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Note 5.0 Information Tech at Home 1 reply
CALVIN::BLCHERNEY 63 lines 11-SEP-1996 20:36
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Information Technologies at Home
The last seven months I have been searching Best Buy, Computer City, Office Depot,
etc. for the perfect home computer. I tend to find a computer that I would give
anything for but unfortunately only cash or credit is excepted. So I wait two
months and return to find that my dream computer is now affordable.
As I strut toward my new adoption the sound of a cheering crowd stops me in my
tracks. I turn to see the display case which had housed my 133 MHz beauty
two months ago. Not again. It’s a viscous cycle. You wait till you can afford
a computer that you’ve dreamed of for the last two months only to find that
something bigger and better comes along, reminds me of high school. So I step
over to the display case and check out the new features. "I do not need a 166 MHz
processor", I tell myself. "I do not need 32 Megs of RAM", my favorite game only
needs 8. "I don’t need a 8x speed CD ROM", 2x works just fine. Again a loud cheer
comes from the monitor. Peeling my eye’s from the list of features I see the
National POGO Stick competition on the monitor. The Crowd is going crazy as the
favored "Jumping John Mouiskavits" only has 12,354 more pogo’s to win the
competition. I’m watching cable on the most beautiful .28 17" inch monitor
I’ve ever seen. NO! This can’t be, I can write papers and in a separate window
watch the Minnesota North Starts kick the Chicago Blackhawks butt. I haven’t
been able to watched a hockey game forever because my professors keep assigning
so many papers. What’s going on. I looked back at the features; TV hook up,
Video Conference, a remote control. How better to surf the Web then sitting on
the couch with remote in hand and your favorite CD pounding through the sub
Woofers connected to the back of your PC.
I remember as a kid watching futuristic SCI-FI movie’s. The big corporations
would talk to there evil boss as he stood looming across the whole face of the
wall in a teleconference. The future is now. From home you can have a
teleconference with your Professor , no correlation with the evil boss, and
ask him questions like were are the North Stars? My drawn out point is that
every day common households are getting closer to being on the cutting edge
of Information Technology.
In class we have discussed how Information Technologies are being used around
the world. I would like to focus on how it’s being used in the common household.
I feel the best PC’s sold at the retail chains are produced by Packard Bell, so
my focus will be toward thier features. The new software and gadgets out on the market
right now are not only cool but will make it possible for the every day user to
access a new realm of information and communication.
Packard Bell for instance now supplies the user with a realm of toys and software
to help the user Communicate, Analyze, Display, and Input many forms of information.
Packard Bells Navigator helps the user easily glide through usage by setting a
virtual "Room" style format. Is Internet access important when putting together
a software package? Packard Bell offers not only their Packard Bell® Direct Internet
Access, but consumers can access the Internet through America Online®, CompuServe®,
Prodigy®, WOW! and Microsoft® Network. And the consumer has the option of doing
on-line banking and research with Reuters® Money Network, Personal Journal®,
Wall Street Journal, and Britannica Online®.
In the area of telecommunications Packard Bell has some nice features. Using the
standard telephone lines consumer’s can enjoy a 16-bit video conference with a
friend, neighbor, and coming soon conference dating with no strings attach. Also
with the new software Radish VoiceView® Talkshop PC users can talk, share data,
play interactive games, fix bugs, ect.. This could be big for home computer
consultants.
Productivity is always important when investing in a computer. Packard Bell
supplies the user with top of the line products like Corel® WordPerfect® Suite 7
and of course the standard Microsoft productivity and work programs. Games are a
must and the standard Minesweeper are always going to be around but added bonuses
like Sim City® and Ecco the Dolphin from Sega® spice up the package.
PC’c have come a long way and there is no sign of slowing up. The only
problem is keeping up.
Information is becoming globally available for the home user at an incredible
rate. PC’s have become more geared toward the information highway and users
are becoming more effective in the use of information technologies every day.
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Note 6.0 ATM IN TODAYS SOCIETY No replies
CALVIN::TDDELMONICO 13 lines 18-SEP-1996 10:50
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When was the last time you couldn't hit the bars because you had no cash and the bank didn't open
until 7:30am the next day? Thanks to technology, regardless of cash on hand, we now can go to the
bars. We now can write personal checks, use a credit card or better yet just hit the cash machine in
the corner with a cash card.
The use of ATM's in our society: A nuisance or a freedom expander? My research came through years
of experience with ATM's. I've used them in far off places such as in Colorado Springs, Colorado,
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, and even towns as small as Grantsburg, Wisconsin. In this paper I am
going to cover a few of the negative and positive aspects of ATM technology, and also my own opinion.
To begin with, I do see a lot of negative aspects regarding ATM usage. You've lost all concept of
personal customer service with a smile. No longer do we have people telling to have a nice day or
asking how the weather is outside. We are losing more and more personal contact with other human
beings. What about those darn PIN numbers? How can we be expected to remember a personal
identification number (PIN) when some of us have a hard enough time remembering where we live or what
we had for breakfast? If many of us have such a hard time with remembering things like that, I won't
mention how many people constantly forget to write down how much they withdrew in their account
balance log. Half the time we don't even know the exact amount to write down because we never know
how much we are charged if it's non-ATM service hours or even a different banks ATM system. Is the
charge for using them worth the convenience?
Well, on the other hand, that convenience sure is one good positive aspect. I can think of many
instances when I've been on vacation and I've felt less than comfortable carrying a few hundred
dollars cash. It's nice to know that I only need to carry enough cash for a pay phone or to get to
the next ATM. I don't have to worry about losing money or getting mugged. Another benefit is that an
ATM doesn't feel rushed, tired, crabby and have a short temper. The hours of possible service, if
you're willing to pay the charge, are limitless. An ATM is located at almost every bank, gas station,
or convenience store in every town of any reasonable size. The ATM doesn't ask annoying questions.
And think about the instant access you have to your account to check your balance, deposit checks, or
electronically transfer money.
My personal opinion of ATM's is relatively simple. I see the bad points when I'm almost broke and
in a hurry, and I see the good points like when I'm on vacation. But overall, I think of them as just
another tool of society. I see them as a tool we use to conform, or mold, our lives to our own
preference. Maybe out of laziness or for comfort. It is much like the phone, the automobile, or
indoor plumbing for that fact. How many times have you heard the story of people not wanting to get
rid of their outhouse for an indoor bathroom? Some people don't take well to change from tradition,
but now that it's here, we really don't put much thought into it any more. Whatever it is, it really
doesn't change the attitude I take on each day. I still go one day at a time, wishing I was someplace
else.
The fact that ATM's haven't been around for very long compared to the invention of the wheel,
doesn't say much at all. But I do appreciate all the inventions that make my life more comfortable
and convenient. Are ATM's a nuisance or a freedom expander? You decide for yourself.
-Trevor Delmonico
18 September 1996
QMCS 425 - Komar
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Note 7.0 PC BANKING 1 reply
CALVIN::JMKENNEFICK 67 lines 18-SEP-1996 19:12
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Rent is Due, they're about to turn off your electricity because the
payment is late, you can't figure out who in the hell ordered all six
movie channels, and your books for the semester were enough to put you
in debt up to your knees. Does this sound familiar? All you really
know is that you've gone through about a half-dozen checks, and you
hope you have enough money to cover the damage. Ah, the life of a
college student. Well, as technology advances so do our lives. We no
longer have to make special trips to the bank or the ATM to check our
balance or transfer money. Almost all of our banking is at our
fingertips, literally.
As of June 3rd your banking needs can be met by logging on to your
computer. Norwest Bank started a program called PC Banking. Computer
banking is not only for personal use, but can also greatly benefit the
Business World. There are many options available. From account
information, to loan and credit payments, and even the ability to
transfer money via the wire. Whatever you chose the end result is
timed saved and less dollars spent on the transaction.
To begin with lets look at what PC Banking offers the general
public and how it came about. In the decade of Computers and with the
birth of digital technology, the card service division at Norwest Bank
devised a way to access your Norwest accounts through commonly used
software, such as, Quicken and Microsoft Money. As a result of an
agreement with Intuit, customers (in Minneapolis) will be able to
download this deposit and credit information as well as schedule bill
payments and send e-mail message to Norwest. The computer banking
wave, which will eventually sweep the nation, will provide the consumer
with choices on how they want to Bank. The old system of going through
the drive through will still be around, but PC Banking allows the
customer to visually see their account account information and make
hard copies on a daily basis for their files. Personal users, however,
are not the only beneficiaries of the new system, small businesses
will reap the same rewards, maybe even to a greater extent.
Small-business owners might have more of an appeal to PC Banking
because they are always looking for ways to save time and money, and
banking by PC can increase your income. According to Chris McLaughlin,
Vice President at BankAmerica Corp, "Businesses can lower interest rate
charges because they can pay down loans or lines faster, because they
have immediate access to the data." In addition he states, "A lot of
small businesses do their books at night and they want to get on the
computer at 11 o'clock to balance their checkbook." Accessing the bank
via a PC save businesses time, a trip to the bank, or even a phone
call.
One aspect that been left out thus far, and it probably concerns
businesses more then the home user, is that of wire transfers. This is
the area of which I am most familiar. I work for Norwest Bank on the
wire conversion team. I only speak of Norwest because that is what I
know, but wire transfers via the computer have been around for some
time. However, with the emergence of PC Banking the wire transfer
system, at Norwest, has been upgraded and added as one of the PC
Banking services. Many companies still chose to handle wires with
their bank over the phone, but the trend is rapidly moving to computer
services. The new wire system at Norwest, called PC Wire, enables
certain users(setup by the company) to gain access and create both
domestic and international wires. In addition it allows templates to
be formed for repetitive wires, and best of all it give the user up to
the minute reporting on wires sent only seconds ago or ones sent up to
a month prior.
In conclusion, technology is changing the way we bank. Even if
you're not a believer in the new wave of banking, at least it provides
you with other options. According to George Hart, a vice president at
Harbinger Corp., Atlanta, "There has been a widespread acceptance of
the technology for the past 11 years. But - based on what bankers are
telling him - this time he really believes a groundswell is around the
corner." I guess the good new for us non-computer owners is that the
lines will be sorter at the bank.
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Note 9.0 FROM THE BEGINNING 1 reply
CALVIN::JTMAHOWALD 118 lines 23-SEP-1996 13:00
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In today's society, we do not always recognize the worth of our
computer and the ones around us. When we need to write a paper, make
up a spreadsheet, or do any other various task, we just flick on a
switch and begin working. We seem to take for granted that computers
are a work of art and have taken many years in the making. I guess it
all began in the cave man's age with their fingers and brain, or
notches on a stick and marks on a wall. We do not realize that the
simplest of calculations all start with fingers, marks, or anything
that can add up, and our brain making the connection.
Invented about 5,000 years ago was the principle of abacus, which
was strings of beads on wires that could be slipped back and forth to
do adding and subtracting of numbers. This method could make mistakes
though, so the best thing to do was to create a machine that would do
the work for us without making any human errors. The first calculating
machine was invented by William Schickard in 1623. In this machine,
multiplying and division could be done compared to only the addition
and subtracting of the beads on wires.
Schickard's invention, plus others, still were making mistakes, and
something needed to be done about that. Charles Babbage decided to
change this. He dreamed of a machine that could solve any arithmetic
problem. During the 1830s, he developed the idea of a mechanical
computer, the analytical engine. For almost forty years, he worked on
this machine. When there was a need to solve complex computations or a
series of calculations, this machine would store completed sets of
punched cards for use in later operations. This machine was like the
computers of today. It had all of the basic elements: storage, working
memory, a system for moving between the two, and an input device. But
in those times, the technology lacked the precision parts to make this
machine and there was a lack of knowledge in the use of electricity.
So the machine was never finished. But, he did start the IF... THEN
conditional jump, at which when a certain number was reached, a
different sequence of steps began. With these ideas, he invented
programming, which conceived of the computer.
International Business Machines (IBM) began from the need to have
a machine that could count the census of the United States. The
demographic data got more and more complicated that the Census Bureau
got as far as seven years behind what they should be. An employee of
the Census Bureau, Herman Hollerith, thought of a machine that counted
punched cards. The idea of punched cards came from seeing railroad
conductors punching tickets. Each American had a card that had
different holes punched depending on different aspects about the person
(i.e. sex, age, etc.). All of the holes mixed with mercury made an
electric circuit that caused a small clock dial to advance. With this
invention, the Census Bureau could produce a national population total
in six weeks! He made his own business of leasing these out to bureaus
and businesses, and his company grew so large that the machines were
made faster and more efficient. This company eventually turned out to
be IBM.
Next, the vacuum tube was used in computers, which were already
being used in radios and telephone communications. The vacuum tubes
could be made to operate like an on/off switch. This made tubes easier
to use with the binary system and the logic system, Boolean logic.
This was where AND, OR, and NOT came in to be used where +,-,*,/ could
not be used. Out of this came communication theory by Claude Shannon,
which made computers able to handle problems in symbolic logic or
binary arithmetic. These are in nearly all computer programs now.
In 1946, ENIAC, "Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator",
was made using 18,000 tubes. One of its jobs was to create firing
tables for big guns. This machine was electronic and controlled by
programs, which led to ENIAC being regarded as the direct forerunner of
the modern computer. But, this program had its problems. It used the
old decimal numbering system and it had almost no memory. So Von
Neumann and ENIAC scientists designed EDVAC, "Electronic Discrete
Variable Computer", which was given memory to store programs and data.
This computer had a CPU, central processing unit, which did all of the
calculating.
In 1951, UNIVAC 1 was created, which turned out to be the first
computer sold commercially in the United States. They also sold their
first one of these to the Census Bureau, like Hollerith, to help count
the increasing population. Where was IBM in all of this? They were
building time clocks for employees to punch in and out of work. But,
in 1953, they put their first computer into the market, IBM 701. Then
followed the 700, 1400, System/360, System/370, and so on. It soon
dominated the computer industry. But, all of these computers were
mainframes that were sold to only universities and large companies that
could afford them. In 1963, the PDP-8 was brought into the market as
the first mass produced mini-computer, even though it only had a 4K
memory.
The first microcomputers were built out of microchips and
miscellaneous electronic parts. This led to people buying these chips
and a kit to make their own home computer. This then led to companies
making the whole computer for them and selling them as a whole. Then
the Apple was created by Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak in their
garage beginning at the ages of 16 and 21. The name interestingly came
to them either from the fruit that dropped on Newton's head or from
Job's summer job picking apples. They used existing hardware and
software to make a simple computer that did not have a keyboard of
memory, but it could run BASIC programs and play games. Then the Apple
II was created which did have a keyboard and memory and sold like crazy.
In 1981, the laptop was created by Adam Osborne who thought that people
might want to use their computer while traveling. It weighed a total
of 24 pounds, which included a screen, a keyboard, and a carrying case.
The second generation was when the transistor was invented in 1948
to replace the vacuum tubes which were too big. The transistor is a
semiconductor. It conducts electricity somewhere between the conductor
and a nonconductor. This was small, cheap, did not break, stayed cool,
and used almost no electricity. This made computers able to sit on
desktops and would not break down every day or so. Computers were more
reliable, more powerful, and smaller.
Next the integrated circuit was invented to replace the transistor.
This was even smaller and more reliable than the transistor. In 1968,
computers got random access memory microchips, used for programs and
data, and read-only memory microchips, used for the operating system,
which is also the permanent software. In the late 1970s, the personal
computer was brought out. Now everyone had the chance to own a
computer in their own homes. From there on, the printers, software,
desktop processing, desktop publishing and more came about.
The first generation were the computers built with vacuum tubes.
The second generation were the ones where transistors were used in the
years 1958 to 1963. The third generation, starting in 1964, was the
integrated circuits, and the fourth generation was the VLSI (very large
scale integration) microchips. The fifth generation is the artificial
intelligence computers that respond to commands and also make
judgments. Computers have come a very long way since they were started
in only the minds of humans. We may take them for granted and it is
nice to be able to do that, but we need to remember all of the hard
work that got us to this point. It is pretty nice though to be able to
flick on a switch and begin doing almost anything our heart desires!
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Note 10.0 Firewalls 1 reply
CALVIN::MJPAYDEN 147 lines 23-SEP-1996 15:36
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Matt Payden
9-23-96
QMCS425
FIREWALLS
Computer security is needed in the business or any other network
where the protection of computer information is vital. In general
security is the combination of all mechanisms whereby you allow only
authorized people in to the network to access the information. In the
physical world, a person uses things like locks or alarms to protect
their things. However there are ways around everything. The intruder
can pick the locks and break in or bypass the alarm. Similarly, the
same can be said for computer networks. For security, there will be a
set of logins with passwords the user must go through to successfully
gain access to his or her account. Intruders here can also gain access
to the information simply by guessing a poorly chosen password or by
running an encrypted string against the passwords of password length.
Basically people can find a way to break in to anything if they want
to, whether they get caught or do not get caught. A concept that is
useful to strengthen security purposes for networks is called perimeter
security. This basically says that there a limited number of
"entrances" in to your network. At these entrances there are "guards"
in which you have to pass in order to get in. In computer terms,
before anyone is allowed in the internal network to access the
computers they must identify themselves to a perimeter security device.
If you can insure that those are the only ways in to the network, you
can guard the computers in your network. The form of perimeter
security that is being used as it relates to the computer world is
called a Firewall.
A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access
control policy between two networks. In principle, there are two ways
in which firewalls operate 1) Those which permit everything that is
not expressly denied; and 2) Those which deny everything that is not
expressly denied. In other words it is designed to both block unwanted
traffic and at the same time allows traffic that is permitted. So the
most important idea is that it a firewall implements an access control
policy. So if someone had a business with a Local Area Network that
communicated with the outside and did not know what kind of access to
permit or deny, you can get someone or some product to configure a
firewall your specific security needs. A few names of firewall
packages: FireWall-1, the BorderWare Firewall Server, Eagle NT,
Mergent Guantlet, and the Guardian Firewall.
When deciding that a network needs a firewall, there are a number
of decisions you must make about the specific function and design.
The first and most important is the policy of how the organization
wants to operate the system: Is the firewall in place to explicitly
deny all services (except those critical to the mission of connection
to the net), or is the firewall in place to let access in, access that
is carefully monitored and metered. Basically, how sensitive is the
information and to what degree of paranoia is the organization.
Once it establishes an acceptable risk level, the second decision
is: At what level of monitoring, redundancy, and control does the
organization desire? Figure out the overall objectives of security and
combine a needs analysis with a risk assessment and specify what you
want to implement into the design of the firewall.
The third issue is the financial issue. How much does the
organization want to spend on the firewall. It depends on how
important the information is that needs protection. On the high end, a
complete firewall may cost up to $100,000 and free on the lowest end.
The free option is done by doing some configuring on the router. It is
not the most secure method and not as versatile as one you would pay
for but it does the basic job of keeping intruders out.
There are basically two types of firewalls: Those at the Network
level and those at the Application level of the OSI model. Network
Level firewalls generally make their decisions based on the source,
destination addresses and ports in individual IP packets. A simple
router is the easiest and most "traditional" network level firewall,
since it is not able to make particularly sophisticated decisions about
what a packet is actually talking to or where it actually came from.
An important distinction about these types of firewalls is that they
route traffic directly through them, so to use one you usually need to
have a valid/assigned IP address block. These are very fast and very
transparent to the user. One example of this type of firewall is
called a "Screened Host. It is simply a host, called the "bastion
host", on a network behind a screening router working together to form
the firewall. The router receives the packets while the bastion host
provides the intelligence needed to determine what is acceptable and
what is unacceptable. These definitions are captured in a "rules
table" (a table which defines what is let in and what is not) which
resides with the bastion host. Further definitions can be achieved by
actually "labeling" all the subjects and objects. Then the system
administrator can match users to the categories of information that
they are allowed to access. Like in a company, for example, certain
groups of people are allowed or denied access to certain kinds of
information. Another example that is similar to the screened host is
called a Screened Subnet. All this is, is a subnet behind a screening
router. It is effectively, a network of screened hosts.
Another type of firewall that can be implemented are Application
Level Firewalls. Generally these are hosts running proxy servers,
which permit no traffic directly between networks, and which usually
performs elaborate login procedures and checking of traffic passing
through. (The term proxy is defined as a software agent that acts on
behalf of a user. For example; typical ones accept a connection from a
user, decides whether or not to let the user or client IP address to
use the proxy, does more authenticating and then completes the
connection to the remote destination if granted access). These
firewalls can be used as network address translators, or can re-address
traffic so that outgoing traffic appears to have originated from the
firewall, rather than the internal host. An example of this type of
firewall is an application Gateway firewall. Works like "winsock".
The user wishes to connect to a remote site (foo.com). The IP is then
authenticated in the firewall machine and the data is passed through
the filter to the final network interface with no IP forwarding after
the firewall machine. Then the traffic is directed towards the other
network and then to the site.
In general firewalls are configured to protect against
unauthenticated interactive logins from the outside. They block or
screen traffic from outside to inside but allow users on the inside to
communicate freely with the outside. They also provide a relatively
few areas of access where security measures monitor and audit the
traffic.
Firewalls cannot protect attacks that do not go through the
firewall. This can be data leaking out through the internet or data
passed physically outside via floppy disk. It also cannot prevent
viruses coming through. Data- driven attacks in something mailed or
copied to an internal host where it is executed are vulnerable points.
Even though firewalls are good at keeping intruders out they can
have weaknesses. One piece of software that analyzes the structure of
a firewall is called the Security Administrator Tool for Analyzing
Networks, or S.A.T.A.N. This is a UNIX based tool that probes the
firewall and the network for particular weaknesses by the use of IP
addresses and using a web browser to find the likely spot prone to
attack. When it does find weaknesses it reports them back to the user.
Of course, this tool can be useful to the intruder, or hacker trying to
get in. It also tells you some things you can do to try and fix the
problem. Here are some of the problems currently found using SATAN:
NFS file systems exported to arbitrary hosts
NFS file systems exported to unprivileged programs
NFS file systems exported via the portmapper
NIS password file access from arbitrary hosts
Old (i.e. before 8.6.10) sendmail versions
REXD access from arbitrary hosts
X server access control disabled
arbitrary files accessible via TFTP
remote shell access from arbitrary hosts
writable anonymous FTP home directory
In short firewalls are needed in the business world to protect
sensitive and private information from the outsiders. They can be
implemented in the transport layer or the application layer of the OSI
model. Firewalls can only protect against so many things as long as
they go through the firewall. You can better the firewall by using
various software to analyze for weak spots. Of course the intruder can
use the same software to gain information on how to break in. Overall,
a firewall is the answer to perimeter security for networks.
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Note 11.0 present 1 1 reply
CALVIN::TLIU 86 lines 23-SEP-1996 19:33
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Shopping in the 21st Century
Today, I will talk about an activity which all of us know too well.
And that's shopping. Wheather its for groceries, clothes, or
automobiles, we spend hundreds to thousands of hours shopping each
year, at least. While buying stuff is enjoying to all of us, shopping
has taken away many of our free time from doing other activities. The
new trend of technology in the 21st century, however, may be able to
help us figure out a way to shop for what we want in a much shorter
time. Computer estimations and presentations could give us the edge to
accomplish this task.
To illustrate this phenomenom, let us use an example to illustrate
what we mean. All of us sometimes in our lives have to purchase a car
and if you have already purchased one, you probably know the hassels
that comes along with buying an automobile. Well, computer technology
now has grown to a point where not only would your hassel be diminished
but you will also purchase the car you want for a lot less than you
would think. How does all this work? Just by borwsing through the
internet. Right now, the internet and private services such as America
Online and CompuServe contain many programs to help you find the right
car for the right money. Once you have access to the pages of the World
Wide Web and multimedia portions of the Internet, you can look up every
conceivable car you want to know about. There will also be many
services and brokers who you can call. All you have to do is to find
the most inexpensive price of the car you like and call that dealer.
After a couple of menuevers, the car is yours. Buying or leasing a
vehicle has suddenly become a piece of cake for you.
So exactly how cna this multimedia computer help with saving time
and saving money? First, because the multimedia computer can generate
price information from many dealers, the consumer is able to pick and
choose the best deals for himself. Second online shoppers have access
to information that once only dealers knew. For example, if you want to
purchace a 1996 Honda Accord, you are giving the invoice price in
contrast with the manufacturere's suggested retail price. The internet
gives you the information on the dealers with the best price and all
you have to do is call the number and in no time you would be behind
your new car.
The consumers are not the only people benefiting from this new way
of shopping through our computer system, these multimedia programs such
as Auto-By-Tell works with over 1,300 dealers who pay as much as $1,500
a month to join the network and agree to a certain reduced price for
the vehicles that they plan to sell. Although this cuts off some of the
revenue, the dealers don;t have to pay commission and saves a lot on
advertising. The low price also attracts more business which makes this
investment with the network program to be very profitable for the
dealers and computer networks. This trend of car shoping seems to be
only the beginning of the auto industry. Dealernet, which is another
multimedia network offers 100 different websites ranging from museums
of classic autos to home pages for dealers who pay a one time $14,000
fee to join up. Now General Motors and Chrysler has also become
aggressive in the auto business.
So if you are tired of wasting your time traveling from dealers to
dealers. Or if you are sick of the same salesman's pitch, all you have
to do is plug into the mutimedia networks in the internet and allow the
computer to do the job for you. In a couple of years, this kind of
shopping for cars will be the norm as people are able to purchase the
car of their dreams during their lunch hour brakes. This will indeed be
a rovolution in car buying because you will never buy a car another
way. Even Donald Keithly, a partner in JD Powers and Assoicates which
monitors car buyers' satisfaction stated that "this is the first
evidence that all hell is about to break loose".
