How does a computer work?

I guess the place to start is the motherboard. This is where all of the components of the computer come together to work in harmony. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is located here as well. It is the "brain" of the computer that carries out the orders that are programmed ahead of time.

The hard drive is also VERY important. There are items that we can live without, however the hard drive is not one of them. The hard drive is where data is permanently stored and allows the user to store large amounts of data that can be recalled at later dates. Basically, this is the long-term storage.

The Random Access Memory (RAM) helps to run programs on the computer. This is short-term storage, and moves through the CPU much quicker than hard drive items.

The processor is what allows the information to move through the computer. The better the processor, the quicker the results of access.

The BIOS allows for successful start up and instructs the computer what to do when powering up. It makes sure that everything is set before the user begins his work. Once the BIOS has been completed, the operating system (OS) takes over. This is when the computer recognizes the software programs available to the user.

Learn 5 New Features of your Operating System - Activity Three

Mac OS X Snow Leopard has been refined! Here are FIVE ways in which Snow Leopard has been improved:

1. A more advanced, more nimble Finder. The Finder has been rewritten to take advantage 64-bit support and Grand Central Dispatch. More responsive with quicker performance throughout. INcludes new features such as customizable Spotlight search options and an enhanced icon view that allows perusal through a multipage document or watch a QuickTime movie.

2. Quicker Time Machine Backup. Time Machine makes backing up the hard drive easy. Time Machine is now 80% faster and reduces the time it takes to complete your initial backup to Time Capsule.

3. Faster to wake up and shut down. Mac wakes from sleep up to twice as quickly when screen locking is enabled. Shutting down is also up to 80% faster.

4. Innovative Chinese Character Input. Write Chinese characters directly on the Multi-Touch trackpad. They'll appear on the screen in a new input window, then recommends characters based on what was drawn, allowing the writer to choose the right one. Input window offers suggestions for subsequent characters based on what was chosen as well.

5. More-reliable, higher-resolution iChat. Morereliable and accessible than ever. Includes technology to address many common router incompatibilities that can interfere with connections. No direct connection? iChat will use the AIM relay server to create a successful chat session.

Investigate an alternative OS - Activity 2

The alternative OS I decided to look into was Google Chrome OS. After reading about it, I am so excited to see it in action. No, I do not plan on purchasing a netbook to use it, however, once it becomes available, I would like to see if it is compatible with Mac in the hopes of using with my Macbook.

With that said, what is Google Chrome OS? What is the history behind it, what makes it unique, and why should we use it? Well...

Google came about just around a decade ago and was seen by Microsoft as an immediate threat. The interesting piece, however, is that Google had no interest in undoing Microsoft. Google was just Google. No concerns about what Microsoft was or wasn't doing.

ANYWHO...Google's new plan to release Google Chrome OS was picked up by news sources quickly after official statements broke. Chrome OS has been specifically designed for use with netbooks, and is a lightweight, cost-effective alternative open-source platform for portable computing: basically a Web browser as an operating system. It has been designed specifically to operate within the "cloud" and users will be able to take advantage of the vast medium of products from Google.

As stated by Angsuman Chakraborty of Simple Thoughts:Simple solutions for complex problems, there are SEVEN points worth mentioning in the upcoming Chrome OS:

1. Open Source Google Chrome OS is an open-source.
2. The 3 S's Google Chrome OS will be built around speed, simplicity, and security.
3. Security Google redesigns the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates.
4. Hardware Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips.
5. Architecture Google Chrome will run within a new window system on top of a Linux kernel. The web is the platform and all web-based applications will automatically work and new applications can be written using favorite web technologies. These apps will run on any standards-based browser on Windows, Mac and Linux thereby giving developers the largest user base of any platform.
6. Instant Interaction Everything will be instant. Users will not need to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates.
7. It is NOT an ANDROID Google Chrome OS will borrow some features of Android, but not all.

So, who might be interested in using such an operating system? WHO WOULDN'T is more likely the question!! A system that loads faster? What could be better? Although there are some concerns, mainly about everything working through the CLOUD, this has become the new fight. Operating systems and making them work faster and better for the likes of all.

Sources:
Bradley, Tony.Chrome OS Strives to Replace Desktop Culture. Net Work. 2 June 2010. Retrieved from . 3 June 2010.

Chakraborty, Angsuman. Google Chrome OS: 7 things you must know. Simple Thoughts: Simple solutions for complex problems. 8 July 2009. Retrieved from . 3 June 2010.

Whittaker, Zack. The history and future of Chrome OS. ZDNet.com. 11 July 2009. Retreived from . 3 June 2010.

