Week 14: Clear: Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks

The Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disk, also known as RAID, is used to combine two or more physical drives into a single unit that acts like a large hard disk. This allows for the hard disks to work together thus providing faster speeds. There are three main types of RAID organizations, these are RAID0, RAID1, and RAID5.

RAID0 is also called stripped disk. It's when the data is spread over numerous disks that dramatically improves speeds constantly. However, if one of the disks fail then the data on all of the disk is lost and the system crashes. This is better known as redundancy. In RAID0 there isn't any mirroring or any parity. It is best for people who have temporary data and want to access it quickly.

RAID1 is also known as mirroring. Basically its two or more drives that are exact copies of each other in a 1:1 ratio. If one of the drives fails the system will still perform just as fast and there isn't any data loss. The only step needed to be done is to "re-mirror" the data to the replacement drive.

RAID5 requires three or more drives that all the data is spread across except for one. The last drive is used for parity. Parity is when the drive adds up the data bits of the others and records the sum, if odd as a 1 and 0 if even. The benefits of RAID5 is it's fast speeds and reliability. If a drive fails then there is no data loss but the speed is reduced. The IT then must replace the failed drive and allow the system to reconstruct the data on the new disk before another failure occurs.


The Business Environment

RAID systems are used all over in the business world. In fact, nearly every big corporation uses one. The most common is the RAID5 because it is the most reliable. The odds of more than one disk failing at the same time is astronomical. In addition, RAID1 is used a lot more in smaller corporations because of the speeds it offers. It's also much more reliable than RAID0. RAID0 is mostly used in video editing and companies like that because their data is temporary and they don't care about it as much.

Related Article

This site tells about all the different types of RAID systems and how they are used. It is very short and gets to the point so it's a good learning tool. It also distinguishes between the types of each and what types of companies use them.

Week 13: Clear: Information Theft & Piracy

Information theft is when somebody steals another's personal information and uses it to their benefit. Some of the most common stolen information is financial data such as credit card numbers and passwords to accounts such as email and Ebay. This is a rising problem due to the capabilities of computers and their users. This information is most commonly stolen by viruses and hackers.

Software piracy is highly illegal and highly frowned upon. There are many laws that exist due to the abundance of software piracy. All software comes with a EULA that states somewhere in the document not to redistribute or copy without the approval from the creator. People who violate this are punished to the fullest extent of the law which is generally $250,000 and some jail time.

In order to avoid these things users must be very cautious. For instance, to protect yourself from information theft you want to install an anti-virus software and a firewall. This way hackers can't penetrate your system and steal your information. To be protected from piracy you can decide only to buy software from well respected sellers and avoid any website that is known for piracy. Basically, the only way to be protected of these things is to be smart about web surfing and using a computer.

The Business Environment

In the business world a company can get in huge trouble with software piracy and information theft. Specifically, a company can even get in trouble for getting it's own information stolen such as banks and lawyers. This can cause huge problems in the outside environment with this leaked information. I think the knowledge of software piracy and information theft is vital for companies because it could really hurt a company if they don't.

Related Link

This Link explains software piracy and how it is used. It also goes into detail how to protect yourself and others of piracy. It's definitely a good tool to use to learn about software piracy and theft.

Week 12: Clear: Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is project management software created by Microsoft used for assisting project managers with developing plans, assigning resources, tracking progress, managing budgets, and analyzing workloads. The Application creates what are called critical path schedules. These critcal path schedules are mathematically based algrithms used for scheduling project activities. In addition, Microsoft Project can create schedules that are resource leveled and visualized in a Gantt chart. A Gantt chart is a chart that illustrates project schedules in a bar chart.

Microsoft Project was invented in 1984 for the Operating System DOS. It was created by a company working for Microsoft however, Microsoft bought the rights to the software in 1985. The company then released versions two, three, and four of the software the following year. The Version four of the software was the final release. A few years later in 1991 a version was released for Macintosh.

Microsoft Project uses assignment work and resource rates to create budgets. As the resources are assigned to the tasks and the amount of work is estimated, the programs calculates how to allocate the resources to the project. Resources can be people, equipment, and materials. The only problem with Project is that it can't determain how many finished products can be producted with a certain amount of raw material because it presumes that additional raw material is always available without limit.

The Business Environment

Microsoft Project is a very useful program in the Business World. It can allocate resources very cheaply and easily. Almost to the point to where a company wouldn't need an accountant. Second to Microsoft Access I believe Microsoft Project is the best tool a company can have.

