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

CIS 50 Introduction to Computers, Data Processing, and Applications

Winter 2012

Final project - Group G
References and Descriptions

Week 1. Introduction to Information Systems
VARK Questionnaire - This is a good way to get the class started. So I chose the Vark Questionaire because it asks you questions which you must answer truthfully to get accurate result on what ways you learn better. I believe knowing your strong points in your learning skills is a good way to grasp the information that we are going to learn through this course.

Cloud or Not to Cloud - I chose this article because it is apart of Computer Information Systems. Also students believe that it is a move towards the future but it is still in its early stages that it needs to be more developed to provide better security for your information. This article is a like a risk assessment to see if cloud computing is going to work for your company.

Week 2. Information and systems
Artificial Intelligence - I chose this article for this course because it explains what artificial intelligence is about. It has questions and answers about A.I. that will help clarify any confusion you might have. This article explains the different branches of A.I. and what the main focus is on.

Audio Files - This is not really and article but I chose to use it any ways. It lists a bunch of different audio files that are used. It has explanations on what the file format is compatible with and what it is typically used for. This is a good source to know what audio format you should use for a particular job.

Week 3. Hardware - computers, peripherals and networks
iOS Android R.I.M - These three operating systems are what you can find in mobile devices today. BlackBerry and Apple are a little old since they just had a update in their operating systems. These are all WiKi articles that have good data on each OS. It provides history of how it was started and what it has become. It also has information on its platform saying what it was built with such as linux or sdk.

Networking - Networking is apart of Information Systems since computers are linked together within a system to be able to communicate with each other. I chose this article because it has information on many types of networking. It lists different types with a brief description about the specific type of network. It also provides extra links to more information about the different networking types.

Week 4. Control
Database A database is a collection of data that is stored in a way so that at any time it can be accessed, modified and viewed, in virtual form, databases can store vast ammounts of information that millions of people use everyday like music sites, social sites and educational sites. This data can be arranged in different ways, by catagory type, media type or relevance to the search words used, in the case of educational purposes, thousands of textbooks can also be stored and made available to students online.

Control Systems The control system is a program or a set of programs that is used to manage, regulate or command the system being used to perform certain actions that control the usage or behavior of the system being used. These systems are essential to today's computers and robotics to help them perform the complex operations with minimal error. These systems can be found in most of today's automobiles as well to control steering, braking, engine and saftey system functions.

Week 5. Systems development process
Cost-benefit analysis Cost-Benefit analysis is the break down on what profit and benefits you can see if exploring new ventures. Companies do this all the time before they start up a project to see if the research put into the work to develop something will be profitable for them. This article explains more in depth on this type of business practice. It was submitted by San Jose State and was really well written. The article does provide charts and examples to help better explain its main purpose.

IT jobs - This is a good place to get started if you are looking for a career in IT. This site can be used for other jobs but it also works for Information systems. You can look up what jobs and the salaries they offer from where ever you are living. They do break it down with graphs to show you how the market was moving in the past to the present. This will give you insight on what to specialize when it comes for people to decide what they want to do.

Week 6. Project management, research and collaboration
Milestones Milestones are successful project achievements or successful achievements in the project development process. These milestones can be the completion of certain important events in the development process such as important decisions, meeting important deadlines, or final production. This can also be an important part of evaluating whether the project is progressing on time or if the project has stalled or fallen behind. Milestones can also be used as a motivational tool or moral boost to the employees for a job well done.

Collaboration Collaborative product development is a break down of different groups of information working together on a project. This is a business strategy for getting a product they are developing out to production stages. This article is from WiKi and it explains different methods and processes that are used towards collaboration development. Such method mentioned in the article is "Real-time collaborative product design" where the designers from all over can communicate and make changes towards the design while being able to upload it on a central system to be processed for use with CAD.

Week 7. Management systems
Oracle - Oracle is an example of how we are becoming more dependent on technology. This large Silicon Valley based company has software that is used in many large corporations around the world. An example is their Peoplesoft program which allows an employee to access many functions normally reserved for the Human Resources department. Employees are able to check pay, input time cards, and check paid time off. I believe it is only a matter of time until more daily tasks will be handled by technology.

Customer support/service - Customer service/support is the second edition to offering parts and services. Great customer support will help your company since consumers are more knowledgeable and they share their experiences with others. This article shows ten easy steps to take to provide great customer experience. Although customer support does not need to be hands on, they're automated systems that are out there that are able to answer questions either by pressing numbers on a phone or keys on a keypad.

