Reading and Activity #5

            Privacy is something extremely important in my life. I do not like a lot of people knowing my business. If I did, I would share what I had to with the world probably through Facebook or some sort of social media. Keeping some things private does not only mean my business but also my personal privacy (people getting in my bubble, searching through my things, etc). I am extremely concerned with how our individual privacy rights are slowly being taken from us. The thing that scares me most is that we will not even know when this will happen. The government could be listening in on phone calls or following your every move whether on the Internet or physically. You hear all the time about large companies being hacked. This makes me wonder, if they can hack the system of large corporations as threats or attacks they can surely hack into my system and are probably not far from hacking private governmental documents.

            This article was a very interesting article to read because of the facts that are given truly surprised me. For instance how much control Facebook actually has through the Internet. It is a great social site to share your photos and what you are doing, but people need to think twice before posting their statuses. Posting something about where you are going can tip off burglars that you will not be home. Did you know Facebook gets a report every time you visit a site where there is a button to “like” Facebook, you do not even have to press the button. It is things like this that make me wonder, why does that even matter if we are not actually dealing with or through Facebook to access that site. The article makes sure you know how to protect yourself by thinking before you type a status and regularly check your exposure. See how your page looks to others.

            It is actually a nice feature to have this ability to see how your profile looks to the public so you know what to hide. Honestly the only reason I still have a Facebook is to put pictures up for family and likewise. I do not even remember the last time I posted a status about something on Facebook it usually through Twitter. Reading this article really opened my eyes to the power Facebook has. I will definitely try to spread the word to have people make SURE their profiles are private! 

News Report #5

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/business/single-incision-surgery-via-new-robotic-systems.html?ref=technology

When Robotic Surgery Leaves Just a Scratch

November 17, 2012

By: Anne Eisenberg

NY Times

            Once again scientists have found a way to improve technology to be able to perform abdominal surgeries leaving only one incision about the size of the keyhole. The machine has robotic arms and a camera that unfolds once inside the body to perform surgery. The doctor would be sitting behind a computer monitoring the arms and watching this video. This robot does have its positives and negatives. On the plus side it could lead to faster recovery, less scarring, and Dr. Hsieh, a urologist, somebody hopes to be able to do outpatient, scarless robotic surgery. Looking at the negatives cost is always the main obstacle. This machine costs $1.3 to $2.2 million and can run up your hospital bill like no other.

            This article caught my attention because I really do want to see how robots will slowly evolve into our everyday lives. We have had some incredible upgrades in technology dealing with medicine but I am not sure if I would rather have an actual surgeon perform or a robot. Even though the positives outweigh the negatives (for now) I personally could not think about having my open-heart surgery done by a robot. Some people with their crazy allergies could be allergic to the metal on the robot and not even know it! All in all, I am not too surprised scientists have come up with this robot but right now I do not like the idea of it. 

News Report #4

“How New Yorkers Adjusted to Sudden Smartphone Withdrawal”

By: Jenna Wortham, NY Times

11/3/2012

<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/how-new-yorkers-adjusted-to-sudden-smartphone-withdrawal/?ref=technology>

            Hurricane Sandy left a devastating impact on the upper East Coast leaving thousands of New Yorkers without electricity or heat, but the biggest concern they were facing was the loss of cell phone service. Many had little, if any, access to even landline connections to be able to access information about the storm and surround areas. If they did find out information, for instance if the water was safe to drink, there was no way to verify if this was true. Although this is minor, it made many people realize how dependent we are on smartphones. Since they did not have service they had to actually come up with systems on where and when to meet each other and actually stick with their word. Getting cell service back was bittersweet to some. A couple living in the West Village enjoyed cooking by flashlight and exploring their neighborhood.

            This was a very interesting article to read, learning how different people dealt with losing their cell phone connection. It really made me realize how dependent we have become on our smartphones. It is a quick and easy way to pass on information and to get in contact with relatives on the other side of the country to let them know you are safe. But I almost think we have become TOO dependent on our smartphones. According to the article, Mr. Juh also admitted to mixed feelings. “It’s strange, how in the end you feel like a prisoner to your device,” he said. “It’s the one thing you wanted to work, more than anything.” If I was in that position, I would be concerned about getting my phone back on, but more importantly I would be concerned about finding shelter, food, and water. Eventually the power will come back on and people will find ways of spreading the word without the use of cell phones. We have done it in the past have we not? 

Reading and Activity #4

            When starting my research paper I do typically go to Google and search the key words of my thesis. After I have skimmed over a few webpages getting a sense of what my topic will be about, I do the same thing with the databases with Randall. I am guilty of “super-sizing it” when it comes to research. I do not really have experience with finding books so I would have to use a librarian for some help. On the other hand, the computers I am more familiar with because of research from high school and librarians coming to classes.

            When writing a research paper, everybody knows the beginning steps are the most overwhelming. Where do you even start? Google is becoming, if it has not already, the almighty search engine even for research papers. James Morris, Dean of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, coined the term “infobesity” which is a way of describing googling research. The challenge is moving from infobesity to infodieting and the trick is to make databases look as user-friendly as Google. ProQuest and RedLightGreen released new interfaces making it easier for students to use. Research may involve hard work, but that is one of the challenges you inevitably will face in college. When it comes to evaluating information I have found I am with the 2/3 that look to their family and friends when in need of advice on how to evaluate. It is important to use every resource around you as possible. 

