I have never personally used Lotus Notes, but I have heard disappointment from others who do use it. Specifically, my friends who go to VCU told me that the school recently (over the past year or two) switched its email system to Lotus Notes. However, no training was provided to assist students with the switch and it was quite complicated. How user-friendly is Lotus Notes? Did you find it necessary to have training to use this database?

I have never personally used Lotus Notes, but I have heard disappointment from others who do use it. Specifically, my friends who go to VCU told me that the school recently (over the past year or two) switched its email system to Lotus Notes. However, no training was provided to assist students with the switch and it was quite complicated. How user-friendly is Lotus Notes? Did you find it necessary to have training to use this database?

kimberly.wirt@gmail.com

Kimberly

http://krworks.wordpress.com

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Lotus Notes 6.5

1 #

kim74
kim.hooker@richmond.edu
76.123.28.144

Submitted on 2008/10/11 at 11:38am

I am apparently really behind the times. I had never heard of RSS. What a great concept though. Instead of wasting my time to go look at the sites I like to look at, I can just have the information sent to one location. With the information being sent as it is added, I do not have to worry about it being three days old and just receiving it. This will be a great tool to keep up with the information I want to receive.

I am apparently really behind the times. I had never heard of RSS. What a great concept though. Instead of wasting my time to go look at the sites I like to look at, I can just have the information sent to one location. With the information being sent as it is added, I do not have to worry about it being three days old and just receiving it. This will be a great tool to keep up with the information I want to receive.

kim.hooker@richmond.edu

kim74

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RSS and You

1 #

tchrwannab2
aroberson14@aol.com
66.173.228.35

Submitted on 2008/09/27 at 11:08pm

I have never heard of the brand Netgear, I use a Linksys wireless router and cable modem. It seems you had really good sucess getting everything set up and installed currectly. Who do you have your wireless internet with? I have been pretty happy with Verizon except for the problems I have encountered at my current apartment complex. Overall, I would don’t think I would go back to dial-up internet after seeing the difference in a wireless internet.

I have never heard of the brand Netgear, I use a Linksys wireless router and cable modem. It seems you had really good sucess getting everything set up and installed currectly. Who do you have your wireless internet with? I have been pretty happy with Verizon except for the problems I have encountered at my current apartment complex. Overall, I would don’t think I would go back to dial-up internet after seeing the difference in a wireless internet.

aroberson14@aol.com

tchrwannab2

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Installing a Netgear Router at Home

1 #

alrosa
im83ingem@aol.com
69.201.139.131

Submitted on 2008/09/27 at 8:19am

Great post, I never put much time in knowing how my GPS works. You’ve answered most questions anyone would’ve had. I personally love my GPS. I do a lot of driving, and it’s come to the point where I don’t even have to try and remember where a street was, or the quickest route to get there. I just plug in the address and the directions come up. A lazy mans dream come true!I love it!

Great post, I never put much time in knowing how my GPS works. You’ve answered most questions anyone would’ve had. I personally love my GPS. I do a lot of driving, and it’s come to the point where I don’t even have to try and remember where a street was, or the quickest route to get there. I just plug in the address and the directions come up. A lazy mans dream come true!I love it!

im83ingem@aol.com

alrosa

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Navigating with Garmin

3 #

kim74
kim.hooker@richmond.edu
76.123.28.144

Submitted on 2008/09/26 at 7:50pm

Considering I do not have a GPS system, I had no idea how these worked. It is pretty amazing to me how they can have satellites that can receive the information that you send out, and know the exact location that you need to get to. Then it sends back directions in form that we can understand. Although the cost appears to be minimal at this point, I am still not sure if this is something that I can not live without at this point.

