Mom:
There's a new virus to be aware of. It's called Proxy-Piky.dr. Proxy-Piky.dr works by opening ports that can then be exploited by unscrupulous people or programs. You may never know it's infected your machine because the only indication is unusual traffic from and to your computer which may remain undetected unless you're using special software to monitor traffic. If you were using a microsoft windows OS on your machine you could purchase McAfee virus protection software and run it to eliminate the virus. Fortunatley, your son had the good sense to buy you a Mac for your birthday so you won't need to worry about this virus at all.
Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
)rland01
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
blog13
The Honorable Harry Reid, U.S. Senator from Nevada.
Senator Reid is a member of the Congressional Internet Caucus. The Congressional Internet Caucus is open to members of Congress who pledge support for:
Harry Reid seems to support the concept of Net Neutrality. As a condition of the merger of AT&T and SBC, the company has agreed to not discriminate against any packet until late 2008. This issue has disappeared from the discussion lately but look for it to rear it's head soon as the emphasis on upgrading our electronic infrastructure increases.
Senator Reid is a member of the Congressional Internet Caucus. The Congressional Internet Caucus is open to members of Congress who pledge support for:
- Promoting growth and advancement of the Internet
- Providing a bicameral, bipartisan forum for Internet concerns to be raised
- Promoting the education of Members of Congress and their staffs about the Internet
- Promoting commerce and free flow of information on the Internet
- Advancing the United States' world leadership in the digital world
- Maximizing the openness of and participation in government by the people.
Harry Reid seems to support the concept of Net Neutrality. As a condition of the merger of AT&T and SBC, the company has agreed to not discriminate against any packet until late 2008. This issue has disappeared from the discussion lately but look for it to rear it's head soon as the emphasis on upgrading our electronic infrastructure increases.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Blog12
Windows ME
Windows ME had at least a couple of design flaws. My recollection of the system is an impression that Microsoft was trying to "get on board" with a design revolution in computer operating systems. The revolution is known as bit-mapped GUI as first used by Xerox at PARC. Later Apple computer appropriated the technology to their Macintosh line of computers. I'm not sure if I have the time line correct but, I remember Windows ME as a poor imitation of the others. Another flaw has to do with their use of addressable memory allocation. The engineers at Microsoft did not foresee the explosion of application size or computational memory requirements. Windows ME also had the unenviable requirement of backwards compatibility with older DOS based programs. Some of the older programs required specific memory addresses and would not work unless these requirements were met. This memory management scheme (or lack of one) limited newer programs. By comparison the 10 digit telephone numbering system has yet to exhaust it's "address" space. Perhaps we should have left OS design to the Engineers at Bellcore. I have had a small amount of experience with Windows ME. I remember using LOTUS 123 and WordPerfect on this type of machine.
Windows ME had at least a couple of design flaws. My recollection of the system is an impression that Microsoft was trying to "get on board" with a design revolution in computer operating systems. The revolution is known as bit-mapped GUI as first used by Xerox at PARC. Later Apple computer appropriated the technology to their Macintosh line of computers. I'm not sure if I have the time line correct but, I remember Windows ME as a poor imitation of the others. Another flaw has to do with their use of addressable memory allocation. The engineers at Microsoft did not foresee the explosion of application size or computational memory requirements. Windows ME also had the unenviable requirement of backwards compatibility with older DOS based programs. Some of the older programs required specific memory addresses and would not work unless these requirements were met. This memory management scheme (or lack of one) limited newer programs. By comparison the 10 digit telephone numbering system has yet to exhaust it's "address" space. Perhaps we should have left OS design to the Engineers at Bellcore. I have had a small amount of experience with Windows ME. I remember using LOTUS 123 and WordPerfect on this type of machine.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Blog11
Linux
Linux is a generic term referring to UNIX-like computer operating systems. UNIX began as an outgrowth of the MULTICS project which was a joint effort of MIT, AT&T Bell Labs, and General Electric. AT&T Bell Labs later developed UNIX which eventually was instrumental in the development of the client-server model and the internet. Originally conceived to allow collaboration between groups, and because of contributions by students and researchers at the University of California at Berkley, UNIX became synonymous with open systems software development. Linux was conceived gradually by Linus Torvalds. Linux began as a terminal emulator program used to interface large servers running UNIX. Linux is used by a variety of people some of whom are interested in developing applications in an "Open Source" environment, and some looking for an alternative to high priced "commercial model" Operating Systems. I would, and have used Linux but since Apple Computer uses a proprietary UNIX OS with all the tools and programs I need, I choose to use it instead.