News Report #3

“Attacks on 6 Banks Frustrate Customers”

By: Nicole Perlroth

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/01/business/cyberattacks-on-6-american-banks-frustrate-customers.html?ref=technology           

          Six major American banks were attacked last week causing Internet black outs and customers could not access their online bank accounts. This group of hackers claims to have Middle Eastern ties, mainly coming from Iran. These banks consisted of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citi Group, US Bank, PNC, and even NASDAQ along with the New York Stock Exchange. What they did was bombard the website with so much traffic until it eventually shut down. These attacks were not affecting the company network, only making the users/customers extremely upset because they did not know what was going on and were not getting any explanation from the banks. This group could not shut down Internet access with so much traffic without some help from a group with money like a nation. America blamed Iran’s government for aiding them in this attack but they denied any involvement. Even if the attacks were not helped, the government would have to know because they monitor their networks extensively. This group said they plan to attack daily until the anti-Muslim video mocking Muhammad is taken off the Internet.

           

            Internet hacking is becoming more and more of a problem seeing as how this is not the first time I have become aware of a hacking recently; it is really started to make me unnerved. After I kept reading, I was a little relieved to see this hack did not affect the companies network, but I will not be surprised if one day our networks will completely shut down. Where would all of our money go? If people can hack into networks all the way across the world, imagine what computer technicians will be able to do in years to come. It could be hacking or even building software to prevent anybody from hacking into your network. This anti-Muslim video has obviously upset the people of Iran due to the fact they killed an American ambassador over it and are now attacking our Internet and banks. After reading this it does make me nervous to keep my bank accounts online because with technology these days, you really never know when your money can be taken right out from under you and you cannot do anything about it. 

Reading & Activity #3

            The first renovation I would do to Randall Library is build three stories. The first level would have a Starbucks, Juice Shop, and Cinnabon. There would also be classrooms located on this level as well as some collection of books and movies. There would be conference rooms located on this level as well as balconies (on all levels). The second floor would consist of the main book collection, computer labs, a TV area where students can only view movies from the library, and group study rooms. These study rooms would all be enclosed as well. The third floor would be the quiet study area. There would be many desks, couches, comfy chairs, etc. This library would be open 24/7 with librarians on duty as they are now. There will be gardens and outside seating on the first level. My library would be quite modern. After 10:00 each night, there will be free coffee located on each level for students to drink, funded by the school of course.       

            As the scholarly communication crisis is increasing, libraries are starting to drop some journals from their databases due to their extensive price. When you think about it, how many students actually come to the library to look for a book? I know I have been at UNCW three years now and have yet to come check out a book. Drexel University has a great idea in building a Library Learning Center out of an old breezeway. This is prime location because it is in the center of student activity. Even though it is bookless, it is a great place to gather for studying and students still have access to digital resources. Although there will not always be a librarian on duty, professors will be able to meet with groups of students here!

            Librarians love being where the students are, even if that means places like the Library Commons because they enjoy helping students learn. Not only do they help students, they are constantly learning themselves from questions about research topics, where to find certain information, or even more efficient ways in how to maneuver through computers. I could never be a librarian because I have little to no patience. Personally I do not enjoy searching through databases and having to explain the process repeatedly to students. That is why we should honor our librarians who have been through a large amount of schooling. I am sure without librarians, some of us would not know how to search in a database or maybe even use the resources available to you in your library. 

News Report #2

Despite A Slowdown, Smartphone Advances Are Still Ahead

By: Nick Wingfield; NY Times Technology Section

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/17/technology/despite-a-slowdown-smartphone-advances-are-still-ahead.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&ref=technology.

            Smartphones are the big thing right now and it is incredible how much we spend on these smartphones for their features. The release of the Iphone in 2007 was a great leap for smartphones and they have only improved from there. Iphone 5 was introduced last week which is showing the public how apple is slowly incrementing change into their devices. Although these are incremental, they can lead up to big advances in the future smartphone. As David Yoffie, a professor at Harvard Business School said, “Five years of incremental change can be very substantial change five years later.” For example, there is longer battery life, bigger screens, better software, etc. Apple is eventually planning on coming out with a fuel powered battery which is intended to last for weeks. Siri is only improving as the updates are improving allowing for better knowledge of everything.

            Android/Google mobile have made updates by coming out with wireless payment through your cellphone. This concept has been slow to take off because not many stores have accepted this yet. Apple has a similar product called Passbook which stores electronic versions of your store payment. Even more advanced, Google is planning on realeasing a product where there will be a screen in front of your eyes. There will be some time before this product is sold on the mass market but this “augmented reality” is a great breakthrough for technology.

            This article really grabbed my attention because I recently have an update for a new phone and have been reading up on the Iphone 5. Needless to say I am definitely going to get this phone and am quite excited to see the changes. Yes they have not made many changes, but the changes they have made are substantial. There is always competition who is going to have the best feature on their smartphone and I think Google is coming along if this augmented reality follows through. Like it said in the article, imagine seeing old ruins of a monument and then seeing it before the it was ruined through your pair of glasses connected to your smartphone. That is incredible to me, but I do think this will be very distracting to the user.