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

CIS 50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications

Winter 2012

=Final project - Group C=

=Final Project - Final Sources=

Week 1-Introductions and Personal Learning
Information Systems - I chose this source which was provided by the instructor, because it gives a great definition of information systems. I learned that information systems organize data to make it more useful and efficient.It is the wikipedia definition but it seems to be very thorough and taught me a lot about the different types of information systems. It was interesting to read the career paths for the different disciplines of information systems as well as the different types used in business.

VARK Questionnaire - I felt that this source was one of the best because this week was all about personal learning and this source taught me a lot about my learning style. I agreed with some of the results of my test but I think that this test was to make you think about your learning style and to show you a different way to look at it. I read some of the results posted by the other students and that seemed to be the main similarity between each student.

Week 2-Information and Systems
Business Information Systems - This is the link that I thought did a great job at explaining information systems from a business perspective. I liked the diagram that explained the steps from analysis to implementation and the steps in between. The way it explained the as-in process, which is how things are done currently, to the to-be process, which is the new idea on how things need to be done, was easy to understand and informative. I never saw the information systems in the things that I see and do in life like shopping at a grocery store or shopping online.

"What is Big Data?"- I chose this article because it was really informative and straight forward. This is an article about data. Data is fundamental to the design of Information Systems. After all, where will all the information be stored? This article has a lot of good information on big data. The article introduces “clouds”, which we learn about in a later topic. The sections in the article include “volume, velocity, variety, etc.” which betters our furthermore understanding of how Information Systems are made and stored.

Week 3-Hardware-Computers, Peripherals, and Network
Computer Hardware Peripherals- This topic talks about the different kinds of hardware a computer needs to function. This interesting article titled, "10 Component Hardware That You Need to Build a Computer" lists all the hardware necessary to do so. For each of the 10 things, the article gives one the model of which hardware works best with what one is already using. The author writes for a self-help video and audio website (home-speaker.net).

Operating Systems- I had quite some trouble understanding Operating Systems but this site offers really information on them. The article has a diagram that shows the relationship between the system itself with other equipment like the printer, monitor, and keyboard. It is a rather short article, but it's embedded with many links. Here, we learn that all computers must have a Operating System. The article breaks down Operating Systems into different classifications. Knowing the different classifications, we'll know which Operatin System we might need for out individual Life-Cycle projects. Operating Systems is the first step in learning how the (10) hardwares in computers communicate.

Week 4-Control
Control Systems - Even though this is the wikipedia's definition, I thought that this was a very good definition and it did a good job at explaining some of the different types of control systems. I never thought about some of the control systems that I come across everyday before like the simple on-off control system, which can be a thermostat reacting to a temperature change or a pressure drop in an air compressor, to more complicated systems like linear control systems. The logic control and fuzzy logic concepts were new to me and made me realize there is much more to control systems than I thought. This source was one of the best at helping me understand this weeks topic.

What is a Database?- Database was one of the keywords in this weeks topics. Every component of a computer needs control and with this article, one'll see why with the term "database". This articles talk about MySQL's, databases, and SQL's. We learn that databases are where information is stored, making finding it more easier and efficient. Sometimes there would be overwhelming amounts of information so there are different types of software for certain types of controls. SQL and MySQL are databases with different "storing and retrieving" methods. This site also gives a rating on which database its better. MySQL and SQL's are mostly used by "webmasters" so computer users like me will not need to use those programs.

Week 5-Systems Development Process
System Development Life-cycle - The diagrams, definition, and the breadth at which this source described a system development life-cycle did a thorough job at helping me understand the topic for this week. The diagrams did a wonderful job at giving me the visuals of what the text was explaining especially the life-cycle phases image. It gave me a better understanding of what I should be doing for my life-cycle concept. There was also another link in the text which described the waterfall model which is a design process that I never heard of before. This source was probably the one where I learned the most from for this week.

