User:Vtaylor/CIS 50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications/Winter 2012/Final project A

CIS 50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications

Winter 2012

= Final project - Group A =

The "Best" of the Best:
Week 1

Introductions and personal learning :

Vark Learning Styles- We chose this link because it provided an interesting way of learning something about ourselves and it was a unanimous decision that it was remarkably accurate for being such a simple questionnaire. It pertains to the class in that it allows us to see which ways might help us comprehend what we are learning more efficiently.

Managing Groups Wikipedia- We found this link was one of the most in-depth articles uncovered for the first week of class. It helped all of us see various interactions between groups and how to best handle working in one and defining roles.

Week 2

Information and systems:

Globalization- This link was important because in any career we might enter there is always the opportunity and challenge of globalization. The article helps deal with the finer points of how globalization can help the business community as a whole in conjunction with the social implications of becoming a more globally connected society and the ramifications and risks of such a movement.

Data Security- We found this link very informative and we decided that it was important that we remember that our information online is very vulnerable. With an increase of e-commerce and the globalization of markets, more and more information is being put online in financial transactions and information exchanges, making it a larger target and easier target than many local information sources such as physical financial information (ie. Debit/credit cards, mail...). Hence, it is important to remember that any information that we share online might not only be visible to us but to anyone who has the knowledge to access it.

Week 3

Hardware - computers, peripherals and networks:

Home Networking- We all found this article very easy to use and highly informative. As we go through our daily activities, we tend to take for granted all of the networked devices that we use and it is very interesting to be able to learn more about most devices we use every day.

Processors- This link is perhaps most helpful to college students looking to buy a computer be it mobile or desktop. The information on this site helps us learn a little bit more about the more physical side of a computer and the importance of knowing what you're buying while your shopping. Knowing the various capabilities and demands of any computer can help elongate its usable lifespan.

Week 4

Control:

Graphical User Interface- We decided that this article was a nice addition to the resources for this class because it helped provide a clear-cut, straight forward definition of the graphical interface while most other mediums were long winded and contained a large amount of extraneous data.

Database Definitions- We chose this link as it, like the GUI article, provided a very in-depth explanation of the various aspects and defining a database. While a large portion of the class was based on a database, it was nice to find a easy to understand definition of something that might be an illusive idea.

Week 5

Systems development process :

Recession Proof Jobs- We decided that this link was important for a multitude of reasons; first and foremost, our generation is facing perhaps the most challenging job market to enter and stay in; as well, many of us are still looking for help in finding a career path to study. This link covers both topics very nicely as it provides concrete jobs which will be necessary no matter the technological progression and it also gives some information of the finer details and requirements of each job.

Information Gathering- This link provides some supplementary information to the topics we covered in class. It covers some finer details of retrieving and entering information in various data systems. The article also provides insight as to how the information plays a part in the life cycle of various systems.

Week 6

Project management, research and collaboration :

Experiments and Data- We decided that this link was among the most important as it reminded us of many things that can be forgotten while researching that tend to skew or detract from the overall results of the experiments. This article helps remind us that research is an ongoing endeavor rather than a few simple steps. Knowing that information can help college students become more astute researchers and help them gather more meaningful information.

Collaborative Efforts- This link goes into more detail about collaborative efforts and more importantly, why they are becoming more frequent in the workplace. With the increasing means of communication, it is becoming easier and easier to share information at real-time and allow the same quality and quantity of work to be done remotely.

Week 7

Management systems :

Transaction Processing- We liked this link as it provided us with a great deal of understandable information on the various aspects of transaction processing ranging from from the end user to the logistics and systems used to fulfill the needs of any customer. The images on this page were also very useful and easy to understand.

Management Systems- This link was the most technical link that we found in our research, it provides a great deal of information on the various systems and also helps determine what kind of system would be required for anyone who would need a management system in the future. In conjunction with future needs, it also plays a key role in helping those who might already have purchased a MIS but needs to know some of the finer details and functions of the system they purchased.

