational model.
Intro to Metadata:
Metadata is described as data about data and the sum total of what one can say about any information object at any level of aggregation. The article lists the professional community of design as a group that uses and understands this term. In the years I've been a designer, I've never heard of the term "metadata." Perhaps they should specify what type of design... The term "design" is very vague.
An overview of the Dublin Core Data Model:
To me, the Dublin Core Data Model is an international effort to create a worldwide database, kinda like the internet, that takes worldwide information and organizes it to be discovered by numerous countries. Are we sure Al Gore didn't invent the DCDM too?
Muddiest Point:
I've found everything I've read so far VERY informative... However, to me some of it just seems like useless Jeopardy knowledge..? It also bothers me when these articles try to relate or associate things like design to what they're trying to talk about and then don't elaborate. I wish that they would stop elaborating on the stuff that sounds like jargon to me and more on the stuff I can relate to...
Comments:
Blogger:
To Peter on Metadata:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4619180577856147392&postID=6564099702343520457&page=1
To Nate on week 4 in general:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=301150766198525940&postID=684622235319305917
Courseweb:
Reply to Cari's 2 cents on Digitizing:
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
Database:
Out of the 3 different database models, the database model that makes the most sense to me is the hierarchical model, which is the model made up of information organized in an inverted tree-like structure. I guess it makes the most sense because it the easiest one to visualize in my head and I can relate it to other types of models, like family trees. It seems like it would take up a lot of space, say if it were printed out, but I think its a lot easier to read than the relational model.
Intro to Metadata:
Metadata is described as data about data and the sum total of what one can say about any information object at any level of aggregation. The article lists the professional community of design as a group that uses and understands this term. In the years I've been a designer, I've never heard of the term "metadata." Perhaps they should specify what type of design... The term "design" is very vague.
An overview of the Dublin Core Data Model:
To me, the Dublin Core Data Model is an international effort to create a worldwide database, kinda like the internet, that takes worldwide information and organizes it to be discovered by numerous countries. Are we sure Al Gore didn't invent the DCDM too?
Muddiest Point:
I've found everything I've read so far VERY informative... However, to me some of it just seems like useless Jeopardy knowledge..? It also bothers me when these articles try to relate or associate things like design to what they're trying to talk about and then don't elaborate. I wish that they would stop elaborating on the stuff that sounds like jargon to me and more on the stuff I can relate to...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Week 3:
Introduction to Linux: A Hands On Guide
Basically, I found this reading to be a thorough and somewhat laid back guide to all that is UNIX and Linux. I had some experiences with using Linux adaptable files in an Internet and Multimedia class I took while getting my undergrad at IUP. It seems that Linux Operating Systems are the ideal choice for people in the programming profession. People that dabble and know different types of code and are into that sort of thing. i.e. not me! Learning the basic properties of Linux systems was pretty cool. I didn't know that it was free, able to be edited and saved, and probably as secure as I think my Mac is. The only problem I feel I may have with Linux operating systems is the lack of user friendliness it seems to have.
Mac OS X on Kernelthread.com
I'm a Mac user so it was nice to read what other people say and feel about Macs... Here are some of my thoughts/responses to what I read:
-I feel Macs are good for just about anything, not just graphics and media work
-You can pretty much get any PC program installed on a Mac now, geez, you can even get Windows if you'd like!
-Macs ARE pricey, but you pay for what you get... security, speed, graphics and sound, and the fact that not many viruses can get to a Mac. I just paid off the credit card I needed to get my Mac... was it worth it? Yes!
It was nice to read an article that was laid back and easy to read for a change. I look forward to reading more like it. Before reading this article, I had originally thought that Apple was a solo company from its start. I had know idea that NEXTSTEP had anything to do with MAC OS X. Although I don't trust myself to try them, it was cool to see some commands that I can put into my computer. I liked how it showed how the different folders were linked and how it broke down the features of Mac computers so you can see just what each application does. I took notes on the software available as well. In the end, just like the Linux article, this was a great guide to another Operating System.
An Update on the Windows Roadmap.