Security Development Lifecycle- This paper, written by Lipner and Howard, discusses all the steps of a development lifecycle. This particular article is based on Security Development. The topic for this week being Systems Development Process, I felt like this article was very appropriate, giving us the inside- views of a real system being developed. The article goes into deep detail into the phases of the development process, starting with the requirements phases and ending with the support and servicing phase. We each had our own Life-Cycle process we were perfecting and this article gave me an example to look at.

Week 6-Project Management, Research and Collaboration
12 Principles of Collaboration - The twelve principle all revolve around the purpose principle. Having a common purpose that can only be accomplished with other people is described here a being a community, which is true, but it is also a great description of group work. My two favorite principles are trust, which increases efficiency and enables conflict resolution, and communication, which is the basics for interaction. I think that this was a great source for this weeks topic because the basis for the topic was collaboration and this source broke it down nicely.



What Is Systems Engineering?- I really liked this article because of the diagram of the whole systems engineering process. It states all the little things that Project Management need to look for. The topics of the process include "State the Problem", "Understand customer needs", "very and validate requirements" and so on. I'd think a good and successful project manager will definitely will see that all of the requirements are met. This article goes on to talks about the whole process including implementation it really does cover a lot.

Week 7-Management Systems
Management Information System - The source gave a good definition, history, different types, and advantages for management info systems. It explains management info systems as involving people, technology, and information that are used to analyze operational activities in the organization or business. The biggest part of this source is where it breaks down some of the advantages of management info systems which helps a company know its strengths and weaknesses, allows for the customers needs to be met, and generally gives a big picture perspective of the company. I think that this was the source that was one of the best because of the way it used a business perspectives definition and gave example of applications.

GSA Securing Cloud Apps - This source explains a system,GSA, that is trying to manage and secure another system, cloud computing. It goes into GSA's efforts in trying to secure cloud applications most commonly used by its employees. This is in an effort to adopt cloud to lower IT costs and the elimination of data centers. I liked this source because it is a great example of a system trying to secure another system for the benefits of saving money and becoming more efficient which was another way for me to learn about the topic for the week.

Week 8-Production Control
Automation - The source is a wikipedia source that had enough information to give me a better understanding of automation which is a form of production control used for controlling systems and tech to lessen the need for man power in the work place. It was interesting to learn some of the disadvantages of using automated systems like cost and the automated system having limited intelligence. This is one of the best sources because of the the way it delves into the pros and cons, applications, and limitations of automation which was a good start for understand this weeks topic.

Production Planning & Control Definition- After the research and collaboration of a product comes the production control. This article gives a clear definition on what Production Planning & Control is. The "Context" section of the article lists 3 influences our topic may have. There are many things that are kept in mind when doing Production Control. Doing my individual project, I didn't really think about "Cost and Benefits" and the article tells us what we can expect when we first start planning the production.

Week 9-Anytime, Anywhere
What is a Cyber-Attack - This source defined a cyber attack enough to help understand and not too much to where it became confusing. I liked how it broke down different types of attacks, what they do to your computer and how they enter your computer. These were simple this is what it is and what is does definitions but it was perfect descriptions which were straight to the point. This was one of the best because it did a great job at explaining the vulnerabilities of computing anytime, anywhere.

Mobile Technology- Anytime, Anywhere is Mobile Technology. Mobile Technology transformed American Society and most societies around the world! I really enjoyed reading this article. It was a perfect article for this topic. It lists the types of mobile technology and the benefits. As always, benefits come with drawbacks. Benefits include cloud computing and of course, computing anytime, anywhere. The drawbacks are mostly concerns for security. "Anytime, anywhere" especially benefit business owners, according to the article.

Week 10-Technology Advances and Trends
Future of Tech - I thought that this video was a great way to end the class. It gave out so many figures that it was pretty daunting the first time I watched it. It made me think about how much the world has changed since I was a kid and how fast it is changing today. This was one of those videos that made you think about how much technology has impacted your life and how we are becoming more and more attached to and reliant upon it. This was one of the best sources for this week because it showed the exponential trend of tech use and made you think about all the advances that happened within the last five years and how much we will advance in the next five.

