Week 7: Clear

GUI vs. Command Line

Command Line Interfaces are of little use to the general public but they are essential for server administrators and programmers. All web servers operate using command line interfaces and most scripts are written that way. One common Command Line Language is “BASH”. You can find a glossary of BASH terms that can help you navigate and operate in a command line based environment, here.

A GUI (Graphical User Interface) like Windows or OS X Leopard makes it easy for laymen to operate computers but it adds a layer between the user and the machine. These programming environments help the developer translate things from “point and click” to machine language. However, the convenience of GUI means additional resources like CPU power and Memory have to be put towards translating from the graphical environment to machine languages. This is why many times Command Line Operations will be processed quicker than those executed via GUI.

Most modern businesses host websites on web servers that respond to command line languages. Fixing critical issues and troubleshooting website failures can be accomplished quickly in command line interfaces. Many businesses employ server administrators who have to be well versed in command line languages or purchase their hosting from companies that employ them.

Week 6: Clear

Computer Hardware: Scanners

"Hardware" is an umbrella term for all the different parts and processes that make up computer systems. One ordinary device presented new and relevant information to me as somewhat of a "casual" computer user.

What I found to be most interesting were the different types of scanners and their uses, including some that may surprise you.

Document Scanner: a basic device that most users are comfortable with using to input images from paper documents, printed photos, photo negatives and more.

• Flatbed with optional document feeder. Also known as "desktop scanner," is fast, efficient, able to scan multiple items automatically without pause in between, self-feeds. Highest resolution without interpolation that can be achieved is ~5,000 dpi and with interpolation, can reach 11,000 dpi (International Paper Knowledge Center)
• Handheld . Compact, travel-size, one sheet scanning at a time, easy upkeep. Also known as "half-page scanners," are mostly useful for small photo scanning as they can only scan about 2-5 inches at a time. Least expensive type of scanner (International Paper)

Film Scanner: aka "slide scanners", Film scanners are small desktop scanners used to scan 35mm film and slides. Some of film/slide scanners include an APS (Advanced Photo System) film adapter for use with the APS film format.

• Slides usually are higher quality than prints or digital formats and produce a higher quality scan. Slides are brighter than prints and have a higher dynamic range. Many slide scanners have (native) resolutions in the 5,000-6,000 ppi range and can be very expensive to purchase (International Paper).
• Automatically corrects old film defects and errors.

Bar Code Scanner: used for data input exported from scanner to the PC then to an inventory database. Also known as a "bar code reader," it reads printed bar codes used to manage and track items, like in retail businesses (Topbits)

• Fixed position: used by distributors and manufacturers
• Handheld: used by cashiers and clerks at checkout counters
• Stationary: mounted scanner used by stores with self-checkouts
• Technology used in bar code scanners: video cameras, laser scanners, LED scanners (Topbits).

RFID Reader: Radio Frequency Identification is proximity-based (no need for direct contact) and is more costly per item scanned than bar codes.

• Used for SunPass, library materials and Disney World parades
• To learn more about RFID, visit the RFID Journal-an entire Web publication on the topic including technology news, features, and expert discussion.

Drum Scanner: one not discussed in class, also known as a "rotary scanner," scans thin, flexible images that are mounted on a rotating drum. They are very large and offer high-quality scans, with a 12,000 dpi without interpolation. They're also very expensive, ranging from $25,000-several hundred thousand dollars (International Paper).

Now you're an expert at scanners and should be able to choose the correct scanner for any type of use!

Web 2.0 Project: Advertising Story

I decided to do my Web 2.0 storyboard project about how I got to where I am today as an advertising student. I used VoiceThread.com to construct a slideshow of images I own as well as creative commons media found on the Internet. I then used the record option to voiceover to tell my story-a touch I found a bit more personal than type. This was a great learning experience. I experimented with lots of the storyboard and presentation tools and I think it will be very useful when I'm looking to present an idea in a creative way. The business world is so used to dull PowerPoint presentations, but these tools are a great departure from presenting static material-they allow users to interact with the information and their audience.

I have embedded the thread below, so you can watch it here on my blog and comment in the blog post comments below just as you would any other blog post. This is the preferred method so the story doesn't get confusing with user comments on it.

The link to my VoiceThread presentation is http://voicethread.com/share/900136/ but please use my blog comment section to display feedback! Enjoy.

Interaction Discussion-Glad visitors also agree that using my voice for audio storytelling was a good move. It definitely took way longer to do it this way, but good to see that the few that have commented think it's a special touch.

Week 5: Clear

http://www.gearsofwarrealm.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/XFPS%20360+keyboard+mouse.jpg

Typing & Pointing

This week was all about the little things that we may take for granted in our everyday computer lives-hardware. Each piece of hardware has its own special function that helps users easily perform tasks on the computer.

Standard Hardware Setup: the basic computer hardware tools that most are familiar with already.

QWERTY Keyboard: The standard typewriter keyboard; the keys for Q, W, E, R, T, Y are the first six from the left on the top row of letter keys. (dictionary.com)

• Find out more about the invention of the QWERTY keyboard and find out how it got its name here.

Mouse: A palm-sized, button-operated device that can be slid over a desktop to move the cursor on a CRT to any position. (dictionary.com)

-Roller ball

-Optical sensor

• Check out this article to make the right decision about which mouse is right for you.

Interface: Equipment or programs designed to communicate information from one system of computing devices or programs to another. (dictionary.com)

-PS2 connector/legacy

-USB

• Read more about PS2 connectors
• Take a look at these fun USB gadgets

Enhanced Pointing Options:

-Multi-button mouse

-Trackball

-Touchpad

-Touchscreen