The words "blogging" or "blog" are obviously not in any current dictionaries, but I wonder if they will be a hundred years from now. Or maybe children a hundred years from now will be learning about the pioneers of blogging. The dictionary must have to be updated at the same speed technology is changing. With every new computer innovation comes a new set of vernacular. Who would of said the word "internet" fifty years ago, or even twenty years ago? People from these times would be puzzled by the description of something called a "website", yet today these things are a daily part of our lives, almost as mandatory as eating or brushing our teeth. We do everything online now. We bank, pay bills, communicate, date, buy cars, buy houses, apply for loans, apply for jobs, take college classes, read the news, read books, buy books, book travel, rent cars, watch movies, watch TV, trade stocks, run businesses. The online world has become such a huge part of our lives that I can only imagine what the effect would be if the internet suddenly disappeared.
While many see the internet as a form of recreation or a networking of friends, I see it as an opportunity. An opportunity for learning, and an opportunity for a career. Currently I am utilizing the internet to take classes to learn things like web development and computer maintenance so that I can pursue a career in the IT profession. My main subjects of interest are web development and graphic design, so I'm sure I will probably be spending a good deal of my time on the internet in my career venture.
This class has been really interesting so far. While I've dabbled a little in HTML coding over the years, I've never used a web development program like Dreamweaver before. I find it to be inspiring and am realizing that the sky is the limit with the creative possibilities. I've also always been interested in starting my own online business, and this class is helping me to learn the "building a web site" part of that. Once I've learned more about Dreamweaver I'm sure I'll be able to make a both attractive and professional looking and operational site.
As for the blogging part of the course, I wasn't sure at first what to think of it. I've never really got into writing or reading blogs; I've always seen it as an avenue for people with lots of ideas and too much time on their hands, but my view of blogging has been pretty narrow. It can be used for so much more. I've always thought of it as a person's online journal, or diary, but blogging can be used for academia, science, medical research, any kind of research, philosophy, creative writing, etc.. Basically blogging is all about writing. What to write about is all up to you.
Pertaining to this course, blogging is a very useful tool for writing assignments and reflection into the learning material.
I couldn't say yet that anything in this course should be improved. It's been "smooth sailing" so far. The assignments are easy to understand, fun to do, and a great learning experience.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Dreamweaver Thoughts
This has been my first experience with a web editing program, but I have found Dreamweaver to be really user-friendly. It's not at all like I expected. I've used many different programs, music recording software for example, that were very confusing to start with and were difficult to get the hang of. But so far Dreamweaver has been fun and easy to use.
The only hang-up I've had was when I didn't copy the chap_4 folder to my CIOS 256 folder like I was supposed to. I instead copied this folder to the desktop, so after I inserted all the links and images required for the "Teacloud" assignment, the published page didn't work right-none of the images showed up and none of the links worked. I understand now that all the files and links used on a site I'm building need to be in the folder that was specified for Dreamweaver to work from. I learned this the hard way, but it was a good learning experience.
The only hang-up I've had was when I didn't copy the chap_4 folder to my CIOS 256 folder like I was supposed to. I instead copied this folder to the desktop, so after I inserted all the links and images required for the "Teacloud" assignment, the published page didn't work right-none of the images showed up and none of the links worked. I understand now that all the files and links used on a site I'm building need to be in the folder that was specified for Dreamweaver to work from. I learned this the hard way, but it was a good learning experience.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Fixing Startup Problems With Windows XP
The text details several ways to fix problems with a sluggish Windows XP startup or slow application running. I describe several of these in the following:
-Sometimes if an application is running sluggishly, it is possible to increase the applications priority via the task manager. However, this should only be done with very important applications as giving an application a higher priority than certain background processes can interfere with the operation of the OS.
-Under the Processes tab of the Task Manager, every process is listed along with the amount of CPU usage each process is using. If it seems like a process is utilizing too much of the CPU total usage, you can Google the process to see what it relates to, such as if it relates to an antiviral program or is adware. From here, the priority of the process can be lowered or deleted, or the application creating the process can be configured to not lock up the CPU.
-Processes can be temporarily disabled from loading at startup via the System Configuration Utility (MSConfig), which can be reached by typing msconfig.exe in the Run dialog box. From here you can choose which programs you want to run when the OS starts up. Having too many programs running at startup can greatly slow down the system.