Linux is a generic term referring to UNIX-like computer operating systems. UNIX began as an outgrowth of the MULTICS project which was a joint effort of MIT, AT&T Bell Labs, and General Electric. AT&T Bell Labs later developed UNIX which eventually was instrumental in the development of the client-server model and the internet. Originally conceived to allow collaboration between groups, and because of contributions by students and researchers at the University of California at Berkley, UNIX became synonymous with open systems software development. Linux was conceived gradually by Linus Torvalds. Linux began as a terminal emulator program used to interface large servers running UNIX. Linux is used by a variety of people some of whom are interested in developing applications in an "Open Source" environment, and some looking for an alternative to high priced "commercial model" Operating Systems. I would, and have used Linux but since Apple Computer uses a proprietary UNIX OS with all the tools and programs I need, I choose to use it instead.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Blog10
New At Microsoft
I am having a tough time with this assignment. I mean no offense to our esteemed professor, the class, the journalists who blog incessantly about these kinds of subjects, or Microsoft. I just find it extremely difficult to care about what the "propeller heads" underneath Redmond WA. are busy constructing in order to turn yet more profit for Gates et al. Any information I find on the internet from the vast propaganda arm of the corporation is sure to be tinged with self-serving "information" about the latest beta release of Windows 7, a new smart-phone, or a merger with Google, or Sun, or............ Anything from the host of "independent" journalists on the subject would be so loaded with speculation as to render the information useless when planning what equipment should be on next years capitol tool budget. Employees of Microsoft surely are required to sign disclosure agreements as a condition of employment making any insider information extremely limited in scope. I've owned a Mac since 1984 and even they (Apple) leave me less than enthused about the latest gizmo or must-have software. I'll admit the iphone is pretty cool though.
With all that said, here are my prognostications for the future:
Microsoft will release Windows 7 this year in order to satisfy all the critics of Vista. Their products (including Windows 7) will continue to be vulnerable to attack from nefarious computer thugz and criminal enterprise.
Microsoft will release a smartphone to compete with iphone. They will try to run some version of Windows OS on the phone making it less than spectacular for the reasons I've just mentioned.
Microsoft will continue with the mega-merger business model. They will probably merge with Yahoo, giving the new company an even greater footprint on the device/search engine playing field. Also this would allow search results to point clearly to Microsoft sponsored solutions. How convenient. This proposed merger would bring together three companies which all would share the same characteristic. A complete lack of coherent direction in the post Wall Street uberalles world.
For those that think I've "copped-out" (age showing here) you're probably right. I probably chose the easiest path when planning my response to this assignment. Someday I may be able to write enthusiastically about the latest technological device or program. I hope that day is soon to come, but first corporations must begin to take seriously their responsability to consumers to build products that truely enhance quality of lives and not quantity of shareholder money.
I am having a tough time with this assignment. I mean no offense to our esteemed professor, the class, the journalists who blog incessantly about these kinds of subjects, or Microsoft. I just find it extremely difficult to care about what the "propeller heads" underneath Redmond WA. are busy constructing in order to turn yet more profit for Gates et al. Any information I find on the internet from the vast propaganda arm of the corporation is sure to be tinged with self-serving "information" about the latest beta release of Windows 7, a new smart-phone, or a merger with Google, or Sun, or............ Anything from the host of "independent" journalists on the subject would be so loaded with speculation as to render the information useless when planning what equipment should be on next years capitol tool budget. Employees of Microsoft surely are required to sign disclosure agreements as a condition of employment making any insider information extremely limited in scope. I've owned a Mac since 1984 and even they (Apple) leave me less than enthused about the latest gizmo or must-have software. I'll admit the iphone is pretty cool though.
With all that said, here are my prognostications for the future:
Microsoft will release Windows 7 this year in order to satisfy all the critics of Vista. Their products (including Windows 7) will continue to be vulnerable to attack from nefarious computer thugz and criminal enterprise.
Microsoft will release a smartphone to compete with iphone. They will try to run some version of Windows OS on the phone making it less than spectacular for the reasons I've just mentioned.
Microsoft will continue with the mega-merger business model. They will probably merge with Yahoo, giving the new company an even greater footprint on the device/search engine playing field. Also this would allow search results to point clearly to Microsoft sponsored solutions. How convenient. This proposed merger would bring together three companies which all would share the same characteristic. A complete lack of coherent direction in the post Wall Street uberalles world.