Week 8. Production control
Asimo - Advanced Step in Innovative MObility - Asimo is the leading robot in technology and is the product of over two decades of work inspired to help those with lack of mobility. The idea of a humanoid robot used to help people is no longer a mere fantasy. Honda's Asimo is able to walk upstairs, run, and even play soccer. Asimo's artificial intelligence enables it to recognize and react to human behavior and speech.

Simulation - Simulations are great for educating students. It place them in an actual situation with outcomes that can possibly happen in reality. Students can learn from the mistakes they make in there without actual negative consequences. It is a powerful learning tool, especially if students need to be highly skilled in what they do. This link provides several simulations for being a pilot of a space shuttle. It even includes possible malfunctions and what is needed to be done. This is the ideal application of simulation and its use.

Week 9. Anytime, anywhere
Cyber Attacks - The threat of cyber attacks is on the rise. There are several ways one an be attacks. This link briefly describes a variety of different attacks. A few I would like to mention are viruses which can destroy files and systems. Identity theft, the use of illegally using someone else's information, is on the rise as well since our society is becoming more technologically savvy. Identity theft can follow someone for life if a user gains enough information. Have you ever thought if what would happen if cyber criminals were able to successfully attack large banks or if a rival country breaks into the United States government's information system?

Mobile Computing/Learning - All three of us agreed this is a very important topic to know about. Today, just about everyone on campus has us a smartphone that lets us do more than a traditional cellphone does. We are able to check emails, view movies, play games, do homework, and several other activities. Cellphones are taking the place of laptops and desktops with their multifunctional and portable platforms. Mobile computing keeps us connected anywhere and and anytime we wish.

Week 10. Technology advances and trends
Wearable Computing - Technology is all around us and most us bring it along too. We can keep laptops in our backpacks and smartphones in our pocket. However, there is a another field that is coming into play and that is wearable computing which provides constant interaction between user and the system. Nokia has recently patented a "tattoo" that can vibrate to indicate phone calls or messages. The tattoo is similar to a sticker which is digitized and connected via bluetooth to alert users.

Digital Divide - This is another topic the three of us all agreed on. Living in the Silicon Valley, it seems that everyone is online or it is readily available if needed. Many organizations are moving online. For example, we are taking an online class and De Anza's class schedule is only available online now. People do banking and pay bills online. As we become more increasingly dependent on technology, there are those who increasingly suffer from the lack of it. Those living in geographical locations or incomes that do not enable them to become in touch with the digital age are left behind. The gap will grow as we advance unless those secluded can somehow manage to catch up.