-A service can be completely disable through the Services Console (services.msc). From here you can research a service that is running to find out what exactly it is doing and if it is something you want, or is necessary, to be running.
-There might be software on the CPU that needs to be un-installed. Maybe there are old applications that you used to use that you no longer use that need to be cleaned up. There are several ways to un-install software, but one of the easiest is to access the Add or Remove Programs window through the Control Panel.
-Although it's risky and the average user shouldn't mess with it, items in the Registry can be deleted if software is no longer installed but still showing up as installed software in the Add or Remove Programs window.
-In the Task Manager window, under the Performance tab, you can check to see if the RAM being committed is more than the RAM available on your system. If this is the case, then you need an upgrade.
-Sometimes if an application is running sluggishly, it is possible to increase the applications priority via the task manager. However, this should only be done with very important applications as giving an application a higher priority than certain background processes can interfere with the operation of the OS.
-Under the Processes tab of the Task Manager, every process is listed along with the amount of CPU usage each process is using. If it seems like a process is utilizing too much of the CPU total usage, you can Google the process to see what it relates to, such as if it relates to an antiviral program or is adware. From here, the priority of the process can be lowered or deleted, or the application creating the process can be configured to not lock up the CPU.
-Processes can be temporarily disabled from loading at startup via the System Configuration Utility (MSConfig), which can be reached by typing msconfig.exe in the Run dialog box. From here you can choose which programs you want to run when the OS starts up. Having too many programs running at startup can greatly slow down the system.
-A service can be completely disable through the Services Console (services.msc). From here you can research a service that is running to find out what exactly it is doing and if it is something you want, or is necessary, to be running.
-There might be software on the CPU that needs to be un-installed. Maybe there are old applications that you used to use that you no longer use that need to be cleaned up. There are several ways to un-install software, but one of the easiest is to access the Add or Remove Programs window through the Control Panel.
-Although it's risky and the average user shouldn't mess with it, items in the Registry can be deleted if software is no longer installed but still showing up as installed software in the Add or Remove Programs window.
-In the Task Manager window, under the Performance tab, you can check to see if the RAM being committed is more than the RAM available on your system. If this is the case, then you need an upgrade.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
How To Deal With a Corrupted Windows XP Installation
Despite Jason's fears, this is actually a fairly easy problem to fix, but I'm guessing the thought of it would be intimidating to anyone without IT experience, especially when all your hard work that you forgot to back up could potentially be lost. That must be why I'm the IT guy and he's not.
What I would do first, since I already know he didn't back up any of his files, is find out if he has all of the application software CD's and software documentation. This will make things a lot easier for Jason and keep him out of the hot water with his boss he'd get in if he had to use the company credit card to purchase all new software.
Since his OS is completely corrupted and there's no way I can click on My Computer to get to the installation CD, or do anything in Windows for that matter, I will have to set up his computer to boot from the D-drive, or whatever the name of his CD/DVD drive is. To set this up I will have to access the Boot Menu, which can be accessed by pressing F12 during the computer’s start-up. From there I will be able to boot from the D-drive and start the reinstallation of Windows XP.
There are several installation options, but the one I'll choose is to do a clean installation on top of the existing installation. This option will overwrite all of the previous OS's system settings and applications while keeping the data on the drive, so none of Jason's files will be lost.
After the reinstallation is complete, I can help him reinstall all of his application software.
What I would do first, since I already know he didn't back up any of his files, is find out if he has all of the application software CD's and software documentation. This will make things a lot easier for Jason and keep him out of the hot water with his boss he'd get in if he had to use the company credit card to purchase all new software.
Since his OS is completely corrupted and there's no way I can click on My Computer to get to the installation CD, or do anything in Windows for that matter, I will have to set up his computer to boot from the D-drive, or whatever the name of his CD/DVD drive is. To set this up I will have to access the Boot Menu, which can be accessed by pressing F12 during the computer’s start-up. From there I will be able to boot from the D-drive and start the reinstallation of Windows XP.
There are several installation options, but the one I'll choose is to do a clean installation on top of the existing installation. This option will overwrite all of the previous OS's system settings and applications while keeping the data on the drive, so none of Jason's files will be lost.