Week 8

Production control :

Control Systems- We liked this resource because it was able to expand our views and conceptions of control systems by asking us simple questions that we wouldn't have otherwise related to being a control system; by understanding how many things we pass off as normal, that are actually a complicated control system, we can see how large the impact of having these various mediums of control are.

NASA Remote Control- This was one of the more simple links we selected that helped us understand both the history and the future of remote systems. It broke down the finer operations that are executed in order to maintain the remote control systems that are involved in many of our day-to-day activities.

Week 9

Anytime, anywhere :

Efficiency, Life Cycle and Management through Cloud- We decided that this link was interesting because it provides tangible information to larger companies who are looking to service their customers more efficiently and automated system. This can offer companies who are looking to expand the means to do so without having to incorporate or change their business plan to accommodate for an exponentially growing customer base.

Geo-Location- We decided that this link pointed out the largest and most relevant information source of the various facts of Geo-location. It provides both the physical aspects of the technology, the impacts of it for businesses, and the risks of using the technology for the consumer. The article is also very helpful and interesting as it hypothesizes on the future of the technology.

Week 10

Technology advances and trends :

TED Talks on Wearable Personal Computing Devices- We chose this link for the personal side of the future of wearable computing because it shows the true future of what we might be able to use these devices for. The idea behind this particular device is that it will allow us to replace our computing and mobile communications with a device that would be no more intrusive than a glove and a larger necklace that would expand a computer into a device that understands what we are doing and how it can help.

Wearable devices in Medical Fields- Building on the link the other link from TED talks, we decided that seeing a more commercially applicable technology that could help a large community would be a great resource for the class as well. The principle idea of having wearable technology in medical fields is it would allow for more comprehensive care and better, more accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.

= Individual Contribution: =

Joshua Cummings
section 1

1. http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Computer_Science I found this to be a really good source for a really quick but well put together summary of computer science and what this class heavily involves

2. http://www.tdan.com/view-special-features/5406 This source I believe is a good way to see what is new in the world of technology and what is going on around us in the cyber world. This source is not a particular essay but a website full of everything you would need

3. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223357/Spanish_bank_to_move_100_000_employees_to_Google_Apps I found this article interesting about one of the largest corporations out there and its showing what is going on with the business aspect of the company

4. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223415/The_end_dawns_for_the_classic_TV_remote This is a quick article showing where technology is going in the way controllers are becoming a thing of the past with the advancements of controlling devices with simple movements and voice commands

5. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Computer_Information_Systems_in_Education This a good book for the class to use in order to gain more about CiS without having to pay for a good ebook

section 2

1. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/287895/information-system I thought this would be a better source of information that can be used that wouldn’t be from Wikipedia. Something that says it all but carries more weight than wiki does

2. http://www.textsrv.com/click?v=VVM6MTQ1NjI6MjQ6YWNjZXNzOmJjMzVmNjUwOThhZWRmOGM0M2E5ZTQwYjliNTY0MTc3OnotMTAzMi0xMDM2ODplbi53aWtpYm9va3Mub3Jn

3. http://aigamedev.com/open/highlights/top-ai-games/ this is a source for game developers and I found it interesting because it focuses on the development of coding and where it is going in the game industry

4. http://globaltext.terry.uga.edu/userfiles/pdf/Information%20Systems.pdf I found a good book for another source for the class this is another good FREE ebook that can be used for the class

5. http://oer.avu.org/handle/123456789/82

section 3

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware I know it’s a wikipidia page but I think it’s still a good source that give a great over view for someone without any idea of the topic

2. http://www.coolnerds.com/Newbies/Hardware/hardware.htm this is another good explanation of each of the internal and larger components that make up a computer

3. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/10-types-of-computers.htm this is a page that explains that there isn't just one type of computer out there but now in technology there are many different types of computing devices

4. http://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/manuf/mfg-computer-hardware-engineers.pdf this is something I found will looking at random articles and found it intriguing

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvIZWKh0KbY here is video I found for someone who really doesn’t want to read to much but just watch and get a god overview.