The purchase of automobiles is just one example of how the computer
industry could bring you the things you want in reduced time and
reduced cost. Soon the multimedia network is likly going to expand
toward the retail and food sections. Wheather you need a pair of Guess
Jeans or a Twin's jersy, all you have to do is type in your size and
where you live and it will be shipped to you in less than 24 hours. Of
course you have the luxury of choosing among all of the stores on the
internet and decide from the one store that you want to shop at.
Computer simulation and virtual reality might even allow you to
simulate wearing your desired clothing to see if you like them or if
they fit right.
The internet can also help with your grocery shopping by helping
you find and purchase the food you want. For example, if you want to
purchase 2 bannanas and one green and one red apple, all you have to do
is to type in the information and pick up your purchased items at your
nearest Rainbow store. This way, you would save lots of time by not
going through the whole store searching for that apple you have a
coupon for.
This new technology through the computer internet will change
forever the way we shop. The things we saw on the Jetsons cartoon is
within reach. By using this mulit-network, multimedia technology, we
are able to transcend the present time consuming way of shopping and
devote more time to more important subjects like studying for our QMCS
courses.
================================================================================
Note 12.0 The Road Ahead 1 reply
CALVIN::JMKRAMBER 66 lines 24-SEP-1996 12:13
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Jason Kramber
Inf.Res. Mgmt.
The Road Ahead
As we enter into the age of the information superhighway, there are
many questions that remain to be answered. There are many who feel
that the new technologies we have available to us now and those we will
have available to us in the future, will only lead to the deterioration
of human interaction and have a negative impact on society. Most of us
have already begun to use E-mail to communicate with our friends,
family, and business associates. There are certainly those who feel
that E-mail has had a positive effect on society and those who feel
that it has had a negative impact. In this paper I will discuss my
feelings on some of the major new technological advances and my
feelings of how they will impact society.
I feel that E-mail has had a very positive effect on society. Many
people who might not have communicated in the past due to time and cost
constraints can now communicate with ease and at hardly any cost. For
example, students can communicate with their friends and families many
miles away due to E-mail. Without access to E-mail they might hardly
ever communicate due to the costs of long distance phone charges or the
time and costs involved in writing letters.
E-mail is just a simple example however. What will the
implications be when new technologies offer the opportunity for
interactive classrooms, being able to do your work completely from your
home and never needing to make a trip to the office(if an office even
exists), or the ability to visually communicate socially with large
groups of people right from your PC? Some of these technologies do
exist today, but they have not reached mainstream society due to costs
and the availability of technology.
Lets take for example interactive classrooms for students right
from the privacy of your home. This would allow students to view a
video lecture, ask questions, and get answers right on the large screen
of their home PC. Would this kind of technology really benefit
society? There are certainly good arguments both ways. This
technology would give students the opportunity to even sit in on
classes at different Universities if they wished. It would eliminate
the burden of driving to school, parking, walking from class to class,
etc... However, one could also argue that this technology would
virtually eliminate the casual interaction that students get by all
being physically present at school. This is especially true for
younger students who are in the process of developing their identities
and making friends.
Another example would be instead of going to work every morning,
you would simply connect to your work through your computer and conduct
your days work right from home. This would be possible, and is
slightly being used today, through video conferencing, better fax
capability, and the elimination of paper as the soul means of
communicating for business. This type of technology could seriously
benefit mothers and fathers who need to remain at home to take care of
their children and still make a living at the same time. However, do
adults benefit at all from getting away from home during the day and
interacting with people other than their immediate family?
There is undoubtedly many questions that still remain to be
answered as we enter into the 21 century. Personally, I feel that
society will experience many changes in an extremely short amount of
time. Some of these changes will greatly benefit society. However,
human beings are first and foremost emotional beings who have a deep
desire for physical interaction in our lives. I believe that as time
passes on, we will begin to realize what technologies are a true
benefit to society, and which ones get in the way of our own basic
desire for physical human interaction. I feel that the laws of supply
and demand will dictate what society wants, and ultimately those
technologies which provide more of a benefit than a hindrance will
survive.
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Note 13.0 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2000!! OR IS IT!! 1 reply
CALVIN::KWEHR 127 lines 24-SEP-1996 17:44
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! OR IS IT!!
It is 12/31/99 at 11:59 p.m, somewhere in the world... You and your friends are
at a fabulous party anxiously waiting as the last seconds tick away to the
21st century. Then .. the ball drops, fireworks explode.. its 2000! Its here!
Just as the party is going strong and you found out that the bars will be open
till 4:30 a.m., you realized that in all the excitement you forgot to get
extra cash. So you get bundled up and battle the cold to make your journey to
the nearest ATM. But instead of finding a workable ATM you find an ATM that is
making its own fireworks. The ATM is going bonkers, nothing but gobbelly-gook
(for lack of a better word). Well, you are determined to succeed in your
quest for cash, so you set out to find another ATM down the road a piece, only
to find the same fireworks happening with that ATM. After touring the city for
a workable ATM (with no luck) you give up and return to the party hoping your
friends will lend you a few bucks.
What happened?
The answer is simple really. The institution that was responsible for
updating the programs to accept the year 2000 has dropped the ball and has left
you out in the cold with no cash for the party. Why? Perhaps they waited to
long to make the necessary program changes or they're still working on it. Or
perhaps they just avoided the issue thinking it would miraculously fix itself.
Many computer programs are not equipped to handle the date change to 1/1/00.
As a way to save storage space, prgrammers have used the two digit (DD/MM/YY)
format to indicate the date. As the year 2000 becomes reality, this standard
format is destined to fail.
Date-driven logic has and still is prevalent throughout computer programs.
Companies, Government Agencies, and the like have an enormous task at hand.
Virtually millions of lines of code will need to be checked and reprogrammed to
to accept a four digit (DD/MM/YYYY) format. The cost of such a task is
estimated at about $50 to $100 billion nationwide and at least 1.2 million
person-years to complete the process.
What does this mean to the average person? Well, if the programs are not
completed on time, the average Joe might experience problems with their
mortgage, insurance policy or any loan that the financial calculations are
based on the date. Programs are likely to calculate negative numbers instead
of positive or even treat the year as lower than the previous year. These
errors could be more than just invalid reports. The programs could lose or
misdirect financial figures or just plain fail. Programs that control tangible
objects -- like ATMs, airplanes, etc., could bring about more than just
financial ruin.
Human Resource programs will also be impacted by the date change. Most
programs in this area have been developed for the purpose of payroll, pension
calculations (two things I'm very concerned about), vacation eligibility, and
seniority (for union personnel). This data is also used for demographic
profiles (age and years of service)--forcasting future employment needs, etc.
This date format is something to be concerned about. It can have a impact on
your personal life to some extent. Most companies will most likely not take
the initiative to solve the problem until it is too late. The latest survey
of over 200 IS managers found that two-thirds are avoiding the issue and many
plan to wait until until 1998 or even 1999 to do something about it. Only less
than eight percent have explicit plans to deal with the issue.
As an example, I have contacted my programmer friend in the company. We
discussed the date change format and how it will affect our progams that are
currently in place. My programmer friend works mainly with Human Resource
programs. This is what we discussed:
- The current HRMS was customized to the point that we cannot bring in
new releases (that most likely would cure our date format problem).
- The company has purchased a new HRIS program that will still be
customized but will also accept the new date.
--bottom line...we spent millions of dollars in person-hours and the
actual purchase of the program back in the very late 1980's. The
company customized it so much that we cannot upgrade at a lesser
cost. So we are spending more millions of dollars in person-hours
and purchase of the software to accommodate the 21st century.
- The two-digit format will work if it is a current transaction. To
distinguish the current from the former century, the programmers will
write the logic so that IF data is entered in the current century and
if it makes the date greater than todays date (the date of entry),
THEN it must be the century before.
- Althought the two-digit format will work for current transactions,
there is still another factor. The date will have to be stored as a
four-digit format.
- The implications of this major task: programs will need to be
identified and the documentation examined to determine what
has to be accomplished in order to make the transition as
smooth as possible.
Example: Program code needs to be re-written
-- Sorting: how does 00 fit in the sort?
-- Calculating: need to avoid negative
numbers or numbers that are just not right.
File layouts need to be examined and re-organized
Archive file layouts also need to be re-organized.
--problem occurs with file layouts...the
programmer must physically re-organize the
layout on all programs...that is if there is
enough space available on the file to do so.
- Leap Year was another programming issue. It is rather simple
actually--IF the year ends in 00 and it is divisible by 400 then it is
a leap year.. ELSE, if the year ends in an even number and it is
divisible by 4 then it is a leap year.
I believe that most companies, etc., do not have a realistic view of the
programming nightmares that the 21st century has in store for us.
And...don't say I didn't pre-warn you...take extra cash to the New Years Party!
================================================================================
Note 15.0 Addeding Memory to your System 1 reply
CALVIN::BWPOMERLEAU 80 lines 25-SEP-1996 12:44
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Should and How do I add memory to my system?
By Brad Pomerleau 9-24-96
Computers are getting better all the time- we have technology
to thank for that. But isn't it amazing that a computer can be
the top of the line model one month, and the next month it can
be the most cost effective offering out there? Don't lose hope
yet, there is something that we can do to keep your computer powerful
enough to run future software, and we don't even have to consult
Cray Supercomputers to do it. It's called memory, and it commonly
goes by the name RAM. In this paper, I will be informing you on how
to pick memory for your system, and how not to get overcharged and
underserviced by today's computer retail stores.
The first sign that you need memory is the most obvious one, your
computer tells you so. This can happen in two ways. The first is very
simple, the computer will write out, in text "Insufficient
memory". This usually happens when you run a large file or program
that recommends more memory than you currently have. The second way
your system may tell you that you need more memory is more sublime.
When upgrading to a more powerful operating system like Windows 95,
your computer will take and extended vacation when you first run it
after installation. What now? Do you need a new computer? No, just
more memory.
Once you realize that the problem is lack of available memory,
you must educate yourself on what kind of memory your system utilizes.
If possible, check the owners manual, it will give you a list of
available configurations. The first basic fact you should know is if
your computer is parity or non-parity. 2x32 for example, is 8MB
non-parity - 1x32 is 4MB non-parity. On the other hand, 2x36 is 8MB
parity and 4x36 is 16 MB parity. Most Pentium systems and high end
workstations and servers take non-parity memory. If you don't have a
manual for your system, non-parity systems have 2, 4, 8, or 16 DRAM
chips on the module. Parity models usually carry 3, 9, 12, or 24 DRAM
chips on the module. If you add parity modules to a non-parity system,
it will usually work. If, on the other hand, you add non-parity modules
to a parity system, it will not work. By knowing the correct parity,
you will make it a lot easier on yourself when you go to buy the memory.
Once you solve the parity mystery, you have to find out what "Pin"
SIMM you have in your computer. Today's computers are usually 70ns or
60ns. (ns just stands for response time, meaning that the memory can
respond within 70 nano-seconds or less)The last thing you have to do
concerning the "Pin" is determine whether it has gold or tin leads.
It is important to get the correct type of lead in order to prevent
system corrosion. As a rule, 486 based systems have gold leads and
Pentium-based model have tin leads. Once you have this information,
the only thing left for you to decide is how much memory you will
install.
Your computer uses Random Access Memory, or RAM to launch and
operate programs. The amount of ram you choose to install depends
on your needs. The more RAM you have, the more you can do with larger
applications. The basic advantage of buying all the RAM you can afford
is that you will be able to run more comprehensive applications and
even print more efficiently. If you are upgrading to Windows 95, you
need 8MB of RAM. If you really want to make your system powerful, you
will go with 32MB of RAM.
After you make your choice as to how much RAM you will need, you
will have to do some shopping around to find the best possible price on
memory. As of today, memory is as inexpensive as it ever was, and
probably won't go any lower. As a consumer, this is good news because
most computer stores are conducting price wars on each other, and most
of the memory will be offered at very competitive prices. Don't be
fooled into thinking that an 8MB module which costs $79.99 will be the
solution to all your problems. Virtually all computers, especially
Pentium-based models, require that memory be added in pairs of equal
modules bringing your total expenditure up to $160.00.
Once you find the best deal on memory, be sure to call the store
to make sure the memory you need is there and in stock. Many stores,
especially if it is a good deal, run out of memory in a hurry. If the
memory is out of stock, be sure to get a rain check for the advertised
price. Memory prices fluctuate, so lock in on the best price possible.
After you purchase the memory, consult to your system manual on how to
install the modules. It is a straight forward process, and there are
no modifications you need to make to existing software. The computer
recognizes that new memory has been added, and accounts for it
automatically. In conclusion, I hope this report will help encourage
you to purchase more memory of you need it, and inform you on what
steps you need to follow in order to do the job right.
By Brad Pomerleau
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Note 16.0 Artificial Intelligence 4 replies
CALVIN::PMSCHILLING 10 lines 25-SEP-1996 14:09
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Patrick Schilling
QMCS 425
9/25/96
Artificial Intelligence Today
Artificial Intelligence was supposed to revolutionize the world. Ever since the 1960's, AI
researchers have promised a world of advances from robot servants to cars that drive themselves.
These thinking machines were to change the way we use computing systems forever. The eighties were to
be the golden age for AI. It didn't quite work out that way, however. The expected payoffs just
didn't come. The AI experts promised a miracle, and got much less. The mystical view of AI was gone
from the mind of the public. This was to be AI's great "failure".
After AI's "failure" in the mid eighties, many businesses were apprehensive to explore AI options
to solving problems. Without the promised revolution many people discounted AI as a pipe dream. But
this is not the whole truth. In fact, AI research has produced many of the common applications we use
every day. From the spell check on our word processor, to the computer game's we play, AI permeates
the world of computers.
It is a common view today that something is AI if it doesn't work. In other words, AI is all
theory, and no results. This statement is, regrettably, partially true. The thinking machines and
robots that scientists and science-fiction have courted us with are just not a reality. But the
research into artificial intelligence has spawned results that are just beginning to take notice from
the corporate world. I have already mentioned the uses in spell check and gaming, but the uses in
more business oriented applications are numerous as well. Expert systems, which are used to solve
complicated problems, are found in the Xerox's copier service department. AI techniques are also used
in the case based reasoning system of AT&T's automated help desk. Character recognition (OCR)
software was also developed along with AI research. These and other solutions are the true success of
artificial intelligence.
I have attempted to brush lightly on the many of the positive advances of artificial intelligence
to illustrate it's success. While these may not be the incredible stuff we'd hoped for, they are
making our lives easier, which was always one of the goals of AI. The future of AI just might hold
more surprises for us than we can conceive, perhaps even a complete artificial life is not too far
off.
================================================================================
Note 17.0 1 reply
CALVIN::BJRUNCHEY 7 lines 26-SEP-1996 09:02
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Voice Recognition
In today's world the computer is becoming a tool for communications and not just a means of storing
data have created and formatted for ourselves. The possibilities for what we are able to do with a
computer have become endless because of the transformation of the written word into digital data
stored on a computer. This idea of transforming the written word into digital data has crossed over
into recognizing the spoken word and transforming this into digital information. This idea of
transforming sounds into digital information is nothing new, it has been done with CDs for years now.
The difference is that on CDs it is not telling the computer to do anything.
I will be looking at the studies that have been done with voice recognition, the problems that
voice recognition has encountered, what is being done to correct this situation, and what tools are
currently available to give temporary solutions for this problem.
From the time that computers were invented to the beginnings of the PC the only people that were
really using computers were those people who were doing research in science, mathematics, or some
other type of technical research. Now there are people ranging in age from 6 to 99 accessing the
interment and sending e-mail from home on a daily basis. The use of personal computers in the home is
growing fast and it obviously is not going to stop. But if computers are going to be able to control
all of the household things that experts say they will, many people think that we are going to need a
new way of interfacing with our computers such as voice recognition.
If computers were created by humans why must we interface them on their terms? Why must we use a
keyboard or mouse? Why can't we always just tell our computers to open files for us and start telling
them what it is that we want to have done to the information in that or these files? Currently
interfacing with a computer requires at the very least a keyboard and to make things easier, a mouse.
The only problem with this is that it limits our ability to do other things. For example when we are
speaking with other people we often turn away from them and sometimes are not even in the same room as
they are, but to communicate with at computer you must be in front of it the whole time. Why can't
we currently interface with computers through speaking to them?
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Note 21.0 Encryption 1 reply
CALVIN::JAWHITSON 78 lines 2-OCT-1996 10:36
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E n c r y p t i o n
QMCS 425
30 September 1996
Justin Whitson
With the growing popularity of the internet and the wide availability
of information, the security of private systems and information has become
an ever increasing concern. In class recently we heard a presentation on
securing Networks by screening the users that attempt to use them, and
requiring passwords for entry. Another way to prevent unwanted users from
browsing through private information is encryption. In this paper I will
begin by providing a brief description of the origin of encryption and some
examples of simple ciphers. I will then discuss the PGP which is a
controversial hybrid cryptosytem. Finally I will discuss the security of
the RSA algorithm which is utilized by the PGP system.
Encryption is any procedure (cryptosystem) used by people to disguise
written material called plaintext by creating an encoded version called the
ciphertext. The purpose of this is to enable only those people with the
key to the code to read the text. The first known encryption began during
the Roman Empire with Julius Ceasar. He distrusted his messengers so much
that he created a cryptosystem to prevent the leakage of information. The
system he used was quite simple and involved replacing each letter of the
alphabet with the letter n places away (shift by n). Using this system if
the key, or n was three then an 'A' would be represented by a 'D', a 'B'
would be represented by an 'E', and so on. Thus, theoretically only
someone knowing the key (3) would be able to read the message. This
however, is the simplest example of encryption. A slightly more complex
one such as the Augustus cipher, rumored to have been created by the Roman
Emperor Augustus, is slightly harder to encode. This cryptosystem involves
using a piece of random text that is exactly as long as the text you are
encoding. You would then go letter by letter through the text. So to
encode the nth letter of the plaintext you would use the nth letter of the
key text. You would use the number placement of the key text letter to
decide how far to shift the plaintext letter. For example: given that the
First Word of the keytext was "the" and the first word of the plaintext was
"but" then: 't' is the 20th letter of the alphabet, so you would shift the
letter 'b' 20 places so the 'b' would be encoded by a 'u', 'h' is the 8th
letter of the alphabet so 'u' would be encoded by 'c', and 'e' is the 5th
letter so 't' would be encoded by 'w'. Using this principle the plaintext
"but" would be replaced with the encoded word "ucw". Thus, theoretically
only someone with the keytext, would be able to decode the message. This
too is a relatively simple encryption technique. Today the cryptosystems
are much more complex, and use complicated mathematical algorithms. One
such example of this is the PGP system.
The PGP cryptosystem is a hybrid system that combines an asymmetric
algorithm (RSA) with a symmetric algorithm (IDEA). The system was designed
by Philip Zimmerman to be used on networks to encrypt e-mail messages. The
way this system works in the most basic terms is that it allows a person
to encrypt a message with one key that can be decrypted using a different
key. For example there would be two keys used in the process. The first
would be a public key (one that is available to anyone that wants to send
you a message.) However, this public key would not be able to decrypt the
message. Only the second key, your private key (one that only you know)
would be able to decrypt it. To further explanation: the message is
encoded using a symmetric key (symmetric algorithms allow the same key to
encode and decode the message.) This key is then encrypted using the
recipients public RSA key. The recipient then uses their private RSA key
to decrypt the symmetric IDEA key which is then used to decrypt the rest of
the message. Now that you have a very brief understanding of the PGP
cryptosystem lets take a look at how secure it actually is.
RSA, which is the asymmetric component and provides the security of the
encryption, uses modular exponentiation after text is converted to
numerical form. The mathematics are too complex for me to attempt to
include them in this paper. However, the system does involve a number N
which is derived using two large prime numbers multiplied together. In
order to break the encryption code one would need to find the prime factors
of N. This although it may sound simple is not for large values of N, and
up to now their have been no methods developed that can find the prime
factors of large N's in a timely enough matter to be a threat to PGP
encryption. Thus at this point in time PGP encryption seems to be
unbreakable.
Since encryption began with Julius Ceasar cryptosystems have become
increasingly more complicated. I have given a brief overview of the
origin of encryption along with some examples of simple ciphers.
I also intoduced the basics of the PGP encryption technique, and discussed
the security of the RSA algorithm. I hope you now have a basic
understanding of the origin and use of encryption, along with where it has
progressed to today.
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Note 22.0 PAPER BY PATRICK CALLAN 1 reply
CALVIN::PCCALLAN 69 lines 2-OCT-1996 20:06
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Patrick Callan
Paper 2
QMCS 425
Joe Komar
Using Technology and the Internet to Find a Job
As seniors in college we are now coming to the end of our college
careers. This means it is time to start worrying about what we are
going to do for the rest of our lives. For most of us that involves
starting a career. The problem is not not knowing what we want to do,
but rather finding a company that fits our personalities and a position
that is both challenging and rewarding. Throughout our college life we
have expanded our knowledge and learned much about technology and all
of the benefits that it will have to offer our generation, now it is
time to start applying this technology in practical ways so that we can
optimize our careers. In this paper I will discuss how a college
senior can effectively use technology and the Internet to find the job
of his/her dreams.
The first step of the job seeking process is to get organized.
This first step may seem rather simple and mundane but it will pay off
when all of those interviews come pouring in and you are crunched for
time. Getting organized is easy with access to a wide variety of word
processing software it is simple to create a file that includes your
resume and references along with form letters for after your
interviews. It is extremely important to keep a resume updated, I
would suggest updating after every semester at the bare minimum.
Having form letters on file will save you time after you complete an
interview, all you will have to do is fill in the company name and the
interviewers name and you can put it in the mail.
After you get organized it is time to start the dreaded search for
those interviews. We are all familiar with the traditional ways of
looking for interviews, but the reality is you might not find the job
you are looking for. Today the Internet has become a global job
exchange. There are a few different approaches that a seeker can take
when looking for a job on the Internet. The first approach is to check
out the many web sites that post listings of employment opportunities.
For example at http://www/ careerpath.com/ there is a listing of help
wanted adds from many of the major newspapers in the United States.
This web site can be searched by newspaper or by occupation. Another
helpful web site may be http://www.tenkey.com/careerShop.htm this site
can help you prepare a resume, find what careers may suit you best, and
also has a database of employment opportunities. Another similar site
is http://www.cweb.com/welcome.html/. These web sites and many others
similar to them allow you to search for a job on a national level, this
can be very beneficial especially if you are open to relocation. A
major attraction to these sites is that many of them allow you to post
your resume on to their databases, it always improves your chances to
have more people see your resume. I would suggest including your
e-mail address on any resume you post on the web.
Another way to use the Internet is to create your own web page that
includes a brief description of who you are, a resume, and possibly
even a picture of yourself. By using a digital camera to take your
picture and then transferring it to your web page you will be sure to
impress any visitors to your page with the pictures quality. .
Admittedly this may take some work but for those who know how to build
web pages this could be a very simple process, a web page will also
show your abilities to the many large companies that are hiring web
page designers, managers, and administrators.
Perhaps the most practical way to use the Internet during your job
search is to research companies that you would like to work for or have
interviews with. Almost all major corporations and firms have home
pages that will give you a wide variety of information. To prepare for
interviews home pages can give you a history of the company and also
tell you what is currently going on in the organization. Many pages
also include
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Note 23.0 Cellular Technology 1 reply
CALVIN::TDDELMONICO 147 lines 6-OCT-1996 21:56
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Cellular Phones
The cellular phone (or cell phone) is a luxery that many people now days
would refuse to do without. It comes in handy for road trips or vacations
where there may not be a phone available. It allows one to locate the
spouse and corvette when needed, call for roadside assistance, or simply
order Domino’s to be delivered as you walk in the door. The cell phone has
just about replaced the pager as the communications tool of choice. In
this paper I will tell you the concept behind cellular technology, present
day cellular technology, and the it’s future.
The concept of cells was because Bell Labs needed a system for use
with a mobile phone system that would be economical, efficient, and
adaptive to a growing population of users. The name of the system is called
The Advanced MobilePhone System (AMPS). The first concept needed for this
system was the need for frequency reuse. This refers to the reuse of radio
channels on the same carrier frequency in order to cover different areas
but which are a sufficient distance away from each other so that there is
no interference. In order to cover a large area there are many transmitter
sites that have moderate power instead of one transmitter with high power.
Each site therefore covers a local zone, or “cell”. Each cell then can
serve local mobile phone calls. Through frequency reuse, a cellular
telephone system can handle a larger number of phone calls which would
exceed the number of channel frequencies. The second concept is called
cell-splitting. Cell-splitting is a technique that is done to multiply the
number of cells within a larger cell. This is done in order to handle
larger amounts of call-traffic in order to more effectively serve the
higher demand areas. The third concept they needed is to design a shape
for the cells. They believed that a geometric structure would be best
adaptive to traffic growth, be economical, and be an efficient use of
radio channels and frequencies. Since the antennas, or cell sites were
going to be “center excited”, or located in the center of the cells their
initial idea was to make the shape circular. This would be ideal since
the propagation of the sites were omnidirectional. However, a circle
produces areas which are either covered by many other cells or no cells at
all. They then decided that a polygon would be a better shape. They tried
a triangular shape and a rectangular shape but they finally decided that
the best shape would be a hexagon. Reason: A hexagon lattice requires a
structure with fewer cells to cover a given area, and therefore, requires
less transmitter cites and less expensive.
