Joseph Duran
Dec. 2 2009
CRN: 21107
Meaningful Topics I Learned in CISB 11
When I first started this course, I had no idea what I was going to learn in this class. Then as time went on, I learned more about computers and Now I can say that I have a better understanding of computers. In addition, I learned about 4 things that really captivated me. These four topics were Application Software, Multimedia and the Web, Computer Networks, and Computer Security and Privacy.
Application software was one topic I found quite meaningful in the sense that this is where I can get not only get interested in computers, but the area in which this kind of software covers. I would not definitely mind to work in this field, mostly because I would be part of something that can be helpful in people's lives (and my own). Of course, I know the differences in commercial, open source, shareware, and freeware software. I would very much like the idea of something in which a software you buy in the stores, but has recent online updates. I do very much want to make software something that is relativity easy to use and maintain. Of course I got to learn programming languages before I can get into this field.
Computer Networks really help in see what exactly a network is. I had thought a network was something that dealt with just the internet. Then I found out that networks did not just deal with the internet, but rather electronic devices that are connected together. One thing I found quite interesting was telemedicine. I am aware that better medical information systems is vital in the fact that often in emergency situations, there are only seconds to respond and a more efficient communication systems can be the difference between life and death. I know that these systems can be quite completed, worst yet, a system must be developed in a way in which people can understand. I remember a discussion topic where what we would choose between prototyping or tradition information systems in the military. Something like this would need to be considered in the medical field. Of course a new prototype system would be complicated at first, but it better to get over it now than not do anything at all.
Chapter 10 was really interesting as it taught me about web designed. I always wanted to create a web site, but neither did I have any specifics on it nor did I really need to create a web site. Obviously with this portfolio assingment and the other web site assignment, I now know how to create a web site. This is important if I ever wanted to have my own business or use this as sort of a portfolio for my work. Meaning all I have to do to prove my work is to find a computer with web access. There is also the personal use with showing off my talents or teaching other people how to play guitar. At any rate, web site creation is an application that can be used for a great many things.
Since we are all connected by the internet, a lone hacker could cause a complete pandemonium if we are not careful. Chapter 15 talked about how we can secure our PC’s both hardware and software wise. This chapter made me very aware of how I should secure my digital stuff. Obviously, preventing your hardware from getting stolen isn’t exactly calculus. Although it is a bit harder to prevent someone from hacking your software because technology is constantly updating and there are automated systems that can infect not only your computer but also many others. This chapter helped me in getting good ideas on how to secure myself. I thought I new how to secure my computer before, but now I know better in what to do now. Especially in the work place, because doing something stupid because of a mistake in the web would be really bad.
The thing about this course is that is really good in introducing people into the world of computers. It is a sort of a good entry for someone who is unsure if he or she wants to take anything in computers. I myself recognize the importance in building computers and programming them. The building of something electronic would be very interesting to me. Preferably improving medical technology.
