IT100 Final Comments

I did not initially believe that I needed to take this course as I consider myself pretty tech savvy; however, this class introduced me to Microsoft Access, which I had never used before and I learned some new things about Excel, such as absolute addressing, which can be a very useful tool. I enjoyed the hybrid style of this class because I am able to manage my time well and complete assignments in a timely fashion. I wish more classes adopted the hybrid model. I also enjoyed learning about security becuase I realized just how vulnerable we are as computer users due to breadth and depth of attacks and attackers. I think we could have spent a little less time on Word because I think most people have a lot of experience with it already. I think all students should still be required to take a standard technology course regardless of their major because as technology is continually changing it is important for us to keep up with the changes and advancements.

CourseCast 43: Blocking YouTube, Open Internet, Botnets, and MySpace vs. iTunes Commentary

This post will be a commentary about the course cast entitled "Olympic Committe Asks China for Open Internet." This course cast focused on the controversy surrounding the Olympic Games in Beijing, China this summer due to the unrest in Tibet. As a result of the unrest in Tibet many people are demanding a boycott of the Olympic Games and Steven Spielberg has already stepped down as artistic advisor for the Olympics to protest China's support of the crisis in Darfur. Another central issue in this course cast was the International Olympic Committee's message to the Olympic organizers asking that the Internet and other communications channels be open and uncensored for International visitors during the games. The Olympic committee is concerned that China may limit communications for Olympic visitors as it is trying to control information to its population. However, due to riots in Tibet, China has upheld its practice of blocking Internet access to foreign news Web sites and blogs.


Even though China is a communist state, I do not believe their government should cut off and/or censor communications channels for the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games are a global event to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of many athletes from around the world and China should not cut off communications from the world for this wonderful event because it is a communist state that wishes to isolate itself from the rest of the world. I am a big proponent of athletics and the Olympic Games and I do not believe athletes should protest the Olympics as a result of the atrocities and unrest in Tibet. The athletes should still compete and showcase their talents for the world.

Blog Comments

I commented on Erica B and Casey E's blogs we all seemed to have similar comments about the level of challenge and effectiveness of the activity.

Live Search

After about 5 or 6 minutes of searching I was successful in the Soccer Live Search. The keywords I used were International football results ( because soccer is also called football in European countries). The web page is http://www.rdasilva.demon.co.uk/football.html

Keyword Challenges

I completed the Great Wall Keyword Challenge and the Hollywood Challenge. I completed the Hollywood Challenge first and I thought it was a little difficult to think this way because we normally do not but after a little practice I got used to it. The first time I scored 75% and the second time I scored 95%.

Phishing Game Aims to Teach Online Safety Article

This post will be a short commentary about an article I read entitled "Phishing Game Aims to Teach Online Safety." Anti-Phishing Phil is a practical and effective method to raise awareness of phishing, which compromises a computer user's security. Phishing is a very wide spread problem with far-reaching implications for those affected by it. The purpose of the Anti-Phishing Phil game is to promote safe Web surfing.


After playing the Anti-Phishing Phil game I believe it is effective because before the game started it offered very valuable advice, like looking at the address bar to determine if the Web site is legitimate. I also liked how in between the rounds the game offered various anti-phishing tips. The message of the game was to be cognizant of which Web sites are legitimate and avoid sites that you may think are scams.

Phishing Game Aims to Teach Online Safety Article

This post will be a short commentary about an article I read entitled "Phishing Game Aims to Teach Online Safety." Anti-Phishing Phil is a practical and effective method to raise awareness of phishing, which compromises a computer user's security. Phishing is a very wide spread problem with far-reaching implications for those affected by it. The purpose of the Anti-Phishing Phil game is to promote safe Web surfing.

After playing the Anti-Phishing Phil game I believe it is effective because before the game started it offered very valuable advice, like looking at the address bar to determine if the Web site is legitimate. I also liked how in between the rounds the game offered various anti-phishing tips. The message of the game was to be cognizant of which Web sites are legitimate and avoid sites that you may think are scams.

Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report

This post will be a short commentary about Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report. I was impressed with the very detailed and comprehensive level of data that Symantec was able to collect about threats, such as the origin of the attacks and the location of phishing Web sites. I did not know that the threats were so widespread and such a serious problem. I would tell a less tech-aware person that the threats are very widespread and not exclusive to the United States, even though we have the greatest percentage of phishing Web sites and are the top country of origin of attack according to Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report.

Video Pirating Article

This entry is a short commentary about the article "Nabbing Video Pirates: Who Needs Google"? I have used You Tube a few times to view some music videos; however, I have not seen postings that may have been copyrighted. I don't think this issue is any different than that of downloading music. It's the same concept downloading copyrighted material illegally, but because so many people do nobody thinks twice about it.

Hi

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a great weekend. :)