Melinda Cooper's Blog

This week was definitely Clear! I have to say I have had my share of computer “viruses”. According to many articles I read, computer viruses have always been surrounded by a mystery. With the majority number of viruses circulating the online world, people are always wondering where they come from or what they are. Viruses have the potential of causing a considerable amount of damage to your computer if your system is infected. The viruses themselves are written for one main reason; to reproduce. It does so by typically spreading from one computer to another. They are generally designed to cause damage by deleting data and performing malicious acts such as changing or inserting data on your computer. The threat of computer viruses is forever growing, which makes it ever more important that when you choose an anti-virus program for your computer, you choose the right one. There are many anti-virus programs out there. Of course some are more popular than others. That said popularity is not always essential. A few things I think that should being taken into consideration when choosing an anti-virus program for your computer are as follows; how frequently are virus definitions updated? Clearly, the more updated the virus definitions are, the better the chances are of you being able to prevent your computer from becoming infected. Secondly, does the software automatically update the virus definitions? Generally, there is nothing wrong with manually updating the virus definitions. However, since viruses tend to spread quickly, it is much better to have the virus definitions updated automatically. Having them updated automatically not only ensures that your virus definitions are being updated but it eliminates the possibility of you forgetting to manually update them. Thirdly, can you configure the software to check for updates whenever you go online? Your computer can become infected by a virus any time you go online, whether you are checking your email or just logging onto a website. The best way to protect your computer from viruses when you go online is to choose anti-virus software that can be configured to check for updates when you do go online.
http://frontpage.kmoraine.com/antivirus.asp

As you read, anti-virus software is almost a must if you own or are planning on owning a computer. There are tons of software programs out there. You just have to make sure you read the fine print, and then carefully select the one that fits your needs. There are of course free programs out there, but don’t expect them to be near as good as something you would purchase. Remember the Golden Rule, “you get what you pay for”. My advice is to make an investment when picking anti-virus software. It will save you a lot of heartache, time, and money in the future.

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Web 2.0 Project from Mindy Cooper on Vimeo.

I would be lying if I said this project was easy. I was a little skeptical at first, and to say the least I was very stressed! But when I actually started the project, it was fun! I started off by coming up with a topic. I thought what better to tell the story of my engagement vacation. From the balloon ride, to hiking in the Shenandoah Valley, to spending a romantic night with by future husband, this was a story that I wanted to share with my fellow piers.

This project definitely took some time. After much frustration I finally found my Web 2.0 tool I was going to use. I created my story in iMovie. This tool is pretty simple to use. Like any program, it took some getting used to. I chose Vimeo as my Web 2.0 tool and interaction method. It is basically like YouTube. Might I add, it was free and painless to use. I choose to create a separate blog as another interaction method as with Vimeo you have to have an account to comment. Further, I have also placed a Facebook widget as well as a Twitter widget; please click the interaction link at the bottom of this blog. These are both at the top of my Interaction Blog. I hope that some of you do comment through Vimeo, but if not please take a moment and create a post by clicking the link I have provided labeled Web 2.0 Interaction Method as well as taking a second to post it on your Facebook or Twitter.

I think that storyboards are a wonderful idea for the business community. One advantage of using storyboards in the business setting is that it allows the user to experiment with changes in the storyline to evoke stronger reaction or interest. The process of visual thinking and planning allows a group of people to brainstorm together. This fosters more ideas and generates consensus inside the group. I think that storyboards would be a great asset to any business venture.

My peer interaction feedback was right on point with what I was trying to convey. As Laura said, "what a sweet story" and that "we looked great together". That is exactly what I wanted to depict in my project. As for Paula's comments, "the story was wonderful and well planned", and "the photographs created a sequence of events to provide an emotional backdrop that lead to the big moment". I was thrilled with both comments as they were exactly the story I was trying to tell. I wanted to convey that getting engaged and the joys of marriage are one of the happiest times in your life, and that they should be cherished forever.

Web 2.0 Project
Web 2.0 Interaction Method

Computer memory or computer storage; that is the magical question. As I watched the lecture on Storage, I was very surprised by the differences in memory and storage. I surprisingly found out that they are completely different. But all in the same, they are both very important, but in different aspects. Often times, computer memory and computer storage can be confused with each other, hence the reason my blog is “Muddy” this week. They are completely different components of computers with completely different purposes.

A computers memory is most commonly referred to as RAM. RAM stands for random access memory. Computer RAM is measured in megabytes and gigabytes. Most computers can handle between 1GB and 8GB of RAM memory. RAM is a simple computer chip that plugs into your computers motherboard. Computer memory’s purpose is for instant storage. Your computer needs instant storage to allow applications and processes to run up to speed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_memory

A computers storage is different from RAM in that it is permanent high capacity memory. Computer storage takes place within your computer’s hard drive. Computer storage and hard drive capacity is measured in gigabytes. The total capacity is 250GB. You can not store more than that unless you add more storage. Computer storage is used to store everything on your computer. Once something is in storage it will stay there until is manually deleted by a computer user. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_storage

To sum it up, computer RAM memory and computer hard drive storage work in combination with each other. For example, when you add a file or application to your computer, it is saved to the hard drive. Then when you go access that file from the hard drive, the actual process of using the application is then stored to the computer’s RAM. I hope you have enjoyed my crash course in computer memory and computer storage.

Wireless Input Devices

Input devices are not always glamorous. But there are a few pieces of equipment that definitely see more use. They also have more potential to affect your computing. Who says input devices have to be ordinary? A wireless mouse and keyboard not only provide the basic functionality that allows you to work with your computer, but also make your work much more pleasant. Wireless mice and keyboards are connected through infrared, radio frequency, and even Blue tooth. Infrared connections, reach the shortest distance. Radio Frequency connections have the longest range, and they also allow you to use your device practically anywhere. Blue tooth connection is similar to RF, but it only allows you to go approximately 30 feet.

The mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons. It sometimes features other elements, which allow the user to perform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons or features can add more control or dimensional input. The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion of a cursor on a display, which allows for fine control.

A keyboard is an input device, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys. A keyboard typically has characters engraved or printed on the keys and each press of a key typically corresponds to a single written symbol. However, to produce some symbols requires pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters or numbers, other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce actions or computer commands. In normal usage, the keyboard is used to type text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or other program. A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every other and reports all key presses to the controlling software. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming, either with regular keyboards or by using keyboards with special gaming features, which can expedite frequently used keystroke combination's.

If you are interested in buying a wireless keyboard or mouse, I have attached a few websites, with some of my own recommendations. Happy Shopping! Or should I say Happy Mice and Keyboarding!! :)
http://www.fentek-ind.com/3m-mouse.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wireless-Laser-Mouse-6000/dp/B000A6LSVY
http://www.officedepot.com/catalog/search.do?fkey=exu_qux953Xi8_eQXiupxop&Ntt=wireless+keyboard