Considering I do not have a GPS system, I had no idea how these worked. It is pretty amazing to me how they can have satellites that can receive the information that you send out, and know the exact location that you need to get to. Then it sends back directions in form that we can understand. Although the cost appears to be minimal at this point, I am still not sure if this is something that I can not live without at this point.

kim.hooker@richmond.edu

kim74

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Navigating with Garmin

3 #

T
brathwaiteta@gmail.com
157.150.192.237

Submitted on 2008/09/22 at 3:03pm

Great site!

Great site!

brathwaiteta@gmail.com

T

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Your Writer

2 #

T
brathwaiteta@gmail.com
157.150.192.237

Submitted on 2008/09/22 at 2:53pm

Pretty neat!

Pretty neat!

brathwaiteta@gmail.com

T

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Navigating with Garmin

3 #

kim74
kim.hooker@richmond.edu
76.123.28.144

Submitted on 2008/09/20 at 3:31pm

I think that we are so busy that we don’t think about all the different ways we come into contact with computer hardware everyday. It has become “normal” for us to us so many different devises that years ago did not even exist. Everyday there is some new piece of technology that makes our lives easier. I may be dating myself, but I can remember when I could not imagine life without my VCR. Now there are DVDs, and you can even load movies onto your ipod. Technology has come a long way in such a short amount of time. Before long, we will have something else to replace all of these devises that we think we can not live without.

I think that we are so busy that we don’t think about all the different ways we come into contact with computer hardware everyday. It has become “normal” for us to us so many different devises that years ago did not even exist. Everyday there is some new piece of technology that makes our lives easier. I may be dating myself, but I can remember when I could not imagine life without my VCR. Now there are DVDs, and you can even load movies onto your ipod. Technology has come a long way in such a short amount of time. Before long, we will have something else to replace all of these devises that we think we can not live without.

kim.hooker@richmond.edu

kim74

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Work and the Common Access Card

1 #

mdholden
mh8wk@richmond.edu
24.125.246.16

Submitted on 2008/09/09 at 1:26pm

I love learning remarkable quotes…keep them coming!

In reviewing what you have indicated about the Environmental Protection Agency and that agency’s revelation on computer wastes, it is more than amazing how much solid waste we do create through modern technology. I did not know that there were so many things in a circuit board that were harmful if ingested. There are some charitable groups which are accepting ink cartridges for recycling, and proceeds are donated to animal rescue missions. This is something that I have learned about, encourage, and actively participate in at work. As far as the decision not to sign the Basel Convention, I think in the next presidential campaign, citizens should stress the importance of remedies to the hazardous waste problems of societies such as ours where the same technology that lends us our freedom carries with it the responsibility of reforming our world without the threat of these toxins. This is a nicely covered topic, and thanks also for the mention of recycling companies that offer to dispose of old technology hardware for free.

You said 3 months ago:

Thank you for bringing such insight regarding the issue of recycling of electronics such as the computer. I have been more familiar with the need to probably dispose of batteries, bulbs, and similar household products; but I was unaware of the transboundary movement of hazardous materials like computers; especially to LDCs (Least Developed Countries). Knowing that the relationship between human behavior, such as this, and its effect on natural hazards to cause major catastrophes ; I question why the United States signed into this international treaty (the “Basel Convention”) and have yet to ratify?

My Comments « Alex Rosa’s Weblog pinged 1 month ago:

[...] Hello World!, 2008/09/15 at 6:13 [...]

Reply to thread »

BE AWARE OF PHISHING! by annwill

shay23 said 2 months ago:

This was very informative Post! I gained a lot of knowledge about Phising, I had no clue about this type of interent fraud. I went to Bank of America’s website on Privacy and read about the what they are doing to protect their customers identities. I have two accounts with them and I’m pleased with the effort. This will help me more vigilant in the future.

You said 2 months ago:

Phishing is a very serious issue especially, since as computer users, we can literally begin the process by providing personal information to an unknown party(ies) when asked. I guess this is one of several adverse effects of having great technological advances with computer hardware and software. Duplication or replication of graphics, audio, and images, can make a consumer believe that what he/she sees is ‘the real thing’, when in fact it is not. Like the use of logos, corporate colors, or wording from legitimate organizations—as was mentioned—being use as camouflage, in the likeness of legitimate businesses, to carry out unscrupulous activities.