After the reinstallation is complete, I can help him reinstall all of his application software.
Publishing With Dreamweaver For The First Time
I surprisingly did not find anything difficult with my first Dreamweaver assignment. I found it to be a user-friendly, educational, and rather fun assignment! Honestly, I was a bit nervous before starting out, as some software for these type of things can be complete nightmares, but I was pleasantly surprised.
This course as a whole so far has been excellent and I am happy that I decided to take it this semester instead of waiting to take it in a future semester, which I was advised to do. I've always been interested in web development, and while I have dabbled a little bit with html coding over the years, I have never actually learned the fundamentals of it. With this course and my introduction to Dreamweaver, I am learning that the sky is the limit when it comes to creative possibilities in web development.
I look forward to more assignments with Dreamweaver!
This course as a whole so far has been excellent and I am happy that I decided to take it this semester instead of waiting to take it in a future semester, which I was advised to do. I've always been interested in web development, and while I have dabbled a little bit with html coding over the years, I have never actually learned the fundamentals of it. With this course and my introduction to Dreamweaver, I am learning that the sky is the limit when it comes to creative possibilities in web development.
I look forward to more assignments with Dreamweaver!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Real Problems, Real Solutions: Becoming a PC Support Technician
From Page 53:
1. I would right-click on the My Computer icon-which is either on the desktop or under the Start menu, select Properties, and then select the General tab. RAM is list towards the bottom of the window.
2. The installed Operating System is listed in the same Properties window as the RAM, at the very top of the list.
3. I would have her right-click on My Computer, select Properties, select the Hardware tab, click the Device Manager button, and click "+" symbol to the right of Modems. The Modem will be listed here if the computer is recognizing it.
4. Right-click on My Computer, select Properties, and select the Automatic Updates tab. The option for automatic updates should be selected.
5. Right-click on the desktop, select properties, and click on the Settings tab. The screen resolution is shown in the middle-left part of the window. My max screen resolution is 1200x800.
6. Double-click on My Computer, right-click on the C Drive icon, select Properties, and click on the General tab. The amount of free and used space is shown is listed and shown in the form of a pie graph.
7. Double-click on My Computer, right-click on the DVD/CD drive, select Properties, click on the Hardware tab, select the DVD/CD drive from the list, click on the Properties button at the bottom of the window. Either the General or Driver tab will give the name of the driver. To find the path, click the Driver Details button under the Driver tab. My DVD/CD drive's name is MASHTA DVD-RAM UJ-841S, and the path is C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\cdrom.sys.
1. I would right-click on the My Computer icon-which is either on the desktop or under the Start menu, select Properties, and then select the General tab. RAM is list towards the bottom of the window.
2. The installed Operating System is listed in the same Properties window as the RAM, at the very top of the list.
3. I would have her right-click on My Computer, select Properties, select the Hardware tab, click the Device Manager button, and click "+" symbol to the right of Modems. The Modem will be listed here if the computer is recognizing it.
4. Right-click on My Computer, select Properties, and select the Automatic Updates tab. The option for automatic updates should be selected.
5. Right-click on the desktop, select properties, and click on the Settings tab. The screen resolution is shown in the middle-left part of the window. My max screen resolution is 1200x800.
6. Double-click on My Computer, right-click on the C Drive icon, select Properties, and click on the General tab. The amount of free and used space is shown is listed and shown in the form of a pie graph.
7. Double-click on My Computer, right-click on the DVD/CD drive, select Properties, click on the Hardware tab, select the DVD/CD drive from the list, click on the Properties button at the bottom of the window. Either the General or Driver tab will give the name of the driver. To find the path, click the Driver Details button under the Driver tab. My DVD/CD drive's name is MASHTA DVD-RAM UJ-841S, and the path is C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\cdrom.sys.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Evolution of Operating Systems
An operating system is the software that controls a computer, basically the middle-man between applications and hardware. In this blog I will discuss the growth that operating systems have undergone since their beginning.
It seems much like the evolution of apes to man, if you believe in such things-which I don't, but that doesn't give fault to the analogy. Operating systems have undergone many changes and improvements, and they are continually improving and changing as new technologies and updates are brought into existence.
