There is a reason why Artificial Intelligence is so widely spread out and one of the main components of any intelligent work as a part of complex system. “Artificial Intelligence is a branch of Science which deals with helping machines find solutions to complex problems in a more human-like fashion” (1) One of the simplest examples of AI is our personal calculator, of course calculator size and options changed and are continue to change and improve all the time. This simply includes borrowing some curtain characteristic from humans such as numbers, letters of actions and applying the same in a computer friendly way. The importance of information that is being used can vary from its users to its developers. Depending on what is the purpose of the product or result that has to produced curtain AI may be applied. AI is generally associated with Computer science but it also can find important function in any other science such as mathematics, biology, chemistry and many more. AI is a part of our daily lives, movies and books have been written about this call it phenomenon all in order to explain it or rather understand it. In my opinion no matter how hard we try to humanize AI there will always be a difference between us and computers.
“AI Research creating a new form of life” (2) The potential applications of AI are endless. They stretch from military and its use on smart weapons to entertainment industry, which is my favorite through video games, all the way to more serious type of business such as banks and our insurance information. This AI stores, maintain and delivers information that we need. In military lost of human life is unacceptable and extremely costly, that is why computers or human guided weapons try to replace the human for much cheaper price and sometime with better results. Video games have come so far that they can actually present somehow simulation of real life, and again potential application here are endless. It will be almost impossible for all our financial information is stored on paper form which security would be seriously put in risk. “When it comes to making complex judgment calls, computers can’t replace people” (3) and this is the fact, but AI can be trained to some extent to think as humans do. Of course this will have to be some very basic human action but there will always be a fine dividing line between humans and AI. “Two of the most important and most used branches of AI are neural networks and expert systems” (3) The expert system usually is used to solve a real world problems using human knowledge and following reasoning human skills. But on the other hand, neural networks represent a series of diagrams and lines creating an extremely complex network. Basically the way I understood is that the most important application of some neural network is the ability to recognize some pattern which works similarly as human’s brain.
The bottom line is that AI is here to help us accomplish curtain goals for shorter time and so some parts of process of creating curtain cervices of products, but NOT to to make highly complex decisions because in computer word everything is black and white. People in real life know true meaning of so called “grey zone”.
.
http://ai-depot.com/Intro.html (1)
http://www.a-i.com/ (2)
http://interests.caes.uga.edu/eai/ai.html (3)
Jul 30, 2011
Jul 28, 2011
Decision Support System (DSS)
Decision Support System (DSS)
“Information Systems researchers and technologists have built and investigated Decision Support Systems (DSS) for approximately 40 years” (1). All this became possible with development of various types of computers. The study of decision support systems is an applied discipline that uses combine knowledge and understanding for other theory based discipline and because of that DSS is very important for the people who use DSS for accomplishing number of tasks. From this analysis we can see that much of the DSS general knowledge presents a base for creating more effective DSS” (1).
“Making decisions concerning complex systems often strains our cognitive capabilities “(2). Even though actions of an individual may be easily predictable and well manageable, the system reaction on some other call them external policies that may affect the same system are frequently hard to calculate. It is widely known that human beings often may misjudge and make a wrong decision based on some objective or emotional decisions which consequences may be very costly. That is why system such as DSS which includes variety of different techniques from artificial intelligence to information science has been incorporated in such system all for better results.
The core definition of DSS is very hard to explain and narrow it down because of it widely spread usage. It definition is purely based on it users and what definition it can give us as some generally accepted definition.” According to some researches DSS is often called as knowledge-based system” (2). Which is basically collected and compacted knowledge all in order to combine all parameters, planning, business options and logistic into one system. This system is created all in order to create some support for so called mechanized reasoning of the system itself.
“Typical application areas of DSS are management and planning in business, health care, the military, and any area in which management will encounter complex decision situations” (2). It is hard to talk about DSS and not to mention military and its usage. Commanding and controlling military units is costly but very useful system given the fact that in many cases supports human intelligence with computer system-brain.