David's Selections
Week 1. Vark Learning Styles - This is important in order for students to understand which conditions they learn best under. Learning Styles - This discussion showed how students reacted to their learning styles and how they associate themselves with their particular style. Majority of Students Learn Best by Reading/Writing - Most students learn best by the traditional read/write style versus the other three categories. Cloud Computing - Majority of students believe cloud computing is the way of the future. Open Textbooks -  Link provides access to thousands of different books.  Week 2. Concept Development - Demonstrates what kind of creative thinking it takes to develop a Lifecycle Project Wikieducator.org - Main page used to plan and develop students with open education sources.  Technology Publications - Top 9 technology publications for the latest technology news. Artificial Intelligence - Different levels and applications of artificial intelligence exists. Audio File Formats - Lists detailed differences between various audio file formats.  Week 3. Computer Hardware - Components required to create a functioning personal computer.<BR> Networking - Brief introduction about how networking works.<BR> RFID - Description of Radio Frequency Identification and its applications <Br> Data Management - Diagram showing the complex linking of several different functions within a particular organization.<BR> Data Center - Article containing images and information about the use of data centers in large cities.<BR> <BR> Week 4<BR> Control Systems - Several different types of control systems exist. This wikipage lists different major types. <BR> User Interface - Control needs to be simple enough for users to understand how products work.<BR> WikiEducator Functions - Discussion with several inputs about the useful benefits from using WikiEducator.<BR> Database - Location where data is stored.<BR> Project Management - Managing projects involves competent managers who are able to balance the multiple responsibilities they have.<BR> <BR> Week 5 <BR> Process - Transforming inputs into outputs.<BR> Software Developments Process - Several different developments models are used in software development.<BR> Prototyping - Process of testing several outcomes until a desired result is achieved.<BR> Cost Benefit Analysis - Used to measure the costs of a project over time and compared to the benefits. <BR> IT Jobs - IT jobs are very flexible meaning every industry requires someone with knowledge of IT><BR> <BR> Week 6<BR> Engineering Process - 8 step process used for development of a new process or system. <BR> Milestones - Effective way of measuring progress by noting significant events.<BR> Collaboration - Bringing together several individuals to work on a project together.<BR> Principles of Collaboration - Principles required in order for a group to work together effectively.<BR> Connexions Collection - Another site containing free learning materials.<BR> <BR> Week 7<BR> Oracle - One of the largest software that companies use for human resource functions.<BR> Business Operations - Lists the detailed tasks that are needed to be done daily in order for an organization to function as smoothly as possible.<BR> Management Information Systems - Fusion of business and information technology. Required to support an organization's operations.<BR> Customer Service - The fate of many companies rests on their customer service. This article provides tips to improve the quality of customer service.<BR> Blackboard - Educational tool used by schools to enhance online education.<BR> <BR> Week 8<BR> Mars Rover - Tracking progress of rovers on planet Mars.<BR> Automation - Reducing the needs for human work in production of goods and services.<BR> Robotics - Development of robotics is increasingly becoming more advance leading to the need to adapt to new situations.<BR> Asimo - "The World's Most Advanced Humanoid Robot" - Honda is leading the development of robotics and artificial intelligence with 'Asimo'.<BR> Driver-less Google Car - Automation eliminates human functions. The future will create tasks such as a driving become an effortless activity.<BR> <BR> Week 9<BR> World Wide Web - System linking information together to be accessed through the internet<BR> Internet - Interconnected computer that serves as the infrastructure of the world wide web in order to access data.<BR> Voice Over IP (VoIP) - Communicating verbally through the use of the internet.<BR> 24/7 - Today, society is given the ability to access any information at any different time of the day.<BR> Mobile Computing - Phones have evolved into minicomputers and this allows the user to perform tasks normally reserved for personal computers at any time of the day.<BR> <BR> Week 10<BR> Digital Divide - The lack of access to technology is creating a barrier for those unable to keep up with the majority of the country.<BR> Wearable Computer - Technology is changes lives as people will begin to wear smaller hardware on the physical body.<BR> Story of Stuff - Video showing the costs associated with creating products for cheap prices and the efforts on society and the environment.<BR> Social Media Revolution 2012 - Video illustrating the impact of social media has on today's society.<BR> Smartphones - Phones built on mobile computing platforms. Has several functions beyond traditional phone calls.

Jonathan Felmoca
Week 1

Cloud Computing Alot of students believe that cloud computing is the future of data access anywhere.

SaaS Not many student believe in this type of software. They think that closed system software is a lot more safe to use.

WikiBooks This wikibook has an extensive amount of information about Computer Information Systems and it is free.

Vark This is a great tool that lets us see what type of style of learning works best for us.

Open Text Books This is a great place to see if they have a text book online that is free or either cheap. Subject books are expensive when you are a student on a budget.

Week 2

Security A lot of people don't know about computer security and how to make your computer network more secure. This article has good information on how to protect you computer

Audio Files This is a great list of audio files. It also lets us know the good and bad about certain formats.

Globalization This article is good and from Standford university for the idea of globalization and working with other cultures on building the economic system.

Artificial intelligence This article has a lot of answers to Artificial intelligence. It explains different types of AI and different classes of AI.

Message Passing I chose this article because message passing has become the norm today. Text messaging is more popular than talking on the phone now.

Week 3

Operating Systems  I chose these two articles because they are about the most popular mobile device operating systems.

Silicon This article explains silicon as an element and how it is manufactured. It also has a few examples of uses we have for silicon.

Networking This article has a good list of different types of networking. It also has links to different types of networking.

Tabulating Machines I chose this article because it has a good history of of tabulating machines which was a good start to computing.

Telecommunications This has some good information on communications in the the past.

Week 4

Software This is a good article on software and some different types of them out there.

Programming Language I chose this article because programming language always changes. It has good information to and understanding of basic programming.

Database is a good one because it explains what a database is. A collection of data stored on or at a location for use later is consider a database.

System development methodologies are strategies to improve productivity and quality of systems development.

Project Management This article has a brief explanations of being a project manager and what it takes to get things done.

Week 5

Maintenance Maintenance is an important part of a systems which helps things running smoothly during development.

Cost-benefit analysis This article is good because it helps you weigh the cost and benefits when starting a project to see if it is worth the effort.

