Week 14: Clear, Advanced Storage

Large organizations use enterprise hardware to manage and store information and data using devices that are fast, efficient and have large capacity. With this comes some risk which include hard disk failure and data loss. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)is an advanced storage device that duplicates data, instructions and information to improve data reliability. In the different levels of RAID, RAID 1 stores through mirroring. This is when data is written on two disk at the same time to duplicate the date if any were to be lost. RAID 0, another level, does striping where that data is split across multiple disks. These two levels can also be combined if more reliability is necessary.

Advanced storage and using devices like RAID is very important in the business, especially in larger organizations. Mechanical components are likely to fail and electronics are not something that we can always depend on. With that, storage devices are extremely important to use so that no important information or documents will be lost do to hard disk failure. If the right precautions are not taken, the business can be slowed down by the loss of data or even a complete failure. This site gives some statistics to how computers and businesses fail due to data loss.

Week 13: Clear, Computer Security Risk

Everyone these days depend on computers for a lot of task. The problem with this is that security precautions have to be taken when creating, storing and managing information because of the many risk. Computer security risk are any events or actions that can cause a loss of damage to computer hardware, software, data, information or processing capability. Many people, including myself have been victims of cybercrime, which is an illegal act on the Internet. The most popular category that I know of when it comes to these intrusions is hackers. These are people that access a computer or network illegally to take some form of information or content. It is best to use very creative passwords and antivirus programs when trying to avoid cybercrime.

Computer security risk is extremely important to the business world because there is always information involved about the business and their clients that needs to be protected. It is even known for some organizations to hire previously convicted people of computer crimes to help identify security risk and implement safeguards. The article from the link discusses how most convicted hackers end up writing or speaking about what they did instead of working for businesses. Antivirus programs would also be helpful, but I think that businesses should go a step further to really secure their files and information. They can also set up passwords for all employees to keep unauthorized users to stop them from getting access.

Week 12: Clear, Training Users

Week 11: Clear, Deleting Records

One of the file maintenance procedures is deleting records. File maintenance refers to the procedures that keep data current. When information is no longer needed, the user deletes it from the file. Database management systems then either removes the record from the file immediately or the records can be flagged so that it cannot be processed again. Flagging can be done by noting an asterisk at the beginning of the file name like this, *courtneyblog. The thing about a flagged record is that it physically remains on your disk, taking up space. It is best to run programs that remove flagged records often so that space can be opened up and the data will remain current.

Deleting records is important to the business world because just like the student example given in the book, employers also have to delete the records of employees sometimes. It can also be the case that a business has confidential information that they no longer need, but no one else can see the documents. When deleting records of this status it is very important to make sure it is deleted properly and not able to be retained. This site gives you a program, QuickWiper, that will delete files safely and gives you the steps to do so. It is probably better to use programs like this instead of just pressing delete when dealing with secure or personal records.

Week 10: Clear, Wireless Access

My college experience altogether was the first time I think I actually encountered wireless networks staying in the dorms. I knew people that could use the internet without having their laptops plugged in using an Ethernet or cable cord, but it was new to me. When I got to UF it excited me to be able to just take my laptop and use it in the library, class and now my apartment too. Wireless access points is what allows me to do this with its high-quality antennas that give off signals. To have access to the network though, the laptop has to have a built in wireless capability or wireless network card. Although using wireless networks can be very convenient,there is always the issue of losing your connection and in my opinion they can sometimes be slower than other connection methods. Also, location can help but hinder you because there are not always outlets to use for charging your laptop or other wireless device.

In the business world using wireless networks is very convenient just like it is for everyone else. Employees in an office have the opportunity to work throughout the building and they can also work outside of the job like at restaurants, airports or hotels. One of the best things that the wireless world does for businesses is gives the employees the opportunity to keep a well balanced life between work and personal time. It is great to be able to work outside of your normal working environment. For me, it opens the doors easier and more creative thinking. The Microsoft website provides an article to give seven tips to consider when getting ready to go wireless including how to purchase the right system and how to avoiding hackers.

Week: 9 Clear, Excel

This week's lectures were all about Excel. This is something that I have always wanted to perfect but it has still been a work in process for me. I learned a little along the way. However, the information that I learned this week was the most valuable information about the program that I have had in a while.

Excel is a spreadsheet that can be used to track data, create inventory lists or perform mathematical functions. The main aspects that I will concentrate on are the function capabilities that can be used at home or at work. Every function in Excel must begin with the equal sign. The link shows a list of the worksheet functions by category and a short description of each. This tells Excel that a function will be performed. After the equal sign, you can either add, subtract, multiply or divide. These are the basic mathematical functions that can be performed with Excel. Addition can be useful when needing to calculate dates and things along those lines. Some other very interesting piece of information I learned throughout this week's lectures was how to use pivot tables. This tool can make life so much easier because you can move quickly and easily through your work without any hard labor. A new pivot table can be created in just minutes unlike having to manually build a report by entering formulas and arranging columns from a sheet of data. It gives you the ability to create many different pivot tables and reports from the same sheet of data.

Learning to use Excel can be very beneficial in any type of business related career because it allows you to do anything that you need to do. You can use it for dates, calculations, scheduling, planning budgets and so forth. I really plan on learning more and more about the program because I'm sure going to need it.

Enjoy Spring Break fellow bloggers.