“To survive and thrive in this complex and rapidly evolving world, organizations must make an effective transition into the digital age and develop the capability to deploy ICT technologies effectively rather than be overwhelmed” (3). Today world is fast mowing and rapidly evolving computer aided world. The key concept is to try to keep up with new technology and extremely complex systems around us. The Decision Support Systems, DSS can help countries organize improve and put together effectively plan into the global and world economy, and by doing that insures the bright future for new less developed country. “The USA has provided online access to health content in Afghanistan through the availability of electronic health information through usage of cellular phones for general public” (4). This is yet another example of how new and advance technology can be incorporated with existing system all in order to benefit for the majority of the nation through providing necessary means for basic health in remote locations where grid system doesn’t exist.
http://dssresources.com/history/dsshistory.html (1)
http://www.pitt.edu/~druzdzel/psfiles/dss.pdf (2)
http://www.metatempo.com/ (3)
http://www.who.int/goe/data/country_report/afg.pdf (4)
“Information Systems researchers and technologists have built and investigated Decision Support Systems (DSS) for approximately 40 years” (1). All this became possible with development of various types of computers. The study of decision support systems is an applied discipline that uses combine knowledge and understanding for other theory based discipline and because of that DSS is very important for the people who use DSS for accomplishing number of tasks. From this analysis we can see that much of the DSS general knowledge presents a base for creating more effective DSS” (1).
“Making decisions concerning complex systems often strains our cognitive capabilities “(2). Even though actions of an individual may be easily predictable and well manageable, the system reaction on some other call them external policies that may affect the same system are frequently hard to calculate. It is widely known that human beings often may misjudge and make a wrong decision based on some objective or emotional decisions which consequences may be very costly. That is why system such as DSS which includes variety of different techniques from artificial intelligence to information science has been incorporated in such system all for better results.
The core definition of DSS is very hard to explain and narrow it down because of it widely spread usage. It definition is purely based on it users and what definition it can give us as some generally accepted definition.” According to some researches DSS is often called as knowledge-based system” (2). Which is basically collected and compacted knowledge all in order to combine all parameters, planning, business options and logistic into one system. This system is created all in order to create some support for so called mechanized reasoning of the system itself.
“Typical application areas of DSS are management and planning in business, health care, the military, and any area in which management will encounter complex decision situations” (2). It is hard to talk about DSS and not to mention military and its usage. Commanding and controlling military units is costly but very useful system given the fact that in many cases supports human intelligence with computer system-brain.
“To survive and thrive in this complex and rapidly evolving world, organizations must make an effective transition into the digital age and develop the capability to deploy ICT technologies effectively rather than be overwhelmed” (3). Today world is fast mowing and rapidly evolving computer aided world. The key concept is to try to keep up with new technology and extremely complex systems around us. The Decision Support Systems, DSS can help countries organize improve and put together effectively plan into the global and world economy, and by doing that insures the bright future for new less developed country. “The USA has provided online access to health content in Afghanistan through the availability of electronic health information through usage of cellular phones for general public” (4). This is yet another example of how new and advance technology can be incorporated with existing system all in order to benefit for the majority of the nation through providing necessary means for basic health in remote locations where grid system doesn’t exist.
http://dssresources.com/history/dsshistory.html (1)
http://www.pitt.edu/~druzdzel/psfiles/dss.pdf (2)
http://www.metatempo.com/ (3)
http://www.who.int/goe/data/country_report/afg.pdf (4)
Jul 25, 2011
WEB 2.0 (SOCIAL AND COLLABORATIVE NATURE)
WEB 2.0 (SOCIAL AND COLLABORATIVE NATURE)
Web 2.0 is the enhanced version of a web portal. It is used for creating, collaborating, editing, and sharing of an online content. Connection is the main theme in Web 2.0, it can be between software’s, hardware’s, people and events. Now we leave in time when World Wide Web (“WWW”) is so influential and accessible to all which is why Web 2.0 is so impressive and important. It is often described as a “two way web, blogs, wikis, videos, podcasts, sharing, social networks, and 2d portals”(1). One of the key aspects of Web 2.0 is its social and collaborative nature. “The social web consists of a number of online tools and platforms where users are able to share their perspectives, opinions, thoughts and experiences”(2). It also allows users to generate their own online content which means that we are also able to participate and have direct interaction with the various Web 2.0 technologies. For example, users are able to produce their own content and publish through websites, blogs, and wikis. It is very much similar to what we do in this online course. These Web 2.0 applications offer endless possibilities for both end-users and participants, thus it is no surprise that we’re starting to see Web 2.0 across many businesses and academia.