How does it function? When you turn on the mobile unit it monitors a
setup channel produced by the cell sites. It samples the strongest signal
and synchronizes itself with the data stream being transmitted by the
system. The data stream includes the identification numbers of the mobile
unit’s calls that are being directed at it. When it detects it is being
called it chooses the strongest signal at the mobile units current
position in order to respond through the cell site. The system then
transmits a voice channel assignment addressed to the mobile unit. When a
call is in progress, the mobile unit tunes to the appropriate cell site and
begins data communication by voice. Since the cell radius is only eight
miles, when the user goes into a new cell area, the mobile unit
automatically re-selects the new site with the stronger signal with little
interference or cut-out.
Now that you know the concepts of cellular technology, I’d like to
eplain present day cellular technology. There are three basic elements to
present day cellular communications. 1) Wireless terminals 2) base
stations and 3) Switches. The base stations, or cell sites, are the fixed
end of the radio channel that links the wireless terminals to the other
wireless networks. Then the switch is the connection of the wireless to
the fixed networks.
Cellular transmission is a circuit switched technology based on analog
FM radio frequency for speech transmission. Circuit switched means that
you must establish a connection before communication begins like regular
telephone operation. Current techniques include digital voicing. The
voice is converted into 0’s and 1’s of computerized bits which are
transmitted over the analog channels. There are two advantages of this:
1) greater privacy, digitization actually encrypts phone calls and 2)
digital systems conserve the battery life of the cell phone - it actually
extends the standby time by a factor of ten. It also extends the
conversation time by two hours. The digital systems used are called Time
Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).
TDMA functions by the users sharing the same cellular channel on a time
shared basis. It can actually allow three conversations into the space of
one regular analog cell phone call. CDMA is a method that provides ten
times the capacity of the current cellular systems. The way it works is
that the voices are split into small pieces which are tagged with an
identification code and transmitted with other fragments from other user’s
calls. Then on the receiving end they are reassembled into a recognizable
voice.
Data communication is currently in the process of being developed
better for cellular transmission. Right now, you must use the analog
channels since digital cellular systems do not yet support data
communications. In order to transmit data over cellular technology you
need to have a special modem for your laptop that can send digital data
over the analog lines. This is called a PC-Card, or a PCMCIA card
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). You also need
a laptop computer that has a PCMCIA type II socket. Then the cellular
interface that goes with this is the RJ-11 interface. With all of this
you can send data at a rate of around 4800 bps at the low end without any
cellular enhancements. However, with cellular enhancements like Enhanced
Throughput Cellular (ETC), Enhanced Control Cellular (ECC -Motorola), or
MNP-10 protocols, you can expect data rates of 14,400 bps. Most of the
cellular modems do support these protocols. One current problem with this
communication now is that during hand-offs (traveling in to a new cell)
between the sites, the system suppresses of breaks up the data
communications while the switching center is sending instructions to the
cell phone.
Now that I threw a couple hand-fulls of information at ya, I might as
well continue with the future outlook of cellular technology. The future
of cellular communication is based on using digital technology and the
concept of the implement of microcells. The coverage area of a microcell
will be about 150 meters or less. Microcells will be able to increase the
area of coverage of heavy traffic areas; increase the reuse of bandwidth;
reduce the consumption of energy and the size of the communication devices.
With this the use of analog technology will eventually be eliminated. For
data transmission the future of sending is called Cellular Digital Packet
Data (CDPD). CDPD is a connectionless digital transmission that uses some
of the unused bands in the cellular frequency spectrum to transmit digital
data information. The way it functions is that it breaks up the
information into packets and forwards them to the proper destination.
Each packet contains an individual address, so therefore, the modem never
needs to make an end to end connection as the current analog system does
now. Also, it does not need as long of a period to get a setup channel as
current systems do. CDPD enhances the efficiency of the cellular channel
but is transparent within, in otherwords, it does not affect the voice or
the quality of transmission. It transmits the packets of data in-between
the voice conversation segments simultaneously. The promised data rate
that is projected for this will be 19.2 Kbps. The usage for CDPD is meant
for short bursty type information like FAXing or E-Mailing. If you want
to do file transfers or batch operations, circuit data service is
recommended.
In conclusion, through the use of cells, a mobile telephone system has
been accomplished, and has room for growth. The AMPs system developed by
Bell Labs is the standard by which cellular communication is done
effectively and efficiently. Adaptation to growth is encompassed within
the cell geometry. Today’s cellular communication is based on the system
developed in the ‘70’s. The analog transmission of communication makes it
possible to communicate without wires. The person simply dials the number
and the unit scans for the proper cell site, then the site searches for the
destination for the connection to be made. It is also possible to transmit
data over this analog cellular transmission. The user must have the right
equipment in order to do it, however it is subject to interference during
the hand-off periods if the unit is traveling through cells. Digital
transmission over these signals is also possible. TDMA and CDMA are
techniques used to transmit voice in the form of a digital signal. These
techniques increase the time the phone can be on by increasing the life of
the battery. With the new digital technology, cellular phones will
eventually go totally digital while supporting digital data at the same
time. This is possible through CDPD. This technology puts digital data
in-between the voice conversation. This technique will allow faxing and
e-mailing while talking to someone at the same time. The data rates will
be the fastest yet for cellular communication. The future seems to be
right around the corner. Right now they are developing this packet
technology for the cellular phones. Ideally this technology will be
perfect for the business man on vacation, or for someone who is always on
the move.
================================================================================
Note 25.0 Smart Cards & Spain 1 reply
CALVIN::JMKENNEFICK 101 lines 9-OCT-1996 17:17
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Jeff Kennefick
QMCS 425
10/08/96
Andersen Consulting & Spain Revolutionize Social Security
" A Spaniard inserts a card into a computer kiosk and touches
images on the screen. a routine operation to withdraw money at an
automatic teller machine, perhaps? Not necessarily - if it is
happening at one of the kiosks set up by the Spanish government in the
southern province of Cordoba"(Tom Burns, Director of Spanish Trends and
Portuguese Report).
The Spanish citizen at this official kiosk is using a "smart card"
issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to Cordoba
residents, and the computer is confirming the citizen's identity
through biometric fingerprint recognition. Once on-line, the citizen
can seek information about jobs, book an appointment with a healthcare
service or check details about state benefits such as pensions.
This is what you would be able to do as a welfare recipient in
Cordoba, Spain. A program has been implemented to revolutionize Spain's
social security system. By the year 2000 administrators hope to equip
Spain's 40 million citizens with the memory-packed smart cards. As of
now, the pilot program reaches 500,000 citizens who will be using over
100 kiosks. The program hopes to improve the speed of benefit
distribution, with maximum cost effectiveness and help to curb the
growing number of fraud cases. In addition, it will ride Spain of a 50
year old system based on paperwork. The question you may be asking
yourself is, "How does this pertain to me?" That is a very good
question, because I assume that the majority of us are not welfare
recipients of the Spanish Government. This technology, however, was
developed very close to home(or at least by a company who's
headquarters is very close to home).
As QM majors and minors I figured it would be interesting to look
at the company responsible for the implementation of Spain's smart card
kiosk program, Andersen Consulting. To date, we have read and
discussed many forms of information and computer technology. To
supplement that I thought we might look at an organization who goal is
to manage that technology, as well as help others adapt to and be
leaders of change.
Andersen Consulting consists of more than 32,000 employees from 152
offices in 47 countries. They are leaders in business and technology
consulting using a company born business integration concept, which is
"the alignment of an enterprise's people, processes and technology with
its strategy"(Andersen Consulting). This concept has enabled them to
work with 50% of the fortune 500 companies and allowed them to maintain
a client base of more than 5,000 clients worldwide.
Most of us here will be graduating soon, and the thought of finding
a job is ever-present in our minds. It is very possible that one of us
could soon be working on the smart card/kiosk project in Spain or
anywhere else in the world that is having a welfare problem. If
information resource management looks interesting to you then Andersen
may be worth checking out. They hire people into four competency
groups based on business needs and employee interest. The four groups
are: Strategic Services, Change Management, Process, and Technology.
The following are descriptions of what an employee will do in the
specific competency groups, as stated in "The Complete Facts About
Working with Andersen Consulting." The first competency is Strategic
Services, which requires an MBA.. "Strategic Services helps clients
formulate business strategies and align their organization, business
processes and information technology architectures with those
strategies."
The second competency is Change Management. "Employees will help
clients implement transformational business and organization change.
Professionals in Change Management possess worldclass capability to
help clients design, build and operate new organizations to achieve
superior individual and enterprise performance."
The Third competency is Process, where you will help define the
processes required to achieve business results, implement information
systems and technologies in support of business processes, and manage
business processes on an ongoing basis.
The forth and final competency is Technology. As a member of the
technology competency you will "help clients achieve exceptional
business results through innovative technological solutions. Andersen
provides nurmerous client/server solutions and is leading the industry
in the application of technologies to business problems."
Your career path does not have to be limited to one specific
competency. During your first few years, assignments will be varied so
that you can experience all areas and find one that fits with what you
want from your career path. No matter which of the four competency
groups you work in you may specialize in one or more of the six major
industries: Communications, Financial Services, Government,
Healthcare, Products, or Utilities. As a result of the various
assignment Andersen provides a you with a challenging environment,
giving you new responsibilities, and constant on the job training.
Andersen Consulting is looking for people with problem-solving
skills, determination, well-rounded interest, and most of all the
ability to be a leader. Jesus Merino, the project manager for the
Spain smart card program is considered "a visionary" by many of Spain's
top officials. "Without such forward-looking leadership, the smart
card project never would have gotten off the ground," said Arias,
Andersen Consulting's Client Partner. Welfare is only one of many
problems that we as Information Resource Managers can help to solve.
Whether we are with Andersen Consulting or any other firm our knowledge
of technology is definitely going to save the live of many or at least
allow people to live easier.
================================================================================
Note 26.0 digital camera 2 replies
CALVIN::TLIU 65 lines 9-OCT-1996 19:52
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Digital Pictures
Taking pictures has always being fun for people who wants to savor
their favorite memories. Right now, most pictures are taken by regular
cameras using films. These films are them sent to photo copying places
where they are processed and returned to their owners. As the 21st
century rolls around and as technology continue to expand, especially
in the computer industry, digital film may be the trend of the future
to replace regular cameras. The digital filmless camera is currently a
very small portion of the market, but depending on the enhancement in
computer technology, digital cameras could be the standard for taking
pictures in the next five to ten years.
Digital filmless cameras are cameras that record images on
electronic plates called "charged coupled devices". This technology is
highly demanded by commercial markets and real estate brokers who can
offer new services, receive faster feedback, get jobs done faster and
eliminate the cost of developing film. When the picture is taken, its
image is stored on a chip in the memory of the camera. You then hook it
up to your pc with a special serial cable. Once you have copied your
images on the hard disk, you can delete the images and continue to use
the camera to take more pictures. Once the image is in your hard drive
you are able to print it on your printer, create different backgrounds,
alter your picture to create new images and even alter your facial
expressions on the picture. You can then develop the film you want
right on your printer without going through the hassles of developing
pictures at a shop and maintaining the negatives and other time
consuming procedures. Digital cameras are for pictures that quickly
relay information.
The increase in the demand of Digital cameras is partly due to the
World Wide Web. Major corporation know that digital cameras are
essential for setting up home pages on the Internet. Most of the
graphic memories are shot with digital cameras and other magazine and
newspaper companies have also capitalized on this digital technology.
For example, the Associated Press threw away their regular cameras,
closed off their darkrooms and proceeded to cover the super-profitable
Super Bowl game with only digital cameras. The result was great. The
pictures were printed within minutes for the next day sporting pages
across the nation.
Digital cameras however, are currently not a threat to overtake the
film business. Its business revenue is somewhere in the $200,000 range
while film has $9.5 billion in sales. Because technology has not
reached close to its potential, pictures taken by the digital cameras
are far worse than that of regular film cameras. The only digital
camera that come close to film's standard of quality cost as much
$20,000. There are cheap digital cameras that go as low as $350 but
their quality is comparable to that of just drawing with crayons. Yet,
most people would agree that these are only temporary problems which
will be inevitably solved by the increase in technology. The
technological increase would develop cheaper "charged coupled device
chips" which would decrease the costs. Higher demand for these cameras
would eventually increase supply and decrease the price paid for the
high quality digital cameras. While there are many current
disadvantages using digital cameras, the potential of its usage is
immense in the future. Sales have already soared tenfold this year to
250,000 units.
The market would one day be tremendous for this filmless camera.
Vacationers could send instant picture-postcards of themselves to
families and friends with instant delivery and without stamps.
Realestate agents could produce 3D visual images on their computer
screens to quickly show their client the realstate of their choice.
Magazines such as Sports Illustrated, or Newsweek or even Enquire, who
demand quick delivery of their pictures could receive the images within
seconds after the photographer takes the picture. This potential of the
digital cameras would be manifested not too long in the near future.
================================================================================
Note 27.0 The Wallet PC 1 reply
CALVIN::JMKRAMBER 81 lines 10-OCT-1996 09:21
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Jason Kramber
Paper #2
10/10/96
The Wallet PC
I'm sure that many of you have at least once looked back in
amazement at how far the technology industry has come in the past ten
years. There are undoubtedly many new technologies today that 15 years
ago most of us would never have believed would come about so quickly,
or ever for that matter. Would you ever have believed that it would be
possible to sit down at a personal computer and send a message in a
matter of seconds to a friend thousands of miles away. Not only that,
but connect yourself to a worldwide network and get information on any
subject that you could think of, with just the click of a button.
Thinking back like this makes me wonder what it will be like in another
15 years. Well, in this paper I'm going to explain one of the new
technologies of the future that according to Bill Gates, will greatly
change our lives.
In Bill Gates's new book entitled "The Road Ahead" he explains a
gadget of the future called the "Wallet PC". This wallet PC will in
essence be an extremely powerful version of the smart card; in fact it
will be even more powerful than many of today's desktop PC's. This
wallet PC will eventually be able to take the place of almost
everything that one would carry on his/her person today. For example,
keys, identification, money, a watch, credit cards, checkbook, an
address book, a camera, cellular phone, a map, compass, calculator,
photographs. Bill Gates writes in his book, "It will display messages
and schedules and also let you read or send electronic mail and faxes,
monitor weather and stock reports, and play both simple and
sophisticated games."
One of the major purposes of the wallet PC is already being
implemented to a certain extent today in Europe with the smart cards.
Wallet PC's will store digital money, and this will make it easy for
anyone to spend and accept digital funds. Your wallet PC will link
into a store's computer and allow money to be transferred without any
physical exchange at a cash register. Not only this, but you could
even slip money back and forth from individual to individual, just like
cash is used today. Bill Gates also writes that, "when wallet PCs are
ubiquitous we can eliminate the bottlenecks that now plaque airport
terminals, theaters, and other locations where people have to show
identification or a ticket. As you pass through an airport gate, for
example, your wallet PC will connect to the airport's computers and
verify that you have paid for a ticket. You won't need a key or
magnetic card key to get through doors either. Your wallet PC will
identify you to the computer controlling the lock."
Also, wallet PCs will even be equipped with digital cameras that
allow you to take pictures, store them, and view them on the display
screen which is part of the unit. Instead of carrying around pictures
of your loved ones, you will have those images stored on your wallet PC
and can be brought up anytime. Today if you loose your wallet all of
your pictures would be gone, but with the wallet PC those pictures are
just copies of images that can be stored on some other medium also so
that they will never be lost or damaged.
Another feature of the wallet PC is the ability to tell you exactly
where you are anywhere on the face of the earth. High-end wallet PCs
will be equipped with Global Positioning Systems that use the
satellites to pinpoint one's exact location anywhere on earth. If you
are traveling on the highway the wallet PC will be able to tell you
where you are, and exactly how to get to where you want to go. It will
simply track where you are using GPS, and then follow you as it tells
you by voice which streets to take until you reach your destination.
Wallet PCs will also have the ability to send and receive E-mail
and faxes. There will not be a keyboard, but will use voice
recognition to either record your message as a audio file or a text
file. This file can then be sent to your desired destination.
Eventually, wallet PCs will even be equipped with a tiny digital video
camera and have the ability to hold video conferences right there on
your display screen with another party.
There are undoubtedly some open issues with regards to wallet PCs.
For example what will they cost? Bill Gates states that a
sophisticated wallet PC might cost $1,000 dollars or more, but will
outperform the most exotic computer of today. Other questions might be
concerning theft of your wallet PC and how your data will be
secured(especially your digital cash). Clearly there are still many
questions to be answered, but I feel that wallet PCs will definitely
have a serious impact on our lives. There is certainly the potential
for serious problems, but I feel that as a whole wallet PCs will
greatly benefit society.
================================================================================
Note 28.0 Whose Net Will It Be? 2 replies
CALVIN::JTMAHOWALD 111 lines 14-OCT-1996 13:32
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WHOSE NET WILL IT BE?
Every computer company dreams to be the people's guide to the Internet,
the key to personal computing in the future, but there are only two of
those companies that are in that competition right now. Microsoft and
Netscape are holding an epic battle and the victor could earn billions
while the loser could die in the end. For years now, the world of
personal computing has been dominated by Microsoft with their software
that controlled the way users interacted with their computers. This
software has been called operating systems which began with DOS in 1980
and followed with Windows ten years later. But the Internet could undo
all of this. The Internet could change the way that people use their
computers.
Where does Microsoft fit into all of this? Bill Gates decided that
Microsoft would reorient every effort, project and product to fit with
the new Internet. Holding them down though is a man in Mountain View,
California named James Barksdale. He is the president and CEO of
Netscape, the dominating Internet company. Netscape had a comfortable
dominance of the Internet world at the beginning before Microsoft began
fighting in the battle. Netscape began with a simple program that made
navigating the Net as easy as clicking on whatever you wanted to see.
Netscape's Navigator browser was the best in the market. It had the
potential to be the next Windows. It had a method for launching
programs and calling up any information from the Internet and
corporate networks and even from a user's own personal comuter.
December 7, 1995 started a new phase in the Internet market. This
was the date that Bill Gates decided he was going to change things and
not let his company be run down because Netscape was taking over the
Internet market. This was the date that he decided to take Microsoft
to war. From there on Microsoft worked solely on getting the Internet
market. Over the past three months, Microsoft programmers have
released a stream of new products designd to take over the minds of the
Net users; to force them away from Netscape. They began this by having
software giveaways to massive developer conferences. They even rented
out forty movie theaters on July 16, 1996 for a programmers' gathering.
On August 13, 1996, Microsoft unveiled the Explorer 3.0, which was the
newest version of its Web-browsing software. The 8 megabyte matched
Netscape's browser, Navigator. They also won with the price they were
selling it for -- FREE!
Netscape was not going to sit back and watch this happen though.
On August 26, only two weeks later, they unveiled their blueprints for
a new software, the Navio. This puts the browser software on pretty
much anything with a screen and modem. The first thing will probably
be an Internet TV, followed by a $500 network computer, then online
video gaming machines, and Net-surfing cell phones. Their number one
aim at this time is to use the Internet and their control of the market
to make Microsoft Windows irrelevant. But, this strategy holds risks
that are increasingly large. These risks come from building a
business where a six-month delay threatens obsolescence. Any slip in
Netscape's warp-speed browser-development cycle could prove fatal.
Microsoft will jump at any slowness or mistakes that they make. They
are so close behind that they can do that. Barksdale realized that a
long-term success lies in turning Navigator into a viable alternative
to Windows. To make this happen, they had to have programs that run
their Web-based OS. That is the only way that they will have any real
value to the consumers. So Netscape got together very tightly with Sun
Microsystems, which was a high-end hardware and software company that
has developed a Netbased programming language called Java. This
languade is designed to run across the Internet on any computer. Java
has sites that are able to act as word processors, telephones and VCRs
if one has the right hookups. Microsoft's Explorer browser has
programs that will run programs written in that language. Because of
this, Netscape uses this as a strategic weapon that could one day
compete with Microsoft products, such as Word and Excel.
Gates was not going to let this happen. He turned all of his
attention to the Internet and taking control of it. He made all of his
employees drop what they were doing and work on moving to Java. Four
months later, the complex new coding was completed. Microsoft decided
that the best way to take over the Internet was to make everything that
Netscape was making, but add the extra functionality that would give
Microsoft the winning edge that they always seem to find above others.
For example, if Netscape was going to let the Web browsers look at
pages from around the world, Microsoft would do the same but with
familiar applications like Microsoft Word.
This past spring, Microsoft released a poor version of the
Navigator 2.0, which was called Explorer 2.0. It did not even
match up to Netscape's browser. So Microsoft knew that the next one
had to be much better in order to try to take lead in the battle. The
results were phenomenal when it was finished. It possessed bright
colors, easy-to-use buttons, clever designs, and it ran smoothly with
Windows 95, which is a necessity for Microsoft, so that they do not
lose business on their past programs.
Netscape began this war with a lead in the market of 85% of the
shares. But, with Microsoft coming in now, they started with 30% of
the market shares, than rose slowly up to 40%, and now are at 60%.
Seeing this, Netscape is trying to change more for its browser. Gates
still insists that the Explorer will continue to be free or at a "price
to sell". They have the intent to jam the market with free Internet
software and squeeze Netscape until they run out of money.
Taking a look into the future of Microsoft, they should have an
Explorer 4.0 out by Christmas. It will be a new browser fully
integrated with the computer desktop. People who use this new browser
will be able to turn on their computer and be shown a lush desktop that
includes the latest news, instant access to content from across the
Web, and a specialized version of the browsers that looks at both local
files and data from around the Web. This new browser will eliminate
the Explorer 3.0, but that is okay since they are both made from
Microsoft.
I feel that Microsoft will eventually take over most of the market.
I feel this because they always seem to do that. They also have the
money to afford to do that with giving out thousands of programs for
free to get the attention of the users and prospective buyers.
Eventually, they will be able to sell their browsers at a price because
they will be the best out there and everyone will be hooked to their
programs that they will have to buy them. That is good marketing
strategy that only Microsoft can afford to do, which makes them the
leader out there. Considering this battle between Microsoft and
Netscape, it is not so much a war between the two companies, but more of
a competition against themselves to keep from becoming obsolete. In
the end, the victor will not be the best browser, but the company that
can run the longest.
================================================================================
Note 29.0 TCP/IP Networking Protocol 2 replies
CALVIN::BJRUNCHEY 187 lines 15-OCT-1996 11:47
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With the Internet and the networking of computers becoming such a widel
y used solution to communication problems, the need for network addressing
schemes for computers has become more and more important. The programs that
allow for the independent addressing of computers in a network are referred to
as protocols. There are a few different protocols that are popular such as
IPX from Novell, Banyan Vines, from Banyan, and Miscrosoft's NetBUEI. These
protocols though were developed by the proprietary vendor for smaller networks
to be used as the network addressing protocol in local area networks (LANs)
that are running thier software. The most widely used protocol throughout
the computing world today is most definitly TCP/IP. The main reason for its
popularity is because TCP/IP is the Internet's addressing protocol, so if you
use TCP/IP as your addressing protocol, it makes Integrating the internet into
your network all the easier. Tell what the acronym means.
TCP/IP was developed in the 1970's to satisfy a requirement of the
Department of Defense for a powerful wide area networking protocol. It gained
its wide acceptance when it was implemented into the Berkeley Standard
Distribution Unix. Since this time it has been a standard feature of Unix.
Therefore TCP/IP has been around longer and been more thoroughly tested than
other protocols. It also has a different process for defining standards. It
relies on an open standards definition process. What this means is that
discussions take place over the Internet, all of which are public, about what
the future may hold for the protocol. The reason for this "open forum" is
that TCP/IP was not developed by any one specific vendor, but rather by many
different users in the computing community.
TCP/IP, or IP, addresses are 32-bit numbers that contain a host address
and a subnet mask address. The numbers are based on the binary numbering
system which uses 1's and 0's for determining decimal numbers. To give and
example this is what an IP address looks like to your computer:
11000001000010100001111000000010.
Since this is basically impossible to understand with all of the ones and zeros
crammed together, they have divided them out into four octets, or four eight-
bit sections as so:
11000001 00001010 00011110 00000010.
Since this is still rather hard to understand, it has been simplified further
yet into dotted-decimal-notation to give us:
193.10.30.2
This is much easier to understand. The range of numbers possible for each
octet is 0 to 255. The reason for this is because if there was a number one
in each of the eight spots of any given octet, it would equal 255.
Within each IP address there are two logical fields, the net id field,
and the host id field. The net id field is the network address of the subnet
to which the computer is attached. The host id field is the unique address of
that particular computer within the network. Other important aspects of IP
addresses are the different ways in which they can be assigned. Any computer
that is on a TCP/IP network is either assigned a "static" address or is
"dynamically" assigned an address. If a computer has a static IP address, it
has that address permanently. For example, if a particular computer has the
static IP address of 160.99.8.1 assigned to it, it will always have this
address every time it uses network routing. If the computer is assigned its
IP address dynamically, this then is done by the network server when the user
logs onto the network. An example of this would be if a user logged onto a
network at 8:30 am, they might be assigned the address of 133.22.44.1. But if
they log off the network, and later log on again their address might be
133.22.44.3. Addresses are usually assigned based upon the logon name of the
user. So if there are two people that accidentally use the same logon name
there will be an IP address conflict between the two and the one who was
logged on first will win. The idea of dynamically assigning IP address is
used to stretch the use of the number of IP addresses that a particular
organization has rule over. The implementation of this only comes into play
when the network administrator can be sure that all of the users will not be
logged into the network at the same time.