Section 4

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_language another wiki page that covers an important topic of this section I believe

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content-control_software link explaining the purpose of software that is needed to run more everything in a computer

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGOQuUfF_Jw a video explaining networking

4. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ca-technologies-named-the-worldwide-network-management-software-and-appliance-market-share-leader-by-market-research-firm-2012-03-19 this link explains the need of networks with large companies and organizations like the market

5. http://www.gomcgruff.com/ This is a control software that can be used to track kids online activity and protect children "parental control software"

Lee Tran
Week 1: Introductions and persona learning


 * Open Textbooks - online textbook about group management in teams
 * VARK Learning Styles: online questionnaire with results of different specific learning styles
 * Becoming Information Systems: This article describes either retrofitting or building new buildings that are "smart" and even more specific, an information infrastructure system. With the push for technology, buildings will be more technologically advance while at the same time, be energy efficient and secure.
 * Software As a Service - The article is about SaaS. SaaS is a way for people to have software on demand with out installing the software onto the computer. It is software over the internet and accessible with an account with the company who owns the software.
 * Cloud Computing: Somewhat new technology that will take wireless to the next level

Week 2: Information and sytems


 * Security - This short article describes the vulnerability of companies as big as Amazon and eBay, the 2 biggest e-commerce websites in the world! If they can't keep their user's information safe from hackers, how can we expect to trust the "user friendly" auto-complete on most web pages.
 * Social Media: Article about learning, getting work done, finding and connecting with people, web search, exploring and pushing self boundaries
 * Database - organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usuallly in digital form
 * GPS - Helps the understanding of GPS receivers and how they work
 * Globalilzation- Importance of information systems in globalization and de-localization of businesses

Week 3: Hardware - computers, perifpherals and netowrks


 * Bit - Basic knowledge of "bit" and how it is used in computing
 * Silicon - basic history of the silicon semiconductor used in computers
 * Input Devices - Explanation and examples of different input devices used in every day computing
 * Operating System - Different types of operating systems and their importance for the average person
 * Processor - Intel vs. AMD

Week 4: Control


 * Software - This article is on software in general which is lines of code readable to a computer. It gives a history about software and a few types of software available.
 * Programming Language - This article is about programming language. It gives details on the language in general and what form it should be written in order for a computer to read it.
 * Database - This article is all about databases and the different types of databases. It also has a good history and evolution of databases.
 * User Interface - With programming and software complete, the user interface is what the user actually sees and works with on the computer
 * Project Management - This article talks about project managers being involved with strategic planning. It outlines the necessary steps one should consider.

Week 5: Systems development process


 * Cost-benefit analysis - used to gauge the costs and benefits of an investment over a period of time. It’s often used in regards to large scale projects (i.e. business investments, construction projects) to decide if a project is worth investing in. The link provides a more official definition and some of the factors used to evaluate it
 * IT jobs - IT jobs involve managing information and data through computers and software. IT jobs are in high demand as technology becomes an even bigger industry. I’ve attacked a link that describes “10 Recession-Proof IT Careers”. Througout the recession, the one constant I’ve been hearing is that technology jobs are still in demand, regardless of the economy
 * IT Certification - basically, you pay to take a test and, if you pass, you can say you have such-and-such certification. Any search for IT certification will show you how many types of certification there are. The article I found is from PCWorld, which is a pretty reputable source, and it lists some of the IT certifications they think are most valuable. They imcluded Microsoft certification, Cisco certification, Project Management Professional, amount others
 * IT employment opportunities - this article provides information specifically for computer and information systems managers. This field had about 293,000 jobs in 2008 and is expected to grow 17% between 2008 and 2018. The conversion from paper to electronic filing increases the need for computer information systems.
 * Training, other qualifications, and advancement - people looking for this line of work usually work with computers and have a strong background in computer science. Employers are usually look for a graduate degree in computer science and managerial information systems or an MBA with core studies in information technology.