Well, after reading the Mac article, I can say that I wasn't looking forward to this one, so call me biased? It'd be different if my last experience with a PC and Windows was a good one, but it wasn't. I enjoyed the article, especially when it described problems that I've actually faced with Windows... Slow start-up, "too busy," and unresponsiveness. This reading presented a lot of good facts and shows that Windows is moving forward in development and growing with its amount of users. I feel that Macs are taking over and there are some things that Windows will never be able to touch in the Mac world. The commercials say it all! I think Windows should keep there focus on compatibility and performance. Much like gaming system companies out there today. Performance and compatibility = computer sales.
Muddiest Point
I don't have much this week, but it was a little boring reading about the parts of the computer... I'm not going to lie, I had to read it twice because after the first time I read it, it was like I didn't read it at all because I was a little bored with it. The lecture was informative... The pictures of the different OS's were a big help. I didn't know that Linux display looked a lot like the Macs. Regarding how I said the readings were a little boring, I understand that its information we should all know, and I do realize that some people actually don't know even the most basic parts of a computer.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF COMMENTS BELOW
Basically, I found this reading to be a thorough and somewhat laid back guide to all that is UNIX and Linux. I had some experiences with using Linux adaptable files in an Internet and Multimedia class I took while getting my undergrad at IUP. It seems that Linux Operating Systems are the ideal choice for people in the programming profession. People that dabble and know different types of code and are into that sort of thing. i.e. not me! Learning the basic properties of Linux systems was pretty cool. I didn't know that it was free, able to be edited and saved, and probably as secure as I think my Mac is. The only problem I feel I may have with Linux operating systems is the lack of user friendliness it seems to have.
Mac OS X on Kernelthread.com
I'm a Mac user so it was nice to read what other people say and feel about Macs... Here are some of my thoughts/responses to what I read:
-I feel Macs are good for just about anything, not just graphics and media work
-You can pretty much get any PC program installed on a Mac now, geez, you can even get Windows if you'd like!
-Macs ARE pricey, but you pay for what you get... security, speed, graphics and sound, and the fact that not many viruses can get to a Mac. I just paid off the credit card I needed to get my Mac... was it worth it? Yes!
It was nice to read an article that was laid back and easy to read for a change. I look forward to reading more like it. Before reading this article, I had originally thought that Apple was a solo company from its start. I had know idea that NEXTSTEP had anything to do with MAC OS X. Although I don't trust myself to try them, it was cool to see some commands that I can put into my computer. I liked how it showed how the different folders were linked and how it broke down the features of Mac computers so you can see just what each application does. I took notes on the software available as well. In the end, just like the Linux article, this was a great guide to another Operating System.
An Update on the Windows Roadmap.
Well, after reading the Mac article, I can say that I wasn't looking forward to this one, so call me biased? It'd be different if my last experience with a PC and Windows was a good one, but it wasn't. I enjoyed the article, especially when it described problems that I've actually faced with Windows... Slow start-up, "too busy," and unresponsiveness. This reading presented a lot of good facts and shows that Windows is moving forward in development and growing with its amount of users. I feel that Macs are taking over and there are some things that Windows will never be able to touch in the Mac world. The commercials say it all! I think Windows should keep there focus on compatibility and performance. Much like gaming system companies out there today. Performance and compatibility = computer sales.
Muddiest Point
I don't have much this week, but it was a little boring reading about the parts of the computer... I'm not going to lie, I had to read it twice because after the first time I read it, it was like I didn't read it at all because I was a little bored with it. The lecture was informative... The pictures of the different OS's were a big help. I didn't know that Linux display looked a lot like the Macs. Regarding how I said the readings were a little boring, I understand that its information we should all know, and I do realize that some people actually don't know even the most basic parts of a computer.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF COMMENTS BELOW
Monday, September 8, 2008
Comments:
During Week 3:
On Blogger
To Shayne, commenting on his comment to me
To Maggie Stowell on her Week 3 readings
To Oliver LIS 2600 on his Muddiest Point
On Courseweb
To Tamoul and Stephanie on using Photoshop
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
During Week 2:
On Blogger
To Rachel
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=276418838341061560&postID=3568531854804071256&page=1
On Discussion Board
To Jenelle on Digitization:
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
Weekt #2 and Flickr URL:
Muddiest Point:
I really don't have one... I think I'm finally on the right track and have no questions or concerns at this time. I was confused while looking at the Flickr assignment on the syllabus because I didn't know what a "mater copy" of an image was. But once I watched the lecture again I saw that it's supposed to be "master copy." Woops...