Web 2.0 is not something new as book tends to portrait it, but is definitively something that is increasingly developing along with technology increase, especially in the field of education. Web 2.0 offers great possibilities in a way that it can lead to a more successful teaching and learning. There are so many different applications of Web 2.0 which teachers can incorporate into their instruction to help students learn. They are also able to better meet the needs of individual learners by providing them with “a collaborative, problem-based, experiential learning”(3). These various Web 2.0 technologies also allow students to be more involved in their learning. They are no longer just passive recipients of information, instead they are able to take ownership of their learning by taking what’s given to them and taking to a whole another level. This process in to give more freedom to students and bring them more into active learning but also allows us to teach other students as well. Professors on the other hand are here to teach but each session, course of semester is new experience for them as well. Through Web 2.0 applications learning process is ongoing and limitless, which leaves always some extra room for improvement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0 (1)
http://hightechpost.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-generations-10-20-and-30.html (2)
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2009/04/15/why-web-2.0-is-important-to-higher-education.aspx (3)
Web 2.0 is the enhanced version of a web portal. It is used for creating, collaborating, editing, and sharing of an online content. Connection is the main theme in Web 2.0, it can be between software’s, hardware’s, people and events. Now we leave in time when World Wide Web (“WWW”) is so influential and accessible to all which is why Web 2.0 is so impressive and important. It is often described as a “two way web, blogs, wikis, videos, podcasts, sharing, social networks, and 2d portals”(1). One of the key aspects of Web 2.0 is its social and collaborative nature. “The social web consists of a number of online tools and platforms where users are able to share their perspectives, opinions, thoughts and experiences”(2). It also allows users to generate their own online content which means that we are also able to participate and have direct interaction with the various Web 2.0 technologies. For example, users are able to produce their own content and publish through websites, blogs, and wikis. It is very much similar to what we do in this online course. These Web 2.0 applications offer endless possibilities for both end-users and participants, thus it is no surprise that we’re starting to see Web 2.0 across many businesses and academia.
Web 2.0 is not something new as book tends to portrait it, but is definitively something that is increasingly developing along with technology increase, especially in the field of education. Web 2.0 offers great possibilities in a way that it can lead to a more successful teaching and learning. There are so many different applications of Web 2.0 which teachers can incorporate into their instruction to help students learn. They are also able to better meet the needs of individual learners by providing them with “a collaborative, problem-based, experiential learning”(3). These various Web 2.0 technologies also allow students to be more involved in their learning. They are no longer just passive recipients of information, instead they are able to take ownership of their learning by taking what’s given to them and taking to a whole another level. This process in to give more freedom to students and bring them more into active learning but also allows us to teach other students as well. Professors on the other hand are here to teach but each session, course of semester is new experience for them as well. Through Web 2.0 applications learning process is ongoing and limitless, which leaves always some extra room for improvement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0 (1)
http://hightechpost.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-generations-10-20-and-30.html (2)
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2009/04/15/why-web-2.0-is-important-to-higher-education.aspx (3)
Movies, Video, and Television
Movies, Video, and Television
The technology is ever-changing and the progress of new technology is so fast that most of us cannot afford to keep up with the technology. What was once considered to be top of the line technology is not anymore. As some of the examples regarding TV that are described below.
“The actual discovery of television took place when George Carey of Boston first suggested sending every component of a picture over multiple circuits in 1875. While others like, W.E. Sawyer proposed transmission of images over a single wire or channel by rapidly scanning picture elements in succession. Several visionary inventors were the first to conceive the thought of television, but it wasn’t until 1927 that Television as we know it today was produced”(1).
The increasing attraction for TV in late 18th and beginning of early 19th century was painted with TV expansion. It started first black and white and slowly moved to color TV all the way to improving the quality of television.