Related Link

TopTenReviews tells the features of Microsoft Project and how it can be used. It also states that it's a very useful tool and costs around 450 dollars. I think this would be a quick way to understand the program and a pretty good learning tool also.

Week 10: Clear: Differences Of client/server, peer-to-peer, and P2P networks

Client/Servers are basically as the name says, a client that connects to a server. Some examples are web browsers, email clients, and online chat clients. The Clients basically connect to the powerful server which sends them information so people can communicate on it. For instance, a common web browser would be Mozilla Firefox, a common email client would be Mozilla Thunderbird which is packaged with Firefox, and an example of an online chat client is Skype. All of these connect to a server which allows people to communicate with one another very easily.



A peer-to-peer network is when a computer connects directly to another computer over the internet to gather information from it. A typical peer-to-peer network doesn't have a client Some examples after FTP which is file transfer protocol and Limewire. These are generally the easiest to hack and are therefore, the most attack prone of all types of networks.

A p2p network is the abbreviation of the peer-to-peer network so it's the exact same thing. P2P networks are extremely popular and are often used for illegal purposes. For instance the most used networks are the limewire and bearshare network. These are commonly used for the illegal downloading of copyright material such as music and videos.

The Business Environment

These networks are vital for the business environment. The Client/Server networks are used for the company to communicate with the outer parts or to gather information from an external source. The peer-to-peer or p2p networks are used for the internal communication. If a boss wants to send a message to his/her employees he/she uses a p2p network to do so or an internal mail client. Without these businesses wouldn't be able to communicate at all.

Related Link

This link explains the similarities and the differences between peer-to-peer and client/server networks. It also describes the uses and which should be used with the goal desired. It was very helpful in understanding the cloudy parts of the subject.

Week 9: Clear: Relative Cell References vs. Absolute Cell References

A Cell Reference is technically the name of a cell. A cell is made up of where a row and a column meet. Rows are defined by numbers and cells are defined by letters. For instance, the first cell in the top left-hand corner is named A1 because it is the intersection between column A and row 1. There are two types of references to these cells, they are absolute and relative.

A relative cell reference is one that changes with movement of the data. For instance, if you type a function in a cell and fill it to another cell then the new cell's function changes. For example, if in cell B1 there was the function =A1+4 and then you filled that function to C1, C1 would have =B1+4. It adjusts to each cell.

An absolute cell reference is one that doesn't change when it is moved. Absolute cell references are labeled with the money ($) symbol. For instance if you have $A1 then the column A will never change in the reference but the 1 will or if you have $A$1 then the cell will stay constant through each formula in the entire page if it is filled.

The Business Environment

This is very useful in the business world because using cell references makes keeping track of records a lot faster and easier. Also the ability to use the functions in excel and use absolute and relative cell references allows for filling functions throughout the spreadsheet so you don't have to type over and over again. Huge corporations are definitely greatly affected and helped with this ability to do this with Excel.

Related Link

This link on Ongrid.com tells about relative and absolute cell references. It also informs about the usefulness of them and how they should be used. This is a good site to look at if this subject is kind of cloudy to you.

Week 7: Clear: System Software vs. Application Software

Application Software is a program that helps a user to perform a certain task such as creating a word document or sending an email. Examples of application software are Microsoft Word and Mozilla Thunderbird. These programs allow the user to use simpler instructions in order to complete a task.



System Software is a program that is designed to control computer hardware and maintain a platform for running application software. The system software is broken down into three categories: The Bios and Device Firmware, the operating system, and utility software. The bios and firmware provide basic functionality of the hardware connected to the computer. The operating system allows for the computers software to run together smoothly and the utility software maintains and fixes the computer and it's problems.

The system software is a must have for computing while application software is not. Although it is not needed it is necessary because it makes using a computer much easier and without it not many people would be able to use one. If application software didn't exist then users would have to learn computer programming and commands to use a computer which is extremely difficult.

The Business World

The business environment needs application software and system software because without it what good is a computer unless everyone in the company knows programming. In addition, in order for everyone to know programming a company would have to provide the education to do so which would raise the overall cost, therefore, raising prices. The software keeps the prices down in companies due to it allowing the not so intelligent users to use.