When the TCP/IP protocol was first being developed many thought that
computer networks of the future would fall into one of three categories: A
small number of networks with at large number of hosts, A midsized number of
networks with a moderate number of hosts, And a large number of networks with
small number of hosts. Because of this, the IP addresses were organized into
classes; Class A, Class B, and Class C.
The distinguishing feature to determine whether an address is in a
class A, B, or C license, is in the first octet of numbers. If the first
octet has a value between 0 and 127, it is a class A license. There are only
126 class A licenses available, each of which can support 16,777,216 hosts.
If the value of the first octet is between 128 and 192, then it is a class B.
There are 16,384 class B licenses available, each of which can support up to
65,536 hosts. And if the number falls between 192 and 223 then you have a
class C license. There are 2,907,152 class C licenses, each of which can
support up to 254 hosts. The reason why there are no numbers assigned above
223 is because these are Class D and E licenses which are used exclusively
for experimental and multicast purposes. The reason why there is such a
difference in the number of hosts each type of an address can support relates
back to the idea of the three different network sizes that were considered.
To better explain this it all comes down to which fields of the IP address are
netid fields and which fields are hostid fields. Below is an illustration of
what each class looks like when broken down this way:
Class A: NNN.HHH.HHH.HHH
Class B: NNN.NNN.HHH.HHH
Class C: NNN.NNN.NNN.HHH
N=Net id field
H=Host id field
As you can see the Class A license uses only the first octet for the network
id's address and leaves the remaining octets available for host id addresses
on the network. Class B the first two octets are used for the net id. And
Class C the first three octets are used for the net id. So obviously Class A
is reserved for the larger networks, Class B for the midsized networks, and
Class C for the smaller networks.
When instituting a network with TCP/IP, there is one simple rule that
you must always remember: every host on the network must be configured with
the same subnet ID. What this means is that if you have a Class A network all
of the computers on that "logical" network all have to have the same number in
the netid field. For example, if you had a Class A license that began with the
netid number 65, that would mean that any computer, or host, that you had
connected to that particular network would have to start with the number 65
(e.g. 65.77.109.1 would work, but 72.77.109.1 would not work on this network).
To help your computer determine what the network id is for the network
on which it is located, the concept of subnet masks has been developed. A
subnet mask tells the computer what octets of its IP address contain the net
id. If we were using the same example as before,in which we have a class A
license network with the netid of 65, then our subnet mask would have to be
255.000.000.000. The reason that the first octet contains a 255 and not a 65
is because 65 is the netid number. Since every other computer on the network
is going to have 65 for their netid, it makes sense for the computer to ignore
the first octet of every address when looking for another computer on the same
network. If we were to set the subnet mask to 000.000.000.000, we would never
find another computer on our network because when searching for other computers
the TCP/IP protocol will check to see what the subnet mask is set to, find the
first open octet in the subnet mask, upon which it will start to search from
the number 1 in that octet. Each Class of addresses has its own default
subnet mask. For Class A it would be 255.000.000.000, for Class B
255.255.000.000, and for Class C it is 255.255.255.000. So if you do not have
your subnet mask set correctly to at least the default subnet mask that
corresponds with the particular class license that your network has, you will
have a very hard time finding another computer within your network.
The subnet mask concept is not extremely complex when it remains
within one network. The complex part of it begins when you need to route
between two networks that each have a different network ID. For example say
there is a Class C network in one building and a Class C network in another,
each with a different network ID, and we want to be able to go between the two.
When this happens we need to implement the use of a router or gateway. The
router will come into play when a request for an address that is outside of
the subnet mask is sent out accross the network. The following is an
explanation of how a router or gateway would be integrated on a Microsoft
Windows NT network running TCP/IP.
When instituting the use of a router, the computer that you used as
the router must have two separate network cards, each with a separate IP
address, one for each network to which the computer is connecting to.
For example, if we were going to go between two networks, one with the network
id of 160.100.xxx.xxx and another with the network id of 160.101.xxx.xxx, we
would need to assign one network card to the 160.100 domain and the other card
to the 160.101 domain Then we would enable routing on the computer so that it
could perform the task. This then would be come your router between the two
networks. The only problem with this is that if one does not configure the
other computers within the two networks to recognize that particular address
as the router(or routers) the computers on the network will not know. So one
must physically type in the address of the router in the default gateway
section of the TCP/IP configuration tables for each individual computer. It
is possible to have more than one router on a network, but is usually only
done when integrating three or more networks. Usually the amount of traffic
that a network must carry determines whether or not more than one router
between two networks is needed. This is just an example of how routing works
on a simple network in which one knows what the scope of the addresses are.
On the Internet it becomes very complex because we start to deal with routing
algorithms which, like a lot of TCP/IP issues, is beyond the scope of this
paper.
The fact that there are so many issues which are beyond the scope of
this paper is nothing more than a tribute to how robust the TCP/IP protocol is.
Although there is only one place where you can receive an assigned IP address
(the Internet Network Information Center), there are many different software
companies that produce TCP/IP networking software. Because of this, this
paper only touches on what is needed within Microsoft version for it to be
compatible when hooked up to the Internet. There are many problems that
TCP/IP address faces in the future, but they all seem to revolve around the
growing use of the Internet. The main, of course, is what to do when all of
the addresses are used up. Because of this ARPANET (ARPA is the acronym for
the defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is working on building an
extension for TCP/IP that will be compatible with what currently exists.
So, as is very obvious, TCP/IP is very robust, and at times can be
very complex. The amount of calculations that go into the routing tables is,
for most people, beyond comprehension. Although computers may be getting
easier to use on the surface with graphical user interfaces and information
easier to obtain because of the Internet, the complexity behind the scenes is
still there. So as long as we spent our time and efforts trying to network
the world with the Internet, and since TCP/IP is the foundation upon which it
is currently built, the knowledge and the ability to set up these types of
networks, and the possible extension of this protocol will be a highly
desirable skill well into the 21st century.
================================================================================
Note 30.0 PDA's 1 reply
CALVIN::MJPAYDEN 138 lines 20-OCT-1996 19:35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Payden
10-19-96
QMCS425
Personal Digital Assistants
Computers today are closer than ever to doing everything. From
organizing large businesses, to surfing the web, or to organizing your personal
life, the capabilities of computers are recognized by everyone. Most users don't
want to be bothered with the technological aspects behind how the computer
works, and the complicated operating system, they just want to be able
to use the computer for what application that they want it for. So, as computers
of today evolutionized, the trend with manufacturers and designers has been to
"keep it simple". What people are looking for in a computer are simplicity and
ease of use. In addition to this, the people also want to have the option to work
at their convenience away from their desktops. The first step towards this
mobility was the laptop. However, it is not without its drawbacks, like you
have to carry it around in a bag, and some of them can be a little heavy,
especially if you are already carrying around a brief case or another bag. Also,
laptops can have the same problems that the desktop ones have. So, in keeping
up with the trends, the evolution of the palm top computer came about.
In the computer world these palm top computers are formally called
PDA's, or Personal Digital Assistants. These are mini-computers that can
actually be held in the palm of your hand. Regular keyboards aren't standard
with these so most PDA's come the option to plug them in. Otherwise, most of
them make use of writing through pen input. Some even come with mini-
keyboards attached, and if your fingers are small enough, you can type instead
of writing.
So what reason, other than the fact that they are small and portable,
would people want to buy them? While they are not substitutes for the desktop
computers, they contain programs and information that is useful when you're
on the go, like scheduling, name and phone number keeping. The big
advantage with having a PDA is their ability for communications. They have
built in modems and/or PC card slots so that they are able to FAX, e-mail, and
some even have the hook-ups to do wireless communication. Some other
features that come with the various PDA's are:
On-line service interfaces like America On-line or CompuServe.
Personal organization software (spread sheets, databases)
infrared data transfer between units - you can put PDA's back to back and
transfer data.
Basic file searches
backlit screens
has a serial port - the capability of storing and/or transferring files to and from
regular
PC's
A version of "Quicken"
a "sketch book" program that lets you draw pictures
some have pager cards so you can send and receive pages
word processing with spell checking and dictionary
Now here's a little on how this thing actually work. First, accessing
applications is done by touching an icon on the screen. The difference from the
big computers is that there is no waiting for the application to open, it is
instantaneous. This is because the data isn't stored in re-
writeable blocks on a big gigabyte hard drive. Instead the information is stored
on RAM chips or removable RAM cards which means that the information is
in the background waiting to beopened.
Most PDA's only have around 2 MB of memory. You would think that
this would only be enough to store a few files in them. However, they are
designed to make the most of their memory space by storing information as
ASCII text. I don't know how that works but I guess it gives the user almost an
endless amount of space - it must be a compressed way to store stuff.
Like laptops, the only way it can successfully save information is if it
has power. It is recommended that you buy rechargeable batteries, or an A/C
adapter. Also, like a laptop, if your batteries die on you, your information is
gone so you must save it. Most PDA's have a backup utility that lets you save
your work to the RAM card before the batteries die.
The method of text entering varies from unit to unit. Most, as I stated
before, use pen-based input. The way pen input works is the user simply prints
whatever they want (commands or a message) on the screen. It is then
converted to an editable text that the computer can recognize. The language
software it uses is called "Graffiti". This language basically is regular block-
style printing with the exception of 6 letters that are different. An example of
one of the letters that are different is the letter "A" which would look like an
inverted "V" in the "Graffiti" language. So what if you needed to send someone
a lengthy message and you did not need the computer to recognize the writing?
Don't worry, most PDA's have a feature that lets you save your scribbling as a
graphic and lets you send the message (fax or e-mail) in any style or form you
want to. And if you get frustrated with trying to make it recognize your
writinganyway, there's always the keyboard your can plug in, or there is an
option on most of the units that lets you touch a keyboard icon for a digitized
keyboard on the screen.
Now that you know what they are used for and a little on how they
work, here are five PDA's that are available right now and the different options
that come with them:
1) Apple Messagepad 120 -- "Apple Newton"
about the size of a VCR tape
Pen input (keyboard is a $99 option)
New operating system that features handwriting recognition - cursive as well
as block writing
Memory - 1 MB model ($599) or 2 MB model ($699)
Internet connection capable
2) Hewlett-Packard Omnigo 100 -- ($349)
about the same size as the Newton
described as part calculator, part organizer and part PDA
Pen input with the "Graffiti" system
Memory - 1 MB RAM and 3 MB of ROM
3) Casio Z-7000 -- ($499)
also about the same size as the Newton
Pen input - uses handwriting recognition by Geos - not as good as Graffiti
Personal management stuff - date book, address book, note book, language
translator, a
world clock, file manager, U.S. and World almanac info, calculator, America
On-line,
Quicken
4) Sharp Zaurus 5000 -- ($849)
about the size of a paperback novel
Keyboard is the primary method of input -- pen is available but no
recognition software
comes with it so the writing remains a graphic.
Memory - 1 MB RAM and 4 MB ROM
Word processor is compatible with Microsoft Word
Emphasizes it's drawing capabilities - sketching, signatures and map-making
software
5) Sony Magic Link PIC2000 -- ($899)
the biggest of the 5 - about the size of an Etch-A-Sketch
has backlighting so you can use it in low-lighting situations (wears batteries
down faster)
Pen input - handwriting recognition by "Graffiti"
has an on-screen representation of a keyboard (large enough so you can use
both hands at
once)
you can also plug in a keyboard
in addition to on-line service and e-mail it is able to do wireless
communication
In conclusion I found that the only thing that I would get excited about
recognize handwriting and they are small in size. Other than that, it seems like
it would be worth the effort to carry around a laptop and be able to do more of
what a desktop computer can do. Also, you can have all of the personal
organizer software in a laptop. I guess what I'm saying is that it would be neat
if you could write and send messages, that's all I'd use it for.
================================================================================
Note 31.0 telecommunications 1 reply
CALVIN::JAPLOURDE 93 lines 21-OCT-1996 11:55
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The telecommunications act of 1996 unleashes an information-age free
for all. Here's what it means to you. The new telecommunications act
lets phone companies and cable TV services offer Internet hook-ups,
videoconferencing, movies on demand and other services. Congress
exempted phone companies from antitrust laws in 1921 and created the
FCC in 1934 to regulate the phone, radio and later TV industries, often
dispite overlapping purpose and potential. The reform act signed into
law earlier this year rips down most of the major government barriers.
In short, the local and long-distance phone companies, broadcast and
cable TV suppliers, and a host of others have been cut loose to compete
or cooperate as they and thier technologies, see fit.
Though we think of our country as a land of innovation and
competition, our communication services and choices - from the rotary
telephone to satelite TV - have actually been tightly regulated. Phone
and cable companies, for example, have been treated as public
utilities, limiting what they can charge but also what types of
products and services they can offer us. We've also had little choice
in who proviedes these services, since regulated monopolis and
duopolies was the rule. The telecommunications act of 1996 opens the
marketplace and sets the stage for an inforamtion-driven 21st century.
Phone companies can offer cable TV service, and vise versa. Both can
offer Internet hookup, videoconfernecing, movies on demand and movies
on demand, and other services. Most important perhaps, is taht all are
free to develop new products and services and to invest in costly
infrastructures projects - such as running high-speed wire into your
home.
Ther are three driving reasons for the change. First, there are
more than enough strong innovative companies to offer real competition.
For decades AT&T was the only major phone company. Today, MCI, Sprint
and more that a half a dozen 'baby bell' companies can offer you the
same service. Second, the digital drumbeat of modern electronics is
making the combination of services more viable and, to some extent,
logical. With phone, TV, and other services all being delivered and
processed via digital signals, it makes little sense to keep them apart
artificially. Third the efficiencies of the digital age are making
many new services possible, and regulating who can do what would become
increasingly difficult.
If you thought that the fight for your dollar was heated over long
distance phone charge, just wait. The likes of MCI and Sprint will be
trying to become your local phone company too. Price will not be
dramatically lower since they lease lines from each other. AT&T may
offer you a package deal where you get local and long distance phone
services, cellular phone services, Internet access and satelite TV for
one price, taht you can buy with your smart card. Cable sompetiton
will take longer to heat up than the phone wars, the price of montly
services might go up, since cable rates were regulated with the 1992
Cable Act. TCi, Tiem Warner and a few others have announced rate hikes
of several dollars per month - with the FCC's blessing under continuing
to regulation. But all of the rate regulation will be removed by 1999,
if the cable companies can prove it faces onr or more viable
competitors. DirecTV and Primstar already offer satellite service.
There are new restrictions, one would be a ban on Internet
'indecency' and an attempt to curb TV sex and violence. The Internet
provisions, would prohibit butdoes not define indecent material, could
be tied up in court challenges for years and ultimately may be too
braod to defend. Still, the spotlight on the Internet pornography has
led many online services to offer thier members new options for
blocking offensive material. Most services now have parental
access-control features, for example.
The 'v-chip' provision, requires amnufactures to install a
violence-blocking chip in al new TV sets with 13 inch or larger
screens, has been grudingly accepted by both makers and the TV
networks, which recently agrees to adopt a rating system for thier
programming. Together they would enable you to block programs, from
your children, that deem too violent or too sexual.
The 'v-chip' is the generic term for a computer chip - an
integrated circuit - that can decode TV program ratings. These ratings
will be snet a s part of the picture on a section of the TV signal
known as the vertical blanking interval, which is sometimes known as
the black bar on the top and bottom of a picture. Many TV's already
have this chip used to decode closed-captioning information.
Canada is on the fast track toward a v-chip and a rating system,
which the government hopes to have in plan by next year. It has
mandated that a rating system and TV's with the v-chip be ready by
then, and that cable boxes with the v-chip be available to anyone who
wants one. There are many people who like this idea and are trying it
at home, but there are many problems. Canada is using a fairly
complicated four to six level rating system, which some parents find
confusing. And the guidelines in this sophisticated raating system
won't necessarily distinguish between a man removing his shirt to go
swimming and another doing the same as he enters the bedroom.
The v-chip is controversial, why? Some see the chip and the
rating sytem as thinly disguised censorship or at least an unnecessary
muzzling of free speach. Others fear it will let broadcasters off the
hook, allowing them to show as much violence and sex as they wish,
leaving it up to the parents to block it out. Others worry that the
harsher ratings will be magnet for some young viewers (boys in thier
early teens). And many free-speech advocates suspect even programs
showing the evils of violence, lie 'Schindlers List' will get caught in
this.
In any case, you'll certainly have choices you never had before,
such as who provides your local phone company and cable TV services.
Many companies will feel the need to merge.
================================================================================
Note 32.0 SDA/A.E.I. Tags 1 reply
CALVIN::KWEHR 152 lines 21-OCT-1996 18:52
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Peek Into Source Data Automation
(Working on the Railroads)
Source Data Automation is defined as:
- Input devices that collect data in machine-readable
form and send it directly to the computer without the
need for human intervention.
The most familiar types of Source Data Automation are:
- Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Systems (MICR)
- recognizes the numbers printed on checks
- Optical Character Recognition Systems (OCR)
- typically used with billing statements
- Point of Sale System (POS)
- used with Optical Code and Bar Code Readers
- identifies price of item; automatically updates a company's
sales and inventory records
- Imaging Systems
- images of photos, drawings, and documents are inputted,
processed, stored, and displayed
- digital cameras
Basically, the idea behind these devices is that they will be more
accurate, faster, cheaper, and more efficient than traditional input methods.
Railroads are the very definition of 'tradition.' A tradition that is
over 100 years of age. That is why I believe that computer technology is
slow in becoming the Railroads KEY tool of present day. Sure Railroads have
computer equipment, programs, etc., but what they really lack is the commitment
from the people in the areas that has the most effect on the system--the END
USERS.
One way to overcome that needed front end human element is to install a
Source Data Automation System. That's exactly what happened for the Railroads.
The Association of American Railroads issued a Mandate stating that an
Automatic Equipment Identification (A.E.I.) Tagging System be installed, where
Freight Cars, Locomotives, and Sense and Braking Units (SBUs) are used in
interchange service, by June, 1994. If this equipment was not tagged by this
date, then foreign roads were allowed to tag and charge the deliquent railroad
at the present AAR rates.
Automatic Equipment Identification (A.E.I.) tagging system is a proven
Radio Frequency technology which:
- Identifies units of equipment and their location .. the "3W's"
3 W's for Rail Equipment:
- What -- equipment ID
- Where -- its location
- When -- date/time at that location
- Makes that information available to users
- Environmentally immune
- weather
- unlike the previous sticker type application
An A.E.I. System is comprised of the following components:
TAG: transponder
reflects modulated radio signal
installed on rolling stock
READER: transmits radio signal to tag
decodes modulated signal
identifies equipment ID
installed trackside at yard perimeters as well as at
prescribed distances along the track between yard points.
WHEEL DETECTORS: To activate reader
COMMUNICATION LINK WITH SYSTEM-2: Output and Data Resource for User.
The A.E.I. System appears to be as simple as going through a check out
line at the grocery store: Basically, it's as simple as the following:
- The train approaches the A.E.I reader
- The wheel detectors activate the reader and identify axles
- The reader sends Radio Frequency signals and the Tag (located on
the equipment) reflects the modulated Radio Frequency signal.
- The Reader Software is designed to:
- identify equipment ID's from reflected R.F. signals
- identify the equipment 'footprints' (axles)
- matches footprints to ID's
- sends "clean list" (equipment ID's, date/time, location) to
System-2.
So by now you are probably wondering what the the big deal is about this
mediocre information system. Well...nothing really! But that's the beauty of
it! Something so simple as being able to identify and locate rolling stock
automatically just stirs the imagination of the present and future potential
that this system is capable of providing. For example:
Benefits include:
- Customer Service
ability to inform the customer where their shipment is
- Asset Management
constant knowlege of the whereabouts of the equipment
- Operations efficiencies
information that identifies service (on-time)
performance and where improvements are needed when train
delays occur.
- and much more !!!!
- no human involvement except for programming the A.E.I. tag,
and installing it on the equipment VS. (the old way) no A.E.I
tags and having a yard clerk literally sitting at a window
and visually checking the railroad cars as the train slowly
pulled past the yard clerks window, called a "roll-by."
Next time that you're waiting for a train, there is a couple of things I
would like you to think about: First...check out each car and locomotive and see
if you can locate the A.E.I. tag. Second...if you have located the A.E.I.
tags on the passing train...then you are too blasted close!!!!! Have you ever
seen what happens when a train jumps the track ??????
Kathy Wehr
================================================================================
Note 33.0 Software Piracy 1 reply
CALVIN::MJPAYDEN 79 lines 22-OCT-1996 12:07
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Software Piracy
Justin Whitson
QMCS 425
20 October 1996
I'm sure that you all can recall an instance that you or someone
you know has borrowed a software package from someone and loaded it
onto a PC. Most everyone, including myself would not consider this a
major offense and would in fact consider it a pretty soft crime.
However, whether this software was a simple video game or Microsoft
Office it is by law considered software piracy for which the penalties
can be quite steep. In this paper I will outline the basic definition
of software piracy, and the laws pertaining to it. I will then
concentrate on the growing international market for pirated software,
and finally I will discuss the concerns for the future and how software
companies plan on curtailing software piracy.
All software is protected by the Federal Copyright Act - Title 17
of the US. Code and is legally considered intellectual property. Title
17 states that software companies maintain "the exclusive rights" to
"reproduce the copyrighted work" (section 106). The only rights a
purchaser of the software have are to copy the software onto a single
computer, and make one backup copy for archival purposes only. This
means that giving one of your friends the hard copy of the software and
letting him/her download it onto their PC, is illegal and punishable
under the code. These offenses are however of only minor concern when
coupled with companies using a single copy of the software to load onto
all of there workstations. This can save companies millions of dollars
and is thus quite attractive. However, when you consider the extensive
cost to software companies and how that in turn effects the cost of the
legal product being sold to law abiding companies and users it is clear
that this is a problem that must be dealt with. Likewise, even this
problem is dwarfed when compared to the extensive counterfeiting
operations both in the US. and internationally.
With the falling cost of recordable CD-ROM disks and recording
equipment, counterfeiting software has become an area of great concern
for software companies. This counterfeiting occurs both in the US. and
overseas, but the primary concern is the world market where the US. has
little control over laws governing these counterfeiting operations. A
continuously updated "piracy meter" by the Business Software Alliance
estimated that the level of illegally copied software had reached $144
million worldwide in just the first four days of 1996. The most recent
and publicized occurrence of such large scale counterfeiting has
occurred in China, where it is rumored that only one in 50 copies of
software are legal. In Japan alone estimated US. loss due to pirating
reached an amazing 1.3 billion dollars in 1994. This problem is
becoming so widespread that Microsoft's general counsel said he was
able to buy a CD-ROM containing nearly 70 software titles for $50, when
the estimated market value for this package soars around $30,000. With
the seemingly uncontrollable counterfeiting market you may ask how do
software companies plan on reducing this problem. I could not find any
simple answer but the Business Software Alliance (BSA) is continually
working to curtail this rising problem.
The BSA represents the majority of the world's leading software
design companies including: Microsoft, Autodesk, Lotus Development,
Novell, and many others. The BSA is currently campaigning in 65
countries including the US., to strengthen legal action against these
counterfeiters, and to make counterfeiting more difficult. They do
this through three main approaches. First they are active in lobbying
to strengthen copywriting laws, and penalties for counterfeiting.
These laws today hold both civil and criminal penalties in the US.
These penalties include up to a $100,000 civil fine, and up to a
$250,000 and five years in prison criminal penalty per count. In
addition to this they attempt to educate the public on the benefits of
using original software. This includes doing trade shows, holding user
seminars, and providing hotline assistance. The third way the attempt
to slow counterfeiting is through encouraging strong legal action by
software companies against those pirating their software. If they
continue to press forward they will hopefully be able to put at least a
damper on the incredible international market for counterfeited
software.
In conclusion, this paper has imparted to you a basic understanding
of how widespread the problem of software piracy is, and how much it
can hurt the software industry, thus driving up the prices for you the
end consumer. It also discussed the actions that the BSA combined with
the leading software companies are attempting to make. And along with
cooperation from American business and consumers, they should be able
to reduce the amount of pirated software in the future.
================================================================================
Note 38.0 The Word Processor No replies
CALVIN::TDDELMONICO 60 lines 23-OCT-1996 12:44
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Word Processors: Friend or Foe?
Is the Word Processor an abomination in today's society? As college
students we know of no greater technological invention that saves us more
time writing our papers than a Word Processor. In this paper I will try
to bring up the issue of whether the Word Processor (Also known as Word
Processing Software) is helpful or retro-productive to society in general.
The Word Processor was developed to assist in writing. Common sense
and experience tell us that we make many mistakes when hand writing a
document. The type-writer also falls into this category of "one shot at
perfection" styles of communication. Enter the Word Processor. This
invention now accompanies the PC much as a pen does paper. The average
Word Processor has many features. The most important feature is basic
text entry. You must be able to record your thoughts. The next most
important feature is text editing. This gives the document fluidity.