IT Jobs This is good for anyone looking for a job in Information Technology to see what is going be a stable job during hard times.

Certification I chose this article because it lists popular certifications which are needed to show that you are competent for that job position.

Problem/Opportunity [The goal of information systems development is to take a current problem and create an opportunity to solve it ] The goal of information systems development is to take a current problem and create an opportunity to solve it.

Week 6

Information System Lifecycle process used in the initial stages of project management to create and/or change information systems so that all goals are met

Project Managment the skill or job of organizing, planning, preparing, and managing the elements of a project.

Design Review This article goes over the design review process which is the process of performing inspections of the systems design

Milestone This article contains ten traits of effective project milestones such as being specific, measurable, relevant, timely and more.

Collaboration There are different ways in which people can work together on a project and this article mentions a few different types of them.

Week 7

Transaction Processing This article offers a lot of background on transactions and how transaction processing works.

Customer Support This article shows how automation can be used to help customers with technical issues.

Transaction Processing System This article says that it uses HTML language to help make online transaction oriented web applications safer and more secure.

Document Management I choose documents management system cause it's electronic documents and records for easy access and security.

Oracle is a software company located in the silicon valley which produced javascript and other systems.

Week 8

Autonomous Vehicle This shows a car and what systems are used to operate it.

Drones This article is about unmanned vehicles used for covert operations without putting human lives at risk.

Control System This article is on control system and it breaks it down into its different parts.

Self-Aware Machines It goes over the benefit of having self-aware machines in factory automation and its benefits such machines.

Simulations Many companies use this type of system to mimic real life situations with out the risk of damaging the machines.

Week 9

Mobile Learning Certpoint Sytems Inc. has introduced Certpointvls mobile, a platform that enables learning without having to be in the classroom

Cyber Attacks This article shows how vulnerable the US is to cyber attacks.

Risk, Issues/Strategies This article is on Geo-Location and how it works.

Mobile Shows the ability to stay connected with your company with the technology that allows you to manage everything where ever you are at.

Security  this article provides solutions for securing WI-fi connections and managing your security.

Week 10

Environment This article shows what mobile phones and devices are doing to our environment.

Digital Devide This article shows the impact of technology on different groups in society according.

Identity This article is pretty good on how identity theft is done and what ways you can protect yourself.

Wearable Computing It focused on wearable technology that uses hand motions to project information to the user

Second Life This article is about a digital life live online with others from around the world to create a virtual world.

Justin's selections
Week 1

Open textbooks -  http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1345  this link has many texbooks available free online.

VARK questionnaire - http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire this is a website that evaluates your learning style through a series of questions.

Information systems - http://www.news-medical.net/news/20090918/New-information-system-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-individuals.aspx  this website descibes new information systems being developed for the disabled.

Cloud computing - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095454.htm  this article discusses Cloud computing and the benefits and security issues.

Personal learning - https://catalyst.deanza.edu/moodle/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=13706 this link is to our discussion forum about our ideal learning environment and how they compare their style to the VARK quiz results.

Week 2

A.I  -  http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html   an article about various A.I technologies and advancements

Computer security -  http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/even-big-companies-cannot-protect-their-data/?scp=2&sq=database%20information%20systems&st=cse  this is an article about how cyber crime affects big businesses.

Audio file formats - http://www.nch.com.au/acm/formats.html   this link provides descriptions of different types of audio file formats and their uses.

Privacy - http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/facebook-tracking-scrutiny/story?id=14960711#.Txck5oFsiSo   this link is about companies like Facebook and their privacy policy issues.

Communications - http://www.camiresearch.com/Data_Com_Basics/data_com_tutorial.html#anchor405943  this article is an overview of data communications and a description of how it works.

Week 3

Open source  - http://sourceforge.net/   this is a link to SourceForge, the largest free application download website.

Operating systems -   http://www.apple.com/macosx/whats-new/  a link describing the Apple OS X Lion operating system.

Server farms - http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/26/magazines/fortune/futureoftech_serverfarm.fortune/index.htm this article explains what server farms are and how they impact the environment and society.

Hardware - http://news.softpedia.com/news/Intel-039-s-2-Billion-CPU-Gets-Pictured-Details-81345.shtml this is a link describing Intel's Itanium processor.

Networking - http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=26153&CategoryID=98  this is a link to a video about the introduction to computer networking.

Week 4

Design for users - http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows7/default.aspx  this is a link to a Windows 7 program that converts words from text to speech for the visually impaired.