Reply to thread »

E-Commerce vs. Brick & Mortar by shay23

LA said 2 months ago:

I love Target, but sometimes I wish their online store were better organized. When my husband and I were redecorating our house and looking for some good quality shelving and computer desks, we decided to look at items on Target’s website, as we live right next to one. The design on their site is adequate, but the options for searching can be somewhat limiting. The most annoying factor, though, was that you cannot order an item from their retail website and pick it up at your local store, which would be extremely convenient and save much on shipping.

You said 2 months ago:

Shopping on-line versus the brick and mortar stores was a well-thought out idea by those who initiated the concept. Convenience—yes!—but at a price. Your selection of Target to highlight the differences between shopping styles is close to a personal experience I had with on-line shopping. Friends have said to me, “Go on-line and get it!” I did that with Target, but the cost of the item and its shipping fee exceeded much more than what I would have spent for the item in the store. Yes, shipping fees etc., could be quite alarming, depending upon the item you purchase. My personal choice is to visit the stores. There is nothing like touching the item you saw in the catalog, or as in the case of Target stores—viewing their circular as you enter the doorway—and immediately go directly to the item to make your decision.

Reply to thread »

Home Network by tchrwannab2

You said 2 months ago:

I know what you mean! Dial up might be economical, but it is definitely different from having a modem. For example, I could not imagine using DSL preparing a WordPress blog. Congratulations on your success with setting up your Verizon DSL, and of course more recently your modem, to get access to the Internet. Of course now that you are using a modem I know that you see great advantages utilizing this technology. Do you think you might want to try setting up some new type of technology in your home? If so what would it be?

Reply to thread »

VoIP by kim74

You said 2 months ago:

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a subject matter which interests me. I was not aware of its operations or set up. This service seems to be quite convenient especially since one can use a computer for this service. It is comforting to know that the FCC did enforce regulations regarding 9-1-1 calls by ensuring companies provide particular information to customers to ensure no fumbles when dealing with emergencies calls. This does avoid any potential disaster(s) that could occur if customers 9-1-1 accessibility was mishandled.

Reply to thread »

Open Source is Great! by mdholden

scoutmstr25 said 2 months ago:

OSS does provide great opportunities for the provider and end-user. I took a look at the list of different kinds of software. I wanted to expound a little on Genealogy. Most people associate this with family history. It is all about tracing your ancestry as far as one can go. Thanks to the internet, this has made genealogy much more popular. Recently new software has come out that is OSS and allows end users to track their family. You can then export your files that are compatible with other programs.
There are other examples of OSS. Some we use everyday and never know it. Many of us are into games. We like to play them at home or at work when the bosses are not looking. These are also good examples of OSS.

shay23 said 2 months ago:

Shayla Sibley Due Date 9/20/08
Collaborative Technologies
ISYS 203 U
Professor Kimberly Davis

Open Source Software
I totally agree about the thought of programmers having the freedom of viewing codes to existing software programs that enable them make to great improvements. The idea is to have the best operating systems available to the consumers. The field of technology is extremely competitive and only the best and most efficient can survive. This concept is brilliant, at any given time many great mind are working together to create “plug-ins” or add-ons to enhance the software capabilities and speed. Source Forge is on the major players in on the cutting edge of this new great idea to improve many existing software packages in the marketplace.

You said 2 months ago:

Free of patents! Interesting??? How long would this last? Improving of technology for ‘the good’. Is there a ‘catch’? I cannot imagine these days that there are computer programmers willing to share their hard work and not protect it from patents in this competitive world of business. You said you had success with using it—so that is pleasing to know. I am definitely going to keep an eye and ear out for more updates on how the users and programmers interact with each other for the ‘good of technology’.