Rather than rewriting the whole document, or using white-out, you may
insert, delete, move, or basically "edit" the text. You may also format
the paper. This refers to how the document looks. This may be font, font
size, headers and footers, or even margins. This benefits us by allowing
us to create a professional looking document, and view it before we print
the final copy. All these options are found on many of the Word Processors
available, such as WordPerfect, Word Pro (formerly Ami Pro) and the most
famous, Microsoft Word.
Let us begin the argument from the most obvious point of view,
especially since we are students, that the Word Processor is definitely a
benefit to society. It saves the average person hours that would be tied
up in producing a final, error-free draft alone. The Word Processor allows
people who have horrible hand writing, to create a document or presentation
that would knock the socks off a CEO at a billion dollar company. Whereas
otherwise that individual wouldn't stand a chance of even getting his/her
foot in the door. There are even programs available to accompany the Word
Processor to convert your writing in another language. The list of options
for a Word Processor is long.
So how could the Word Processor possibly be a detriment with such time
saving and door opening capabilities? Well, what would happen if we had a
nuclear holocaust that wiped out all power manufacturing companies? (It
could happen!) All power would be shut down causing Word Processors left
and right to be out of service. What happens now? We resort to picking up
the ancient hammer and chisel or to those blasted tools of old, the pen and
pad of paper. Now we have to resort to our chicken scratch form of
communication. I'd hate to see my writing get published in the archives
for future generations to observe as a historical document about living
after the Great Nuclear Holocaust of the Twentieth Century.
Much of the art of reading and writing is being lost due to these Word
Processors. Historians finds themselves spending much more time trying to
decipher documents from the past because they can no longer read the
handwriting. They are so much more used to reading text off a type printed
document. Why is it hieroglyphics can't be read anymore? This may be
because those who could read and write it are all dead, but I say it may be
because of these blasted inventions that take away the need for us to learn
how to write neatly.
So what happens down the road when even Word Processors are out-dated?
Will they be able to access this dying form of communication? Probably,
but it never hurts to play the devil's advocate and bring up issues from
the other point of view. So in review I have stated how the Word Processor
is a time and resource saving commodity. Also I have stated how Historians
are having a growing difficulty deciphering old texts due to less and less
reading of hand written documents.
================================================================================
Note 39.0 The War Over The Web 1 reply
CALVIN::BWPOMERLEAU 97 lines 23-OCT-1996 12:56
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Brad Pomerleau
QMCS 425
Since the beginning of the industrial era, there has been some
great wars between competing corporations. GM vs. Ford, IBM vs.
Apple, and now were gearing up for what could be the most influential
battle ever- Microsoft vs. Netscape. Today's internet is as influential
and as revolutionary in the digital era as the printing press was to
those who lived in the mechanical era. Because of this, I feel it is
necessary to expand upon this pursuing battle by discussing this
topic in my paper.
The internet started out as a Department of Defense pet project
that allowed academics and scientists from around the world to share
resources and information. Soon began the development of software that
allowed you to search certain areas of the web, but you had to know
exactly what you wanted and where to access it from. In 1993, a college
student named Marc Andreessen was searching through these different
web sites, and decided to build a search machine that would use key
words, or “Hot words” to search the net. After spending countless
weekends programming code, Marc finally came up with a web-browsing
program that keyed in on “Hot words.” He called this program “Mosiac”
because it combined audio, images and text that could be viewed from
anywhere in the world. “Mosaic” was the first real multimedia version
of the graphical user interface, and let you “click” on certain key
words instead of going through search tools.
An entrepreneur named Jim Clark saw Marc’s discovery , and hired
him to work for his company, Silicon Graphics. Six months later,
Silicon Graphics had released its first web browser, “Navigator.”
As this browser caught on and Silicon Graphics grew, Clark knew that
this company had potential and needed some direction. He set out to
get a CEO for the company who had experience in this type of field,
and who could nurture this growing company- he chose James Barksdale.
The company soon changed its name to Netscape, and with $81 million
in sales, this company has enjoyed a comfortable dominance in the
on-line world.
All along, the sleeping giant known as Microsoft has been quietly
making the transformation from an applications and operating systems
maker to a real player in the internet world. Microsoft hit it big
back in the early 1980’s with it’s MS-DOS operating systems, and
continued on from there with the “Windows” operating system. Bill
Gates, the CEO of Microsoft, had to sit back and watch Netscape
evolve into a powerhouse because his programmers were working on a
new operating system- Windows 95. Microsoft’s resources were tapped
by programmers, customer-support people and marketers trying to
complete Windows 95 and Windows NT, thus restricting them from stopping
Netscape in their growth stage. Because of the growing size of
Netscape and the popularity of the internet, Gates has been forced to
kill million dollar projects in order to develop software that will
compete with Netscape. Gates knows that the internet will soon be as
mainstream as the telephone, and now is the time to act.
You may ask yourself why a company like Microsoft, with
$6 billion in sales and 20,000 workers might be afraid of a “kiddie”
company like Netscape. The answer is easy- Jim Barksdale, the CEO of
Netscape, knows success lies in turning the Netscape Navigator into
an operating system. Netscape feels it is possible to let Navigator
assume the position of the operating system by letting it browse files
on the users own PC, as well as launching programs and calling up
information on the users PC. This, in fact, holds the possibility of
being the next Windows. Microsoft cannot ignore this challenge, and
in response are releasing new products designed to divert web users
from going to Netscape.
The most evident way to see how Microsoft is combatting Netscape
is trying to buy Microsoft’s Explorer 3.0, which was unveiled
August 13th. You don’t need to buy Explorer 3.0, Microsoft is giving it
away free. In fact, in the week after the release, 1 million downloads
were reported by Microsoft. It could be said that Microsoft’s intent is
to flood the market with free internet software, and hopefully drive
Netscape right into the ground.
Netscape has wasted little time in counter-attacking. Two-weeks later,
Netscape unveiled blueprints about a new software company named
“Navio”, which will put browser software on anything with a screen and
a modem. Navio would produce Net-surfing video game machines and
cell-phones. The attack doesn't stop there either. In a joint alliance
with Sun Microsystems, Netscape has developed a Net-based programming
language called Java. What makes Java so special is that it is designed
to run across the internet on any computer. Java-enabled sites will be
able to act as telephones, wordprocessors, spreadsheets, and if you
have a T.V. hooked up to your computer, VCR’s. No longer will Web
programmers be limited to just displaying pictures on their Web pages.
This whole war between Microsoft and Netscape comes down to
one-upmanship. Whatever one company does, the other will be close
behind with an improvement. The real question is who will fall behind
first. These two companies are in essence competing against
obsolescence, not each other. Microsoft is currently working on
Explorer 4.0, which will be available this Christmas- and is supposed
to make Explorer 3.0 look five years out of date. Netscape, on the
other hand, is continuing its work on Java and Navio, along with help
from Sun Microsystems, Sony, NEC, IBM, and Nintendo. In no way is
Netscape a lowly underdog competing against a giant, the playing field
is more than equal. Watch this war closely, because in this industry,
it’s high stakes and winner take all.
By Brad Pomerleau
================================================================================
Note 42.0 present 3 No replies
CALVIN::TLIU 77 lines 30-OCT-1996 20:03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CD Erasable Disk
CD Erasable Disk, better known as CD Re-writable disk, is a compact
disk that can be recorded over and over again. In my presentation, I
will first define the current market for these erasable CD disks, then
I will explain how this disk reads and writes in the different disk
drives. I will also talk about the proper procedures in taking care of
the erasable CD disks. And finally I will go into some of the problems
which have prevented the CD disks from dominating the current market.
The technology for a fully re-writable CD system is being
introduced by Philips Electronics and supported by such companies as
Hewleet Packard, 3M, IBM, and other huge multinational companies. With
its multi-functional devices, the re-writable CD will be able to read
traditional CD ROM, read and write on existing CD Recordable discs and
read and rewrite on the new CD Erasable media. Initial pricing of the
CD-E device is around $100 to $200 more than the current CD recorders.
and this first generation of blank re-writable disks which runs up to
74 minuets, are projected at about $25. Yet, like any new technological
innovation, the prices of this device will fall in the future.
Many experts had believed that CD Erasable was going to hit the
market with full force by the end of last year. Yet, there were two
reasons Philips is taking its time. First of all, Philips claim that it
"needs to make sure that the hardware, software, and media work of the
total system is functioning compatibility". Philips is also reluctant
since it is afraid that sales of the CD Erasable will diminish the
demand for its newly introduced CD recordable drive. To prevent
conflicting sales, Philip is holding off its erasable CDs for the
commercial market. As of now, October 1st has been set as the date when
CD-E will be released.
Reading and writing on these erasable disks could be a problem for
users who have traditional CD ROM drives. There are enough differences
within the CD-E disks which prevent regular CD-ROM drives to read from
it. The current CD-E can only be read with "CD-E enabled players". To
allow CD ROM drives to read CD-E disks, drives must be modified to
include Automatic Gain Controls which are just variable amplifiers.
CD-E disks will also need to carry a code that ensure CD-ROM drives
have the correct range of gain settings that is used. These added costs
have prevented manufactures to add the necessary components which will
enable CD ROM drives to read CD-E disks. Philips however is actively
trying to find a cost efficient solution to delete this inconvenience.
The same problem that arises from reading a CD erasable also
applies to writing on the CD erasable. Most CD-E requires writing laser
powers closer to those used in 4X CD recorders. This means that 2X
recorder manufactures will need new laser components. The lasers with
only two power settings will be incapable of generating the 3 different
read, write, and erase capabilities required by the CD-E. Philips now,
is actively trying to develop the new system to correct this dilemma.
Like any storage medium, the longevity of the device is always an
important concern given that critical information is always entrusted
on such systems. Although most CD-E disks can last up to 100 years,
environment activities such as light, heat, and moisture can degrade
the disk's dye layer making data extraction more difficult. Because
CD-E discs are open to the air, they are also susceptible to scratches,
dust, fingerprints, and other slimy grime. A step to help make the
process of writing CD-E more tolerant of surface aberrations is to
create a disk with a sufficiently large power window. Power windows are
ranges of laser energy that will properly form the correct size marks
on a disk. This way, correct marks can be formed with a greater range
of laser energy. CD cartridges has also been developed to shield the
CDs from harmful environmental factors. Another important consideration
is cyclability, which is the times that a disk is rewritten. If
cyclability is activated too many times, the recording of material may
cease to be dependable. Thus for highly important documents, CD-ROM may
be a better medium to store materials.
As of today, the lack of technology has presented many problems for
the CD-E disks. Its relatively high costs and the lack of read and
write compatibility with existing CD ROM drives has prevented it from
capturing the attention of the market. Others question why introduce
CD-E when CD-R is already well recognized an accepted in the
marketplace as an inexpensive and viable technology. Despite these
concerns, the people at Philips is confident that these problems will
be solved in the future and CD-E will finally replace CD-R as the
medium of choice in the mass market. With further increase in
technology and innovation, CD-E will represent the next remarkable
technical advance as it strives to slash prices and form compatibility
with other CD ROM drives.
================================================================================
Note 43.0 1 reply
CALVIN::JMKRAMBER 100 lines 31-OCT-1996 09:28
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Jason Kramber
QM425
10/29/95
E-Mail Eavesdropping
Electronic mail systems have become an important link in the
communication net works that operate within and among today's
organizations. As this technology advances and its use expands, a
number of related legal issues are developing. Managers need to be
informed of the possible liability exposure related to the adoption and
use of E-mail.
Privacy Issues
Most of the risk involved in the use of E-mail centers on the issue
of privacy. In the U.S., the Supreme Court has been called on to
interpret the Fourth Amendment's guarantee of privacy in different
ways, especially as new technologies for the flow of information come
about. For example, the Court has ruled that citizens have the right of
privacy from invasion of their phone calls or mail. The rights of the
organization and those of the employee may be in conflict with respect
to privacy.
Although originally the privacy issue concerned only telephone use,
technological advances have expanded the range of the problem. Some
employers can now monitor an employee's computer and E-mail messages to
evaluate the employee's work effort. Just as telephone and video
surveillance have been used by companies to monitor employee actions,
examining employee E-mail may now become the preferred choice for
monitoring employee activities. Of growing concern is whether company
managers have considered the issue of employee privacy versus the
organization's need-to-know.
Conflicting Perspectives
Most managers would agree that neither a person nor an organization
should be allowed to intercept or peruse an individual's private
property. But whose property is inside the company-owned computer?
Since the computer is an asset belonging to the company, one could
argue that company is entitled to look at files within the computer.
However , the employee may expect "personal" messages sent using E-mail
to be afforded the same right to privacy they have for telephone
conversations and personal mail.
Employers often pose more legitimate and reasonable justification
for monitoring E-mail than the "we own it, so we can do with it as we
please" argument. These arguments include ensuring the security of
company secrets and assets, reducing company liability resulting from
employee wrongdoing, and monitoring their employees job performance.
In addition, employees using the company E-mail network for private
communications creates a cost issue for the organization. While the
cost per message may be minimal, imagine the cost if a company with
90,000 E-mail users decided to send several personal messages per week.
Perhaps the best reason for examining E-mail is that it provides an
objective way to evaluate employee performance and to improve customer
service. People who are in favor of electronic monitoring suggest that
it increases productivity and increases job improvement. Employees'
opinions would probably be that the company is invading their right to
privacy. The question is whether the organization must ensure an
employee's total personal privacy once the employee enters the
workplace.
Because some states have ruled it illegal to eavesdrop on private
conversations or phone calls made on company phones, I would think that
the same rules would apply to E-mail. The problem is that there is no
real legislation on the monitoring of E-mail by employers. In the U.S.,
the Electronic Communications Act of 1986 prohibits "outside"
interception of electronic mail without proper authorization but does
not cover eavesdropping by persons inside the organization.
Of major concern to employees is what the company does with the
information obtained during monitoring. Some monitoring might result
in the company determining that the employee is not doing his duties as
expected, resulting in a just termination. However, if, through
monitoring an employee's E-mail, the company obtains personal notes
criticizing management and then dismisses the employee based on the
notes, the employee may sue the company, claiming invasion of privacy.
There is not a great deal of case law available to answer many of the
questions that exist with regards to what an employers rights are with
company E-mail. However, I presume that there will be a great deal of
lawsuits resulting from these unsolved issues in the near future.
Personally, I feel that a company should be able to trust its
employees. I think that if a company puts trust in its employees those
employees will be more apt to care about the company that they are
working for. If an employee is constantly under the feeling that "Big
Brother is Watching", they are not going to be very enthusiastic about
doing anything to help the company. They are simply going to come to
their job, do whatever they need to do to keep their job, but never put
out any extra effort because they care about the company they work for.
Im not really sure of my position on whether or not it should be legal
for a company to eavesdrop on its employees E-mail, but I do feel
strongly that it would have an extremely negative effect on moral in
the organization. So, either way it will effect business.
================================================================================
Note 45.0 Can Data Robbery Be Stopped? 1 reply
CALVIN::BWPOMERLEAU 92 lines 31-OCT-1996 13:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad Pomerleau
QMCS 425
November 1, 1996
Remember the good old days, when the common criminal dressed in black
and wore a ski mask? The tools of choice were wire-snips and
flashlights. Well, this type of crime is now being replaced with a new
type- a type that leaves little trace and is completely silent. This
new type of crime is called data robbery, and in a recent poll taken by
the Computer Security Institute and the FBI involving 428 respondents,
42 percent of the respondents acknowledge unauthorized use of their
computer systems. The worst part about this type of crime is that it is
becoming more popular and easier to do.
Data robbery has been popular for some time now, but is increasing due
to easy access of the internet. Many companies choose not to talk about
data robbery because it scares off customers and enrages shareholders.
In fact, the London Times has reported that the Bank of London has even
paid hackers a half-million dollars to keep quiet about recent
break-ins. The problem is so big that the American Society for
Industrial Security estimates data robbery is costing U.S. businesses
up to $63 billion dollars a year. And it is not just private companies
that feel the bite, the U.S. Department of Defense is attacked some
250,000 times each year, and only 1 in 500 security breaches is
detected and reported. It’s ironic that the majority of these break-ins
come via the internet, the same communications system the Department of
Defense created.
So how can data robbery be stopped? Well, the solution starts with
password protection. If every employee uses a complex password, not a
birth date or a child’s name, and changes the password regularly, some
amateur hacking can be stopped. A system which locks out users after three
attempts should also be considered.
The next line of defense is a firewall. Firewalls act as gatekeepers,
and are made of software and hardware that specialize in protecting a
computer network by shutting out unauthorized users. More complex firewalls
do a greater number of things, such as limiting people to go only where
they are authorized to go, and “escorting” the user to certain screens
to make sure that the user doesn't accidentally stumble into a secured
area. The best firewalls don’t allow incoming messages to touch the
rest of the network. This is important because a favorite tool of
hackers is to send malicious code tied in an e-mail disguised to a
network. When the network scans the code to see where it should be
sent, the code on the e-mail tells the system to add a new name and
password to the system. Firewalls should be placed at every point where
the network comes into contact with outside networks. At $16,000 a
crack, firewalls can be expensive, especially when using a number of
them, but most businesses are forced to use them.
The next line of defense against data robbery is encryption. Even if
intruders break through a firewall, the data on the network is safe if
it is encrypted. Almost all network systems, such as Windows NT, Lotus
Notes and Novell Netware offer add-on encryption schemes that encode
all data sent on the network. Most encryption packages are based on a
public-private key. Receivers use both the senders public key and their
own private encryption key to unlock the secret code for that message.
Recently, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, IBM, Microsoft, and
Netscape joined together to form “Secure Electronic Transaction”. What
S.E.T. does is encrypt credit card numbers so that only the user’s and
the merchant’s bank can read the numbers.
The very last line of defense is a team of internal computer
specialists who’s only job is to monitor the system, and concentrate on
breeches of computer security. Since the majority of data robbery
comes from the outside network, this system is good for monitoring who
comes in and out of the system. It can also be useful for catching
dishonest employees who are using the system in and unlawful manner.
These types are the toughest kind to catch because most are trusted
employees who have access to the entire network. By the use of internal
monitoring teams, at least employees will be aware that their actions
are being monitored.
One last tool used in the fight against data robbery is the use of
audit trails. If an intruder has gained access to the system and
bi-passed all lines of defense, at least their actions can be recorded
to evaluate the damage done. Audit trails also help highlight the
vulnerable points of the network. Some advanced audit trails can even
pinpoint the password used to gain access to the system, and show what
kind of equipment was used in the break-in.
It is clear that protecting your data is an expensive, time consuming
process. In the end, a secure system will do more than protect your
business, it will save your time and trade secrets. The thing that gets
me is that those caught in data robbery receive such light sentences.
Jail time is usually not required, just probation and community
service. Because of this, companies are bombarded with hackers trying
their luck all the time because there is little chance of being caught
and if you are, the penalty is reasonably mild. I feel that the real
solution to this problem is to use encryption universally. If this was
the case, it wouldn’t matter how secure your password system and
firewall were. Nobody would be able to read what they stole!
================================================================================
Note 46.0 THE NET IS FALLING! 1 reply
CALVIN::JTMAHOWALD 135 lines 3-NOV-1996 18:12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NET IS FALLING!
Is the Internet heading straight for a breakdown? Recently, more
and more massive logjams and service brownouts have been occurring.
Most users have probably seen it all: 'server is busy', 'link dead',
Web pages that take too long to load, and hours sometimes to log onto
the Net. For the past year, analysts have been saying that the
Internet is going to come to a halting stop. The reason for this is
that the Internet is being jammed with more traffic than it can handle.
Can the Internet take all of this? Or is going to collapse in the near
future?
A FEW FACTS:
Experts have said that the Internet access will soon become even
slower than it is presently. They also add that it will become more
expensive for a majority of the users. The World Wide Web popularity
these days is the reason that the Internet is getting extremely
overworked. Two years ago there were about 1,000 Web sites. Nowadays
there are nearly 1,000 new online sites going up every day! There are
about 25 to 35 million people worldwide on the Internet. This number
will soon reach 100 million by the year 1998. With MCI alone, they
have experienced a 3,000 percent increase from the winter of 1995 to
the spring of 1996. This is the equivalent of 9 million encyclopedias,
or 218 terabytes of data being transmitted across the
telecommunications Internet backbone every month! Yet, the good side
of this is that most experts say that it is very unlikely to have a
full meltdown of the Net.
MONEY'S THE REASON:
One of the main reasons for the Internet to stay in tact is, like
everything else, money. Backbone providers, like MCI and Sprint, are
investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand the Net's ability
to handle data. But, until these companies succeed in accomplishing
this, traffic jams and brownouts are going to become more and more
common. Users can expect these problems until at least the year 2000.
HOW TO TRY TO AVOID THIS:
There are ways to try to avoid these jams when one is beginning to
look into using the Net. First of all, shop carefully for an Internet
service provider. The more direct the connection, the less likely to
experience service slowdowns. Users can also save time by scheduling
when to use the Net. It is best to avoid the peak periods. The peak
periods are usually late afternoon and evening on the East Coast and
late afternoon on the West Coast. These are the times when the
Internet is used most, so it runs faster if those times are avoided.
For example, in Sweden, they talk about the 'U.S. effect'. They can
literally feel the Internet slow down around the time New Yorkers are
starting work in the morning. Even worse, when New York and the West
Coast are simultaneously at work the Net is slower still. Finally, one
can download in the backgroud. Try to get one's work done while the
browser downloads behind the scenes.
SMALL GETS SMEARED:
There are many people who do believe this crash is going to come,
but the worst might only be that hundreds of thousands of people cannot
access the Internet for a morning or an afternoon of a whole day. The
bad side of this is that these problems are going to be felt most by
individuals and small businesses who cannot afford direct high-speed
connections.
NET'S CONSTRUCTION:
It helps to have a basic understanding of how the Internet works
to understand why these jams occur. At the bottom of the Internet is
many small and large computer networks put together. The users connect
to the Internet service provider which is connected to a super Internet
service provider, like MCI. Each super Internet service maintains its
own backbone, which carries packets of data at speeds up to 155
megabits per second (750,000 double-spaced, typed pages). All of these
networks connect to each other through Network Access Points. There
machines route the data from one backbone to another. This is where
the traffic jams usually occur, at the access points. Routers at these
points become overloaded and they drop data packets, causing the data
to be automatically retransmitted by the host computer, which makes the
problem even worse. Otherwise, the packets could be directed to other
routers on the Internet, which can create a packet pile-up somewhere
else.
LOCAL PROBLEMS:
When a traffic problem occurs on the Internet, it is usually more
of a local problem. For example, during last winter's snowstorms many
people had to work out of their home, relying on their dial-up
connections to the Internet through local Internet service providers.
This great demand on small local service providers caused minor
brownouts. They say that the more direct one is to the Internet
backbone, the less likely they are going to have problems.
WE WILL PAY:
As you now know, the Internet needs to be upgraded to keep this
problem from happening in the future. Guess who is going to pay for
this? You got it... us... the consumers. The phone companies and
other backbone operators will not pay for this out of their own
pockets. So, to get the money to upgrade, we could be charged for
Internet access in the same way that we are charged for long distance
calling. We will probably be billed by the hour, or the number of
packets sent, or the distance that the packets are sent. As demand
increases, people will pay more to support the Internet service
provider's fixed costs. This is the only way that the Internet service
providers will be able to afford to upgrade their capacity to meet the
consumer's demand. But, this should not happen for another two to four
years into the future. A big fault in this method of paying for the
services is that it could seriously limit its use for educational and
small business users because they may not be able to afford the
increase in price.
A LOOK AT THE FUTURE:
Fortunately, there are a lot of technologies that are out now or
will be out shortly in the future that will try to prevent these
problems from happening. First, there is the Asymmetrical Digital
Subscriber Line, which promises speeds of 6 to 10 Mbps over standard
telephone lines by varying the amount of traffic going in each
direction. People will be able to set up this service by the beginning
of 1997 with an Internet service provider or a local telephone company.
Secondly, a high-speed method of simultaneously transmitting voice,
video, and data is being made at Network Access Points and by super
Internet service providers along their backbone networks. This is
called Asynchromous Transfer Mode. But, the problem with this is that
it can be very expensive. An ATM switch costs about $200,000, while a
router on an Ethernet network costs about $30,000. A third technology
is the Network Address Translation, which is a device that decides on
the best route for each data packet, letting routers focus on shuttling
the packets to their ultimate destination. Finally, there is the
Private networks, which plan to offer real-time multimedia content over
the Net at 10 Mbps. This is about 500 times faster than today's
modems. This service will use cable modems and a private hybrid fiber
coaxial network, but is still in the testing phase.
WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE?
So anyway, what's faster? Leaving the house, getting in your car,
and driving to the library to get the information that you need, or
sitting at your computer and trying a couple of times to get to a Web
site and downloading the information from there. I personally think
the latter is the answer, but the fact remains that the Internet is having
problems. It can be slow, and it can be frustrating. But in the end,
the experts believe (and me too) that it is going to get better...
technology always does!
================================================================================
Note 47.0 Network Computer 4 replies
CALVIN::PMSCHILLING 90 lines 6-NOV-1996 17:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick Schilling
QMCS 425
11/5/95
Network Computers
"The network is the computer" -Sun Microsystems
This phrase has been the corporate mission statement of Sun
Microsystems for years. The ideas behind it have been around for more
than a decade. That statement is an example of the concept of distributed
computing. It is a revolutionary concept that challenges the major
conventions of PC's toady, and could forever alter the way we look at the
personal computer if it's ideas become mainstream. With last weeks
announcement of the JavaStation, the first Network Computer from Sun
Microsystems, this may soon become a reality.