Related Link

Techterms.com has a great site that explains what system software is and how it is used. The site also has a link to application software. This makes it a great tool to use for learning because is distinguishes the two and is very easy to understand.

Week 6: Clear: The Convenience of Flash Drives

A flash drive is a storage device that has no moving parts. It is used to store data such as media files, programs, or just regular documents. Flash drives are also known as USB drives because they connect to a computer through the USB port. The data of a USB drive travels much faster than an optical drive or a magnetic drive.

Over the years flash drives, like everything else, have become smaller in size but larger in capacity. For instance flash drives started at 8 MBs and now can support up to 256 GBs. New technology has allowed companies to create flash drives that are disguised as something else. For instance you can order a flash drive online that looks like a lipstick case or one that looks like a cracker.


Flash drives have unlimited potential in their capabilities. For instance, in the future they will have many shapes and sizes and be able to hold a ton of information. They are very durable and very reliable compared to the other drives. Flash drives don't lose their information and are very hard to break. This is why they are much better than optical and magnetic drives.

The Business World
Flash Drives are very useful in the business environment because they are a convenient way of traveling with data. Flash drives can be easily taken on planes and stored in a suitcase. Unlike other forms of media if a flash drive gets scratched it wont matter because the data is stored on the memory. This is why business use flash media instead of disks.

Related Site
PC Support explains what a flash drive is and how it can be used. Also it explains the various types there are and what they're capable of. This is a good site to learn what a flash drive is if not understood.

Week 5: Clear: Decreaing Memory = Decreasing Speeds

A computer's Random Access Memory (RAM), better known as memory, is a temporary storage system for instructions and data. This allows for the computer to get to it more quickly. Hence, the more RAM you have the less your computer has to retrieve files from your storage disk which is much slower. When memory is technically in "normal" mode it stores most of the operating system and the open applications.

When a computer starts running low on RAM it then gets noticeably slower. This is how freezes happen, when the computer locks up because it is so low on memory. Each operating system or application has their own requirement for RAM usages. Some however, require more than others so there is no set amount of memory a computer should have, it is solely based on the user and what they use.


For example, Windows 7 is an operating system that requires 1 GB of memory and Adobe Photoshop CS4 is an application that requires 512 MB of memory. Simple math adds these to 1.5 GB of memory that is required for the usage of both at the same time. However, if a computer has exactly 1.5 GB of memory capabilities then it will run extremely slow and potentially lock up. Therefore, it is necessary for a computer to have more memory built in it than the user will potentially use. This will allow for flexibility and a higher probability of a computer running smoothly.

Business World

In the business world memory is vital to say the least. If the computers that businesses use have low amounts of memory then the business will run much slower and wont be as efficient as is potentially could be. This would probably result in loss in business due to it being much slower than competitors. The way things are going now easily explains how the future will be for memory. Memory will become smaller in size but bigger in capabilities. This will result in the growing of businesses and the economy.

A Related Article

This link explaines what RAM is and how it is used. It also goes in depth about what it is capable of and the future of it. It also explains why random access is used. I think it is a good website to learn from if someone is having trouble understanding.

Week 4: Clear: Everyone Benefits From Software Suites

A software suite is a collection of individual programs that come together as a single unit. For the most part business software suites included software with a word processor, a spreadsheet editor, a presentation program, and some form of email. Examples of this type of software is Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, and Google Docs.




Software suites generally offer two advantages. They are usually cheaper and easier to use. When you buy software individually, it is way more expensive that buying the suite. In addition, a software suite is easier to use due to its similar interface throughout the programs. For example if you print or save one way in a program then it will most likely work the exact same way for the rest of them in that suite.

The Business Environment

Software suites benefit the business world by allowing people to buy the many programs that they need for a cheaper price. Also it allows for less training to use all of these programs because the interfaces are generally the same. In the future I expect for there to be more software suites out there and many corporations to link up to make the ultimate software suites.

Related Link

PC Magazine wrote an article about software suites and what they are. Then it says how they differ from single packages. It also includes some related topics which are examples of software suites.

Week 2: Clear: The Computer and Its Diverse Categories

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and produces results under a specific rules and instructions. There are seven categories of computers and each category has certain characteristics.

Personal Computers

Personal computers can perform all of its activities on its own and can fit on or under a desk, hence the name desktops.
There are two types of personal computers, desktops and notebooks.

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

A mobile computer is a personal computer that you can easily be taken from place to place. A mobile device is a personal computer that you can hold in your hand. This category includes notebooks, tablet PCs, and smart phones.