Week 7: Clear, Antivirus Programs

ch 8 pg 425

Week 6: Clear, Typing and Pointing Risk

This week typing and pointing is a subject that really caught my attention. The information about how using typing and pointing devices could be a weakness was very interesting. When people think of keyboards like the QWERTY, mouse and interface or pointing devices like the multi button mouse, trackball and touch screen, health risk is not something fairly close in their train of thought. At least it wasn't in mine, until now.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments or nerves. Some symptoms of RSI include tightness and burning in the hands, wrist or fingertips, numbness in the hands, loss of strength in the hand, or pain in the upper back, shouldes, or neck. When people use bad hand posture or technique and excessive force on the keys and mouse, they are putting themselves at risk or becoming injured. To prevent this from happening, it is best to take breaks, eliminate unnecessary computer usage, and use correct posture like bending the wrist while typing or having yoir table, chair and keyboard all the same height.
This is important in the business world because it is a problem that has already been addressed. Ergonomics is used to incorporate a safe and efficient working environment for employers when it comes to design. Congress was even approached when it came to deciding if workers would be able to have programs to prevent RSI, but the programs were denied. Since employers have to make it their responsibility to prevent RSI, they should use the ergonomic devices that could help them.

Week 5: Clear, Touch Screens

Our world continues to change and technology seems to be one of the most influential elements in creating this aspect of making life easier with better advances in technology. One of the most popular innovations that have become increasingly used is the touch screen. As an input device, it allows users to enter data into a computer using their hands and fingers. These computers included desktops, smart phones, kiosk and the Microsoft Surface, which is a tabletop display. With my experience using a touch screen smart phone, it was not very exciting due to the slow response and continuous freezing. On the other hand, I do feel that in the future they will be able fix these problems.

Touch screens are very useful in the business world when it comes to forming or presenting information. Furthermore, this can be done on many of the input devices mentioned earlier including the desktop and smart phone, which means in or away from the office creating more convenience. Also very valuable of the touch screen is the fact that it is an easier screen for some people to use who are not very computer savvy. HERE is a link to web site that talks about why they use the virtual receptionist kiosk.

Week 4: Clear, Web-Based Training

Web-based training (WBT)is a topic that should be very clear to everyone involved in this course. As a computer-based training program, it is composed of different application software on the Web and Internet technology. It is used in business and in schools for teaching in a way that allows for active involvement. A part of this is called distance learning where the material is taught at one place, but is received in another. E-learning is the delivery of education through some type of electronic method that includes blogs, e-mails, chat rooms and discussion boards. Electronic learning makes distance learning easier for instructors to provide all materials and information needed. A major advantage of WBT is that it can save money by eliminating traveling and staying cost, it helps with time conflicts and doesn't constrict you to one location.
Web-based training is important in the business environment because as I earlier mentioned, it can be used in businesses and industries. Employees can get instructions for a project or be taught new skills at their own pace. With travel being a need in some jobs, this would help a lot because the employee would be able to stay on task and not fall behind by not being in the office.HERE is a web site that list some advantages and disadvantages of using WBT.

Week 3: Clear, Communicating through the Internet

The Internet has become a very important part of my life. Not only do I use it for entertainment reasons or for school, it is one of the main ways I communicate with other people. This week e-mail and instant messaging was very clear to me because I constantly use them both. E-mail or electronic mail is the transmission of messages and files through a computer network. They can be comprised of text or include any attachments like images, videos, documents and audio. On the other hand, instant messaging is an Internet communication service where you are capable of talking with one or more people through an exchange of messages while you are all online at the same time. Some IM services like Skype give people the ability to have video conversations if they have web cams.
E-mail and instant messaging is very important in the business environment because it allows a better way of communication. There are some cases where individuals want things to be strictly business, so they only converse through e-mail or IM. The live chat part of IM is also helpful when business meetings can not take place and this can replace an actual office meeting. SKYPE is very popular and continuing to grow because it not only lets you chat live, but you can also text or call someone’s phone for a fee. The link shows a short video on how to use and navigate Skype when making a video call.

Week 2: Clear

Computer usage is a topic that I understood clearly this week. There are a number of ways that people use computers everyday. The five discussed in the text were home users, small office/home office users, mobile users, power users and enterprise users. Home and mobile users is a category that I know best because I feel that I fit into both. Home users have various activities to conduct on computers that include entertainment, communications, education, and financial management. As a home user I talk to friends and family online, complete course work and research, watch movies, download music and pay bills. In the same way, mobile users use computers for most of the same reasons. The difference is that mobile users are away from their office, home or school. The notebook computer and smart phone are the two main devices I use as a mobile user.
Home and mobile users are important in the business environment because technology is continuing to change and expand. There may be very few business jobs, if any, that don’t require you to be up-to-date with technology and computer usage. Also, it may be necessary to work outside of the office and conduct work on your smart phone or laptop computer. HERE is a link to a press release by Meta Facts on how mobile users are continuing to grow in numbers. There were surveys conducted to see thing like who the users were and what type of activities they conducted.

Week 1: Clear

This week copyright is a concept that is clear to me. Copyright is a law where only the owner can use their own work. Pictures, books, plays, movies, music, text, and videos are some of the many things that can have a copyright placed on them. In order to use any copyrighted material, permission must be granted by the owner, and most of the time that involves money. One of the most important things to know about using copyrighted work is that you can only copyright the form of an idea takes, not the actual idea. Duration on copyright has expanded to a lifetime plus 70 year and for companies 100 years. The only leeway in this law is for fair use. In this instance, a small amount of the work may be used to teach, for news reporting, parody or critical comment.

These laws placed on work are very critical to the business environment. Copyright is being taken more serious and as a law, it can cause companies major problems if not followed correctly. Especially for businesses, it would be best to pay someone for permission than to use it without their consent and end up without a business at all. HERE is a link to an actual court case between Warner Brothers Entertainment and RDR Books. RDR had a suit filed against them because they published a book very similar to one of the Harry Potter series books. The case summary gives you enough details to see how big businesses can be affected by copyright.