The main idea behind distributed computing is the fragmentation and
encapsulation of functionality. This is closely related to objects in
Object Oriented development. Each function will be a self contained unit
in and of itself. They will either work alone or in unison with each other
to create solutions for whatever your needs may be. A practical example
of regular PC computing vs. distributed computing could be in the word
processor. In today's market we simply purchase one behemoth
application to fulfill all of our needs. It has text editing, spell check,
grammar check, ect.. all in one package. In a distributed environment, only
those pieces that you need at the moment would be obtained. If you were
not spell checking, you would not have that function. If and when a
particular function is needed, you would simply grab it, and put away
other non-used functions. This would eliminate any extra baggage,
thereby freeing up more power for where you need it in your system.
The next obvious question to ask is how would this idea be
accomplished. What techniques would be used to implement an approach
like distributed computing? The answer, in Sun Microsystems opinion, is
the network computer. Incidently, everyone else seems like it was a good
idea as well, because in the same week, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, And IBM
all announced similar plans for a Network Computer. The network
computer would be a simpler box than a PC. It would have no disk drive
and would have to be connected to a network to function. The distributed
functions would take the form of applets, which are small self-contained
programs which perform a particular function, and application
components, which are more like pieces of a bigger application which
must work in connection with other components. This type of approach
was illustrated with the word processing example. The system would
then grab whatever pieces it needed off the network, and load them into
memory. When the network computer is done with them, it simply
removes them from memory. This would have the advantage of easy
maintenance, upgrade power, control, and cohesion in the applications.
Now while this all seems like a great idea, every day has it's dark
points as well. The issue of managing and security for this type of system
is massive. How will the flow of applets and application components be
regulated. Hostile applets could very easily make there way off the
network onto the machine, causing havoc to no end. This problem is
increased even further when the network is the internet. The current
systems used to detect these bad applets and components would slow the
system to a crawl if implemented. Another issue is one of privacy. Who
besides you knows what you are getting, and what can be done with that
information. Also, how can you control which applets and components you
get? Ali these questions need to be addressed now before they cause huge
problems in the future. It would be a shame for the possibilities of a
system of this kind to be wiped out by these kind of problems.
Now with all these possibilities, what is the real advantage to the
consumer? Why would you invest in a system of this kind? Well, in Sun's
opinion, all you need to do is look at the bottom line. The cost of there
JavaStation is about $1500 with a 17" monitor. Now this isn't so
fabulous, but what is unbelievable is the cost of maintaining these
network computers. The total cost of ownership, which is the amount that
must be invested in a computer over it's lifetime, is about $2500 a year.
This compares to the $8000 to $13000 for a traditional PC. In the words
of Sun's CEO Scott McNealy, "Take the money you'll save from not having
to invest in another mainframe, from not spending on the Year 2000
[problem], and not having to upgrade your desktop PCs, and put it into the
Java-computing model. It's the right architectural choice for your ROI
[return on investment]." If these numbers are correct, this could be a
strong selling point for the network computer. And as we all know, no
matter how fabulous a technology is, if it doesn't meet the bottom line, it
is off to that great scrap yard in the sky.
In conclusion, I believe that if properly implemented and used, the
network computer could be the next great step in the evolution of the
computer. I think that a number of issues remain unresolved, such as
those of privacy and security. I think that people issues need to be
observed as well. Are people willing to give up the robust PC they have
come to depend on in favor of these sleeker, trimmed down systems?
These issues need to be dealt with so that the advantages are seen, and
the transition can be made. I believe that this will be an exciting new
step, and I for one look forward to all the excitement.
================================================================================
Note 48.0 56K Modems 2 replies
CALVIN::JMKENNEFICK 51 lines 6-NOV-1996 19:15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That old 28.8 modem got you down? World Wide Web pages taking too
long to download to your personal computer? How about e-mail, are
you tired of waiting for it to dial into St. Thomas? Well, you wil
rest easy tonight because a little relief is coming your way.
The first modems that transmit data at 56 kilobits per second
that's twice as fast as what you may be use to, will hit the market
early next year. U.S. Robotics, Mortorola and Rockwell have announced
plans for them. Lucent technologies, until recently part of AT&T, has
unveiled chip sets that will make up the innards of the 56K modems.
The faster modems could make on-line services and the Web a whole lot
better for home users who have to dial in over regular phone lines.
"Graphics will be faster, Internet telephone quality will be better,
and you'll start to see video conferencing hit in a big way," says Bob
Rango, a general manager for Lucent.
The fastest widely used PC modems today are 28.8K. So 56K is
nearly twice as fast. A Page that takes 10 seconds to download would
take five. However, it's only half as fast as a ISDN phone line, which
runs at 128K and costs hundreds of dollars to install, plus a monthly
fee.
Prices haven't been set by the modem makers, though Lucent figures
a 56K modem will cost about $299 early in 1997(vs. $100 for 28.8K
modems) in 1997 and then start coming down. U.S. Robotics may be the
first on the shelves, but others won't be far behind.
A bigger question is when and if 56K modems will really give users
56K of speed. A 56K modem doesn't do aPC any good if it connects with
an on-line service or Internet access provider that doesn't have 56K
technology on its end. Many of those services are testing 56K but
aren't sure when they'll deploy it. "It's a little early to draw
conclusions," says Chuck Davin, chief technology officer of Internet
access company PSINet. "We understand it works at 56K in labs,
however, we have very few customers in labs."(Wall Street Journal,
9/12/96).
Some experts say 56K modems push the physics of phone lines to the
limit. It the lines leading to and inside a home are new and clean,
56K might work fine. If they're 30 years old and riddled with splices,
the modem would likely drop back to 33.6K or even 28.8K, making them
hardly worth the money. "Noise on the line could have a degradation
impact, but testing indicates that the vast majority can handle 56K,"
says Ross Manire of U.S. Robotics(WSJ).
Another factor to consider: The early 56K modems all will operate
on different technology. The industry probably will standardize around
one technology by late-1997. So early models may not meet those
standards and won't connect to on-line services that do unless the user
puts in new chips and software. If you don't want to deal with
changing your software, you may want to stick with the 28.8K modem
until the 56K has been standardized. Whatever you chose to do, it is
easy to see that demand for improvements in technology is in full
force. Society is always striving to find a faster more efficient
product. Can the pace of life get any quicker? I wonder if there will
ever be a time when our modems will be done with an operation before we
even think about it?
================================================================================
Note 49.0 computer viruses 3 replies
CALVIN::MJPAYDEN 78 lines 6-NOV-1996 20:52
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Computer Viruses
About two weeks ago I opened up one of the word documents I had
saved recently and
found that some of the words had been mixed around and the word "GIRL"
had been inserted in
random spots in the text. I reported it and found out that my computer
and others had a new
virus. This virus had been spreading throughout the company for awhile.
The virus named
"GIRL" is actually a variant of the new virus named the "WAZZU". WAZZU
is the nickname for
Washington State University which experts suspect is where it
originated. The way it works is it
affects .doc files of Microsoft Word by mixing up the words and
inserting the word WAZZU at a
random point in the document. The virus is executed when the infected
document is opened.
How do you know if you are infected -- the answer is you don't until
the damage is done.
The word virus is a good word for the type of computer crime that
it is - it spreads -
infects - and causes harm. There are many definitions of a computer
virus, but there are three
main ideas that stand out:
1. It has the ability to replicate or better put, it's "mission" is to
replicate.
2. It cannot carry out it's mission independently - it needs some sort
of carrier or host to
spread itself.
3. It is intended to create damage (infect) computer stuff either
inadvertently or
deliberately. This damage may be humorous, in the eye of the
creator, disastrous, or
sometimes even harmless.
Basically viruses can be defined simply as a reproductive program
that includes itself in other computer code without permission that
does things not intended by its victim. Currently there are three
different types of viruses. The first type of virus is a "TROJAN
HORSE". These are viruses that hide inside of another seemingly
harmless program. Once the program is used it spreads throughout the
computer system. The second type is a "RABBIT". The idea behind this
is that the virus multiplies itself until it has filled up the hard
disk with garbage. And the last type is the "TIME BOMB". This virus
sits and waits in your computer until the machine reaches a particular
time and/or date or when an infected program is run or certain number
of times, then it is released. An example of this virus was the
Michaelangelo virus which would only release itself on his birthday
where it would completely erase the hard drives of IBM compatibles.
These types can further be broken down into categories based on what
they infect.
BOOT VIRUSES - infect the boot block on a floppy or hard disk.
They replace the block with all or part of the virus which stashes
itself in memory, moving and overwriting the original boot block.
MULTIPARTITE VIRUSES - infect both systematic areas, like boot block
and executable files at random.
SYSTEMATIC VIRUSES - focus on the system files necessary for DOS.
POLYMORPHIC VIRUSES - A combination of strategies for an attack on the
operating system.
STEALTH VIRUSES - conceal themselves by either simply modifying a
file structure to
conceal additional virus code or a more complicated way by being added
and not changing the machine code in a file at all.
META VIRUSES - also called concept viruses. These execute themselves
in programs that use meta languages, like MS Word. The WAZZU virus is
an example of this.
Another type of virus, actually called a "pseudo" virus because it
really doesn't fall into
the definition of a virus is called a "WORM". They are specifically
designed to move through
networks and find unused resources to apply themselves in solving a
masters program needs. A
"WORM" may have constructive purposes like finding computers with free
resources that could
be used more efficiently, or in most cases it is used to disable or
slow down computers.
================================================================================
Note 50.0 Machine Rights 3 replies
CALVIN::KWEHR 118 lines 6-NOV-1996 21:39
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Moral Rights of Intelligent Machines?? - What a Dilemma!!
Before we can address the subject of "Moral Rights" of intelligent
machines, the first thing we need to do is define what is meant by "intelligent
machine." An "intelligent machine" should possess qualities that set it apart
from an ordinary machine. For example, a intelligent neural network.
Neural Networks are machines designed with three components:
1) A set of switches (which could be
transistors) connected into layers;
2) Variable resistors or controls over the flow
of messages across layers;
3) Input/Output devices.
These networks are most frequently created by using software. They have
the ability to learn. Through trial and error they can properly classify
incoming signals into the appropriate outgoing signal.
Neural networks are created by humans, but humans do not program them. The
networks learn through experience (trial and error), so the question is,
"because neural networks learn, they take on some limited human-like qualities.
To 'kill' a neural network is to extinguish a machine that has accomplished
something and responds to its environment." "Do intelligent neural networks,
'beings' in some limited way, have moral rights?"
This 'moral' issue might have been started when Stephen Thaler, a
physicist, was experimenting with the annihilation of a neural network. Dr.
Thaler devised a program that would replicate or simulate the process of
biological brain death. While severing the links of the network, Thaler found
that when 10 to 60 percent of the links were cut, the neural network spat out
nonsense. Cutting up 90 percent of the links, the network put out stable and
meaningful values, 0 and 1, (it had been trained to put out these values).
Sometimes the dying nets put out whimsical values not programmed into the
earlier training. And untrained nets produced only random values as they died.
Whether or not the results of Thaler's experiment brought the issue of
'moral rights' for intelligent machines to our attention, it is a subject that
will be open for discussion and debate as the years go by. The rapid growth of
technology will probably put this issue onto a front burner (so to speak)
sooner than we think.
Perhaps a politicians campaign issue in the future? It may be pre-mature
to declare machine rights to an official document, like the declaration of
independence for the human population, but the way things work in this country
I wouldn't be surprised if an 'intelligent machine' would have its own
rights similar to the thought behind animal rights, where humans have the
obligation, as the higher-order being, to protect 'beings' of a lesser order.
One final thought, if it is necessary to actually state or document
certain rights for intelligent machines, then perhaps the 'creators' should
ask themselves, what and why are these types of machines being created? What
purpose will they serve and do they need to be protected, or more importantly,
does society need protection from them?
Out of curiosity, I conducted a mini-survey of a few co-workers regarding
this subject. I was looking for the overall attitude towards 'machine rights'.
The question I asked them to answer was:
Q) What do you think of the idea that intelligent machines should have certain
rights?
****** I explained what I meant using the following information ******
Neural nets: physical electronic devices or software to mimic the neurological
structure of the human brain, that learn from experiences (trial & error).
Also referred to as 'sentient machines'. Sentient is defined as, 'of or
capable of feeling; having an awareness,' and machine is defined as, 'structure
consisting of a framework with various moving parts, for doing some kind of
work.' So a 'sentient machine' is a structure with moving parts that feels and
is aware.
The neural networks are not perfect, they have many limitations:
- while they excel at simple binary decisions and are good for classifying
objexts into categories...
- they possess no generalized intelligence
- they must be retaught frequently
- they are incapable of synthesizing results
- they cannot explain to their creators how they work (and their creators
cannot explain it to users)
Survey Results: The first response from my co-workers was a look of disbelief
that this topic even exists. But after we discussed the topic a little further
their responses were more direct:
Skip: Can't really put into perspective..idea is too far-fetched.
Al: Just too silly to talk about.
Mike: A Star Trek fan, so the subject matter was more a futuristic idea
for him.. a couple of Trek programs were based on Machine Rights (for Data, the
android) that discussed the idea that the machine (android) should have a final
say (rights) as to if he/it/she should be terminated.
Lynda: Man has no right to destroy a sentient being regardless if machine or
biological.
Bob: Does a machine have soul?
Overall, their answers and their attitude towards this highly complex
topic were quite predictable.
K.F.Wehr
11/7/96
Paper #3
*****************************************************************************
Reference Used:
Information Technology & Society - Second Edition
Kenneth C. Laudon, Carol Guercio Traver, Jane P. Laudon
================================================================================
Note 51.0 Workgroup Computing 1 reply
CALVIN::BJRUNCHEY 131 lines 7-NOV-1996 12:41
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With businesses today focusing on doing projects in groups and
intranets, the needs for, and uses of, Workgroup computing have expanded by
leaps and bounds. When most people think of Workgroup software they think of
e-mail, shared and relational databases, and in general the ability to
organize and distribute information between many people all at the same time.
With the restructuring of many companies to be more streamlined this
distribution of information has become all the more important. Thus increas-
ing the importance of some form or variation of a groupware software program
for most companies. The focus of this paper then will be on what constitutes
Workgroup software, hat the leading Workgroup software providers are, who is
winning the battle for marketshare, and what the future of Workgroup computing
may hold.
Currently there are many people claiming to offer some Workgroup
computing software of one type or another. A quick search on the onternet
provides us with about 10 different software titles all claiming to be for
"workgroup computing". But after taking a closer look at the possibilties,
not everyone has been created equal. First we will acknowledge the leaders:
Lotus Notes, from Lotus Development Corp.(www.lotus.com)
Groupwise, from Novell (www.novell.com)
Exchange, from Microsoft (www.microsoft.com)
Collabra, from Netscape(www.netscape.com).
There are also those that are confusing customers with project management
software as being workgroup computing software. The main leader in that area
is Tasker for windows from Wincorp, followed by Firstclass from Softarc. But
for the purposes of this paper the focus will be placed on the more well
developed entries.
The whole goal of Workgroup software is to allow for information to
flow more freely throughout the organization. Many people attribute the
growth in their companies to Workgroup software and the communications ability
it provided for their company. To define what requirements are needed to be
considered Workgroup software, you usually need to offer some sort of e-mail,
a way to easily share documents between many users all at the same time, some
type of replication scheme between servers, and the most important, for larger
companies, would be scalability across many platforms.
For most people e-mail is an easy concept to understand because it has
been around for so long and has become something that, even those who consider
themselves computer illiterate, can operate with little assistance. The next
topic of being able to share documents between many users all at the same time
becomes much more puzzling. The idea having more than one copy of a document
open on two different people's desktops at the same time is quite complex.
It requires the use of server/client software applications, shared databases,
and a replication schedule. The client/server software acts in much the same
way that a dumbterminal interacts with a mainframe, where all of the
information is usually kept on the server (usually for diskspace reasons).
Keeping the information in a centrally located spot allows for shared databases
to be accessed by many people. The idea of shared databases is nothing new,
but is a must for such situations to keep information easily accessable. The
complex part about the shared databases starts when we have many different
servers that are providing this information for people. Since most companies
that use Workgroup software are rather large, and spread out, many different
servers, and operating systems, tend to become involved to support all of the
users. Because people that are on different servers may need to access the
same information, it may need to be kept on many different servers at the
sametime. It is at this point that replication and aspects of scaleability
come into play. Replication is a process that is done between servers to keep
the information between the servers updated and accurate. The concept of
scaleability for purposes of replication, is being able to use diskspace
across many different servers for the purposes of storing information. For
example, instead of keeping every record within a database on one server, we
may keep it on three different servers. Each with a pointer that tells the
client software where to find the next section of information.
We have already presented the leading providers of Workgroup software,
but which one or ones are leading the competition currently. As of about
September Lotus Notes appears to be winning the battle for marketshare. Most
people attribute this to two factors. The first is that Notes is more
developed and allows for more adaptability within it's databases, which allows
developers more options when designing databases. The second reason is that
Notes has also been around about twice as long as the other packages, is able
to be run across many platforms ranging from Unix, Novell, NT, OS/2, and even
Macintosh, thus demonstrating the scaleability it can offer. All of this
allowed for Notes to gain an enormous lead on the competition when first
introduced. The distant second at this point is Groupwise from Novell,
which attributes much of it's marketshare to the fact that it was originally
designed to work in unison with it's server software, which until recently was
dominating the market. Exchange and Collabra are pulling up the back, but
each for different reasons. With Exchange Microsoft once again went after a
well established product in Lotus Notes, but this time they basically got
whipped really bad. Reasons for Microsoft getting beat in this department is
basically the same as Novell, they had designed their software to run only on
windows and NT based servers and workstations. The reasons for Netscape's
Collabra to be lagging behind the competition is because Netscape has just
recently bought the software from Collabra and has plans to use it for
intranet development.
The future of Workgroup computing can be summed up in two words,
internet and intranet. The rapid growth of the internet originally caught
many Workgroup software providers off guard, minus Netscape, of course. With
so many people using the internet for their information needs, it only seems
logical to use the internet for distributing information within a company,
which is the ultimate goal of Workgroup software. Since much of the
information that companies share internally, is not something that they would
like to share, many companies are turning towards the development of an
intranet to distribute information.
Intranets are exactly the same as the internet, except that only those
behind the firewall of a company can access it. It is in this area that Notes
and Collabra are pulling away from the field. Notes has two things that work
directly with web development, Notes Publisher and Domino. Both allow for the
design of templates of web pages to make the interface with the end -user less
complex. What this means is that you only need to create a design of what
you want the webpage to look like only once, meaning that people other than
web developers are able to post information on the intranet. The reason why
Notes is able to produce template designs is because of it's database
development capabilities. The web servers that notes offers allow for a
developer to design the layout and HTML or Java code on the form contained
within a database and then "publish" the form so that it becomes a web page.
Another advantage that the Domino server offers is that it uses pop-mail
accounts, instead of regular client/server e-mail like most other packages, all
owing for people to access their mail from a internet browser.
Netscape's Collabra uses Netscape's Enterprise server to provide
intra and internet page publishing capabilities. They do not, at this time
however offer template design with the Collabra package, but Netscape's
future plans for Collabra will include such development options. Netscape's
future plans for Collabra include doing away with the current user interface
and going with Navagator to access shared databases and intra- or internet
applications. The idea behind using Navagator revolves around cost, which is
how Netscape plan's to grab hold of the market. Exchange does not offer
anything in the way of intranet design, because Microsoft got whipped so bad
they are dropping the whole package. They will offer support for it, but will
no longer develop software upgrades for it. Novell does has just recently
introduced a web server for Groupware within the last 60 days. This was done
in response to the popularity of Lotus's Domino server for Notes. But it was
not made for development, but rather so that accessing the Web can be done
through the Groupwise client software.
What we have discovered here is that there are different options for
organizations to choose from if they are looking to go towards a Workgroup
computing envirionment. There are issues such as scaleability across
platforms, future development need for commuticating information, and as
always cost to the company. With the development of intranets and the use of
browsers to access so much of the information now it appears as though
Netscape may be able to grab a foothold in the Groupware development area, but
it also appears as though they will be waiting behind Lotus who appears to be
way ahead of the pack.
================================================================================
Note 53.0 TQM 1 reply
CALVIN::JAWHITSON 79 lines 11-NOV-1996 18:43
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Total Quality Management
QMCS 425
Justin Whitson
Recently in class we discussed management styles and techniques,
including recent trends in management. One of the management trends of the
current decade has been Total Quality Management (TQM). This is a
management style that much like it sounds focuses on quality. In this
paper I will begin by defining TQM and it's focus on the customer. I will
then discuss two of the basic concepts this style utilizes: continuous
improvement, and employee empowerment.
Total Quality Management is based on the fundamental principle of
quality. Quality can be defined in the TQM approach as meeting and
exceeding customer requirements. In order to do this it is of primary
importance to understand how to identify who your customers are.
Mahatma Gandhi defined the customer as "the most important visitor to our
premises. He/She is not dependent on us; we are dependent on them. They
are not an interruption on our work; they are the purpose of it. We are
not doing them a favor by serving them; they are doing us a favor by giving
us an opportunity to do so." Similarly, you can ask two basic questions
that often help to define who your customers are: "who uses my products of
services?", and "whose requirements and expectations am I trying to meet?".
With this in mind everyone in an organization must understand that they are
both a supplier and a customer in his/her work process. You are a supplier
to the recipient or user of your product or service, and a customer to
individuals or organizations who provide inputs to you. In the big picture
you are not only looking at the end or external customer, but also at the
internal customers in your process. Once you have defined who your
customers are you can utilize the quality principle of continuous
improvement.
Continuous improvement is the method by which you can assure that you
are providing your customer with the best service possible. This method
views the processes which you employ in providing your product or service
and entails seven basic steps which are a utilized in a continuous cycle:
1. Identify improvement opportunities: The objective of this step
is to select appropriate processes for improvement. This is achieved by
surveying customers, looking at standard procedures, interviewing personnel
, and reviewing metrics.
2. Evaluate the process: The objective of this step is to select
problem areas of the process, and set targets or goals for improvement.
This is achieved by collecting data on all aspects of the process.
3. Analyze: The objective of this step is to identify and verify
the root causes of the problem. This is achieved by analyzing the data
that has been collected.
4. Take action: The objective of this step is to plan and
implement actions that correct the root causes.
5. Check results: The objective of this step is to ensure that
the actions that were taken achieved the targeted improvement.
6. Standardize the solution: The objective of this step is to
ensure that the improved level of performance is maintained.
7. Plan for the future: The objective of this step is to plan
what is to done with any remaining problems and evaluate solution
effectiveness.
When this final step is achieved we return once again to the first step and
look for more improvement opportunities. However, to fully utilize the
idea of continuous improvement it is necessary to provide employees with
the ability to implement improvement. This brings us to the important
aspect of employee empowerment.
In order for effective change to occur, people must be empowered to
make the changes. General George S. Patton once said: "Never tell people
how to do things. Tell them what you want to achieve, and they will
surprise you with their ingenuity." This is the corner stone of
empowerment, it is entrusting employees based on their abilities and areas
of expertise. People need to feel that what they know, what they are
learning, their particular expertise, and experience in their area, can be
communicated into the larger system in such a way that the system benefits.
In essence what this means is that employees must be 'empowered' to
evaluate and make changes on the processes they control. Once this is
clearly understood and implemented into an organization, it makes
continuous improvement an easily accessible method for providing quality
to your customers.
In conclusion Total Quality Management is defined by providing the
best possible service or product to your customers. This is achieved by
first determining who your customers are, and then through empowering your
employees making continuous improvements on the processes that provide the
service or good to the customers.
================================================================================
Note 55.0 Web Publishing Made Easier 2 replies
CALVIN::JMKENNEFICK 142 lines 18-NOV-1996 15:07
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Web Publishing Made Easier
"So its come to this. Youre the only caterer in town without a World
Wide Web address on your menu. Maybe youve exhausted all your sales
leads and you need to introduce your services to clients around the
country. Or maybe youve just had a baby and you want to share photos
with relatives all over the world. Well, Its time you got a web
site"(PC World, Nov 1996, pg. 111). Do not let this wonderful
opportunity pass you by. In fact thats why Im here today, to help you
take advantage of the World Wide Web. Maybe the thought of creating
your own web page has never crossed your mind, or maybe it has but you
didnt think that you could do it. Whatever the case may be, its as
easy as six simple steps.
To begin with you must make the right connection. All this means
is that you must have Internet access, which leaves you with several
options. One option allows you to be connected through a commercial
online service, such as, American Online, Compuserve, or Prodigy. The
second option allows you to connect using an Internet service provider,
such as, Netcom. If you choose the latter you must use your own set of
authoring/publishing tools to build the files for the web page. Once
it is completed then you send the finished site to the ISP. The
standard ISP usually comes with anywhere from 1MB to 25 MB of web page
space as part of the monthly fee. The only thing with this is that you
want to make sure that the ISP you choose has a T1 or a T3 connection.
If it is something other than this you may find yourself constantly
waiting to see your page.
The other way to connect to the Internet and build your own web
page is through a commercial online service. This process is extremely
easy and is at no extra charge. Im not sure how many of you have ever
used power point, but these online services guide you through the
process in the same manner. Some even have special authoring tools to
help make your site stand out.