WikiEducator - http://wikieducator.org/Main_Page a link to the WikiEducator website which enables students and teachers to use a collaborative learning environment.

Programming language - http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/programming_language.html   this is an article describing what programming language is and its functions.

Creative commons - http://creativecommons.org/about this article is about the idea of universal access and useage to all media on the internet.

Control software - http://www.knowledgetransfer.net/dictionary/Storage/en/control_software.htm  Control-software provides common control management for a computer network and controls their operating environment.

Week 5

IT careers - http://insidetech.monster.com/careers/articles/4322-10-recession-proof-it-careers   this link talks about the creation of IT jobs and the jobs to look for.

System end of life -  http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy  this is a link describing microsoft's system support end of life policy.

System development process - http://www.scribd.com/doc/58567510/6/SYSTEM-DEVELOPMENT-PROCESS   a easy to understand description of the system development process.

Cost-benefit analysis - http://management.about.com/cs/money/a/CostBenefit.htm  a link describing how a cost-benefit analysis helps businesses succeed.

Job requirements -  http://www.technical-resumes.com/software-engineer-job-description/  an article describing the training and education needed for this job description.

Week 6

Engineering process -  http://www.sie.arizona.edu/sysengr/whatis/whatis.html   A link that descibes what goes into the engineering process.

Milestones  -  http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/managing-project-milestones-HA001226487.aspx this link describes that a milestone or project milestones are successful achievements in the development process.

Research -  http://www.jstor.org/  this is a link to a great research resource with thousands of academic publications.

Collaboration -  http://projectcourses.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/project-management-collaboration-maximize-efficiency/ this article describes the purpose and benefits of project collaboration.

Design review -  http://www.ece.nmsu.edu/pdf/CDRTemplate.pdf this pdf describes the formula for design review.

Week 7

Customer support -  http://www.novosolutions.com/customer-support-software/   this is a link to a customer support suite.

Oracle -  http://www.oracle.com/us/products/applications/ebusiness/index.html a link to Oracle that was responsible for the development of javascript.

Customer service -  http://facethemusicanddance.com/?p=3049  a link describing ways to provide excellent customer service.

Blackboard -  http://www.blackboard.com/  this website is an online educational tool used by many schools.

Sales and marketing -  http://www.awesomelife.com/business/sales/ab07-101-best-sales-and-marketing-ideas.htm a great link describing proven marketing and sales practices.

Week 8

Warehouse automation -  http://www.robots.com/articles/viewing/reasons-to-automate/859 an article describing the benefits of warehouse automation.

Production control -  http://alexandria.tue.nl/repository/freearticles/588914.pdf A link describing how production control systems work.

Self aware machines -  http://www.ted.com/talks/hod_lipson_builds_self_aware_robots.html a good video demonstration of self aware robotics.

Data model -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_model a wiki link describing what a data model is.

Simulation -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation a wiki link that descibes the purpose and how a simulation aids in development.

Week 9

Mobile security -   http://www.unisys.com/unisys/landingPages/index.jsp?id=1120000970017610154 this is a description of mobile security suites for cloud computing.

Cyber attacks -   http://www.trivology.com/articles/297/what-is-a-cyber-attack.html this link describes what a cyber attack is and how vulnerable we are.

Risk, issues and strategies -  http://www.isaca.org/Groups/Professional-English/wireless/GroupDocuments/Geolocation_WP.pdf this pdf describes the risks issues and strategies when using geo location.

Mobile computing -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_computing this wiki article talks about how far mobile computing technology has progressed and the definition of mobile computing.

Wi-Fi security -  http://www.arraynetworks.com/solutions-securing-wifi-access.html a link to a company that provides solutions for wi-fi security.

Week 10

Identity theft -  http://www.sjpd.org/bfo/community/Crimeprev/crimeprevention%20forms/Identitytheft.pdf  a link to an article about identity theft by the San Jose police department.

Wearable computing -  http://www.media.mit.edu/wearables/  a link to an article describing the technology and innovation made in wearable computing.

Digital divide -  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/opinion/sunday/internet-access-and-the-new-divide.html?pagewanted=all  this article discusses the income gap in the world of technology.

Healthcare technology - http://www.medicalelectronicsdesign.com/article/technological-advances-simplify-personal-healthcare-and-peak-performance-training this link discusses the uses for new technology in the healthcare field.

Climate change -  http://www.globalwarming.org/2009/09/22/adapting-to-climate-change-through-technology/   an interesting article on how biotech can be used to benefit the environment.