Comments Week 4

Below are links to my comments:

http://amybeeslisblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/readings-week-4.html?showComment=1285421904072#c2023427228010930356

http://adamdblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/unit-4-reading-notes.html?showComment=1285422324208#c8061654935233266397

Reading Responses Week 4

Data Compression

I think that the Wikipedia article was useful in explaining the basics of data compression.  I had heard of this term, but did not know how it worked.  I enjoyed seeing the examples listed because it helped me understand better how encoding works.  I also clearly understand now how Lossy and Lossness encoding differ.  However, I found Data Compression Basics much more helpful overall because it explained in even more detail and with clearer examples the various types of encoding. 

Data Compression Basics

This provided amazingly clear explanations of data compression.  I am not a math major, but I understood the examples of how encoding works because everything was explained step-by-step.  In particular, I found the discussion about psychovisual and psychoacoustic compression modeling fascinating.  It is interesting that lossy compressors take into account how our brains interpret patterns, and change their compression modeling techniques based on this information.

One thing about Lossy compression that is troublesome is that the data is changed, and does not reflect exactly the original data.  This compression method may allow a greater compression because it does not reflect the original data exactly, but I wonder if there is ever important data lost through this process.  In my archival classes we have been talking about how a document is fundamentally changed when it is digitized.  Something is lost in that transfer, just like in the lossy compression method.   

Imaging Pittsburgh

I really enjoyed reading this article and looking at pictures of historic Pittsburgh.  I would love to be involved in a project like this one.  It was particularly amazing because three different organizations had to work together.  As the author mentioned, each of these institutions had a different focus (academic, museum, historic), which made the project complicated.  However, it seems like they were very successful in completing the project and sharing their resources. 

I just looked at the Historic Pittsburgh site, and it has grown.  There are now over 18,000 pictures, and other institutions, such as Point Park University, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Oakmont Carnegie Library and Chatham University have contributed photos as well.  There are now also maps, texts and images, and you can search past censuses from Pittsburgh.  If anyone gets a chance, check it out: http://digital.library.pitt.edu/images/pittsburgh/

You Tube and Libraries

I think the idea of using You Tube as a library resource is interesting.  I was going to write that the author didn’t discuss and cons, but when I think about it, I don’t see how using You Tube in this way could harm libraries.  It will only make library information more accessible to more people. 

I’ve noticed that more and more libraries are embracing social networking sites as ways of reaching a bigger audience in a new way.  For example, the library I work at at Carnegie Mellon University has a Facebook page.  Patrons can also ask reference questions via Twittter, email and text.  It is a changing world, and I am glad to see that libraries are stepping up and changing with it!  I think this is something our generation of librarians will be seeing even more of, and our ability to engage with new formats and technologies will only help the LIS profession.

Muddiest Point Week 4

When we were discussing the pros and cons of Apple vs. Microsoft, you said Apple computers were more resistant to computer viruses.  You mentioned that Microsoft claims that they are targeted more by hackers because they are a bigger company, and that is why their computers get more viruses.  Do you think this is true, or do you think Apple really does just have better virus protection software?

Flickr Assignment

Here is the link to the Flickr assignment:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54055591@N04/

Reading Responses Week 3

Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide

To me, one of the most interesting things about the Linux operating system is that users can change it and legally sell their new product.  This openly accessible model is so unusual in the cut-throat world of business.  This open-source model seems similar to Wikipedia: anyone can use it and change it.  Of course, the difference with Linux is that people can make a profit! 

This seems a little confusing to me though.  The article mentioned that all of the versions were similar.  So how do I (someone not familiar with the product) know which version to use?  I understand that the distribution I use must be compatible with my computer’s hardware, but it sounds like there are so many versions that it is difficult to choose after I figure that out.    

The article mentions that Linux is not very user friendly, so I am wary of it.  I hope that we can see how the Linux system works in our next class.  It would be nice to develop some familiarity with the system before using it by myself.     

What is Mac OS X? and Mac OS X (Wikipedia Article)

Sections of What is Mac OS X? were difficult for me to follow because I am unfamiliar with the technical computing terminology.  However, I did gain a basic understanding of Mac OS X.  Most importantly, I became convinced that Mac OS X is easier to use than Linux.  That would be my main consideration in picking it over Linux.  While I do not have a Mac now, I will probably purchase one as my next computer. 

I have not purchased a Mac yet because they are expensive.  This brings up another point about Mac OS X vs. Linux: the cost.  Linux is free, and can be modified to fit your needs.  If you are a software engineer this can be useful.  In contrast, Mac OS X is expensive, and can’t be changed and resold for a profit.  For me, the cost is a consideration, but I am convinced that the quality of the product is worth it.         

The author mentioned that there are not a lot of programs available on Mac OS X, but the quality of its programs make up for it.  I see this as a major plus for this system.  As someone who at times is technologically challenged, the idea of having fewer programming choices is appealing (especially since they work well).

This Wikipedia article was basically a shorter version of What is Mac OS X?  I think the article did a particularly good job of showing the progress of the Mac OS X, and how it changed through its different versions.  This article made me think that Apple has done a great job of developing a user friendly, well designed, fast and reliable operating system.  I look forward to getting a Mac in the near future.     

An Update on the Windows Roadmap

In all honesty, I found the discussion following the memo more interesting than the memo itself.  The discussion revealed a whole host of problems that people had been having with Windows Vista, and doubts about how different Windows 7 would be from Windows Vista.  The memo was trying to assure people about the product, but instead the discussion poked holes in it.

