Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Storage Devices

Storage devices for a computer system usually include a hard drive, an SSD drive, CD and DVD drives, and come may even have Blue Ray drives. The data is stored in these devices when the computer is turned off. Hard drives usually have the largest storage capacity. Newer SSD drives have the fastest access time and data transfer rates. To determine storage capacity your system needs, calculate the amount of storage your software needs to provide more functionality for your system, you can even install additional drives.

I looked up a cloud storage called Sugarsync. With this program you can secure backup, sync, and upload, and access files. With Sugarsync you can backup any folders on your computers automatically. Sharing a file with colleagues has never been easier.  You can easily send any file type of any size to any one. Among cloud storage providers, Sugarsync has widest selection of mobile client available. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, Kindle Fire, Mobile website.


http://www.bestfreecloudstorageproviders.com/sugarsync-the-free-cloud-storage-you-need/

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Bye Bye Desktops??

In a presentation in Dublin, Ireland in March 2010, Google sales chief Jim Haley stated that desktops would be irrelevant in three years (* SiliconRepublic.com*). Smartphones, notebooks, and the amount of information available online will converge to create a different kind of future than what we’ve known, according to Haley. Do you agree? Why or why not? What impact would that have on the types of hardware and software that are the most in demand? 


I agree with Mr. Haley that the desktops would be irrelevant to a certain extent.  Yes notebooks, and Smartphones are easier to carry around and I'm sure the amount of information you would be able to find is endless. Especially if you are connected to a program like "the cloud". I know that you wouldn't be able to carry around your desktop as easily as a notebook, But I believe that a desktop and its system is more reliable when it comes to installing different types of programs.   

Sunday, May 20, 2012

System Software

I was a tad bit confused by all this system software talk.. but I am going to answer these questions to the best of my ability. 


System software consists of two primary types of programs, the operating system and utility programs. Operating system is a group of programs that controls how your computer system functions. Operating system manages the computer's hardware, including the processor, memory, and storage devices, as well as the monitor and printer. System software also includes utility programs, which perform many of the general tasks for the computer, such as system maintenance and file compression. 


Every computer has an operating system, the computer cannot operate without it. The operating system coordinates the flow of data and information through the computer system. Operating systems can be categorized by the type of device in which they are installed. Real time Operating Systems require minimal user interaction. Programs are written specifically for the device. Therefore there are no commercially available standard RTOS software programs. There are operating systems for networks known as network operating systems which enables more than one user to access the computer system at one time. There are operating systems for mobile devices, personal computers, almost anything electronic.


Since almost everything electronic has an operating system. I would say personal computers, game consoles,   mobile, and large corporations would probably be the most common. Microsoft Windows would definitely be the most common for personal computers. Linux an open source operating system is also gaining in popularity, because it will not easily crash or fail. It can also meet virtually any new operating system quickly. It is also been modified to run in IPODS and gaming systems.


According to our book, Jing is a freeware tool from TechSmith, that not only captures still screen shots, but also records video of on-screen action. You can share Jing files over the web, instant messaging, or email. The website looks pretty cool, it says you can record up to a 5 minutes for instant communication. If you have a microphone you could record commentary at the same time. You can also share your jing videos on twitter, facebook, or screencast.com. If you want to record longer than 5 minute videos you can add different tools through Snagit and Camtasia Studio. I think this is great for online teaching, or even presentations from a company half way across the world. 

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Application Software

The type of application software that I would say that I use the most is Microsoft Spreadsheets. This is a type of spreadsheet software that helps perform calculations and analyses. I mainly use this for organization of my expenses. One advantage of being able to use spreadsheets, is that I can keep track of my finances. Usually I do them by month so that it is more easier to keep track. Sometimes I even go as far to calculate my grocery list and compare it to the circular, and the estimated prices. By the time I am at the check out I usually am not to far off my estimated total price. Once I was only off by $3.00 dollars. I like that I can use it for calculations because I suck at math, and it usually does most of the math for me. All I have to do is input the numbers. I also like that it just makes everything look neat and professional and organized. I would even like to get one of those Neat Receipts to help me even further, because its a  mobile scanner and digital filing system that enables you to scan receipts, business cards and documents so you can organize, store and secure all your important information.  If you are someone like me that likes to be organized and willing to take the time to do the spreadsheets, that you should definitely give it a try. I myself can't wait to do them in class.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Social Networking All Around

I like social networking alot, the upside to facebook for me is that I can keep in contact with my friends and family that are far away. For example, my father lives in Germany, but with facebook and even skype I feel just that much closer to him. The disadvantage to liking facebook soo much is that you could end up sitting there all day long (trust me I have done it).  You also get caught up with all the drama that goes along with it. Businesses are using a lot of social networking these days, for example my brother works for Nestle, and literally sits on the computer half the day. It is a great way to see how your product is doing, and you can even help with complaints almost right on the spot. Even in society we have positive and negative effects, sure you can follow your favorite movie star, or athlete.. but have you seen all the back on forth on twitter?? So many twitter wars, you don't know what to really believe. I can't wait to see social networking in the next few years. With what we have so far in the computer world, and technology, its hard to imagine what we can come up with next.