CEDu581 - (1 of MANY) due week 4 - OS Activities

So, the first OS activity I decided to do was to watch Pirates of Silicon Valley. I chose to do this first because it was easy, and I needed some down time.

To be honest, I was surprised. In my experience, I was always under the impression that Bill Gates was the "bad guy" and the Apple creators were the "good guys." In this particular portrayal, it becomes clear that was not the case. Steve Wozniak was the brains of the operation, Steve Jobs the promotion, and Bill Gates the change of the future. I am not too impressed with Steve Jobs. He seemed to be quite the angry person, which is interesting as Steve Wozniak is so laid back. It truly was an interesting experience, and I wish that I had watched it sooner. I remember when it came out!

CEDu581 - Computer Architecture

Well, needless to say, I am not really interested in opening up the computer to see what goes on inside. I fear I won't be able to put it back together. However, this week I will employ my computer tech guru at school, and see if she can help me with the basics. I would rather learn from someone who has done it before than mess with it myself!

There was a lot of information delivered during class about the computer and it's creation. I remember when I was younger and we would go over to my aunt and uncle's house. He had a MacIntosh Computer and I remember seeing the rainbow colored apple symbol. I also remember him discussing with my father the investment that he made in the company, stocks and all. It paid out well for him to say the least! He went from a small-town, poor horse trainer to the vice president of a bank! Amazing the turnaround...

Other than that, I am looking forward to finishing up the final components for this degree. It feels that we just started this program yesterday, however the work and pride show otherwise. I will be happy to have these components finished!

Week 5

We discussed quite a few things this week. We reviewed photo sites, bookmarking accounts, and also, what it is that we need to finish up in order to complete the course.

All of the sites and pieces of information that we have been given have been super helpful, especially in the case of keeping our students engaged in the learning process through the use of technology and web 2.0 tools. I want to keep this momentum going in the future. In that respect, I find that the use of Twitter, blogs, Nings, and Wikis are a pefect example to stay in touch with other educators who are doing the same activities and suggesting different ideas.

Microblogging, Twitter, and the like...

This past week we discussed many different types of helpful and unique sites that we could use in our classroom. With blogging, I have already begun to use this in the classroom and it works well to keep my students' thoughts and ideas moving. Not only that, but it allows me the opportunity to grade journals from the comfort of my own living room! Not only that, but the students are able to be comfortable as well, and there are no notebooks to carry around. I like that it offers the students the opportunity to say things immediately and get their ideas across on the fly.

Twitter is just too much for me, I think. I can see where it can come in good use though. At a recent technology conference, there were many ideas floating around, and we were offered different twitters to follow according to the specific breakout sessions we attended. This was nice, because we are then able to learn even MORE great sites available to use. There were a few that I brought back to my colleagues. The one thing I do not like about Twitter, is the people who Tweet about EVERYTHING. NO, I do not need to know that you are in the bathroom! None of my business!!

CEDu-534 Week Three

This week we discussed RSS Feeds as well as the use of blogs in the classroom. Today, I introduced a blogging activity for my students in Communications II. We are currently reading Macbeth, and with this blog, students will be answering questions and using critical thinking skills to relate the plot of Macbeth to different themes as well as events in their own lives. Mind you, it is not easy relating to an older man who kills his leader, but there are some similarities to be had. To me, it demonstrates the students' strengths and abilities to create, edit, and discuss on a more mature level.

CEDu534 - Week Two

This week we discussed a few different aspects of possible uses for different sites in the classroom. We were asked to view and look for different blogs that would be helpful for us either in the classroom or in education. Many of the blogs that I have read are very insightful, and as an educator, it is interesting to hear what other teachers in my profession are using, and teaching in their classrooms. One of the sites that I had looked at was that of a fellow English teacher. It is interesting to see how he has included information on his units as well as assignments on his blog for his students to access. I like to see how these blogs are utilized in different manners and it gives me better ideas on what I can do to better the students in my classroom as well as push the use of technology in my district.

Digital Media - Week One

After going over the syllabus in class, there were many items in the assessment list that we had covered previously. I am still anxious to add to my repetoire of goodies, however, so bring on the new technology and software! I am all for it!!

I am looking forward to holding class online again this week. It does offer us the opportunity to look at different conferencing sites, and possibly suggest ways in which we can use these sites in the future. I would love to see PWSSD incorporate a mandatory online course for our students before they graduate, and discussing this in class and with our GT coordinator, this could be a possibility in the future.

CEDu-527 WEEK FIVE

After this week, I am tired. Playing the game was interesting, and as we got further into it, I felt like I was meeting resistance with that of my own department colleagues. It is difficult to keep those on board (no pun intended) who are giving resistance and not just give up on them and move forward without them. This also relates to my department in that I WANT to help those who are behind, but I don't feel the effort or motivation to keep them involved.