Reply to thread »

The Mojave Experiment by scoutmstr25

You said 2 months ago:

The Mojave Experiment generated by Microsoft® is a clear indication that, like many other experiments some of us have participated in—from trying that particular brand of mayonnaise for a week or wearing the [X] brand-named pantyhose for a month—tells us that some of our fellow citizens of the world do enjoy a poll test here and there. We could control this, if we choose too. I often stress that education is the key to not allowing ourselves to be ‘taken in’. Do we question these Testers as to why a particular test is done and for what purpose? Should we say no to these tests and continue with the product(s) we know that works for us? Is there always a need to change to the ‘new item’ in town? As consumers we must be informed to be better buyers. Ask the questions, even if you decide to take the test. Perhaps some marketing strategist may find the only way their product(s) would be sold is to first ‘fool’ the consumer.

]]> http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/my-comments/feed/ 0 mnd103 http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/lotus-notes-65/ http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/lotus-notes-65/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:40:15 +0000 mnd103 http://mnd103.wordpress.com/?p=301 ]]>

Lotus Notes: Log in View

The Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines a database as: (1) a large collection of data in a computer, organized so that it can be expanded, updated, and retrieved rapidly for various uses; (2) any large or extensive collection of information. Most of us have created some sort of database for personal use or for others to access. If you have ever moved and collected boxes, packed items in boxes, label them for easy access at a later time, for you or your family members; you have created a database. The boxes represent your workspace, and the items in the box, the data to be retrieved at your new location. Labeling the boxes; bedroom, dining area, den, helps you and your family members easy access to the items when needed. The filing cabinet with files organized and labeled within is another type of database. Lotus Notes 6.5 (“Lotus”) is a computerized version of a database.

Several databases exist within Lotus. Its ‘workspace’ consists of toolbars, the databases, the bookmark bar and the Status Bar. These components can be used individually or simultaneously to perform a variety of operations. At my place of employment, the databases I mostly use are: email, address book, and calendar.

Email

Email: Screen View

This database is literally used everyday to communicate with my colleagues and other business relations within and outside the company. You can set up this database to retrieve mail by allowing a sound, or icon, to identity when there is incoming mail. You can create, send, or reply to emails using varies criterion, e.g. reply, reply with history, reply without attachment(s) or reply with Internet –Style History. Further, emails can be organized in folders under an individual’s name or a subject matter for later retrieval. This database can also be used as a “where are you?” function, i.e. you can notify anyone when you are ‘out of the office’, and follow-up with a message to indicate same.

Personal Address Book

Address Book: Screen View

The ‘address book’ database is used to store contacts within and outside the company. “New contacts’ can be created, ‘senders’, can be added, and personal group (distribution lists) created, to forward group emails. As a user of this database, you can maintain and update your profile, keeping it current as your status changes.

Calendar

Calendar: Screen View

In this database you can create or delete a calendar entry; move, edit, or copy and entry’ schedule meetings set up appointments, and other related matters. The calendar can be displayed in a daily, weekly, or monthly format. In addition, any scheduled meetings could be formatted in a number of ways, either by date, time, months, or summarized showing date, time and subject matter. As a user, you can allow other individuals to have access to your calendar by giving “access and delegation rights to view/read, edit or create Mail memos or Calendar entries on your behalf”.

Key functions

Archiving is an important feature in these databases. According to company’s policy, any information kept for more than 90 days, would automatically be deleted. To avoid this, you can archive your information by permanently storing it in an Archive file. Once this is done, you can retrieve the information any time you want and delete when you no longer require the information.

Design

The aforementioned databases are user-friendly and easy to navigate. Each screen is clearly labeled with functions and a simplified tool bar in which you can navigate the screen. No delays exist when navigating through either of these databases. One you click to select your option, the information appears without delay.