Computer Hardware:
Very informative! It's nice to put names to the things that used to constantly go wrong with my old Sony PC. Thank god I own a Mac now. This site also gave me a flash back to an old computer class I had in high school. To think, I was actually tested on all these terms!
Moore's Law:
Not exactly my cup of tea as far as readings go, but still very informative as well. The formulations and similar laws section was my favorite... It was interesting to see the rates in which digital technology increases along with what the future predictions are as far as digital technology trends.
Computer History Museum:
I guess they really do have a museum for everything. The website is very nice and easily navigable. It really makes me want to go there. The pictures (especially the older ones and exhibit ones) makes the museum appear more like an installation art gallery than a museum. I'm an art guy so I think my favorite section of the site was the "selling the computer" section. I enjoyed looking at the older brochures.
FLICKR ASSIGNMENT
URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30178954@N02/
I really don't have one... I think I'm finally on the right track and have no questions or concerns at this time. I was confused while looking at the Flickr assignment on the syllabus because I didn't know what a "mater copy" of an image was. But once I watched the lecture again I saw that it's supposed to be "master copy." Woops...
Computer Hardware:
Very informative! It's nice to put names to the things that used to constantly go wrong with my old Sony PC. Thank god I own a Mac now. This site also gave me a flash back to an old computer class I had in high school. To think, I was actually tested on all these terms!
Moore's Law:
Not exactly my cup of tea as far as readings go, but still very informative as well. The formulations and similar laws section was my favorite... It was interesting to see the rates in which digital technology increases along with what the future predictions are as far as digital technology trends.
Computer History Museum:
I guess they really do have a museum for everything. The website is very nice and easily navigable. It really makes me want to go there. The pictures (especially the older ones and exhibit ones) makes the museum appear more like an installation art gallery than a museum. I'm an art guy so I think my favorite section of the site was the "selling the computer" section. I enjoyed looking at the older brochures.
FLICKR ASSIGNMENT
URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30178954@N02/
Monday, September 1, 2008
Week #1
Muddiest Point:
I have to agree with some people and say that the problem I'm having most is understanding the due dates of the assignments and readings. I'm just gonna try and stay ahead in the next few days to avoid any lateness. Here's what I guess is due for week 1:
Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
The OCLC article was very interesting as far as presenting the new trends in information processing and how it compares to the traditional ways. The part I was interested in the most was the section entitled, "Content explosions." Discussions like sending text messages, emails, and blogging are things that I can actual relate to, and it was cool to see some of the prediction numbers for the future. I also enjoyed reading the Social Publishing section of the "New voices all around" section. Its crazy to thing that blogging can now be considered a news source.
Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy:
I totally agree with Clifford Lynch's article when he states that people aren't prepared the way they should be to handle life in a world of Information Technology. I went to school and studied graphic design and like to think that I have a general understanding of graphic programs on Macs and PCs. However, its only a general understanding. This is something I majored in and I can only imagine how little people must know if they didn't major in some sort of computer based technology. As he states in his article, I do feel a bit cheated, and when it comes to graphic design, I think I know enough about it to be dangerous.
Lied Library:
I have to agree with some people and say that the problem I'm having most is understanding the due dates of the assignments and readings. I'm just gonna try and stay ahead in the next few days to avoid any lateness. Here's what I guess is due for week 1:
Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
The OCLC article was very interesting as far as presenting the new trends in information processing and how it compares to the traditional ways. The part I was interested in the most was the section entitled, "Content explosions." Discussions like sending text messages, emails, and blogging are things that I can actual relate to, and it was cool to see some of the prediction numbers for the future. I also enjoyed reading the Social Publishing section of the "New voices all around" section. Its crazy to thing that blogging can now be considered a news source.
Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy:
I totally agree with Clifford Lynch's article when he states that people aren't prepared the way they should be to handle life in a world of Information Technology. I went to school and studied graphic design and like to think that I have a general understanding of graphic programs on Macs and PCs. However, its only a general understanding. This is something I majored in and I can only imagine how little people must know if they didn't major in some sort of computer based technology. As he states in his article, I do feel a bit cheated, and when it comes to graphic design, I think I know enough about it to be dangerous.
Lied Library:
As far as Jason Vaughan's article goes... I couldn't relate to it as much, but I did find it to be very informative and descriptive. Much of what he said could've gone without saying, but it is helpful in bringing people up to speed with digital library information.
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