The first steps were through rapid movement of the picture without any tone or commonly known as black and white picture. “Not long after, the Lumiere brothers created a device they called the Cinematograph, which effectively functioned as camera, a projector and printer all in one” (1). With new technology and discoveries the picture was involving slowly adding more tone, color and later special effects to motion picture.
“At the beginning the TV screen was only one square inch” (2). (An incredible change from 72” screens and high definition television sets we see today) “By 1932, the inventor’s iconoscope was able to imitate the ways that human eyes view images for television broadcast. Later, after joining the Radio Corporation of America, Zworykin also developed designs for color television, but in his later years, television’s trivialization of everyday life disturbed the inventor, who favored using television as a cultural enrichment and learning” (2). Total number of TV sets has been rapidly increasing since the beginning of the TV time, especially in some highly developed countries such as USA for exam ample. Television together including music and movies has been getting a totally new meaning in terms of entertainment. Even though we still tend to use television for some sorts of entertainment, television is mostly educational for of entertainment. Starting form small YouTube videos through history and science channels all the way to breaking news; Television has gain an enormous influence over majority of people, hence that is why many people are using exactly the same television sources to manipulate the people. Television is in my opinion single most powerful force along with internet nowadays. “We all know how important television is in our lives, so we all need to thank Vladimir Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth for starting the invention of television. Zworykin decided to work for David Sarnoff and RCA, while Farnsworth ended up with Philco. It was the beginning of a new era. The Growth of Television begins” (3). Cable TV is one of the most important part of TV for most of the people in USA. The variety TV is enormous and addictive that some people simply cannot leave without TV in their house.
Today’s television is progressing faster than ever before, we have better quality, hi resolution, blue ray DVD’s, 3D movies all in purpose of making the TV the most real thing. Another personally favorite aspect of television is plasma monitor. It can be placed as your desk-top screen or your TV screen. Plasma has almost all same characteristics as HDTV except it has some extra advantages over HDTV. Color of the picture that we can see is (hand down) absolutely the best color ever. “A high-end plasma monitor has the capability to display 16.77 million different shades of color, which translates into superior color” (4). I have feeling that by the time I finish working on this paper something new will come up in line of LED, LCD or OLED screen.
The main point or this research is not to find out which technology is better and more usable the TV produced in 18th century of Plasma TV produced nowadays. Technology is here to improve our lives and make information, entertainment more available to general public. Technology has been changing and it is changing and that is called technology.
(1) http://www.holonet.khm.de/visual_alchemy/lumiere.html
(2) http://home.bsu.edu/~cacarnahan/timeline.html
(3) http://home.bsu.edu/~cacarnahan/timeline.html
(4) http://homepages.wmich.edu/~r7clark/plasma.htm
The technology is ever-changing and the progress of new technology is so fast that most of us cannot afford to keep up with the technology. What was once considered to be top of the line technology is not anymore. As some of the examples regarding TV that are described below.
“The actual discovery of television took place when George Carey of Boston first suggested sending every component of a picture over multiple circuits in 1875. While others like, W.E. Sawyer proposed transmission of images over a single wire or channel by rapidly scanning picture elements in succession. Several visionary inventors were the first to conceive the thought of television, but it wasn’t until 1927 that Television as we know it today was produced”(1).
The increasing attraction for TV in late 18th and beginning of early 19th century was painted with TV expansion. It started first black and white and slowly moved to color TV all the way to improving the quality of television.
The first steps were through rapid movement of the picture without any tone or commonly known as black and white picture. “Not long after, the Lumiere brothers created a device they called the Cinematograph, which effectively functioned as camera, a projector and printer all in one” (1). With new technology and discoveries the picture was involving slowly adding more tone, color and later special effects to motion picture.
