Week 14: Muddy

The hardest concept for me to understand this week was the idea of virtualization and Virtual Machines (VM). Virtualization is the up and coming, latest concept in the world of technology. It is a technique for running multiple "virtual computers" on a single physical host computer system, supposedly like a file on the harddrive. Since I have never before used a virtual computer, and the concept of an entire harddrive being condensed into a file, and then multiple files being on a single computer seems too out there for me to understand.

VMWare is the leader in virtual machine software, giving Microsoft a run for their money. It allows a computer to run multiple Operating Systems at once, like Windows and OSX on a Macintosh computer. The software resides on top of the hardware, and under the operating system -- a concept that is still a little confusing to me, probably because I have never been inside a computer before. Virtualization cuts cost, saves space, and helps businesses be more versatile. It is a very important concept for all future business leaders to understand.

To better understand virtual machines and VMWare, read this article from the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/technology/business-computing/31virtual.html?_r=1

Secure Email Project

Article about a business that should have used secure email or another security measure to protect their data:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/09/business/09data.html

The NY Times article I read is about the mishap that Citigroup had when their magnetic strip of 120,000 Japanese customers' personal data disappeared and is still yet to be found. The information compromised included names, addresses, account numbers and balances. This recently happened again to CitiBank customers of Citigroup; an entire box of tapes traveling by UPS was lost, containing personal information of almost 4 million Americans. Although the company is in the process of transferring to "secure electronic channels" to move important data, currently their information is open to any "computer-savvy" thief who can pull the information off of the magnetic computer tape. Citigroup, as well as ChoicePoint, Wachovia, and Time Warner, need to invest in encryption and securing all of their technological pathways.

Week 13: Clear

security blog! click here ____

Creating an Avatar

I used "Doppelme" for my experience with the avatar creation tools. I had first attempted to use "Simpsonize me" but the website was too overloaded because of its "immense popularity" and turned me away. Doppelme turned out to be a great experience. There were a few characteristics that were accessible without signing up, but since it was free I wanted to access all of my options and registered for the website. I was sent a password to my e-mail, and then had the opportunity to change it immediately to something I would remember. I was able to pick my skin color, eye color, hair style and color, and facial expression with many options. Clothing was very limited, since most of it seemed to be geared for males. I did have fun with it though, and put myself on the beach with my favorite accessory: my laptop, though I was not able to change the color and show that my laptop is pink. When I have time, I would love to go through all of the websites and see the various avatars I could make for myself. The idea of playing with a cartoon version of myself is a very interesting and possibly controversial topic. I could change my hairstyle and see how I would look with various differences, or try a new style of clothing out on my cartoon self. I always wanted to be on a cartoon, and this is a great opportunity to see how I would look, and use this image to convince the station heads to make me a character.

VoIP and Video Capture

Voice over IP happens to be a very familiar topic to me, because I have been using Skype for quite some time. My brother lives overseas, so Skype is the cheapest/best way to see and talk to him. Many of my friends have gone to college around the country, so Skype has been the best way to keep in touch, show new hairstyles and clothes, and properly convey emotions. Using Jing, however, was a new experience for me. I really like the concept of being able to keep video conversations that I have. Screenshots can easily be done by print screen, but capturing video on your computer is such a novel idea! I can keep conversations I have with my friends and family for memories to look back on years from now.

http://www.screencast.com/t/YTJkMTE3O

Week 12: Clear

Information systems are very important and i need to write 2 to 3 well written paragraphs asap about this! don't forget!

Database Project

This project was definitely the most challenging so far, since I have never before used Microsoft Access. It was so interesting to learn how to use this new application, especially because I can see how useful it will be to my future. The program can be used for large databases, helpful to any career, whether it is an order sheet, product list, clientele, or a way to keep track of your co-vendors. The hardest part for me was figuring out how to import the data correctly from an Excel file to the Access database. After many trials and errors, playing around with various advanced features, and using intermediary programs such as Notepad, I was able to import the data perfectly into my current Members database. Creating the query, form, and report were fairly easy, though still very interesting to learn how it all worked firsthand.

To increase the usefulness of this database, I would recommend collecting the home phone numbers of all current members and adding them to the table. I would also enhance the functionality of the database by adding a query sorting the remaining members by Joined Date, finding breaking points to create multiple queries, in order to retain the memebrs with different approaches. Since there are many formatting options available, it would probably help the functionality to add color coding, bolding, or darkened borders. I would take advantage of the filter tool, as well as the relationships function. By analyzing various relationships, the gym could see if there is a relationship between leaving/staying and location, age, or membership type, which would definitely help with recruitment and retention.

Here is a print screen of my Members Database: