Instant Message

This tool is something I really don't use at all. I can see business people using it in an office between workers if they are in cubicles and want to pass along info. The fact that instant messaging is portable is weird because I think texting is basically the same thing. New features like adding attachments could be great for businesses when workers want to co-edit a project. Chatting can be done through IM with a group of people. (AndroidGals 2012 p.4) There is voice IM which I still think is pointless because why wouldn't you just call a person or send a typed message if its something short that you are saying. Instant messaging can be great for people across different continents. " IMO Instant Messenger Updated with New Features | AndroidGals." AndroidGals. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .

Skype

Skype is used for video-chatting. It can be used from any part of the globe and offers free calls. The site will allow for a many people to communicate at the same time simply by using a internet connection preferably a dsl connection something that won't disconnect and logging into the Skype site. (Skype 2012)The disadvantages of using the service is that social aspect is tarnished because it is better to be in front of people and be able read their body language. Skype seems really informal for business but I guess if a person can't actually be in the room and if its costly for them to travel then its more practical. For me I think it would be beneficial because I plan to move to another state and if I can interview for a job through skype that would save me so much money. The site would allow me send my portfolio in online format and also my resume. Another bad thing about skype is that if there is an important meeting going and people get disconnected it could ruin the deal and taint the professional look for a company. Some people may feel too comfortable being on skype and not dress appropriately or have background distractions going on. "Skype Features ." Skype. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .

comparing and contrasting social networking sites

The three sites I will be discussing are Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. First off I'll say I have used all three sites before some more than others, twitter would have to be my favorite though. Twitter is probably the most accurate representation of our times, never before could a fan communicate and follow an artist so closely. It has removed the barrier between the well known and the unknown. Its a way to express feelings quickly and give important information for promotion. Facebook the most widely used is to keep in touch with people you are ready know and sometimes meet new ones. It is the most involved out of the three because people tend to publicize their entire lives on facebook through photos and videos. Myspace has recently had a stylish update to its site and even with that its still not on my radar. I used it for a couple of months when it was first popular but after that haven't seen a reason to because everyone I know is on facebook. Facebook has the most features and is always adding new things like categories to group off friend list by close friends or family. Twitter is the most simple with a person just having to log-in in and put in a short message. Myspace the most design-friendly one is great for people trying to promote their music. The negatives are that Facebook is easy to manipulated like someone can find your location or post harmful information on your page. Twitter is susceptible to hacks and MySpace is just irrelevant.

Site:	Twitter	Myspace	Facebook
users	500 million	54 million	1 billion
customization	minimal	most	moderate but with usage features
security	susceptible to hacks	FCC forced recent improvements	secure

HTML Tables

Ambrose, Eileen. "MySpace settles with FTC - Baltimore Sun." Featured Articles From The Baltimore Sun. N.p., 8 May 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. .
Facebook.com Myspace.com Twitter.com

LinkedIN

LinkedIn is a great site for business. You could find someone with career skills like your whom may have more experience and ask them for advice. A person can post their resumes for employers to see. I have even found information about old coworkers and managers in order to keep my resume up to date. I'd recommend reading people's work experience that are in the career field you want to work in to get an idea of what job's to take and how long it may take to get to the position you want to have. The site is very easy to use because you can just search by name and another keyword like maybe the company to find the right person you are looking for. Just like twitter a person could publicize their business on LinkedIn and even find employees with the skills they need. An employer can communicate online to prospective employees just to figure out if the living situations will leave way for time to commit to the job especially if its something as time-consuming as design work. Statistics from the LinkedIn site are often used in news reporting and is considered way more of reputable source than maybe facebook or twitter would be. (Blue Rise Media 2012 p.5)

"LinkedIn Stats - Demographics of the Professional Network - INFOGRAPHIC | Blue Rise Media | Chicago Internet Marketing, Social Media & SEO Company." Chicago Internet Marketing, Social Media & SEO Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bluerisemedia.com/linkedin-stats-demographics-of-the-professional-network-infographic/>.

www.podcastalley.com and www.podcast.com

I can honestly say I didn't like either site. I found it hard to tell which blog was still actively being updated and which was just old. The layout of podcastalley was very cluttered too which made me not even want to use it. When you click on a genre it only shows up about 4 or 5 names but it may say there are over 5000 podcast for it. Then when you click next nothing appears and I can tell it must not be maintained.  Now podcast was a little simpler and more up to date with how much websites look now with bold text and just a lot clean space. I didn't find much though on the podcast site that I would like. For example, when going to religion & spirituality all I mainly saw was podcast about witchery and how I'm amazed that those entries were in the featured category. Podcast.com would have to be my favorite because it was more relevant and even featured some celebrity podcast like Adam Carolla on its homepage. The simple design was a plus as well but limited content wasn't. Podcastalley is just bad to me it was just way to much small typed information on one page. I feel they could have cut down on the content on the homepage and maybe change the layout and make the search easier to use. Like a person would think that if search for one specific thing I could find it but no a lot of times I wouldn't get any results for very simple words.

Podcast #3

The Snarky Geeks

Another blog about tech as you can tell I'm a fan-boy but this one goes from tech to games to comics. This one is fairly new and there most recent video was only at episode 6. Thankfully they aren't Apple obsessed like most of the country so they talk about products from Google's new line of Nexus devices to the recent Disney acquisition of Star Wars. It really is like two friends just talking among themselves about their interest. You can really tell their love is comics though they even jokingly discuss their ideal list of Avengers superheroes. They can be a little offensive and sound almost like brats but its a humorous take on all things geek.  I thought there dynamic was great you can tell they are actually friends and probably aren't creating the blog in a attempt to make themselves well but just share to like-minded individuals. I'd say if you are sensitive to cuss words and womanizing I'd say check something else out.

Podcast #2

Buzz out loud

Technology is a major focus for this blog. I'd say probably the most popular tech site CNET is the base for this podcast. The podcast includes experts from the companies views on the latest buzz in the industry. The podcast just ended this year and I think maybe because they have a sort of video-podcast called the 404 which talks about faulty products and fails in the technology industry. I feel like maybe they are going with what's their niche in the tech world telling people what is good and bad. I found another video type show they had called Always on where they show products from the unboxing phase to checking out the guts of many popular items like the Microsoft Surface. Its still easy though to listen to past buzz out loud episodes and I found some that included popular comedians take on the industry. I liked it because they give expert takes on important things regarding technology and I know that many people regard their reviews as a go to before buying any tech so hearing what they have to say about the industry is just as interesting.

Podcast #1

Doug Loves Movies

This podcast was a very honest take on films not just mainstream but even indie films as well. He invites guest to talk about films and is actually given access to films that most people haven't seen yet so he can give his take on it.

I'm an indie film buff myself so I love the Sundance channel as well as IFC so I thought it would be interesting. I even go to the two sites to find what is new and look for a place to rent them. He gave descriptions of the movies and talked about the settings. One thing too is that Doug doesn't consider himself an expert but like a regular viewer giving his input. He has gotten some exposure and talked about going to other celebrity podcast blogs to give his review on the latest film.

Topics on the podcast go from the experience of sitting in a movie one of Doug's guest talked about how his brother hates going to the movies because you have to hear people eating, babies crying, and keys jiggling.

There is a lot of humor in the podcast from the guy mentioned mocking his brother's grouchy and distinct voice. 

Wiki#3 Innovation

This topic was about an Npr story regarding China's practices and how it could affect Americans. One person talked about how though the students were heavily educated in China even going to school for 2 hours more then we do and on Saturdays they weren't inquisitive. He said that when they would could over here they would have a hard time adjusting to our learning systems. (Innovation 2012 p.2)  I guess this was a counter to the Npr discussion because they talked about how that now China's people are asking questions and will walk out of jobs if they want too. (NPR 2012) They also are having a shortage of jobs just as Americans are and prices are going up which translate to Americans as well. I know that a lot of our Auto-parts may come from China so it cause companies to hire less people or cut pay for its workers.

Innovation. (n.d.). ShiftHappens. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from
   http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/3555131

"China's Labor Advances May Affect U.S. Prices : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. N.p., 3 May 2012. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89321888>.

Wiki #2 A New Economy?

This article discussed technology in relation to our economy. It also talked about how the wealthy tends to dominate the economy. I would have to say I'm very for the idea of more technology in the world when its actually being used to help people. If new technology is being used to heal people with medical research and provide easy ways for people to do research to continuously improve on our lives then I'm for it. Another thing could be said about technology eliminating jobs for people I think there should be a balance like train people how to do the jobs they have better with new technology not necessarily take the jobs away. In relation to the wealthy we have seen over and over again recently how people are gaining wealth through technology from Facebook to the visionary Steve Jobs. I do know that with the now deceased Steve Jobs his company works with a factory that treats its workers badly. I didn't understand why he would affiliate with a company like that and why not bring those jobs over to Americans who are already in need of work or at least split the work between the two companies. Now I do know its cheaper for them to create the products overseas but when you want the U.S. to buy your products that becomes a moral issue especially when the people who are creating them are committing suicide.

A New Economy?. (n.d.). ShiftHappens. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from

shifthappens.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/6415081#6564663

Wiki #1 Preparing students for the future?

The discussion went from using iPod in the class room to skype for school officials. User Holgraf talked about the use of iPod and it was a great idea something I hadn't even thought of regarding their idea of its potential aid in the learning process. One person talked about how in his school students used iPod for podcast and how when a student would miss a class they could listen to the podcast to catch up on things. I thought this was a very innovative idea because the iPod allows students to learn on the go say they might be doing chores or something they could turn the iPod on and listen to it while cleaning. The iPod's were loaned out to some students for them to learn how to use them.
Skype is a video service Eduwiki said in schools that communication would be held between the school board, teachers, and principals through Skype  They would discuss different projects that the school had going on.
I think Skype was a good idea but Google's video-chat service allows for more people to video chat together and the quality is much better. The chat service is very easy to use as well.

Preparation of students for the future?. (n.d.). ShiftHappens. Retrieved Novemeber 6 , 2012, from
   http://shifthappens.wikispaces.com/message/view/home/1658333?o=20

Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us is great for keeping up with bookmarks. A feature that I find very helpful is the description portion. A user can type in any information that will describe the site or paste in another link to a certain section of the site. Advantages of the site are that bookmarks are put in one location and can be saved with a widget on the toolbar. Disadvantages the same features that are available on the site are those on most browsers. I can tell the site isn't that popular because the site I saved were some very popular sites but saves were only in the hundreds and thousands of numbers. Its really probably useless because as I said above its really redundant. Like with google chrome when you want to bookmark a site you just hit a star and that's pretty much it. Now Del.icio.us  is a good way to share blogs and different sites a person may find with friends but you could do the same thing with twitter and facebook.  It is a good way to find new sites and get links to them from other people.

Flickr

Flickr was very simple to use. I do like seeing that you could register by logging into Facebook and Google  I wish they had twitter capabilities because Its widely used as well. The upload system was very easy to use and the fact that you could share photos with friends is very beneficial. Like if a newly wed couple wanted to show their family photos while on vacation they could direct them all to their wedding photos post. 

The site is great for people who want to generate any kind of business. For a stylist wanting to show off the work they have done to potential clients they could just seem them to their album of photos. 

Tags are a useful tool because it makes finding related photos for a certain subject easy to find. Flickr gives sharing a whole new look and makes creating photo albums and sets a daily thing that a user would want to do. A person could spend hours searching through other people's photo albums to see how other people live and their adventures. It makes a person's life open for the world to see. This concept isn't new because with Facebook and twitter people tend to tell every aspect of their lives so why not actually show the things that occur as they happen. Personally I wouldn't use these tools for anything but business because I think there is something special about having anonymity when having friends. Kind of like what will you have to talk about in person when you see everything about each other online. The bookmark tag had over 10,000 uploads, search over 90,000, and restaurant over 1,000,000 uploads.

Opera

                                                   http://www.opera.com/

Opera browser is probably the most featured packed and consistently enhanced browser out. I love the fact that you can turn off certain features on a site. For example, I have a data plan with caps so I can turn off the video playback on all sites. It allows for any user to pick and choose what they want to play instead letting videos play automatically as they often do. It's a very fast browser as well unlike internet explorer which I don't use unless I have to for validating code. I have never had a bug or any kind of virus on Opera. Internet Explorer is rid with viruses and anytime I open my own it causes my computer to lag a whole lot. The speed of opera browser is amazing as well it has a switch that lets a user turn on the turbo. The official site tells that the turbo feature is created do to compression. It includes the ability to use mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts. For instance, if I wanted to refresh my page I could move in a straight up and down motion my with mouse by gesturing and it would pop up immediately. (Opera 2012 p.4) It has heightening security in its recent release Opera 12.02 and tells a user if a site could have malicious content.  (Opera 2012)

"Guide to security and privacy in Opera: Fraud and Malware Protection." Opera browser | Faster & safer internet | Free download. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/security/fraud/

"Opera Tutorials." Opera browser | Faster & safer internet | Free download. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/gestures/

"Opera web browser | Faster & safer | Download the new Internet browser free." Opera browser | Faster & safer internet | Free download. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <http://www.opera.com/browser/turbo/>.

Foobar2000

http://www.foobar2000.org/

Even before starting this lesson I changed a lot of my programs to free ones that are less bloated. I can attest to the fact that bloated software slows down your computer and most pay software comes with a ton of add-on. I really love Foobar2000, a simple and light music player. Foobar2000 is very different from Microsoft's Windows Media Player. When it comes to appearance it shows albums with no pics which removes the need for thumbnails. You do have to create play-list of an album though to listen to one in its entirety. It contains visualizations, equalizers, and a bar that shows all the available info on a song. It doesn't contain a video-player, burner features, and an online store like Microsoft does in its audio-player. I like for a music player to just be a music player though I do wish foobar2000 had a burner but I guess its relevant to the times because most people stream or listen to their music on some type of computer system whether it be tablet, smart-phone, or laptop. Its probably the most basic audio-player I have ever scene it features an album list that just displays the singer and title of the album in alphabetical order. Then in the playing box it displays the same information as above but with the actual song names. Windows media player is becoming unnecessary because its still the same as it was years ago and even its appearance its hard to distinguish between which version is which. I'd recommend download an open-source burner and foobar2000 to save more space and have a simplistic way to do things we commonly do. After doing a little more research I did find that one of the features of the newer versions is that you can display the album photo if you want.

"Download Multimedia Player, Foobar2000 1.0.3 Download." Free software download. More than 80 000 unique freeware and shareware software.. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <http://www.opossumsoft.com/foobar2000_1_0_3_144296-253412.html>. 

OpenOffice

http://www.openoffice.org/

OpenOffice has been apart of my life since I started college. It has almost all the same features as Microsoft Office. The open source office suite is bloated but a lot less than Microsoft's Office-suite. One feature that OpenOffice doesn't do well is grammar checking though you can add it on later it isn't as thorough as Microsoft's Office built-in grammar checker. Some of open office's features are spreadsheet, word processing, and you can view or make presentations like PowerPoint. (Scott Gilbertson 2010 p.7) Microsoft does come with more evolved features like its dictionary which includes a thesaurus. OpenOffice is more basic and allows for more add-on that may not work as well as Microsoft's. I do like Open-office because its free mainly and does what I need it to. I do think that maybe with more research I could find add-ons that would work just as well as Microsoft's already built in tools. Another thing about OpenOffice is that is doesn't update that often from my experience with it but I will say when it does there are improvements like less crashing and the ability to recover a document.

Another thing I found interesting in the article given is the predication that document tools will be mainly based online. An example given was Google docs. My thoughts is that maybe years from now that might be true but as of right I don't see it happening. (Scott Gilbertson 2010 p.13)Cloud storage would have to become more mainstream than it is now and extremely secure. Its frightening to think that your personal documents could be online on the other hand more and more people pay bills online so work documents on a cloud storage site maybe not be as far away.


Gilbertson, Scott. "OpenOffice 3.2 - now with less Microsoft envy • The Channel."The Channel: Computer Trade News for the World. N.p., 13 Feb. 2010. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. <http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2010/02/13/openoffice_review/

Ehub

Ehub is a great way to discover new webpages and/or apps. The site which was created by Emily Chang even features the designer's information on how she uses certain apps or websites in her daily life. Its great for people wanting to know about innovation and how limitless creativity can be even when it comes to using the web. In addition to publicizing up-incoming designers and coders she even interviews some of them. Ehub is like an all access granted pass to the daily lives of tech-heads because Chang has even taken tours of how and where some of the creative minds work. The included video tours and email interviews on the website can be inspiration to aspiring designers and even may help them connect to people that they can work for. The information she gives is very useful and current to where the world is going when it comes to finding and creating careers.

She reviews different websites and tells how beneficial they can be to users. One program called StaffNote, lets managers keep up with every aspect of handling a staff. The program lets staff easily talk among themselves online, keep up with deadlines, meetings, and even makes paying employees easier. (Emily Chang 2012) I have nothing but positive things to say about this website and its purpose because its like a gateway to online entrepreneurship. The news that Change provides is relevant, informative, and easy to follow. Another thing is that she doesn't just focus on businesses or ideas created in the United States but also those across the globe.


Chang, E. (n.d.). Emily Chang – eHub.Emily Chang – Designer . Retrieved October 15, 2012, from http://emilychang.com/ehub/

READWRITEWEB

ReadWriteWeb

This blog is similar to popular sites CNET.com and Gizmodo.com. Like those sites it has an array of information on the tech world. Information is given from a point of view of how current technology effects people's daily lives. One example of this is an article about how positive information online rather than negative has a huge affect on the presidential candidates. Brian Proffitt talked about how despite candidates belief that their negative messages might help them it actually causes harm when people are searching online for information on who to vote for. A reason for this is because people are simply looking for the right choice not necessarily the most controversial. (Brian Proffitt, 2012 p.10)

The site includes articles and videos on the business behind the tech industry. It is divided into sections ranging from Web, Biz, Mobile, and the slowly becoming popular Cloud. One article may talk about how workers are trying to improve a video source so that it can be used more efficiently and universally. Another may talk about why a major tech company is seeing declines in the stock market. It sparsely includes easy to follow tips on how to use new gadgets and services created for web use.  The information seems to be geared more so to professional people. The site does throw in a few articles that could be interesting to the average tech user like information about popular ios and android apps. I'd recommend this website for any professional or soon to be professional in the tech world because most of the information can be useless to anyone who isn't apart of that industry. Like an average user might not care that several browser makers are trying to create one browser that could be universal.

Proffitt, B. (2012, October 15). How Online Searches Influence Voting: Going Negative Doesn't Work. ReadWriteWeb - Web Apps, Web Technology Trends, Social Networking and Social Media. Retrieved October 15, 2012, from http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/how-online-searches-influence-voting-going-negative-doesnt-work.php

ReadWriteWeb - Web Apps, Web Technology Trends, Social Networking and Social Media. (n.d.). ReadWriteWeb - Web Apps, Web Technology Trends, Social Networking and Social Media. Retrieved October 15, 2012, from http://www.readwriteweb.com/