The second step is to choose the right tool. Web pages can be as
simple as straight text or as complex as an interactive multimedia
game. Web pages are usually written using Hypertext Markup
Language(HTML), which is not really a programming language, but rather
a collection of tags telling the web browser how the text and graphics
should look and act. Learning HTML, however, is a thing of the past.
Now, major Windows 95 word processors, such as, Word 7.0, Word Pro 96,
and WordPerfect 7.0 can be used to shield us from HTML. These word
processors include add-ins that are able to read plain text and turn it
into HTML and eventually a web pages. First of all, you can find out
if your word processor has this ability by choosing File- Save As from
the menu bar. If you see HTML as one of the document types then youre
in luck. You should begin by creating a document just as you normally
would, then save it as a HTML file. The only thing to remember when
writing the document is that you are creating a graphically rich web
site, not a paper for your qmcs 425 class. Dont be shy with your
creativity, word processors have the ability to produce text, graphics,
tables, forms, and buttons for your web site. Once you get the basics
down, a page can be created in less than a half hour, not including the
graphics,.
Eventually you will out grow the capabilities of you word processor
and it will be time to move on to something a little more advanced.
When that happens you may want to try a full-fledged publishing tool,
such as, Microsofts Frontpage or Netscapes Navigator Gold. Both of
these programs come with advance features that help you post and manage
you site.
After the body of your page has been built, the third step is to
add the contents and stir. In other words, add something that is going
to attract people to you site, not only once, but again and again. You
may do this by adding graphics of your favorite hobbies, pictures of
yourself or of a city during a blackout, or even give a profile of your
company. There are several techniques and hardware tools available to
help you create an attractive web site.
One way to enhance your page is to add graphics. Some situations
may even merit the use of real photos. If this is the case there are
two different approaches. The first is with a scanner. Using this
method you run the picture you want to use through the scanner and it
is saved as a graphics file. Scanners work well for smaller sites with
a few pictures. The other method is to buy a digital camera. This is
quite a bit more expensive, but if you have a large site that requires
frequent updates it may be less expensive in the long-run. You will
save not only on time, but you also will not have to pay for film and
developing. Regardless of the method, the addition of pictures and
graphics will be a valuable asset to your page.
Animation is another option available to you when you are trying to
liven up your web page. There are several varieties of hardware that
can assist you in the process. However, the easiest method may be
through the use of GIFs. GIFs are a series of static graphic files
shown in rapid succession to create the illusion of animation. To aide
you in this, several software packages are available as shareware on PC
World online.
Imagemapping and sound clips are two other techniques that will
make your web page stand out over all the rest. Imagemapping turns
your graphics into imagemaps that contain hyperlinks to other web pages
or other files. For example, you may have a picture of you new baby on
your site. Through the use of imagemapping and sound clips you could
allow the user to click on the babys mouth. This could possibly
download a sound bite of the baby crying, or could be you telling the
user the birth details. Just remember that when you use sound bites
keep them brief. The user does not want to spend all their time
waiting for files to be downloaded. Well now that you have added the
enhancements to your page, its time to raise the curtain.
Step four is just that, lets show the world your creative work of
art. To begin this process you need to store your site on your hard
drive while you get the bugs out. View the HTML document with your
browser to make sure that everything looks right. Most browsers have a
File-Open menu for viewing local files. Make any correction and/or
adjustments that may be necessary now that you can see the finished
product. Also make sure that you look at the site using several other
browsers to ensure that people can enjoy all your special effects
regardless of what browser they use.
Another thing that you can do is to have an expert look at you
site. The World Wide Web Consortium lists a variety of sites that can
help you analyze you HTML documents. The last step in releasing your
creation to the public is to post it to the ISP using a ftp tool.
There are several, but if you have windows 95 you can get Web
Publishing Wizard free from Microsofts site. Web Publishing Wizard
will take your files and automatically move them to your site.
Once you have posted your files to your web site the next step is
to flag people down. There are millions of sites out there, so dont
wait to be noticed. One thing you can do is submit your site address
to the various search engines. There is a feature called URL which
allows you to type in all your site information in one easy step. In
addition to that, search engines like Yahoo and InfoSeek constantly
monitor the web and update databases used by millions of people who are
looking for new stuff.
After youve completed the first five steps it may seem as if you
are done, but there is one more step and it is probably the most
important. Step six is, "dont just sit there." Once your site is
working, you need to make sure that you always have fresh information
and design elements. If you dont do this no one will visit your site
more than once. This step is important because youve just invested a
lot of time in building this page, what good is it if people do not
enjoy it and never come back. To help you assess what the users likes
or doesnt like about your page programs, such as, Microsoft Frontpage
are available to monitor links and keep track of activity. It does
this by taking log files from your ISPs server and turning them into
charts and reports.
As you can see, almost anyone can create there own web page. All
you have to do is make sure you have the right connection, choose the
tools you want to use, add a little life to your page, post it to an
ISP, make sure people are able to find your page, and finally, dont
just let your page sit there, make frequent changes and updates. The
hardest part, which isnt even that bad, will be finding the tools that
you want to use. Once youve done this and you follow the steps, youre
well on your way. The only thing that I havent given you is the
creativity to develop a page that is fun and rewarding for the user.
What can I say, I thought Id leave you something to do.
================================================================================
Note 56.0 ANS 3 replies
CALVIN::TDDELMONICO 87 lines 19-NOV-1996 08:12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Automobile Navigation System
Situation: You are down in Florida, zipping along the Florida
Turnpike. You are running low on change and are pretty sure that you won't
be able to make it to the planned exit paying toll charges every so many
miles. You turn off at the next exit in search of a cash machine. A few
turns and minutes later, you notice you aren't in a safe looking
neighborhood. You haven't seen a phone or gas station and all the blocks
look the same - Dirty! Now you're getting low on gas too! What do you do?
Well, if you would've spent, at minimum, an extra ten grand you
could've bought the BMW 5 Series car. What the new BMW 5 Series cars have
that yours doesn't is a new implementation of current technology:
Automobile Navigation Systems. Automobile Navigation Systems are the
consumer version of navigational equipment used in aircraft of today's US
Air Force. What I want to convey to you in this paper is the navigational
system and a few of it's functions available for your automobile.
To begin, I'd like to explain the Automobile Navigational System (ANS),
an audio visual computer communication system. It employs current
technology used by the US Air Force to guide it's planes. It is basically
an on-board computer that provides you with any information you request,
such as street names, to get anywhere in the world. ANS starts by you
entering a destination and a pre-planned route into the computer. You may
also allow the computer to plan a route using a map stored on CD-ROM. It
will then guide you with information like when to turn or where a badly
needed rest room is located. It is heavily based on Global Positioning
System (GPS) satellites which are used to find your current location.
I'll quick give you a brief description of GPS technology. A signal
gets sent from the land based transmitter/receiver (your car), and uses
anywhere from three to seven satellites to receive the signal. The
satellites in turn, depending on the speed and strength of the signal,
triangulate the exact bearing of the transmission. The data is then
relayed back to the ground unit. There it uses the on-board computer and
monitor to give an audio visual map with directions, so you can focus on
the road, and get to your destination. This information is also compared
to a wheel sensor that tracks the distance covered, and a gyroscope that
determines the direction the car is traveling. These two technologies
together make an ANS very accurate.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what an ANS is, I'd like to
explain the technical features. The ANS is not standard but comes with the
following options; an on-board computer, a multi-information display, a
mulitfunctional steering wheel, and an on-board monitor.
The on-board computer, coming in two versions is the heart of the
system. Without it, the ANS will not work. Both versions use a CD-ROM to
store maps and information on roads, geography, and hotels, etc. on the
zones you will be traveling through. You will be able to store a
pre-planned route, with stops for gas and food included, or you may trust
the computer to do the planning for you. The first version comes with
features such as a pictogram display that keeps the driver informed about
the car's technical condition. For example it shows average fuel
consumption, fuel range, whether any lights are burnt-out, any door that
is not fully shut, and even if the windshield washer fluid is low. The
second version includes all the previous features, and some additional
ones, such as to calculate an estimated time of arrival, monitor all major
car functions like brake pad wear or engine oil level, monitor a
speed-limit input, and a freely-programmable numerical code to prevent
theft or joy-riding of the car and ANS. The second version also comes
with the multi-information display.
The multi-information display is added to the center console of the
vehicle. It allows vital information to be relayed over the stereo and
enables other features to be controlled and monitored. This may include
inside air temperature, even when engine is off and parked, the car's
technical condition, and outside weather hazards.
Another feature is the multifunctional steering wheel. It contains an
array of buttons on the wheel itself that allow you to control a lot of
the basic car and ANS features without losing sight of the road. Along
with the basics, like cruise control, it will let you change radio
stations, raise and lower the volume, turn the air conditioning on, request
an update on the distance traveled, gas range, or verbal update on
directions.
Finally the last feature available is the on-board monitor. It permits
all the car's communication systems to be controlled. The monitor itself
is a large liquid-crystal screen, which allows all the functions to be
monitored and maps displayed. This is where the ANS really starts to live.
It allows for visual aid of streets, hotels, and other locations of
interest. It can also be used to watch TV programs when the car is not
being driven, for weather or entertainment. You can even listen to the
TV's sound when the car is being driven, otherwise it primarily monitors
the car's systems.
That is a basic description of the Automobile Navigation System. BMW
is the first company to offer this system as part of a new car's options.
There are a few other after market systems available for a lower end price
of around $3,000. The CD-ROM disks are an extra cost. The future of this
system is naturally a navigation system that can automatically, or allow
manual operation of the vehicle. So now we have the technology to find a
cash machine, a gas station, and the road back to the Florida Turnpike.
================================================================================
Note 57.0 How to Prepare for Data Disaster 2 replies
CALVIN::JTMAHOWALD 123 lines 19-NOV-1996 21:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever sat and watched grass grow or paint dry? Well, if
you have, you've experienced the fun of backing up your personal
computer's hard drive. Though it may be boring, you should take that
extra time to back up your data to protect the most important part of
your business, or you could take the chance that a natural disaster
will not cause your house to collapse along with your computer and its
hard drive.
WHEN DISASTER STRIKES:
Besides the natural disaster that everyone thinks will not happen to
them, there are things like hard disk failures, software conflicts, and
viruses. All of these things can make your data in your computer die
an agonizing death. This is why backups are your only hope for a long
lasting life for your data. When disaster strikes, you will be able to
restore your data as it was before. You could spend a lot of your
quality time shuffling hundreds if 1.44MB floppies around, but who has
the extra time for that? The more reasonable thing to do would be to
get a separate backup device that makes the process easy. Fortunately,
you do have a lot of options. Depending on whether you are a
one-person operation, you split your time between multiple PCs, or you
manage many users at one time, is what will decide the best solution
for backup to use.
ONE-PERSON OPERATION:
First, if you are that one-person operation working out of your
house, the best solution is a tape backup drive, which uses
cassette-size magnetic cartridges. If you work by yourself, you
probably know that over time, all of your important records get stored
in a single location, which is your computer's hard disk drive. But,
what happens if that hard disk goes haywire and you do not have a
recent backup to rely on, it could take your entire business with it.
The reason that the tape backup drive is the best option for you is that
it is cheap and they are getting even cheaper every day. They are also
the easiest backup devices to use. Most of these come with software
that lets you perform a full backup of the entire hard disk, selective
backups of particular files or directories, or incremental backups,
which copy only files that have changed since the last time you backed
up. Most of this software also lets you schedule automatic backup
sessions, or works in the background so that you can do other tasks on
your PC at the same time.
DOWNSIDES:
Of course, like everything that has a good side also has a bad
side. The downside of this tape is that it is not very reliable. It
can be wound too tightly, stretched out of shape, demagnetized, or
ruined by heat.
POCKET SIZE:
Some people prefer a backup method that fits in their pocket. If
this is you, you might want to consider the removable cartridge drives.
These are good for doing quick backups of your data files. These
drives are designed for everyday storage needs, which makes them faster
access speed than tape. The downside to this is that they are not a
very economical or convenient way to backup a big hard disk.
SPLITTING YOUR TIME BETWEEN MULTIPLE PCS:
Now, what to do for the one who shuffles their way between several
PCs, like the one in the office, the one at home, and the portable one
for the road. Probably the best option for keeping desktops and
laptops backed up is a portable tape drive. This can store data from
your office or home system, then take the drive along to back up your
data on the road. But, the problem with this is that it is about half
as fast as a standard tape drive.
VERY IMPORTANT DATA:
If you have very important data, such as a client's accounts, you
may want to use a more permanent storage option. The best one is a
magneto-optical drive, which has the ability to safely preserve data
for thirty years. The problem with this one is that it does not hold
very much data and it is very expensive for a backup device.
ENTREPRENEURS:
For the person who manages many computers at one time, means
protecting not only your own data, but the data of the people who work
for you. You must have a single backup strategy for everyone. If
money is no problem, you could give everyone their own tape drive and
have them back up their own disks. The problem is that you have to
enforce that everyone does this, or else they will do it about as often
as they change the oil in their car.
WATCHING YOUR MONEY:
If money is a problem, you can use a removable, cordless drive.
You plug it into the dock, back up your data, and pass the drive along
to a coworker. Another option is to circulate a cartridge hard drive
around the office. This is as fast as a hard drive, and its cartridge
is sturdier than tape. But, you will need to have someone circulate
the drive.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:
There are ten commandments to the backup of data. If you follow
these ten easy steps, you will never have to worry about your data
being zapped away with the lightning bolt that hit your computer.
(1) Back up at regularly scheduled intervals. If you want to be
sure, you would do a full backup of all hard disks every week
and incremental backups of changed files every day.
(2) If possible, use a different tape for every day of the work
week.
(3) Keep at least one full backup of your hard disk offsite in a
fire-secure area.
(4) For full backups, select a medium that's large enough to hold
the entire contents of your hard disk.
(5) Run an up-to-date virus program prior to every backup to avoid
preserving corrupted data.
(6) Label your backup media with the computer's name and backup
date in pen, not pencil.
(7) Store tapes and floppies in cases or caddies and keep them
safely away from magnetic fields that can corrupt them, such
as power supplies, telephones, and monitors.
(8) To see if your backup succeeded, randomly select a few files
from the front, middle, and back of a backup set and restore
them to your hard drive.
(9) Make sure that your backup media is device independent - that
the data can be restored to a PC other than from which it was
taken.
(10) Clean tape drive heads after about 20 uses. Retension your
tapes periodically.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Whichever strategy you choose, just make sure that you do it.
Backing up might not be the most exciting way to spend your time, but
in the long run, it is worth it. By doing this, you will feel good
about yourself and you will have a sense of security about your
valuable assets: your data.
================================================================================
Note 58.0 Linux 1 reply
CALVIN::MJPAYDEN 186 lines 20-NOV-1996 15:08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Payden
11-20-96
Qmcs 425
LINUX
First and foremost: I have never used the Linux operating system but am
considering switching to it. This is why I decided to a paper on it --
bare with me.
Many people are very familiar with IBM's operating system, DOS, or
Macintosh's operating system, but what about an operating system that works on
both. Linux is a freely distributable UNIX clone for 386/486/ and Pentium based PC's
with ISA, EISA, PCI and VLB busses. The latest version (2.0.24) Also supports DEC
Alphas, SUN, and M68000 machines (like Atari and Amiga). Linux (likeUNIX) is an
operating system all it's own. Linux was written from scratch by Linus Torvalds. It is
non-proprietary, available for free, and used widely all over the world. "It is an
independent implementation of the POSIX operating system specification with System V and BSD
extensions".
All this means is that it looks like UNIX but doesn't come from the same source
code base. The Linux kernel, system, is copyrighted by its maker and other
contributors but which is freely distributable under the terms of the GNU Public License. Thusit
is properly termed
"freeware". You may freely distribute it but you must also give the source with it or make it
available in the same way. Also, if any modifications are made, you must give the
source with it when distributing it.
One advantage to note is that Linux is developed using an open and
distributed
model, instead of a closed and centralized model like other software
often is. The
advantage is that the current development version is always available
to the public so
anyone can use it. In contrast, in the closed and centralized system,
the software that is
released is only ones that they think are working well. Thus, it means
that there is a long
time between the releases of newer versions and bug fixes and slower
development of the
versions, unlike open models. Right now the current stable version of
Linux is 2.0.24 and
the development version is 2.1.6.
Linux 2.0.24 has all of the features that one would expect in a
modern UNIX
system including:
-- true multitasking
-- multi-user capable
-- multiplatform -- the ability to run with different CPU's
(processors)
-- virtual memory -- using the paging method instead of the swapping
method, to disk
-- shared libraries -- dynamically linked shared libraries (dll's) and
static libraries
-- demand loading
-- shared copy-on-write executables -- increase speed while decreasing
memory use
-- proper memory management
-- TCP/IP networking
-- UMSDOS -- allows it to be installed on a DOS file system
-- does core dumps -- allows debugger for running and crashed program
This is just a brief overview of the more notable features of this
system. There are many
more features of Linux that make it different, as well as the similar
to the other operating
systems but number too many to talk about. Further info can be found
on the WWW.
Some consideration configuration-wise is required if you decide to
switch to the
Linux operating system. First of all, Linux will work, minimally, on a
386SX/16 with 1
MB RAM and having a 1.44 MB floppy drive with any supported video card
plus
keyboards, monitors, etc... This should allow you to test whether it
works on the machine
at all. The only thing is you won't be able to do anything worth your
time. In order to do
something you should have up to 10 MB for hard disk space for a minimal
setup to be able
to do some of the more important commands and a couple of small
applications, like a
terminal program. However this setup is still limited and doesn't
leave enough room to do
anything worthwhile unless the applications are really small.
If you want to run computationally intensive programs you'll want a
faster
processor, more memory and disk space. For memory purposes, I've found
that anywhere
from 16 to 32 megs will do, it doesn't hurt. This will reduce the page
swapping and the
need for a large virtual memory setting. As for disk space, the bigger
the better. For a
more of a complete system setup, you should, depending on what ever
other programs
you plan to install, you should want to have a hard drive of around 500
MB. With today's
prices, it makes no sense to buy a smaller size drive -- it would be a
waste of money, time,
and resources. Of course a drive of a gigabyte or higher is excellent
-- you have the
option of having Linux and DOS in different parts of memory. One big
difference from
DOS in terms of memory is that with Linux, adding more memory makes a
large
difference, where as with DOS it doesn't. DOS has a 640KB limit which
says that it just
adds more memory for storage and swapping, but doesn't necessarily make
a huge
difference in speed. *Note -- when adding RAM it may slow down the
computer if you
don't add more cache too.
Programs and software for Linux are easy to install because you
don't need to
fiddle around with trying to modify them to work with your computer.
Most of the
software and programs compile right "out of the box". The others only
require small
modifications. One popular piece of software is Xwindows. Think of
this analogy:
Xwindows is to Linux (UNIX) as MS-Windows is to DOS. However the
windowing
system is more similar to the Macintosh's window system.
Xwindows:
-- each window has a screen name and appears in it's iconmanager
-- editing, movement, sizing, and overlapping of windows is similar to
MS-Windows
operations
Languages:
-- C, C++
-- Java
-- Perl
-- Pascal
-- many others
Telecommunications:
-- UUCP, SLIP, CSLIP, PPP
-- Kermit, pcomm, xcomm, term
-- Seyon -- popular Xwindows comm. Program
-- Several FAX and Voice-mail packages
News & Mail:
-- Cnews
-- smail
-- pine
-- etc...
Textprocessing:
-- word processing program called TeX
-- Linuxdoc-SGML
-- doc
-- and others
Some of the news and mail and text stuff I've never heard of. So I
can't really give any
further explanation as to what they are. I just know that Linux
supports them.
As you can see, Linux can be an alternative or base operating
system that you can
have for free. It provides some of the same features that you might
find in other big-
named operating systems like DOS. If you have the hardware, and
patience to learn it, it
is known to be one of the most user-friendly operating systems around.
As compared to
DOS, it seems to have all of the programs like word-processing,
communications and so
forth that DOS has. But then again for people to want to use it, it
probably should have
them. However, since it is non-proprietary and "freeware" it is really
non-competitive in
the money sense. In general it is the preferred system used by
millions, and is one that
hackers prefer to use, just in case anyone wants to know.
================================================================================
Note 59.0 MS Enterprise No replies
CALVIN::TLIU 112 lines 20-NOV-1996 19:50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Enterprise
For my final presentation in this resource management
class, I thought it was fitting to talk about Microsoft Enterprise,
which happens to be one of the most successful companies at managing
their informational resources. In the paper, I will first describe the
background and current status of Microsoft Enterprise. Then, I will
address the operating systems and applications which Microsoft has
dominated and utilized in the market as well as others which Microsoft
plan to improve and control in the future. Finally, I will conclude my
presentation by stating Microsoft's competitive advantage and also
forecast the future of Microsoft.
Microsoft Enterprise was founded by Harvard dropout William
Gates III and his high school buddy Paul Allen. The company begin in
1975 selling versions of the Basic programming language. By 1990,
Microsoft's revenues reached one billion dollars. It currently employs
20,000 workers operating in some 50 countries. Today, Microsoft's
revenues has reached 8.67 billion in the U.S. alone and Bill Gates sits
as the richest person in the United States. Microsoft's mission
statement is to put a computer application on every computer desktop in
America. This is not Mission Impossible for Microsoft, it now has a
firm grip on the corporate desktop through its MS-DOS, Windows 3x,
Windows 95, and Windows NT workstation operating systems. While
one-third of the company's revenues comes from system software,
application software provides the other two thirds.
The area of business that Microsoft has dominated in the
90's is the single desktop operating applications systems. Competition
is no where close. The journey to success however, was not as smooth as
the current result. The reason Microsoft has thrived in the desktop
systems is due to its constant innovation and re-engineering of its
product. Anyone who has used Microsoft Windows 1.0 or the first
Microsoft Word knows Microsoft's humble beginnings. Yet, its annual
upgrade cycle in this area has allowed it to increase quality as well
as revenue each year.
An area Microsoft is improving on is its Databases. These
are the foundation of information management in Microsoft's enterprise.
Microsoft became a database company just five years ago and it did so
virtually overnight through an alliance with Sybase. Although Microsoft
and Sybase have since parted ways, Microsoft has continually improved
on its database technologies.
Application development is an area Microsoft would like to
progress in. This enterprise which produces custom applications is
currently controlled by Java programming language. Yet, Microsoft has
introduced its own programming languages and application development
tools which offer three new features to its Microsoft Visual C++.
First, there is a new DataView feature which allows you to edit and
view both the SQL procedures and the C++ functions. There is also an
integrated SQL debugger which lets you step through the C++ source code
and out to a database stored procedure on a remote server. And finally,
new data controls have been added for binding fields to local or remote
databases. These features will make it easier for Visual C++ developers
to work on database-centric applications which seems to be the
foundation for Microsoft's push to grab a share of the internet market.
Speaking of the internet, It has become the standard
equipment for many enterprises. Microsoft stands as good a chance as
anyone to establish a mark despite significant competition from
Netscape Communication Corporation. Initially, Microsoft was caught
off-guard by the growth of the Internet but it quickly rectified its
mistake and in one year Microsoft is providing Web-enabling add-inns
for key products in both its BackOffice and Office applications. It
also developed technologies that enables the company to release the
Internet Information Server, Internet Explorer, and FrontPages. Last
but not least, Microsoft licensed Java from Sun Microsystems and
previewed the Visual J++ programming language. This situation once
again illustrates the versatility of Microsoft to adapt and change to
situations which could benefit its enterprise.
Microsoft is also interested in the object-oriented development in
its line of business. Microsoft's object strategy is based on its
component and distributed component object models. Microsoft has a
practical approach to objects as pieces of functionality that can stand
alone or embedded in other objects. Microsoft views object orientation
less in terms of technical characteristics and more as a means to offer
more flexibility in software design and assembly. Microsoft believes
its future delivery of applications as business objects will profoundly
change the way they are designed, delivered, upgraded and priced.
As of now, Microsoft has assembled a software arsenal that
continues to generate sizable profits for the company. This arsenal
include the powerful softwares such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
Microsoft is also guided by bright and clever management starting with
their CEO, Bill Gates. His vision for Microsoft has guided the company
to superiority over many corporations that were once ahead of
Microsoft. In addition, Microsoft's also great at adapting and
adjusting to trends which may benefit its operations. Its decisive
management along with its efficient gathering and use of informational
resources has allowed Microsoft to become one of the most successful
enterprises in the world. Its development strategy and management
philosophy is studied and imitated by companies all over the world.
Despite these credits, many experts are questioning
Microsoft's market share in the future. There are still those who
question whether Microsoft can sustain its degree of influence without
a significant hardware offering. The revival of the Main Frame has also
put a question mark on the demand of Microsoft software products in the
future. However, those experts must remember that Microsoft is still a
long ways from reaching its full potential and capabilities. With Bill
gates in charge and Microsoft's commitment to beneficial adaptation,
its hard to imagine Microsoft going out of business in the information
and technology market.
Through my presentation, I have given you a general
description and background of Microsoft. I have also related to you the
many different operating systems and applications which Microsoft has
or is trying to develop in the 21st century market. Finally, I have
given you some reasons why Microsoft has profited so dramatically and
what the future holds for this enterprise.
Bibliography
Mckie, Stewart. "The Microsoft Enterprise". DBMS. San Mateo, CA:
Miller Freeman Inc, November 1996. (page 74).