Shortcomings

The shortcomings I have encountered is the delay in identifying the arrival of mail, i.e. email can be send to you, your setting to notified—icon or sound—is displayed, but when you click on the refresh

Refresh symbol

button, no information appears until, in some cases, two to 5 minutes after the initial email was sent.

Recommendations for Improvement

Fixing the glitch on the delay email notification.

Sources cited:

“Agnes.” Webster’s New World College Dictionary. 4^th ed. 1999.

http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/category/email/

http://www.crestock.com/image/912597-Blue-Refresh-Arrows.aspx

]]> http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/lotus-notes-65/feed/ 1 mnd103 lotus-notes-65 lotus-notes-email lotus-notes-address-book lotus-notes-calendar Blue Refresh Arrows http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/rss-and-you/ http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/rss-and-you/#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:35:18 +0000 mnd103 http://mnd103.wordpress.com/?p=245 ]]>

RSS logo

If you are one of the millions of users on the Internet, you would most likely come across a tiny (usually orange colored box) with the letters RSS written within the box. You may also see this orange square with white markings of a dot and two sloped lines of different lengths (indicating radio waves). The acronym RSS means Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. What does RSS mean to you?

RSS is a data system that delivers information to you upon your request. This delivery system provides you with information that constantly changes, keeping you up-to-date with current events of your choice. According to Wikipedia, “[a]n RSS document (which is called a “feed“, “web feed“, or “channel“) includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship”. For example, blog postings, or news information-in audio or video format can be updated frequently in an RSS format. RSS comes to you in the form of what is referred to as an aggregator.

This aggregator contains all updates accessible in one location. RSS is like web surfing-only it is done automatically by your computer. All the information via RSS is provided to you as events occur-updated and ready for viewing or listening. “RSS feeds uses software called an “RSS reader“, “feed reader“, or “aggregator“, which can be web-based or desktop-based” (Wikipedia).

The data format used to provide you with this frequent update of information is referred to as a news feed or web feed. Distributors syndicate a web feed, and by so doing, you can subscribe to the RSS.

A reader-you-with interest in my blog can subscribe and receive all new information on my pages, posts, and comments as they become available.

Watch a video

Sources cited:

http://blip.tv/file/213757 [View another video here!]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_feed

http://elearningweekly.wordpress.com

/2008/07/30/blogs-and-rss-as-learning-tools/

Last year my husband and I decided to install a wireless network to allow us both to have access to the Internet simultaneously. We purchased a Netgear® wireless router and a Toshiba® laptop computer with wireless access already built in.

First, we configured our Dell® desktop computer to accommodate the Netgear® router. As we were installing the router, we encountered one problem with the Microsoft® windows firewall, which prompted a phone call to the Netgear® company. As we explained the problem to the customer service representative at Netgear® , we were immediately told how to make the necessary adjustments to handle the problem of the firewall settings. We reset the firewalls according to the instructions provided from the Netgear®technician, and it worked perfectly. We then turned on the Toshiba® laptop, entered the password to gain access to the Netgear® router, and voila, we were surfing the Internet.

We are now able to surf the Internet from any room inside the house, as well as, from the patio, and have had no problems with disconnections. Our experience with setting up this wireless network has increased our comfort level with several technological devices. We did consider other brands and compared costs, before we decided on our Netgear® router. Subsequently, we have made other enhancements to our home networking system, such as installing an additional external storage device, software, and other peripheral devices. My husband and I are doing some comparative shopping for an external hard drive to store our digital photographs we have been compiling from our travels. More and more my husband and I are becoming informed technology buyers.

View a video on installing a router.

