CEP810: PC Maintenance & Security

In this week’s lab activity, we went through online tutorials and chose topics on PC Maintenance and Security that are least familiar to us.   I went through most of the tutorials and yes, I still went through a familiar topic “Clean Up and Speed Up Your PC”.  I may have been doing my regular pc maintenance and software/hardware updates, but I still want to make sure I am not missing out on any topic, especially on speeding up my pc.  I always uninstall and remove unnecessary start-up files from the hard disk when I buy new computers, but I never use “msconfig” utility.  Also, the website on startup programs and executable listing is a good site to find out which program should I include in my selective startup settings.  Great tip that is worth sharing with others! 

 
Another bit of information that is worth sharing is the tutorial on Windows’ Universal Plug n’ Play (UPnP).  This is different from the “plug n’ play” that we use for most external devices like USB drives.  UPnP is a Windows service that basically turns a home computer into an open Internet server.  It surprises me that the FBI strongly recommends home users to disable this window service for protection.  Atomic Learning showed us a link where we can download a simple utility called UPnP. Once downloaded, this utility will toggle on and off the switch to disable and enable the service in home computers. 

Speaking of protecting our family online, my ten-year old daughter wanted to have her own email account on her iPod.  After some online researches, I found ZillaMail.  It is a web-based email system that is safe for children.  It is spam free and parent password-protected email.  She gets her own email account that can be accessed by any web browser and even in her iPod.  It fully complies with the federal COPPA law (Children Online Privacy Protection Act).  I can control and monitor who is in her mail list (buddy list).  The iPod has security settings for kids too.  Do not forget to disable the YouTube and Safari– young kids are not ready for these apps yet, download a kid-friendly web browser called Mobicip. 

Owning a computer also means owning the responsibility for managing and maintaining the computer’s performance and security.   It does not mean that we need to be technology gurus in order to keep our computers up-to-date.  Honestly, today’s computers are easy to setup that even a caveman can do it.  When problems do occur, there are numerous online resources available including specific forums, videos, techie blogs, and help sections on software/hardware company websites. 

The best advice is to be more proactive.  Practice safe web browsing and follow the weekly or monthly computer maintenance and updates.  Here is a sample of a computer health checklist. You can customize this list based on your needs and make it a routine.    Remember, a computer won’t BYTE if you know how to treat it right!

CEP810: Getting Things Done - A Life Skill!

Getting things done from Opentec on Vimeo.

When I heard the phrase “Getting Things Done”, two things came to mind:   organizational skill and time management rolled into one.  This process of getting things done is a challenge for everyone because of our fast-paced and busy schedule.  

At work and at home, I organize my everyday process by using several tools:

• electronic devices (laptop, ipod for fast access to information and updates)
• sticky notes, pen, and a highlighter (for important instructions, keywords, and deadlines)
• online tools and software for email, scheduling, bookmarking online resources (Have you noticed the widget found on the sidebar of this blog? It’s a homework countdown.  Since CEP810 google calendar is being shared and made public by our instructor, any homework updates she makes in the calendar is automatically linked to this widget as a reminder.)

As I go through any process for the first time, it can be overwhelming.  I usually wish I had a “panic” button to push for immediate help.  But I think the GTD stages will help me get things done.  How?  Through transfer of learning! The GTD strategy seems to be a simple concept but in reality it’s a difficult thing to do; but it is a skill that can be learned.  I consider it to be a life skill.  It can definitely be applied to any situation where being organized and managing time is very important.  I will continue to learn and use this process until it turns into a habit.  Wish me luck ;)

CEP810: A Web Page and a Blog ... what's the difference?

A web page is a document usually in html or in xhtml format.  A collection of related web pages is called a web site.  It is created to provide information about an individual, a company, a service or other areas that require more of a description rather than of an opinion.  A web log or blog is a collection of posts which is formatted as a series of entries with dates and titles.  It is frequently updated by an individual and may serve as a set of journal entries.  Usually, it allows readers to leave comments about the commentary, idea, or issue that has been posted.  Both a web page and a blog may include graphics, audio, video, and links to web sites and involve internet access.  So can a blog be a web page? Or can a web page be a blog? What do you think?