“At the beginning the TV screen was only one square inch” (2). (An incredible change from 72” screens and high definition television sets we see today) “By 1932, the inventor’s iconoscope was able to imitate the ways that human eyes view images for television broadcast. Later, after joining the Radio Corporation of America, Zworykin also developed designs for color television, but in his later years, television’s trivialization of everyday life disturbed the inventor, who favored using television as a cultural enrichment and learning” (2). Total number of TV sets has been rapidly increasing since the beginning of the TV time, especially in some highly developed countries such as USA for exam ample. Television together including music and movies has been getting a totally new meaning in terms of entertainment. Even though we still tend to use television for some sorts of entertainment, television is mostly educational for of entertainment. Starting form small YouTube videos through history and science channels all the way to breaking news; Television has gain an enormous influence over majority of people, hence that is why many people are using exactly the same television sources to manipulate the people. Television is in my opinion single most powerful force along with internet nowadays. “We all know how important television is in our lives, so we all need to thank Vladimir Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth for starting the invention of television. Zworykin decided to work for David Sarnoff and RCA, while Farnsworth ended up with Philco. It was the beginning of a new era. The Growth of Television begins” (3). Cable TV is one of the most important part of TV for most of the people in USA. The variety TV is enormous and addictive that some people simply cannot leave without TV in their house.
Today’s television is progressing faster than ever before, we have better quality, hi resolution, blue ray DVD’s, 3D movies all in purpose of making the TV the most real thing. Another personally favorite aspect of television is plasma monitor. It can be placed as your desk-top screen or your TV screen. Plasma has almost all same characteristics as HDTV except it has some extra advantages over HDTV. Color of the picture that we can see is (hand down) absolutely the best color ever. “A high-end plasma monitor has the capability to display 16.77 million different shades of color, which translates into superior color” (4). I have feeling that by the time I finish working on this paper something new will come up in line of LED, LCD or OLED screen.
The main point or this research is not to find out which technology is better and more usable the TV produced in 18th century of Plasma TV produced nowadays. Technology is here to improve our lives and make information, entertainment more available to general public. Technology has been changing and it is changing and that is called technology.
(1) http://www.holonet.khm.de/visual_alchemy/lumiere.html
(2) http://home.bsu.edu/~cacarnahan/timeline.html
(3) http://home.bsu.edu/~cacarnahan/timeline.html
(4) http://homepages.wmich.edu/~r7clark/plasma.htm
E-business
Electronic business, frequently referred as “e-business” is an internet business. E-business is also interchangeably referred as an ‘e-commerce”; however there are subtle differences between the two. “The first refers to any business that uses Internet technology to improve productivity and profitability. The later refers to buying and selling of goods on the internet; E-business is merely an extension of e-commerce to encompass all aspects of business that function online” (1). Now important thing to keep it on our mind is that E-businesses provide its consumers with distinct advantages. They have access to e-business information or transactions regardless of their physical location. Similarly, this provides e-business with an opportunity to reach more customers world wide. “E-business is a term used to describe businesses run on the Internet, or utilizing Internet technologies to improve the productivity or profitability of a business; in a more general sense, the term may be used to describe any form of electronic business” (3). This simply means that any business that uses commuter in one way or another via marketing or exploiting product is called E-business. The biggest underline here is that E-business mostly refers to internet business. E-businesses are also more likely to provide its customers with a more effective customer service. Many e-businesses have been offering instant help to customers through instant messages or online chat rooms. Consumers are now able to get their questions answered in a matter of minutes. This is certainly helping e-businesses strengthen the customer/business relationships.
While e-businesses have many benefits over brick and mortar stores, they are also faced with many challenges. In particular, Internet security poses significant threat to e-businesses. The internet provides great access to data, and more valuable data, but not only to legitimate users, but also to hackers, disgruntled employees, criminals, and corporate spies. Thus, e-businesses are faced with challenge of protecting sensitive data from some eyes and making it available to all others (2). Even though E-business increases its demand as the internet becomes more randomly available to developing countries so internet security increases as well. Speed is another important aspect in shopper’s decision making. Many times people will cancel its order if it takes too long. Some researches say that waiting longer than 8 seconds on-line to purchase the product will most likely end by canceling the order, but than again it all depends on the product itself as John Lovett senior performance analyst at Gomez Inc. stated "If it's something I can only get there and I've decided I need it, I'm going to wait as long as it takes" (4). This line explains why sometime we have long lines of people waiting not online but inline during some huge sales event.
Going back to internet security which brings the biggest increase in sale as well as biggest decrease in sale. The simple definition of Internet security is somewhat ability for any individual to browse the internet and having some form of privacy, including credit card information, personal address and phone number. Each form of E-business no matter how big or small has to have some form of internet protection. The most common form of protection is creating your personal account with protected with your personal password. Also each business is investing huge amounts of money just for this purpose. Selling and buying products is of course the most import aspect of E-business but security of these transactions is important as well.
1. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/definition-ecommerce-e-business-2255.html
2. http://www.cgisecurity.com/database/oracle/pdf/9iR2hisec.PDF
3. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ebusiness.htm
4. http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/21462.html
Electronic business, frequently referred as “e-business” is an internet business. E-business is also interchangeably referred as an ‘e-commerce”; however there are subtle differences between the two. “The first refers to any business that uses Internet technology to improve productivity and profitability. The later refers to buying and selling of goods on the internet; E-business is merely an extension of e-commerce to encompass all aspects of business that function online” (1). Now important thing to keep it on our mind is that E-businesses provide its consumers with distinct advantages. They have access to e-business information or transactions regardless of their physical location. Similarly, this provides e-business with an opportunity to reach more customers world wide. “E-business is a term used to describe businesses run on the Internet, or utilizing Internet technologies to improve the productivity or profitability of a business; in a more general sense, the term may be used to describe any form of electronic business” (3). This simply means that any business that uses commuter in one way or another via marketing or exploiting product is called E-business. The biggest underline here is that E-business mostly refers to internet business. E-businesses are also more likely to provide its customers with a more effective customer service. Many e-businesses have been offering instant help to customers through instant messages or online chat rooms. Consumers are now able to get their questions answered in a matter of minutes. This is certainly helping e-businesses strengthen the customer/business relationships.
While e-businesses have many benefits over brick and mortar stores, they are also faced with many challenges. In particular, Internet security poses significant threat to e-businesses. The internet provides great access to data, and more valuable data, but not only to legitimate users, but also to hackers, disgruntled employees, criminals, and corporate spies. Thus, e-businesses are faced with challenge of protecting sensitive data from some eyes and making it available to all others (2). Even though E-business increases its demand as the internet becomes more randomly available to developing countries so internet security increases as well. Speed is another important aspect in shopper’s decision making. Many times people will cancel its order if it takes too long. Some researches say that waiting longer than 8 seconds on-line to purchase the product will most likely end by canceling the order, but than again it all depends on the product itself as John Lovett senior performance analyst at Gomez Inc. stated "If it's something I can only get there and I've decided I need it, I'm going to wait as long as it takes" (4). This line explains why sometime we have long lines of people waiting not online but inline during some huge sales event.
Going back to internet security which brings the biggest increase in sale as well as biggest decrease in sale. The simple definition of Internet security is somewhat ability for any individual to browse the internet and having some form of privacy, including credit card information, personal address and phone number. Each form of E-business no matter how big or small has to have some form of internet protection. The most common form of protection is creating your personal account with protected with your personal password. Also each business is investing huge amounts of money just for this purpose. Selling and buying products is of course the most import aspect of E-business but security of these transactions is important as well.
1. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/definition-ecommerce-e-business-2255.html
2. http://www.cgisecurity.com/database/oracle/pdf/9iR2hisec.PDF
3. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ebusiness.htm
4. http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/21462.html
Jul 17, 2011
Database Product
Without data my work as a GIS technician would be impossible. All GIS data is collected form official NJDEP website. Depending on the job itself the data I may be interested, information may vary form simple xls files to geographical and geological layers (pre-established maps). To start with any project I will have to have layers to begin with and I am using ArcEditor to collect all my data. ArcEditor is the midlevel software suite designed for advanced editing of spatial data published in the proprietary ESRI format. It is part of the ArcGIS product and it provides tools for the creation of map and spatial data used in Geospatial Information Systems [1]. ArcEditor is a powerful GIS desktop system for editing and managing geographic data. It includes all the functionality of ArcView along with additional advanced editing tools to ensure the quality of your data. ArcEditor supports single-user and multiuser editing, allowing you to disconnect from the database and edit in the field. With ArcEditor [2]. Minimum number of layers has to be 3, representing the state, county and the city you are doing project for. With ArcEditor I can bring in information regarding specific layers that I am interested in, and can manipulate with the same data. This means I can delete, add, combine and create a whole new set of layers that can be used latter on for more advanced and complicated projects.