Sources cited:

http://www.dell.com
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.netgear.com
http://www.toshiba.com
Video: Youtube®; provided by: www.NetworkMagic.com

]]> http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/installing-a-netgear-router-at-home/feed/ 1 mnd103 Frontal view of router Router Package Dell desktop Toshiba laptop http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/navigating-with-garmin/ http://mnd103.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/navigating-with-garmin/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:30:23 +0000 mnd103 http://mnd103.wordpress.com/?p=108 ]]>

GPS . . . What it is

If you are wondering, “What kind of software is used to power GPS units?” And perhaps you want to know how a specific GPS works, say maybe a Garmin GPS. Then you think, “Ummmm—I wonder how much is the average cost to keep up with the latest software with this technology?” To get answers to those questions, and more, you can begin gathering this knowledge by reading further.

To begin understanding this technology, one must first understand what the acronym GPS means. A GPS or Global Position System is a navigation system that functions via a satellite. The U.S. Department of Defense positioned 24 of these satellites as trajectories. Though many people use GPS systems, the initial use of the GPS was for military personnel. However, during the 1980’s this system became available for use by the general public. Because of the strategic position of these satellites, the GPS is capable of operation around the clock, in any part of the world.

Getting a GPS

The subscription costs involved in obtaining a GPS navigation system is zero. That’s right! There are no initial user charges or subscriber fees. Only of course the cost of purchasing the actual unit. I will talk about costs and upkeep later in the reading.

The Garmin Brand

As you would recall the GPS satellites orbit the globe twice daily communicating with the Earth thus allowing GPS users to chart their courses, so to speak, to their individual destinations. For example when in use, the Garmin GPS “uses triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location.” Basically, a comparison is made between the times a GPS receives a signal to that of the transmission by the satellite. The distance of the satellite from the GPS is determined by the time the signal is received. Information such as: altitude, longitude, and latitude are ascertained by the transmission of signals from these satellites to the GPS to providing this information.

Channeling and Frequency

You are probably wondering, “So . . . does a GPS use some sort of channeling system to receive information?” Yes! A GPS unit functions using channel receivers which are parallel. When the GPS is turned on these channel receivers—twelve receivers—holds on to the satellite reading and sustains this reading throughout the operation of the device. Radio signals can be transmitted at 1575.42 Mhz on the UHF band.

• The software uses three types of information for the radio signal namely:
• An ID code identifying the satellite that transmits the information
• Location of the specific satellite including all others in orbit
• Present time and date: this is of utmost importance for the GPS user’s location.

Mapping Software

• The Mapping software for the Garmin GPS coordinates with the locational software providing a 2D or 3D map.
• Voice technology allows the units to provide direction in numerous languages, and voice tones. For example, it is possible to get software that may have the voice of your favorite celebrity
• Updates to the operating software can be done using the Internet
• Updates to the electronic maps costs $69.99 and are available by downloading from the Garmin website or by DVD ordered from Garmin. Downloads of operating software are free.

Now, get ready to navigate the globe!

Sources cited:

http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

http://gps.faa.gov

http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/gpscurr.html

As I enter my office to access my desktop computer, I log on using a pass code. I key my password using a QWERTY keyboard and the use of a mouse. My computer monitor is an LCD. By entering a combination of alpha and numeric information on the keyboard, I am able to gain access to the company’s network to begin the tasks of the day. The company uses cable for its high-speed Internet and has its Intranet (a form of private Internet) as its homepage. My computer has a CD drive and a USB drive. The operating system I use is XP. My desktop is arranged by file name and I have icons for various shortcuts, folders, and files that I have set up. I have organized my task bar to be located at the bottom of the window in a horizontal position. The printer in my office is a combination fax machine, scanning machine, and Xerox machine. It

is a laser printer and can produce both color and black and white copies.

Today, I did not bring lunch so I went to the ATM to withdraw some cash. To get access to the machine, I used my ATM card or bank card as it is sometimes called to get access to my account. Again, I keyed in a pass code on the bank’s numerical machine to gain access to my account.

Knowing how these machines work and gaining access is not difficult. Of course the use of these machines is important for daily production of everyday work related functions. The use of CAC’s prevents unauthorized entry of persons, as well as provides security for authorized personnel. All machines mentioned are easy to use and has made life much easier for me.