Week 6: Project management, research and collaboration


 * Research - research, as we know it, is not all about reading articles or looking up books in the library. research is a process, a systematic method. It involves setting a goal, interpretation of results, replication and gradual accumulation, and stating conclusions for others to follow.
 * Analysis - not really an article, but I have a fairly good idea of what analysis is. From my experience, analysis is the interpretation of data (once collected). Analysis is the art of making sense of what you have learned and collected. It involves additional research to full understand what you don't already know. Analysis involves making a decision, or are steps that lead up to a decision.
 * Collaboration - collaboration includes a combined effort of work between 2 or more people. Its benefits include: a diverse way of thinking, avoidance of redundant information, efficient and effective research, relationships, and an increase risk and reward system.
 * Engineering process - this is the process of tackling what you have to do in order to design the product this is the framework and that process
 * Design review - is the idea of after the development stage is over this is the final review of the design and make sure it is complete and ready to move on in the process

Week 7: Management Systems


 * Transaction Processing - a type of processing where the computer immediately responds to user requests which are called "transactions". One examples is a banking transaction. The article I've attached is lengthy, but if offers a lot of background on transactions and how transaction processing works (with diagrams!)
 * Customer Service - This article gives 10 tips to improve customer service. It introduces excellent customer service as one of the best and least expensive marketing tools. It might be helpful to everyone as most people at least have a chance to deal with customers in any part of their careers.
 * Oracle - Oracle is a computer hardware company that focuses on database management. The article I added is a timeline of the history of Oracle which gives a good idea of important events in Oracle history
 * Business Operations - This link shows the different types of degree you can use in order to get into business management. It shows the types, coursework, and career paths possible.
 * Enterprise System - History of enterprise systems, its characteristics and reasons why or why not companies would adopt an enterprise system

Week 8: Production Control


 * Control Systems - This article introduces control systems with a few questions that really get you thinking. Control systems are everywhere. You tell a computer what to do, and it does, simply speaking. There are sets of inputs that ultimately yields and output, and it's the control process in the middle that gives you the control system.
 * Self-aware Machines - Not really a description of the term, but more of an example. The first robot he presents has 4 leg like extensions that "figures" out how to move forward. For a machine to learn using AI is the next breakthrough. Now we have come up with super fast computers, but for a computer to learn and become smart would be much better than an autonomous, fast processor.
 * Factory and Warehouse Automation - makes the workplace, in this case, a factory, more effective. The automation makes less mistakes than humans and is faster. One example is robotic arms on a car assembly line.
 * Remote Spacecraft - is a perfect example for artificial intelligence- ran crafts. Meet Remote Agent, the artificial intellect that worked with NASA's. It's motto is "faster, better[,] cheaper". That motto, I think goes for all works in this chapter.
 * Simulations - exist in all fields. The link, also about NASA, tells us how multimedia is being utilized so one will "be able to launch a Space Shuttle". This site has simulations and tour anyone can enjoy.

Week 9: Anytime, anywhere


 * Cyber Attack - gives us very simple and straight forward examples such as identity theft, breach of access, system infiltration, and IP theft. It also starts with a very brief description of what a cyber attack is. It also gives us an example that it uses malicious codes to alter a computer code, something I never even thought of
 * Mobile Devices - This article offers a service to be able to keep track of all your mobile devices in your fleet. It gives the administrator or IT professional the ability to push updates and enforce password protections.
 * Geo-locating - This article goes over the accuracy of this technology
 * E-commerce - Google Waller
 * Anytime anywhere - This web article on the Unisis website talks about their pre-built private cloud services. I found the website to have easy to navigate menus that clearly explain the security technology and its benefits.