Notebooks are personal computers than can be easily transported and fit on your lap, hence the name laptops. Compared to desktop computers, notebooks are thinner and lighter but don't have the same amount of power. Notebook computers are generally more expensive than comparable desktop computers.





Tablet PC's are considered a special type of notebook. These notebooks allow the user to write or draw on the screen with a digital pen. The digital pen can also be used to give the computer it's instructions rather than using a mouse or keyboard. These computers also come with a voice input so the user can also give instructions by talking.




Smartphones are internet- based phones that have a lot of the capabilities of personal computers. However, these are controlled by single handed motions. Most smart phones nowadays have the ability to receive and send email, take pictures and videos, play music, and manage time and word documents. In addition, instead of calling someone, a smart phone allows you to send text messages, picture messages, instant messages, and video messages.

Game Consoles

A game console is a computing device that's made for interactive single-player or multi-player games. These consoles require a controller input, a TV, and a disc that contains the game. These game consoles weigh between two and nine pounds therefore they are easily transportable. The four most popular games consoles are the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 (pictured above), Nintendo Wii, and the Nintendo DS Lite.

Servers

Basically a server controls a network. It restricts access to the hardware, software, and other resources the network provides. The server also provides a centralized storage system for the network. People access these servers on a network with their personal computers.

Mainframes

Mainframes can handle hundreds or thousands or connected users at the same time. They are very large, powerful, and expensive. Mainframes can store a huge amount of data. This is why big corporations use them.

Super Computers

Super computers are the fastest and most powerful computers in the world. Common sense, being they are the most expensive. These computers are capable of computing over a trillion instructions in a single second. Super computers are huge and can way over one hundred tons and can store more than 20,000 as much as a personal computer. Pictured above is IBM's Roadrunner. Computers like these are created to solve complex math calculations and are used in the fields of medicine, aerospace, automotive design, online banking, weather forcasting, nuclear energy research, and petroleum explorations.

Embedded Computers

Embedded computers are made for a special purpose and are generally small. These computers are used in everyday appliances like microwaves, TVs, dishwashers, washers and dryers, navigation systems, and even thermostats. Their basic purpose is to be a component of larger product and because of their size, they have limited capabilities.

The Business World

These categories are essential to the business environment and is the backbone to the way we compute. If there wasn't computers then we would be in the dark ages again and wouldn't have near the capabilities and the technology that we have now. There would be no internet or networks so the time it would take for information to get around is astronomical. If we didn't have this technology we would still be using the basis of pen and paper with horseback riding.

Categories of Computers

This site (above) further explains the category of computers and even has them grouped by their category and characteristics. It describes in detail about the different types and tells their capabilities. It would be a perfect website for studying these topics.

Week 1: Clear: Copyrighting! You Better Follow The Rules Or You're Screwed

The Copyright Act of 1976 is the primary foundation of the Copyright Laws in the United States. These laws were created so the creators of copyrighted materials could profit from the capital benefits of their idea. The idea in general cannot be copyrighted but the material form of the idea can be. Materials that can be copyrighted include:

books, Music, Movies,

Pictures, Plays, and Dance

Due to The Copyright Act of 1976, copyrighted material is privately owned by the creator for his or her life plus 70 years. In order for copyrighted material to be "fair use" one of these three circumstances must be true. The user is the owner of the copyrighted material, the owner has given the user a written statement granting permission to use the material, or the material is in the public domain. If material is in the public domain then it is legally accessible by anyone at anytime.

If someone uses copyrighted material they are required to use the copyright symbol (to the left) to credit the owner. In addition, one can only copyright a small amount of material and each type of material has its own special rule.

For instance, if someone wants to copyright a song they could either use ten percent of the song or thirty seconds, whichever is less.

In The Business World

Out of chapter 1, Copyrighting is the most important topic because not doing this correctly could get you in serious trouble. This is used a lot in the business environment. Business's use copyrighted material in there advertisements, in their presentations, and sometimes even in their slogans. Trust me, If you were in control of any one of these parts of a corporation I would definitely make sure I have a legal use of the material.

Fair Use of Copyrighted Materials

The article "fair use" explains and how it is seen in the courtroom. There is no set definition of "fair use", it's just up to the judge to determine. The site also gives step-by-step instructions to see if a material is copyrighted and how to fairly use it.