Digital Divide Data- We always talk about technological innovations and advances in America and China, where there technology is so easily attainable. We often neglect to keep in mind our fellow world-mates of countries where technology is hard to find. Then comes Digital Divide Data. I found this article really interesting, more so the cause of the "enterprise" that the article was addressing to. Since technology's taken over, Digital Divide Data's provided training to the Cambodia, Laos, and Kenya youth. It hopes that it'll "break the cycle" of poverty. Their services are be provided worldwide in the form of data entries, digital publishing, and digital libraries.

Introductions and Personal Learning
Ten Business Skills - I chose this site from the instructor's list of selected media. I thought that this had some good information of skills to master if you were trying to pursue a career in IT. I also think that these are just good skills to have in general too.

Data Processing System - This is another source provided by the instructor which I thought was a good introduction to data processing. Even though there was no sources sited in the article, I thought it was informative.

Future of Information Management - I chose this source that was provided by another student. I thought that this site was an interesting view on the evolution of information management from someone eight years ago. It talks about how will we be able to manage the exponential growth in information and how the future will change because of it.

Information System - This was a source from the instructor as well as from a student. I liked this because it was a good introduction to information systems for me. Even though wikipedia had some issues with it, I still found it informative.

VARK Questionnaire - As this weeks assignment was also about personal learning, I felt that this site was a perfect way to learn more about your own personal learning style. Even if you felt that the way it described your learning style was wrong, it made you think about how you learn.

Information and Systems
Business Information System - This was from a source provided by the instructor which explains business information systems. I like it because it is easy to understand and there are other chapters that i found interesting as well.

Datamation - This source was from the selected media provided by the instructor. It is filled with many different links that are very informative and provides information on many different aspects of technology. I found this article about cloud computing to be interesting especially in these troubled economic times.

Google Docs - This source was provided by a student and I am pretty sure most of us are familiar with it. I think having experience with google docs is good because it helps with assignments like this.

Cloud Computing - This was a source provided by a student which describes in detail what cloud computing is. For me it was a good source because I did not know too much about cloud before I read this and I found it easy to understand.

Globalization - I found this source and I still think it is a good read and provides a solid explanation of globalization.

Hardware-Computers, Peripherals, and Networks
TED Talk about UI - This was a source provided by a student which is of a TED video about user interface. I like this video because it describes a new possible type of user interface.

Introduction to Networks - This was a source from the instructor's selected media which is a video describing networks. I like this video because it give a basic definition of networks and explains the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN.

Inside Computers/devices - I chose this source because it gives great descriptions of some of the components of a computer. There is also other links which provide information about computers such as networks, memory and CPU.

Information System Image - This was an image provided by a student which is a great information system image about student data management.

Computer Memory - I read this source from a student and I thought it was really good. It explains a bit about bits and bytes and binary. It also talks about how to find out how much memory your computer has.

Control
Control Systems - I like this link which was given by the instructor because it explains thoroughly what control systems are and was a good way to start off the weeks assignments.

Disability Simulations - This was the disability assignment that was given which I thought was very interesting. I had never really thought about how people with disabilities interact with computers and these simulations gave me a better understanding and appreciation for my own abilities.

Wiki Editing Help - This is probably a redundant topic but I chose it because it has helped me to do this assignment and will help me get a good grade as well as if I ever want to edit in wiki again.

Future of UI - I chose this source that was provided by a student because our interactions with computers is evolving and it was good to get some insight as to where user interface might be going.

History of UI - I had a hard time with this source from a student because I wasn't sure if this was a good source. But I realized that it is good to know your history and why not the history of a computers user interface.

Systems Development Process
Recession Proof Careers - This source was from a student which I liked because it describes a couple of recession proof careers. One of which was a ruby/rails engineer which is interested me a lot.

Systems Development Life-Cycle - I liked this source because it describes in great detail the life-cycle of a system which helped me with my system concept.

The Don'ts of Your IT Career - I chose this source from a student because it gives advice on what not to do with your career in IT. With the economy the way it is, it is good to have tips on how to keep yourself from getting complacent in your career.