Week 10: Technology advances and trends


 * Public-ness - this article explains our "new world". As Google and Facebook are dominating the web, society, and our lives, privacy becomes and issue. Their argument is that the web needs to become more publicly open. The author or the article suggests that public-ness is an ethic of sharing.
 * Digital Divide - Simply speaking, the digital divide is the game from those who have access to technology to those who don't. This article reassures us that this divide is neither harmful nor a form of oppression. The Department of Commerce (DOC) reports that even in low income AND minority families, their use of internet has increased, and is still growing. The author suggests that there is a bigger gap of inequity between education and tax reform. And for those that want to fight, this is what they should attack, not the digital divide.
 * Wearable Computing - This is probably one of the most innovative and coolest thing I've seen in a long time! This is the ultimate package. Hardware and software is pushed to the max. Data is stored and information is built and gathered to really give us a "sixth" sense. It allows you to interact with the physical environment around you using your portable electronic as its base operations. Without taking out your phone from your purse or pocket and scanning a code and waiting for a web page to open, you can look at the object and it will display information and, based on your personal preferences, tell you if it's a good buy or not. This is only one of the many functions it can do. Simply amazing innovation!
 * Environment - speculation of our future based on current trends, environmental changes, and advancing technology. The intent of this site is to use open collaboration and discussion for an ongoing speculative dialogue on the timeline of our future world
 * Identity / Access - This article is about finger print scanners on laptop computers. It explains the issue with laptop theft where millions were lost due to lack of security implementations built into the computer

Jarrod Hiscock
(Week 5) Systems information

http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/reports/survey_of_sysdev/survey_of_sysdev.pdf


 * This provides a very good and clear breakdown of all the different development methods that various entities might use in the development of their information system or data system. It's a little bit technical but overall very informative.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb288451.aspx


 * The mid-top portion of this site goes into detail determining the information in the various systems, how the information is gathered (something we didn't talk all that much about in class) and finally how to determine the final goals of the information system.

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/altMethods.aspx


 * This is another link to alternative methods behind the information systems and goes into practical application of each style and as well their pros and cons.

http://www.hit.ac.il/staff/leonidm/information-systems/ch01.html


 * This page is examining the creation of information systems in terms of the actual engineering and it breaks down the types of construction very nicely.

http://www.opensdlc.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=SDLC-Roles#Training_Organization


 * To build on the link above, this goes into the various roles of the people involved in creating and implementing an information system.

(Week 6) Project management, research and collaboration

http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/rcr/rcr_science/foundation/index.html#2


 * Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this pertain to this class and give some very good information on collaborative efforts.

http://managementhelp.org/personalproductivity/problem-solving.htm


 * I think this is a very good link that provides us with some insight on how a problem effecting many can be made.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/13/15-useful-project-management-tools/


 * Like almost everything else, they have developed mobile apps to assist with team management on items such as communication, collaboration and time management.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm


 * Just a cool link on the various requirements and expectations of a information technology project manager! Thought if everyone was taking the class, this might help them decide how and where to go.

http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/collaboration/a/The-Benefits-Of-Online-Collaboration-Tools.htm


 * A quick breakdown of the benefits of collaboration

(Week 7) Management systems

http://www.occ.treas.gov/publications/publications-by-type/comptrollers-handbook/mis.pdf


 * This particular link goes more into detail about Management information systems as well as some of the risks involved in including one in a business model.

http://www.tlainc.com/articl83.htm


 * There are a few interesting and helpful pictures on this site about the various connections and crossovers that are involved in implementing a management/information system.

http://www.projectinsight.net/community/blogs/project_management_software_implementation_and_user_adoption_tips/default.aspx


 * Another good link to the impact of implementation for both inside and outside clients and how it can be transitioned.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/decision_support_system.html


 * Another type of management system, this link provides some insight and real world examples of a decision support system.

http://www.smallbusinesssuccess.biz/articles_week/importance_good_customer_care.htm


 * Something many businesses have overlooked; a pretty good link on breaking down the various aspects of customer support and the reasons behind them.