================================================================================
Note 60.0 Global Positioning System No replies
CALVIN::JAWHITSON 77 lines 25-NOV-1996 11:11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Positioning System
QMCS 425
Justin Whitson
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a new system utilizing satellite
connections to provide accurate information about altitude, longitude,
latitude, and time. In essence it is a navigational aid that is proving to
be one of the most valuable assets to the aviation community in both the
civilian and military arenas. In this paper I will begin by outlining the
basics of the GPS and how it works. I will then explain and contrast the
uses of the GPS in the military and civilian markets, and finally I will
examine how the GPS can by used in conjunction with other equipment to
provide even more accurate information.
GPS is a satellite based navigational system developed and operated by
the Department of Defense. This system allows a user to determine their
three dimensional position, velocity, and time. There are three main
components of the Global Positioning System: the space segment, the
control segment, and the user segment. The Space segment consists of the
NAVSTAR (NAVigation Satellite Timing And Ranging) Satellites. The current
constellation of NAVSTAR satellites is made up of 21 operational satellites
, along with three spares. These satellites are positioned in such a way
that at any point on the earth you are in range of a minimum of four
satellites. This makes it possible to triangulate your position from
anywhere on earth. This is accomplished by each satellite transmitting two
signals: L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.60 MHz), and a unique code.
The Control segment is a worldwide system of tracking and monitoring
stations, with the Master Control Station being located at Falcon AFB in
Colorado Springs, CO. The monitor stations measure signals from the GPS
satellites and relay the information to the Master Control Station. The
information is then used to develop precise orbital models for the entire
GPS system.
The User segment utilizes GPS receivers, processors and antennas. The
receiver, held by the user, measures the time required for the signal to
travel from the satellite to the receiver. By knowing the time the signal
left the satellite, and observing the time it takes to receive the signal,
based on its internal clock. This timed information is then used to
triangulate your exact position in conjunction with four of the NAVSTAR
satellites.
As stated earlier the GPS is maintained and monitored by the Department
of Defense, and was created for use by the military. However, this system
with some minor variations is widely used in the civilian market as well.
Many of the military and civilian uses are the same, such as aviation
navigational systems, ground navigation, and map making. The only major
difference between military and civilian applications is the accuracy the
GPS will provide. This is controlled by the signal emitted from the
satellite. The L1 signal is used by the civilian population, while the L2
signal is encrypted by a system called Selective Availability (SA), and is
used only by the military and several authorized civilian organizations.
The only real difference is found in the accuracy of the data you receive.
The L1 signal will permit for 100 meter horizontal accuracy, 156 meter
vertical accuracy, and 340 nanoseconds time accuracy. The L2 signal on the
other hand will provide roughly 17.8 meter horizontal accuracy, 27.7 meter
vertical accuracy, and 100 nanoseconds time accuracy. This accuracy
however, applies only to single frequency navigation receivers, which are
capable of updating the position every second or so. If a user employs
other methods such as Differential GPS much greater accuracy can be
achieved.
Differential GPS (DGPS) is a method of eliminating the error from GPS
measurements, and providing more accuracy. This system's basic concept is
that there is a reference station identified for which you know the precise
location. This information is then used to calculate the differential
between the GPS signal and the real location. Unfortunately, the error
depends on each particular satellite, so the differential must be
calculated for each satellite and broadcast continuously. The receiver
then uses this data to calculate a much more accurate position. This
system when utilizing the kinematic post processing (a mathematical system)
allows for accuracy of up to 7 cm. These methods have proven an
exceptional tool for use in surveying and topographical map making,
allowing boundaries and ground contours to be measured and recorded with
great detail.
Global Positioning is rapidly becoming the best and most efficient way
to determine navigational information with the greatest accuracy. This
system will with out a doubt be widely used in auto navigation, aviation
navigation, and simple ground navigation. In this paper I have explained
the GPS and it's uses. I then explained the difference between the
civilian and military capabilities, and finally I outlined Differential GPS
and how it provides even greater accuracy.
================================================================================
Note 61.0 Social Computing 1 reply
CALVIN::BJRUNCHEY 156 lines 25-NOV-1996 11:14
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Social Computing
"If there are supposed top be all of these great people using
the internet, just like me, how come I am not meeting any of them?"
-Pavel Curtis
These are the words of Pavel Curtis, one of the many research
scientists working for Xerox at the Palo Alto Research Center in Palo Alto,
California. In this quote, Pavel Curtis refers to the impersonal nature of
the internet. Though there are many chat rooms from America Online, talk
sessions put on by Newpapers and News Media, and all the possibilities that
computer telecommunications now afford us, the use of the internet does not
seem to bring people together in social ways. To change this "impersonalism",
inhabiting the internet and its users and to make computing a more social
activity has become a deep topic of interest and study for Pavel Curtis.
For many years there have been quite a few places where people have
been interacting with others on a more personal level, these places are known
as MUDs (Multi User Dungeons) or MOOs (Multi User Dungeon Object Oriented) .
The difference between the two is found in the code and what it enables those
using it to create, which will be discussed later in this paper. MUDs were
first created in the 70's by graduate students at Pennsylvania University to
allow them to play "Dungeons and Dragons" over the internet with other students
. MOOs came along a few years later oftering users the opportunity to create
their own object and rooms while playing the game through code written by the
user. About this same time some students who liked the idea behind the MUD,
but did not find the swords and killing all that interesting, developed what
are known as tinyMUDs. These are written the using the same code, but have
the word "tiny" in their name because they are much more "social" in their
orientation. There are thousands of MUDs all over the world, but one
inhibiting factor that they all have in common with one another is that they
need huge computers to run on because of the number of people connecting to
them at the same time (many ports), and the ability to process all of the
information to keep the discussions running. Since January 1991, Pavel Curtis
has been acting as the Archwizard Haakon for the LambdaMoo MUD. Curtis
created LambdaMOO in an effort to better understand how people interact in
cyberspace, and also to try and help develop the use of MUDs for things such
as business or government.
Currently when people enter into a MUD they only telnet to the certain
port number of the host computer for that particular MUD. They then see many
lines of text running in front of them and since MUDs do not employ fancy
graphics or special position-sensing hardware to create a "Virtual Reality"
type environment for the user, MUDs are frequently referred to as text-based v
irtual realities. It is this "Text-Based" virtual reality that Pavel Curtis
is trying to expand upon, for the purpose of use within a business to aid its
employees working in groups. This current project is referred to by Xerox as
Jupiter.
Since the main goal of the implementation of Jupiter at Xerox is for
people to find their computer to be more of a tool than just a secondary
option to completing some other task. The researchers at PARC have realized
the need to integrate certain uses of their system in order for Jupiter to
become part of the social norms at Xerox. They have realized three immediate
needs at this time. First is the need to allow people to realize that the
system can be used for Casual Interaction, secondly, since many people are
Telecommuting from home, they should be afforded the opportunity to have the
tools in their house, and lastly the need to Integrate the Real and Virtual
Worlds in the workplace. In order for these integrations to occur, the system
must operate in such a way that these three needs can be conducted with ease
through the use of the tools providedby the system. If it becomes a hassle
to conduct normal social interaction through the use of the system, the goal
will not have been accomplished.
What Jupiter is, according to Fast Company magazine,:
" a social virtual reality' - a collection of audio, video, and
communications technologies to help communities form and
flourish. Jupiter's real value is that it supports interactions
that are richer and more focused than a free-form electronic
discussion group. It allows for flexible participation, where users
can participate as they see fit...In short it is a network place,
rather than a network space, where people interact as a community."
It is through the use of the audio, video and other communications
technologies that Xerox's Jupiter MUD will allow for "flexible participation",
and has distinguished itself from other MUDs. In addition to text-based
interaction, the PARC researchers have attained visual interaction by adding
real-time audio and video, and window-based graphical user interfaces. While
typical MUDs are written assuming that users have only a dumb terminal, PARC
scientists assume that its users have digital audio, graphics display, and
video input. This is an increasingly realistic assumption, as almost all
computers sold today (PCs, Macs, Unix workstations) have graphics displays,
and most either come with telephone-quality audio or can have it added cheaply
(usually for about $100).
The interface to Jupiter is also very unique because unlike almost
every other MUD, there is no way to access it using the average telnet client.
Usually from the average telnet client the user sends messages, which interact
with the server, and then receive the returned information from the server.
The client does not go and do anything else because it only knows what the
server tells it. In Jupiter, the interaction between the client and server is
such that the server receives information from the client, but instead of the
client reading the returned information like a dumb terminal would, it
processes the servers special "client commands" then performs actions such as
opening windows, setting up audio/video connections, and downloading files from
anonymous FTP servers.
When viewing the interface of Jupiter, some say it resembles the
Hollywood squares, many windows, most with people inside of them, minus the
occasional conference room or two. The squares are nothing more than certain
people's offices showing the people going about their daily activites. Located
at the top of each square is an icon that shows level at which that person
wishes to be left alone. Locked doors mean "do not disturb", while unlocked
doors are "feel free to double-click" indicators. To enter someone's office
you double-click on his or her square, you then may engage in a conversation
about something , share files, view a video together, etc. But if someone's
door is locked you can always drag a post-it note over their square on your
monitor which will then appear on the client software running on the other
person's computer. About the only resemblance between the client software of
Jupiter MUD and other MUDs is the scrolling text at the bottom of the screen
giving users a "play by play" account of what is happening in each square from
the user's point of view.
Audio in Jupiter MUD works much as it does in real life; anything
someone says is heard by all others present(or tuned in). This is implement
by assigning a multicast audio channel with each room. From this users can hear
all the sounds from the room they're in (virtually or physically) and
contribute to these sounds with their speech or other audio files. When they
move (click) to a new room, their audio is automatically switched to the
channel for the new room. At present, Jupiter uses Sun VideoPix boards and
small attached cameras, whenever possible. The video is then displayed using
software-only video compression algorithms that allow for any workstation to
display the resulting video, even if it is not equipped with a camera. The
resulting video is then displayed at a rate of 5 frames/second. This rate is
rather slow (normal Television displays frames at 30/second), but it is one of
the problems of sending so much information over an Ethernet infrastructure
which does have bandwidth limitations. As with audio, video is transmitted
between clients using a multicast network, again with the server providing
coordination for the video streams. On top of these multi-media tools users
also have available the usual electronic tools available to them such as
window-based shared text editors, e-mail and electronic bulletin boards,
shared whiteboards, faxing capabilities, and voice messaging. But even these
are more powerful than in the usual office setting because of the "group-use"
that they afford to people.
Even though these features and ideas are very nice for a lab, when
might they become a reality on the internet? The answer is obviously not for
sometime. Most of the hardware/software (minus the server) that is used
to accomplish the goals of Project Jupiter can be bought for around $100-$150
dollars by the average consumer, but is useless with out the network. A
cheaper way yet of allowing for this real-time communication would be with
Netscape Navigator 3.0, which comes with CoolTalk. CoolTalk runs over the
cabling of the network and allows for users to talk with each other, just
like over the phone, share white boards, and also to allow for internet
browsing together. Users know when someone is trying to contact them with the
"Watch Dog" that comes with. The only limitation to this is that once again you must both be logged
on to the same
server, and know each others logon name. This though can be done over the
internet by the average consumer if they are both using the same ISP, using
dial-up networking of somesorts, and the ISP is using TCP/IP. Video
communications such as audio and video telephone calls, have been hyped now
for the past few years. These options will probably become used over
telephone lines before the internet because of the bandwidth problems
once again.
The concept of using computers for social uses is becoming more and
more of a reality, at least in test labrotories and some closed networks.
But even with all of the latest compression algorithms, sending audio, video,
and data signals over the internet is just too slow to consider it a practical
solution at this time. Telephone companies may soon get more involved in
videoconferencing between just a few people using home computers, but as far
as big group discussions such as newsgroups or chat lines involving many
people, many topics, and many areas all running on the same server this still
a ways off.
================================================================================
Note 62.0 To Use or Not to Use .. the Internet! No replies
CALVIN::KWEHR 163 lines 25-NOV-1996 19:41
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To Use or Not To Use...the Internet!
As I sit and stare at the monitor, in a desperate attempt to think of an
opening sentence, I gaze over at the array of research papers I gathered to
assist me in this final paper. Of course I used the old fashioned method and
found my research material from various magazines and newspapers--the paper
kind. I thought of using the Internet but didn't have the time nor the cash to
find a topic that I found interesting. So, due to my lack of patience and
finances, the Internet became the topic.
The Internet. What are the first words that come to mind when you hear,
"THE INTERNET." For me, those words would be: expensive, time consuming,
abundance of information, corresponding with other netheads, not user
friendly, e-mail, etc. The response could vary depending on how much
exposure a person has to computer technology, but typically, I think the
average person is a little intimidated, although fascinated, by the Internet.
And its that fascination that lures the unsuspecting person into the clutches
of cyberspace.
Taking the first step to the Internet used to be a major pain to your
bank account, but due to ever changing technology that is no longer the case.
Until just recently, a person needed a personal computer to access the Internet
which would cost on average about $2100. Now a person can 'surf' the net and
send e-mail right from the TV set. Sony's WebTV unit with remote is about
$350, and the wireless keyboard runs about $100. And guess what the future
holds for us! It's called the working version of the Dick Tracy wrist
communicator--combining a video phone, electronic notebook, and computer with
Internet capabilities--no price tag yet, due out by the year 2002. Of course
these items just help you get to the door, you still have to pay a cover charge
to look around!
The cover charge can be costly so buyer beware. Before you sign up with
any Internet Service Provider (ISP) determine what your personal requirements
are. For example, do you plan on using the Internet for long periods of time
all the time, then you probably should look for the unlimited access monthly
rated service. For casual users, I recommend a trial offer--the type that
gives so many free hours a month but then charges a minimal fee if that time is
exceeded. If the casual user feels they need more, they can always upgrade to
the unlimited useage, monthly rated service.
Whether you are a heavy or a casual user of the Internet, here are a few
shortcuts that can cut your time and/or expense down a tad:
A: Type Shorter Names - You don't have to type the whole URL
- Navigagor 2.0 or later: just type in a single word as the URL
-- pcworld : nfl : fox29 : bhglive --
the program will add the prefix 'http://www.' and the
suffix '.com'
(if the URL has a less common prefix or suffix, you will
have to type that..but you can skip 'http://')
- Internet Explorer 2.0 or later:
you still have to type th 'www'. and '.com' but you can skip
'http://'
B: Get Off the Phone
- If you are being charged by the hour or you just need to get
off the phone to keep your line open, you can do much of your
reading offline.
- Keep your browser running but disconnect from your ISP. The
page has been downloaded to your computer and will still be on
screen.
- How you disconnect depends on what software you're using to
connect to the Internet.
- For example, Windows 95's Dial-Up Networking--look for a program
on the Taskbar with the name of your ISP and the icon shown.
Click the icon -- you'll get a dialog box with a Disconnect
button.
- Log on again when you want to go elsewhere. If your dialer and
browser work well together, clicking a link may start another
connection automatically.
C: Saving for Later Reading
- Simply select File*Save As and enter a name..
- Can save as an HTML file (.htm extension) or an ASCII file (.txt)
NOTE:-an HTML file will preserve the page's text formatting (no
pictures though) but you'll need a browser to read it.
-a text file will give you just plain text and you'll be
able to read it in any word processor or Notepad.
D: More Internet "Survival Tips" can be found in the August issue
of "PCWORLD" (find it online) if you dare!
So you signed up, have a few tips to help you through, and you think
you're ready to play on the Internet. So ... where do you start? There are
the search engines: Yahoo, Infoseek, etc., or use the Location finder and
simply type in something you think might have an existence. For example, NFL
or Microsoft or Tide.. basically any common household name would do. But,
nethead beware, names can be deceiving. As an example of this, the "Federal
Computer Week" magazine, writes about two sites that the name of the domain
is not what you would expect to find there.
Site #!: www.whitehouse.org
expect: news on National Performance Review or
the accomplishment os the Clinton Administration
you get: two links:-one to a savagely satirical mock-up
of a Clinton/Gore campaign home page;
-one is to the home page of the
Censore-U Movement, a parody of an
organization devoted to censoring
cyberspace.
Site #2: www.nasa.com
expect: anything related to the space program
you get: links to the Clinton/Gore campaign parody and
one to the Dole/Kemp campaign, and others.
Apparently this is just another thing to gripe about on the Internet. The
use of domain names of agencies (or domain names that sound like agencies) for
posting offensive or embarassing information. Can't even trust a name..! Well,
let that be a lesson to you, for the garden-variety fraud has moved into the
digital age. Don't be fooled by the name or a pretty picture, you still need
to protect yourself from the con artists that are lurking on the Internet.
Remember, be cautious, shop safely, ignore harassing messages, and most
important, inform your children and/or install software like CYBERsitter to
block access to sites with distasteful content.
I know of a couple of sites that promise to be worthy of your time and
money. Try 'www.nap.edu' for immediate access to more than 1,000 full-text
health, science, and technology publications housed at the new Web site of the
National Academy Press. They plan on placing more than 4,000 additional
volumes on-line within the next year. The other site, 'www.first-tv.com',
nightly TV news on the Internet, will be available this January.
The Internet is a fascinating creature--alluring yet intimidating. And
it won't go away! So as long as the Internet is here to stay, perhaps it would
be to our advantage to break it in slowly. (like a new puppy, but without
the mess). If done correctly, you and the internet should get along just fine.
Kathy Wehr
QMCS425
Last Paper
11/26/96
\\\\\\\\\\\\
References:
62 Tips for Taming Cyberspace; Helm, Kremers, Lasky, Spector
PC World, August, 1996
Watch Out for Developing Tech. on Your Wrist; Laura Vandendorpe
R&D, November, 1996
Conus and First-TV...; Julio Ojeda-Zapata
Pioneer Press, November 22, 1996
What's New '97; Walter S. Mossberg
Pioneer Press, November 24, 1996
Browsing the Virtual Bookshelf; Heather Harreld
Federal Computer Week, November 11, 1996
What a Tangled Web we Weave
Federal Computer Week, November 11, 1996
================================================================================
Note 63.0 EDI in Today's Business World 2 replies
CALVIN::BWPOMERLEAU 78 lines 26-NOV-1996 09:20
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The days of invoices and bills of lading may soon be coming to an
end. The business world has found a new tool that helps in reducing
order time, simplifies paperwork, and increases the accuracy of orders.
This system is hardly new, it has been around for twenty-five years, but
until recently, it was only used by a few exclusive companies. So what
is this ultra-effective system? It’s Electronic Data Interchange, most
commonly known as EDI. For those who are using it, it is revolutionizing
their businesses. For those who aren't using it yet, it’s high time to
start.
What EDI does is not all that special. It is basically two computers,
who are connected on-line with each other, sending information back and
forth. EDI is computer to computer, application to application, company
to company, and it loads everything without humans touching the data. EDI
is the basically the exchange of business documents, business data, and
information. All of this is done using a Public Standard Format.
EDI primarily saves time in three important business phases: demand,
supply, and settlement. EDI enhances communication between the buyer and
seller, thus making the process of ordering and supplying faster. Instead
of a lot of order activity and many forms to fill out, the customer simply
sends in his/her request to the supplier. Once the supplier receives
this request, they are able to begin assembling the order and get it ready
for shipment. Not only is this process fast, but it also cuts down on
errors and lost forms. You can also pay for shipments on-line using
EDI. In 1990, only 2% of businesses paid there bills on-line. The majority
of businesses pay by check. Yet today, the number of businesses paying
electronically has risen to 35%, and because of this are putting many
check producing companies out of business. EDI makes paying bills simple
and fast. No longer is a complex invoice needed to bill customers. The
customer simply receives the bill on-line and transfers the funds on-line.
Paying the bill can be held off or paid at any time so that the customer
can take advantage of discounts or is able to hold the money in order to
collect interest on it.
EDI also complements demand, supply and settlement by cutting costs
for both the producer and supplier by cutting down on needless costs.
U.S. businesses send 55 billion parcels of first class mail, and make
180 billion phone calls a year. EDI helps reduce these costs by reducing
the amount of orders and bills sent in the mail, and the number of phone
calls necessary to complete a sale. And as if this wasn’t enough, 70% of
computer output is rekeyed into another computer. Hence, EDI helps cut
down on both time to re-enter the data, and helps avoid any errors that
may occur while doing this.
EDI first came about because of an event that happened in the late
1970’s, the deregulation of transportation. Now that all restrictions
on the shipment of goods were gone, everybody and there brother had a
truck. EDI helped organize the transportation industry, but its use was
not widespread. In the 1980’s we saw the world become more globally
competitive, and every business was interested in having its own
competitive advantage. Because of this, EDI became more widespread as
many businesses used it as a competitive weapon in the global marketplace.
Now that we are in the 1990’s, customer service has become of great
importance. EDI is now seen to be 80% business and 20% technical, and is
used as a relationship opportunity with the customer.
EDI is a relatively simply system to work with, and there are only two
major components making up the common EDI system. The first component is
software and hardware. Most any computer can run some form of an EDI
program. It can either be hooked up to a network, or can act as a stand
alone unit with just a modem. There are many software vendors supplying
EDI programs, which brings me to second major ingredient in a EDI system-
standards. There are some basic transactional standards that these programs
must comply to. The American standard is ANSI.X12, and provides standards
for uniform communications such as purchase orders, invoices and transfer
of funds. At an international level, the United Nations has created
EDIFACT to coordinate standards worldwide.
Today, almost every large business uses some sort of EDI interchange
method, and many of these businesses are forcing the smaller firms they
deal with to convert to this system. Many small businesses adopt EDI by
force not by choice because of this practice. In fact, K Mart and Walmart
will not do business with suppliers who don’t use EDI. Many grocery chains,
such as Super Value, charge those who don’t use EDI a fee for doing
business with them. It is obvious that all business must adopt to EDI
in order to survive and stay competitive. Because of this fact, I would
say that EDI is here to stay.
================================================================================
Note 65.0 Internet Security 2 replies
CALVIN::PMSCHILLING 87 lines 3-DEC-1996 00:48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick Schilling
QMCS 425
12/2/96
Internet Security
Imagine you are shopping at your favorite store, without ever having
left the comfort of your own home. You are seated comfortably in front of
your computer screen, browsing the web site of your favorite store. You
easily avoid the hustle and bustle of the malls and find your new jacket in
just the color you've been looking for. You are now ready with credit card
in hand. You quickly and excitedly place your order, dreaming of how good
you'll look. Then your ordering info zips off into the internet and, you
think, into the waiting arms of your favorite store. But little do you know
that some unsavory types have been "watching" your activity on the net,
so to speak, and have cleverly intercepted your order. Now they go off on a
shopping trip of their own, with your credit card. Your fun little shopping
trip has now turned into a huge headache.
This may sound like a paid endorsement from some shopping mall
trying to get it's customers to stay loyal, but it is a plausible situation in
today's internet. More than this, it is a constant worry for people, which
has caused the online shopping craze to be no craze at all. How can one
protect ones self from the likes of hackers all around the world waiting to
take possession of your valuable data? The answer may be almost
transparent before we know it. With the introduction of authentication
and encryption techniques into the next generation internet protocol,
known as IPv6, the security of information sent over the internet will be
assured.
While our on-line shopping scenario may be enough to get your every
day consumer huffed up, it would seem that scare tactics would have
little affect on altering the protocols of the largest network ever
assembled. The reason behind the change is the striking number of
security incidents being reported in the industry. According to the annual
report of the Computer Emergency Response Team(CERT), there were
nearly 2500 reported security incidents, affecting over 12,000 sites.
These attacks include IP spoofing, in which systems are tricked into
allowing access, and packet sniffing, where the information being sent is
intercepted and stolen. If the corporations of the 21st century are to
move more of their business into the internet community, they need to be
assured that this business can be conducted in a safe environment.
Without the security to back it up, the internet will pass into the annals
of history, never to be heard from.
Up till now, we have talked about the dark side of internet security,
and how it is a necessity. So what is being done about it? What are the
measures being included in the new internet protocol that will help
protect the information sent across it? There are two main techniques
that will be employed. The first is transport mode, and the second is
tunnel mode. Transport mode is the most common situation for security.
It requires that both systems sending and receiving be fully compliant
with the new standard. It would encrypt the information being sent so
that only the receiving system would be able to identify the message.
This would stop sniffers from gaining access to valuable information
stored within these packets. The only draw back off this type of system
is that the destination of the packet remains unencrypted, so that
information could still be stolen and used illicitly. If I new from who and
to whom information was going, many things could be learned about the
sender and receiver. If a company and a brokerage firm were sending large
amounts of email to each other, it could be the signs of a large business
deal. The second type of security measure, known as tunnel mode, would
address this situation. Instead of encrypting only the information, it
would encrypt the entire packet of information, including the destination
address. Another address of the firewall of the system the message is
traveling to, or another intermediate point, would be contained within this
new address. When the packet had reached this point, the original address
would be decrypted and the information would finnish it's journey. This
would ensure that not only was the information being sent secure, but so
was the destination of that information.
In addition to these techniques, authentication techniques would be
used for the transfer of information. This refers to a kind of signal that
the receiving system would require of the information before it would be
accepted. This would further reduce security risks by ensuring that only
the information intended for the system would gain access.
In the future, the internet will play an important role in the daily
business of nearly everyone. The transfer of information will become the
single most important activity in which a business participates. The need
for top notch security in this situation becomes apparent. Without this
security, what will become of our global networks? Also, as individuals,
we want to be sure that we too can freely and safely exchange
information. We need this kind of solid security just to be able to lives
our lives in the information age.