Game Design - This was a great video on youtube about being a game designer. I liked this video because I was at first interested in game design but I wasn't sure what it was all about and this video helped.

Prototyping - This was a source provided by another student which taught me a little about prototyping. Prototyping is part of analysis phase of the system development life-cycle.

Project Management, Research, and Collaboration
12 Principles of Collaboration - This source is from the selected media given by the instructor which was very interesting. I like how all the principles revolve around purpose. I understand it a lot more now during this group project.

Research - This was a source from a student which is the wikipedia definition for research. I like the definition because it is easy to understand and it relates to this course and project.

Computer Systems Analysts - This source was great because it did a great job at describing what computer systems analysts do. I also like how it gives related jobs at the bottom of the article.

Engineering Process - I found this source and I think that it gives a good description of the engineering process. I like how each step is broken down and it kind of reminds me of the the information systems life-cycle process.

System Design Review - This was a source provided by a student which was really good at describing the basics of a review of a systems design.

Management Systems
Management Information System - This is a basic wikipedia definition of management information systems which I thought was a good read entering the weeks assignments.

GSA Securing Cloud Apps - This is a great example of a company trying to keep cloud applications secure. This is a great example of a system being put into place to protect the security of another system.

Advantages of ERP vs Cloud - This is a source provided by the instructor which describes the advantages of ERP vs cloud computing.

Oracle Database - This is a wikipedia definition of the Oracle database. I never heard of the oracle database before this and I thought that this was a good definition.

Transaction Process System - I found this source which explains heitml and how it will help secure online transactions.

Production Control
Control System - Even though this is a wikipedia definition, I found it to be filled with good information. I like how it describes many different types of control.

Self Aware Robots - This source is a TED talk provided by a student, which is a great video about the potential of robots we can create today.

Automation - This is yet another wiki definition but it is interesting to read its definition; that automation is the use of control systems.

Reasons to Automate - This is a good source because it explains the reasons to automate a system. It is in terms of Toshiba but it gives some good reasons.

Self-aware Computers - This is a source I found that is written by a guy who does a good job at breaking down the reasons why we won't have self-aware computers.

Anytime, Anywhere
Mobile Computing - This was a source from the selected media which describes mobile computing. It is a wiki definition but give good information none the less. I think it is safe to say that we all have cell phones and are aware of the possibilities we have now by being able to log on anytime anywhere(when our bills are paid).

Geo-location - This is what allows anyone we allow to know our location anytime anywhere. I like this source provided by a student because it breaks down how it works, who uses it, and the privacy issues.

Mobile Entertainment - This source given by a student is an excellent reference to the growing usage of cell phones as entertainment.I think that this is an excellent example of how the ability to log on anytime anywhere is shaping the way we browse the web.

Cyber Attack - This is a great source about the definition of cyber attacks. I like how it talks about some of the elements of a cyber attack like spyware, viruses, hackers, and identity theft.

Voice Over IP - I really liked this source from the selected media. It explains what an IP address is, what voice over IP is(skype), and that we can use apps on our phones to talk for free. This is a great example of the evolution of the mobile world.

Technology Advances and Trends
Wearable Computers - This is a basic wiki definition of wearable computers. I like it because it explains the history and goes into the applications of wearable computing like military use.

Evolution of Wearable Computing - I found this source fascinating because the video is about the evolution of wearable computing. It will then most likely be followed by google.

The Digital Divide - This is a source from another student which explains a little about the digital divide. I like this a lot because it talks about people who can access the internet and people who can not or don't want. i know that not everyone world wide can access the internet but I found it interesting that only about half of Americans have access either by choice or not by choice.

Second Life - This source was new to me. I knew that people played video games religiously but to have an actual video game world where people act out real lives. I think that this is a perfect example of how the digital world is shaping our personal lives.

Future of Technology - I liked this video a lot. It was crazy to see all those figures because a lot of it you never really think about. It just shows you how different the world is now because of technology and that it is only the beginning.