It all started out with DOS, which was the first OS for IBM computers and IBM compatible computers. This was the first OS I ever used, and, as a kid, to me it was "awesome". One of the advantages of DOS is that it is easier to use when booting or troubleshooting a computer as opposed to the more sophisticated OS's of today. The first Windows program was Windows 3.x which was layered between DOS and the user and applications to provided a graphics interface for the user and a multitasking environment for applications. Basically it took the text driven interface of DOS and made it more user friendly. Kind of like taking a Hemingway novel and adding pictures and dumbing down the language so children can read and understand it.
Next came Windows 9x/ME, which is the collective identity of Windows 95, 98, and Windows ME. It was the 95 system the was my first encounter with a Windows OS. One good thing about 9.x/ME is that it had a commitment to being backward-compatible, meaning that it was still compatible with older software and hardware, but still took advantage of and introduced newer technology. It was a bridge from the old to the new; a smooth transition.
Then there was Windows NT (New Technology), a complete rewriting of the OS core, and it's upgrade, Windows 2000. Windows 200 is currently considered a dieing OS, but eight years ago it was hottest thing to hit the market since sliced cheese. It was easy to use and offered much more user-friendliness. Even after Windows XP came out, I still clung to 2000 up until just a few years ago.
Windows XP was an attempt to integrate Windows 2000 with 9.x/ME while providing added support for multimedia and networking technologies. XP offered some new tidbits as well, such as allowing two users to be logged onto Windows at once-which is a feature I am yet to use-and new applications such as Windows Firewall.
The next OS on the horizon is Windows Vista, which includes a new graphical interface, a revamped engine, and a new interface between the OS and applications. Sounds great, but I think I'll stick with XP for at least a few more years.
It seems much like the evolution of apes to man, if you believe in such things-which I don't, but that doesn't give fault to the analogy. Operating systems have undergone many changes and improvements, and they are continually improving and changing as new technologies and updates are brought into existence.
It all started out with DOS, which was the first OS for IBM computers and IBM compatible computers. This was the first OS I ever used, and, as a kid, to me it was "awesome". One of the advantages of DOS is that it is easier to use when booting or troubleshooting a computer as opposed to the more sophisticated OS's of today. The first Windows program was Windows 3.x which was layered between DOS and the user and applications to provided a graphics interface for the user and a multitasking environment for applications. Basically it took the text driven interface of DOS and made it more user friendly. Kind of like taking a Hemingway novel and adding pictures and dumbing down the language so children can read and understand it.
Next came Windows 9x/ME, which is the collective identity of Windows 95, 98, and Windows ME. It was the 95 system the was my first encounter with a Windows OS. One good thing about 9.x/ME is that it had a commitment to being backward-compatible, meaning that it was still compatible with older software and hardware, but still took advantage of and introduced newer technology. It was a bridge from the old to the new; a smooth transition.
Then there was Windows NT (New Technology), a complete rewriting of the OS core, and it's upgrade, Windows 2000. Windows 200 is currently considered a dieing OS, but eight years ago it was hottest thing to hit the market since sliced cheese. It was easy to use and offered much more user-friendliness. Even after Windows XP came out, I still clung to 2000 up until just a few years ago.
Windows XP was an attempt to integrate Windows 2000 with 9.x/ME while providing added support for multimedia and networking technologies. XP offered some new tidbits as well, such as allowing two users to be logged onto Windows at once-which is a feature I am yet to use-and new applications such as Windows Firewall.
The next OS on the horizon is Windows Vista, which includes a new graphical interface, a revamped engine, and a new interface between the OS and applications. Sounds great, but I think I'll stick with XP for at least a few more years.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
About Me
I would be lying if I said that I LOVE writing, or speaking, an introduction about myself. I guess it causes a person to be reflective and somewhat self promoting, and seeing as I've never been a person to draw attention to myself, not saying I don't like to perform-as I am a musician/singer, the instruction to do so has always caused me hesitation. I love to give a good performance, but I hate the spotlight. Kind of an exercise in denial if you ask me.