1. ArcEditor allows multiple users to simultaneously modify data, build and maintain spatial relationships between features using topology rules and processes called validation. It also performs raster-to-vector conversion and creates data from scanned maps [3].
2. ArcEditor support multiple workflows, manage work order processing and implements questions as well as procedures for validating and edits important for project. Also monitors the database over time and evaluate what-if scenarios if any changes occur [3].
3. It would be useful if our maps that we created can be available to the public, where people through NJDEP website can download our already completed maps and do some changes if they have to. It stead we all have to download general layers that I mention earlier and do it all over again from the beginning. For example, I know that my professor was working on some project to establish all monitoring wells in state of NJ, and if I did not know that I would have to complete entire process by myself just to get to that point where I can actually modify what he has done. But luckily, since I know him, he was kind enough to send me his work so it was much easier for me to modify some layers and get my final project.
[1]“ArcEditor.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 July 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcEditor>.
[2]Arceditor. (2009). ESRI Understanding or the World,1(1), 1-2.
[3] ArcGisr. (2010). ESRI,1(1), 3-4.
Jul 14, 2011
Hardware and Software
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is one of the parts of the computer that enables the data to circle between each of CPU. The speed at which information is traveling form one CPU to another can be upgraded through different types of memory.
A storage area network (SAN) is a term referring to the combination of computers, resources and networks from multiple administrative domains to reach a common goal. (Potter, July 2011) Grid computing Is rapidly increasing as we can see in some of leading companies such as Sun HP, Intel, IBM and Sun which are focused on advanced commercial use of global software.
Digital Camera is an input device used with PC to record and store images and video in digital form. (Stair, & Reynolds, 2012) It is able to theoretically put your ayes and ears to a specific site, and gets you better perspective.
Smartphone is a mobile device that is combining basic functions of mobile phone, camera, internet browsing device, and many other personal digital assistance device all in one. (Stair, & Reynolds, 2012) The future of Smartphone’s is number of mobile applications which will be able to serve us continuously without our active engagement such as collect data, analyze situations, and provide information in situ. ("Smartphones of the," 2011)
Touch-sensitive Screens is a pointing device that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching the screen. It can be used as input as well as output devices and these devices are widely used nowadays.
Davies, Anthony. (July 2010). Grid computing. (July 2010). Grid computing. WikiProject.
Stair, Ralph, & Reynolds, George. (2012). Hardware-software. Boston: Course Technology.
Smartphones of the Future. (2011). Next big future. MIT.
Potter, R. (July 2011). Touch-Sensitive Sreens. (July 2010). Touch-Sensitive Sreens. WikiProject.
Jul 11, 2011
Information System
In chapter 1 we were able to get deeper understanding of IS through input, processing, output and feedback. Interesting fact is that most of these main phases in IS are included in our daily life, and even though our interaction with customer services, we already were engaged in some steps of IS.
Each system is highly complex set of number of different components working together for comment good. Every system has its boundaries dividing it from its surroundings. In every system we have input that goes into the system and as a result we have output, which is the final product that we see and pay for it (Blackburn, 1986).
Every system is highly complex structure with one and only purpose and that is “what it does” (Staford, 2001). Even though nowadays every system must be somehow influenced by computers and the same computers are making our lives so much easier. Computers create one central system like internet for example, and in case if that perfect system fails we have so called “domino effect” and entire system will crash. That is why having only one central system is never good idea, but combination of many systems that relay and support each other is the way to go. That is why we have certain phases in any IS making it highly complex system.
My personally the most favorite system is mobile commerce and the benefits that the system brings. Speed, accuracy, knowledge and awareness are the most important aspects of any information, hence the system. Mobile commerce can occur anywhere and any time which creates more opportunity for small businesses to introduce themselves in the world market.
New technology is rapidly changing and the system of producing and using technology changes as well with lightning speed. Ability to catch up with this changes will secure you position in these systems and ability to function.