Victors Individual Project
1. Introductions and personal learning -[ 1] The title says it all. It is a "Student's Guide to Computers in Education" -[2] shows examples of Information Systems used in industries of many different sorts. -[3] is a site found on a fellow student's discussion. It gives a nice layout on the jobs one can attain if decided to work in the information systems field. -[4] talks about how business now are being more efficient in relations to computer systems themselves. -[5] is an example of how information systems can be used. This is a surgical information system.

2. Information and systems -[1] Artificial Intelligence was one of our keywords and this articles describes one aspect of how it can be utilized. -[2] is more of a book but a section talks about GREEN IS; where Information Systems are used in a more enviromentally-friendly way. -[3] this article was given by Ms. Taylor and it is a great overview of this topic -[4] tells us that "They plan, coordinate, and direct research on the computer-related activities of firms. " -[5] I was really intrigued with the idea with Green IS so here's another article on the sustainability perks of Green Information Systems.

3. Hardware- computers, peripherals and networks -[1][ http://www.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm]- The basics of how Operating Systems work. -[2] Tell us the 10 peripheral components needed to build a computer, -[3] I really like the diagram on this page. It shows how much connections there are with different types of technologies. -[4] is an example of networking hardware itself: Windows 8 -[5] tells us about some Operating Systems that are currently in use by companies.

4. Control -[1] This is a website to the book about language programming. Java is one of those programs. -[2] PC Control Systems... and some examples of their applications. -[3] Rapid Development, a keyword I chose to discuss in this topic. Programs include PhoneGap, HyperCard, and HyperTalk -[4] shows some research done at UCSB on how control systems "manipulate" behaviors of systems. -[5] explain what databases are used for and also, how they are used.

5. Systems development process -[1] LEED Certification. It measures the sustainability of buildings. -[2] is a nice article detailing the "approaches" to the system development. What we should do before starting the process. -[3] This articles tells us all we need to know about the lifecycle of the development process. -[4] This book goes more in depth of the development process. -[5] A short and simple article on the two approaches of database development.

6. Project management, research and collaboration -[1] shows the entitlements to the job of an Analyst. -[2] This company offers different types of research services. It ranges from networks and the internet, to hardware and software. -[3] speaks of a problem with Chinese “Classis Insecta Paradox”. -[4] Show the 7 steps engineers are always following to develop systems. -[5] lists all the things a project manager should have.

7. Management systems -[1] offers the different types of hardware and software to bring in more business. -[2] Is an environment management system. It processes like any other management system with room to improve the environment. -[3] Shows all the different ways one can go through "e-marketing". -[4] Sales and Marketing Pro is a software that helps businesses with the marketing and sales aspect. It also offers tips to the business men and women to create more business. -[5] this software seems like the ultimate tool to having a successful and collaborated workspace.

8. Production control -[1] Once you have an product, one would like to make production go faster and smoother. Workplaces like a factory make that go in affect. -[2] Car factories have robots now to make the process more efficient. -[3]link title-[3] Was a very interesting and different view of production control. -[4] This link posted by a student shows how one can utilize the planning and control aspect of production. -[5] Every product is always tested and sometimes simulations are used.

9. Anytime, anywhere -[1] Geo-location was very interested and it seems all smart phones are embedded with them. -[2] Having posted about geolocation, this site warns of the "Risks, Issues, and Strategies" geo-location may come with. -[3] A fellow student posted this link and I was immediately interested in seeing the worst cyber attacks. -[4] is a blog about "what's new" i the Deloitte system. -[5] What better technology that can be used anytime, anywhere than mobile technology? This sites gives a list of products that do just that.

10. Technology advances and trends -[1] This site talks about systems that work with the disabled and how technology is helping them overcome some obstacles. -[2] "Adapting to Climate Change through Technology". The technology in this article is agricultural biotechnology and they believe changing agricultural habits will help with climate change. -[3] serves counties like Laos and Cambodia to fill in the gap of technology users and non-users alike, in the world. -[4] I had some experience playing Second LIfe on the computers. Games like Castle-Ville and Farmville are very similar to Second LIfe in that they can control what their characters do. -[5] This article posted by a fellow classmate is really interesting. Music really does change with new technological advancements