Rather than go on and on with a chronological montage of my twenty-five years of life, I'll tell you about my life now, because the way I see it my life of the previous twenty-five years has led up to where I am now. I am twenty-five, as I just said in the previous sentence, and I'm getting married in three months. That has pretty much been the focus of my life over the past months, however, while seeming to consume my time, this introduction of romance to my life has also brought along many good things with it. I own my own home and have a one-year-old German Shepard, Husky mix named Chopper who has horrible destructive dendencies. If anyone knows how to cure a dog of digging holes, please let me know!
I live in between Kenai and Soldotna, an area that is starting to bloom a little bit economically at the moment....we're actually getting a WalMart! Not that I like WalMart or anything, but it brings an economical excitement to a small town like mine. Lowe's is coming in too. I guess the excitement I feel for the growth of the area is the increased possibility of good jobs/careers, as the growth of an area usually means more industry, more people, etc.. I'm not planning on spending the rest of my life in the area, but I would rather move by choice rather than neccesity because I can't find a suitable career.
I'm taking CIOS 256 as a requirement for the degree program that I am enrolled in through UAF, Information Technology Specialist. I've been in and out of college since I graduated highschool in 2000, but never really found a field that interested me enough to complete a degree in it. My returning is in part due to the amazing encouragement of my fiance who has inspired me to do something with my life and follow my dreams. I have always been good at computers, and after research into the state of the IT field, I decided that it would be an excellent career choice.
In addition to loving my fiance and computers, I also like football, cold beer, healthy food, red wine, traveling, watching movies, exercising, writing, reading, playing with my dog, playing guitar, and spending time with friends and family.
Rather than go on and on with a chronological montage of my twenty-five years of life, I'll tell you about my life now, because the way I see it my life of the previous twenty-five years has led up to where I am now. I am twenty-five, as I just said in the previous sentence, and I'm getting married in three months. That has pretty much been the focus of my life over the past months, however, while seeming to consume my time, this introduction of romance to my life has also brought along many good things with it. I own my own home and have a one-year-old German Shepard, Husky mix named Chopper who has horrible destructive dendencies. If anyone knows how to cure a dog of digging holes, please let me know!
I live in between Kenai and Soldotna, an area that is starting to bloom a little bit economically at the moment....we're actually getting a WalMart! Not that I like WalMart or anything, but it brings an economical excitement to a small town like mine. Lowe's is coming in too. I guess the excitement I feel for the growth of the area is the increased possibility of good jobs/careers, as the growth of an area usually means more industry, more people, etc.. I'm not planning on spending the rest of my life in the area, but I would rather move by choice rather than neccesity because I can't find a suitable career.
I'm taking CIOS 256 as a requirement for the degree program that I am enrolled in through UAF, Information Technology Specialist. I've been in and out of college since I graduated highschool in 2000, but never really found a field that interested me enough to complete a degree in it. My returning is in part due to the amazing encouragement of my fiance who has inspired me to do something with my life and follow my dreams. I have always been good at computers, and after research into the state of the IT field, I decided that it would be an excellent career choice.
In addition to loving my fiance and computers, I also like football, cold beer, healthy food, red wine, traveling, watching movies, exercising, writing, reading, playing with my dog, playing guitar, and spending time with friends and family.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My Reaction to the Book Introduction
After reading the Introduction to the course book, I have a better and clearer understanding of this course and what I will be learning in it. Not only that, but it gives me a much clearer picture of the field I am getting into and the career opportunities that await me. Before enrolling in this degree, I did research into the field and into the possibilities for my future once finishing this degree. Reading the introduction to this book helps me to better understand the path I am heading down.
The certification breakdown in "Figure 1" on page xiii is especially helpful as it shows the different career paths that each CompTIA A+ certification can lead to, and while I haven't decided exactly what direction I want to go with this, it is definitely something I can start thinking and making plans for now. The certification internet links provided were also helpful.
I have read from several different sources that the Information Technology field is growing, which is one of the reasons I've decided to pursue a degree in it, and reading the book introduction was another confirmation that I am making a good choice.
The certification breakdown in "Figure 1" on page xiii is especially helpful as it shows the different career paths that each CompTIA A+ certification can lead to, and while I haven't decided exactly what direction I want to go with this, it is definitely something I can start thinking and making plans for now. The certification internet links provided were also helpful.
I have read from several different sources that the Information Technology field is growing, which is one of the reasons I've decided to pursue a degree in it, and reading the book introduction was another confirmation that I am making a good choice.
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