For those that think I've "copped-out" (age showing here) you're probably right. I probably chose the easiest path when planning my response to this assignment. Someday I may be able to write enthusiastically about the latest technological device or program. I hope that day is soon to come, but first corporations must begin to take seriously their responsability to consumers to build products that truely enhance quality of lives and not quantity of shareholder money.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Blog9
Do some research and find a cool mulitmedia device or software. Tell me about it and give me a web URL I can find out more information about it.
Two applications that allow recording and editing sound are Apple's GarageBand and Goldwave Inc.'s Digital Audio Editor. Here are links to both products:
http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/
Using these applications allows recording and editing sound files in a variety of formats including MP3. This has made possible the following musical presentation: Well...as soon as I figure out how to get a third party to host my mp3 files, I'll share them with you. Thank You for your patience. -kevin
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blog8
Project 8-1
What is the price of an internal floppy drive?
Amazon lists an ALPS 2MB internal 3.5 inch drive for $8.49. Other manufacturers drives are listed for as much as $234.82.
What kind of connections do external floppy drives use? What is the price of an external floppy drive?
External floppy drives use USB connections primarily. Very old models may require RS232 style or proprietary (Apple) connectors. Prices for external drives start around $16.95.
Why do you think external drives cost more than internal drives? What are the advantages of external drives? Internal drives?
External drives cost more because they need to be esthetically pleasing and function well on a desktop or other flat surface. These requirements add associated engineering, maufacturing and material expenses to the product. The advantages of an external drive are: Space savings within the computer case, and the ability to easily transfer from one computer to another. The advantages of internal drives are: Low cost, stability within the computer case, and less clutter on your desk.
Define these terms:
DMA Direct Memory Access is a scheme that allows data to flow from a device (drive) to memory without calling upon the CPU for help, this speeds data transfer and does not waste processor time.
low level formatting
Initial formatting of the disk, usually performed by the manufacturer that creates the tracks and sectors and tests for defects on the surface of the disk.
SATA
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is an interface standard for connecting components such as drives to computers. SATA has begun to replace the older standard ATA. SATA compliant cable and connectors are much smaller than the ATA style. The SATA standard involves placing bits in series on the connecting cable where ATA standards required parallel bit placement on many conductors.
ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment is a set of standards administered by ANSI for the connection of storage devices such as hard drives to computers. This standard allows compatibility between manufacturers. With the advent of SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) ATA has been retroactively named PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment)
IDE
Integrated Drive Electronics was the first version of what is now called ATA. IDE was invented at Western Digital and first appeard in Compaq computers. IDE refers not just to the interface and cabling between drives and computers but also to the fact that the drive controller was part of the drive itself and not stand-alone or part of the computer's processor package.
What is the price of an internal floppy drive?
Amazon lists an ALPS 2MB internal 3.5 inch drive for $8.49. Other manufacturers drives are listed for as much as $234.82.
What kind of connections do external floppy drives use? What is the price of an external floppy drive?
External floppy drives use USB connections primarily. Very old models may require RS232 style or proprietary (Apple) connectors. Prices for external drives start around $16.95.
Why do you think external drives cost more than internal drives? What are the advantages of external drives? Internal drives?
External drives cost more because they need to be esthetically pleasing and function well on a desktop or other flat surface. These requirements add associated engineering, maufacturing and material expenses to the product. The advantages of an external drive are: Space savings within the computer case, and the ability to easily transfer from one computer to another. The advantages of internal drives are: Low cost, stability within the computer case, and less clutter on your desk.
Define these terms:
DMA Direct Memory Access is a scheme that allows data to flow from a device (drive) to memory without calling upon the CPU for help, this speeds data transfer and does not waste processor time.
low level formatting
Initial formatting of the disk, usually performed by the manufacturer that creates the tracks and sectors and tests for defects on the surface of the disk.
SATA
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is an interface standard for connecting components such as drives to computers. SATA has begun to replace the older standard ATA. SATA compliant cable and connectors are much smaller than the ATA style. The SATA standard involves placing bits in series on the connecting cable where ATA standards required parallel bit placement on many conductors.
ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment is a set of standards administered by ANSI for the connection of storage devices such as hard drives to computers. This standard allows compatibility between manufacturers. With the advent of SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) ATA has been retroactively named PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment)
IDE
Integrated Drive Electronics was the first version of what is now called ATA. IDE was invented at Western Digital and first appeard in Compaq computers. IDE refers not just to the interface and cabling between drives and computers but also to the fact that the drive controller was part of the drive itself and not stand-alone or part of the computer's processor package.
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