I am most familiar with Windows as an operating system.  I am glad I received a free version of Windows 7 because I don’t think it would have been worth it to buy the upgrade from Windows Vista.  I personally didn’t see many differences, and the things that were changed were not significantly better.  I think that Windows 7 is yet another example of a company slightly changing its product, promoting it as “much improved,” and selling it to users that won’t benefit much from it.  I apologize if I sound like I’m ranting, but I get tired of trying to keep up with current technology.  I don’t like being told that I need to shell out money for the newest programs and devices that are supposedly much better than the next earliest version, but in reality aren’t.

Muddiest Point Week 3

I don't have a muddiest point this week.  I understand everything from class, and don't have any pressing concerns or questions.

Blog Comments #1

Links to my comments are pasted below:

http://lehlis2600.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-2-reading-notes.html?showComment=1284495373149#c9033028590069304690

http://deyslis2600.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-2-reading-notes.html?showComment=1284496166295#c5911010871376822661

Reading Responses Week 2

Computer Hardware


This article from Wikipedia was useful in explaining some of the basic parts of computer hardware. While I have heard most of the terminology used in this article, I did not know what the BIOS or what internal buses or external bus controllers are. This article served as a refresher course in computer hardware: it was concise and useful.  It would have been useful if it had gone into greater depth about what these components do.  However, my questions were all answered in chapter 4 of the text.  I highly recommend reading it if anyone wants more information about this topic.


Computer History Museum

I enjoyed looking through the different exhibits featured on this website. It made me wish that the museum was located nearby so that I could see the real exhibits! In particular, I liked the internet history exhibit and the timeline of computer history (listed under exhibits), which is a very good source for important events relating to the development of computers and technology. Under “The Babbage Engine” exhibit, I learned that Charles Babbage is considered a pioneer of computers – he built the first “automatic computing engine.” The Computer History Museum recreated this machine, and I think it would be fascinating to see it in person.  This site is a good resource to use in order to study the history of computers.  I will keep it in mind as a source to use in future research.


Moore’s Law Wikipedia article and short film

I find the Moore’s Law trend amazing. I had never heard of this trend before I read this Wikipedia article and watched the short film. I enjoyed the film – it was playful and entertaining, and it clearly explained how phenomenal the growing number of transistors is, and how small they're becoming. One idea in the article I find interesting is that Moore’s Law is a self-fulfilling prophecy; the law itself is contributing to the number of transistors created. That raises the question: If this trend had never been observed, would the world have as many transistors as it does now? 

Another interesting fact is that the size of transistors is becoming almost as small as atoms! Clearly the trend can’t continue forever, and it must stop. The video (created in 2007) suggested in about 10 years the trend would be broken. I wonder what the total number of transistors will be at that point, and if cell phones really will be the size of paperclips…

Reading Responses Week 1

OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers (2004)

I encountered many of these trends while working at the University of Washington HSL’s Resources and Special Collections department in Seattle. One trend I am particularly familiar with is the transition from print subscriptions/purchases to online ones. I think that the OCLC report did a good job of mentioning this trend, but it didn’t delve into the problems associated with it. I worked in the department that decided which serials and books the HSL would subscribe to and purchase, and whether they should be online or print copies. Over the last two years, I was involved in a major project to cut the print copies by a significant percentage in order to comply with budget shortfalls. There have been mixed reviews. We received many complaints from health professionals (particularly older doctors) who said they would much prefer to read a hard copy of the book or serial in the library. It is easier for many people to read a printed copy, and they don’t want to have to pay money themselves to make copies. On the other hand, if the document is online, more people can access it from more places. And, of course it is cheaper for the library to purchase the item because many publications have package deals, though that can be tricky to deal with because you might not always want everything in the package.

I think one of the important messages of this report is that as a librarian or archivist today, you must be flexible and open to new technological advances. Clearly, the way the library is used, the resources it contains and its ways of operating are changing, and must continue to change in order to keep up with new technological trends and our ever expanding web-culture. I have met many older librarians who do not embrace new technology, but rather avoid it. By keeping abreast of what’s new in library science, and engaging with new advances, you can only do your job better.



Lied Library @ Four Years: Technology Never Stands Still

I enjoyed the great detail the author went into about running an academic library. There is so much to consider when running a library! I like that the author constantly evaluates how the changes the library made turned out, and is also always planning what can be done next to make the library better.

This article made me consider some aspects of library design I hadn’t thought about. For example, I’ve never studied the layout of a library. In the future I may need to consider if the library or archives I’m working at can be rearranged to better suit the patrons and staff of the facility. Also, I’ve never had to think about budgets. This article mentions a multitude of materials, like purchasing software and new machines, maintaining old equipment, etc. that I will need to know more about when I am a professional.

Once again, I think a main message of the article is to be forward-thinking and embrace technological advances. The library the author writes about is great in part because there is no resistance to new technology.



“Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture”

I strongly agree with Mr. Lynch on his idea that information technology literacy is extremely important. The world is just going to increase its use of technology, and knowing not just how to use various software, but how our new technologically advanced society works is critical to our ability to understand and work successfully in our world. I also think that the educational system needs to seriously assess whether it is adequately teaching this knowledge to students, and revamp its curriculum to address these issues. Personally, I don’t think that I received much information technology literacy training in school.

While in LIS 2600, I’m hoping that my understanding of how to use various software and programs AND how technology affects society will grow. While I feel fairly comfortable using various programs, my greater understanding of technology needs to improve. Two areas the author mentions that I plan to study more closely this term are learning about how searching systems work and how information resources are mapped. Part of my challenge will be changing how I think about technology from simply focusing on how to use to something to how and why it works that way.

Muddiest Point

My Muddiest Point question: Is the "Muddiest Point" something we post weekly, or do we only post if we have questions about the class?