Blackburn, J.R. (1986). General system theory. 10, 1-4.
Beer, Stafford (2002). "What is cybernetics?". Kybernetes (MCB UP Ltd) 31 (2): 209–219. doi:10.1108/03684920210417283. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
Staford, Beer. (2001). The purpose of a system is what it does. 1.
Social Networking
It is amazing how fast social networks gain on its popularity. I don’t really agree that social networks may be used as an easy way to create business. Social networks are for the people to socialize not to use this network in order to crate some business. But than again facebook was created so people can communicate to each other and now it turned to some addiction among some people mainly young generations.
The fact is that facebook destroys around 80% of all marriages in USA. As every system out there it can’t be perfect and that is why we always have some types of reviews through customer services, or updates and so on all in order to improve the system. If any system is no matter how good, be misused the consequences may be catastrophic.
For people who somehow got separated form their family or friends, facebook it is the way to go. Without social network such as facebook, skype or tweeter, social networking between people who are fairly far away form each other will be impossible. That is why social network as only one of the systems that can be useful and addictive at the same time. As long as you as an individual are able to control your own system, then the system of social networking will not be able to control you.
The bottom line is that system is here so it can service you, but not the other way around.
Jul 7, 2011
Week 1. Task 2
"Choose any specific IS products sold on the market or developed in-house. Then describe its value for the coompany and describe what parts/processes constitute main systems components."
I am working for an environmental company as a Geographic Information System Technician (GIS), and at my job I am constantly exposed to use of new and updated software. My company doesn’t own this software but New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) does. This is fairly large transaction processing system from which all GIS technicians gather their data. This data can be anywhere from simple numbers of random household and its owners to the most accurate position of contaminants in the soil at any given moment. It all depends if I have to create a map representing geological or geographical content of the soil.
This information has to be verifiable, accurate and complete in order for me to produce secure maps representing a safe environment in which constriction workers may complete their work. The program that I use is called ArcMap 9.3.1 which enables me to download the data from NJDEP website, and Auto Computer Aided Design (CAD).
CAD is used by architects, drafters, engineers, and artists to create plans and construction drawings. This program is very useful when I have to create diagrams in 2D or 3D dimension, representing the entire supporting structure for some house or above ground objects. Before people had to draw diagrams on the flat paper which created more room for mistake and would take extra time if mistake had to be corrected. Nowadays this extremely precise program allows me to create entire diagram in matter of days. Before computers drawings and blueprints were created by hand, which is long and less accurate process than now. CAD is more efficient because the software records lines as vectors based on mathematical equations, which are very precise. Some parts of a drawing can be twisted, stretched, or moved which would otherwise be impossible without this program. The picture as a whole will automatically adjust, which makes more room form human error but at the same time program will correct that mistake instantly.
On the other side ArcMap program is specific because it uses already prepared data from the software and enables you to use that data and manipulate with it so you can create something new. You can think about this as DJ using some song to create new ones. GIS uses hardware, software, and other data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographical and geological information.
GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts, which are very useful for simplifying complex data so common people can easily understand the importance of the possible contamination treat, or on other hand benefits that their households may have. A GIS helps me answer questions and solve problems by looking at my data in a way that is easy to understand. GIS technology can be included into any enterprise information system framework.
Collecting the date through using the ArcMap is a classical example of Input where raw data is almost useless on its own, but once captured and processed has a whole new meaning which is somewhat definition of Processing of the data itself. Once a map or a diagram are crated and submitted to project manager or civil engineer for review the process of feedback starts. Then the map can go back because of the incorrect data or the error that happen somewhere in processing the data in the first place.
The combination of these software and programs enabled me and my company to create more accurate maps and reports for much shorter time. The fun part about all this is that all software are being updated constantly based on customer (GIS and CAD technicians) reviews. Without this software and programs creating highly complicated diagrams with minimal errors on the blueprint would be almost impossible.
Blog Title
Blog will include a number of posts. The title of the blog that you have now can be the title of the post re W1T2 but the whole blog should have your full name in the title so other students and I will know who is posting work.
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