On that token, the drinks, food, and company were nice, and it was an interesting way to examine the "goings-on" and what others have to deal with when trying to implement new and positive procedures into the school district. For example, I can only imagine, NOW, the lengths that it took to get the educators in our district on board with the Positive Learning Communities (PLC). The change is necessary, and for the better, but now I can see where the stress resides!

CEDu - WEEK FOUR

Ok...so I just spent 10 minutes typing out my blog...to have it backfire and not save...so now I just feel like complaining about technology, not praising it.

Anyway...to start again...

I enjoyed reading the chapter this week. The idea of incentives in the school really intrigued me, and I thought it was a good idea and there are many ways in which it could be implemented for educators. Now, don't get me wrong, I do not think that rewards for teachers are necessary, as the true reward is hearing of a student's future successes due to your teaching, or your class. HOWEVER. I do think that when rules are not being followed, when there is animosity in the school building, when teachers are not doing as they are asked to better the students as well as colleague relationships, that incentives for the teachers who are doing these things are better than punishing the whole for what a few refuse to do or change. When given incentives, teachers feel appreciated, wanted, useful. It is a nice reminder that we are not just doing this for the student, but for the community and our future as well.

I have been given ideas through this chapter of perhaps better ways to bring my department together...what is wrong with a little Secret Santa in February?! It would definitely give us all something to talk about together!!

CEDu - Week THREE

"For every deep and complex problem facing our society there is a simple answer, and it is wrong." - HL Menckin

I wanted to delve into this quote from from the "Change" presentation. I agree with the statement whole-heartedly. Yes, there are simple answers to every problem, but do those simple answers necessarily create a solution? Or, do they continue to extend the problem? Many times we come across problems in our departments, or among staff that we think can be expunged by getting rid of the person or ignoring the signs of the problem. This can create a temporary solution, but nothing that lasts forever. I believe that this statement relates specifically to change. Yes, we can create and utilize a simple answer, however, it is necessary to continue to change the answer and solution in an ongoing fashion so that the the solution never again presents itself as a new problem...ok, maybe that didn't quite make sense, but straightforward thinking says that change is continuous, or problems will continue to present themselves again and again until we realize that solutions must continue to be reformatted in order to stay current with our students and their growing knowledge.

CEDu527 - Week TWO

How embarrassed am I that it took two weeks to get this blog completed. Guess it just goes to show what a busy LEADER I am at my school. Just kidding. But I do feel the more I take on, the more people expect me to take on. I have yet to use the word "no" when asked to do something in the past THREE years.

In terms of reading the text, I have become more and more interested in the smaller items that have been considered leadership points. I was thinking about it while I was taking notes the other day in our department meeting. Wow, didn't know I was being a leader in just jotting down what our department leader was saying. I guess that made me feel good, that I was able to take on that position and be the positive example for the group.

What's next in leadership?! Who knows. I cannot wait to get to that game in class though. I am sure that all my leadership knowledge will go right out the window...with the margaritas!!!

CEDu527 - Week One

After the first class, it was interesting to look at and discuss the different types of leadership. I completely agree that the four different types need to be used together, however at some point, one will overcome the other three based on how the leader is used to guiding those in his/her command, but I also think it has to do with the means by which it is necessary for the particular team to be run. A person cannot lead a team in a Human Resources way if the team is too laid back...nothing would ever be accomplished. A structural format would be more conducive in that sitaution.

In terms of being a leader in my school, I like to take notes at department meetings and in our team meetings I like to come prepared with items to talk about and add to/or take away from the curriculum based on whether it is needed or not. I am also currently looking at different tech programs that we can bring into the school district based on our current rules and regulations regarding iPods, cell phones, etc. I am definitely interested in trying new things and I am always under the impression that there is ALWAYS more to learn and more I can do to better the education of my students. I think of all of the technology and educational updates that they have available to them that haven't even been explored yet. Programs and software that wasn't available to me when I was in high school, but would have increased my knowlwedge in many areas. I'm always looking to raise the standards for the students in my classroom, and I always try to consult Bloom's Taxonomy when creating new assignments...There is always something new to learn!!

CEDu - Week Five

Well, this past week was clearly not a good one. The snow kept me home, but I was a ble to add a few items to my e-portfolio. Slowly but surely, the work WILL get done! Other than that, I have been working diligently to create a Wiki site that will be available to my students for the second semester. Each student will be required to use it, and the best part of pbworks is that I can check which of my students are logging on and which are not. The system is not foolproof, but it is definitely beneficial to the teacher who checks up on her students.

CEDu533 - Week FOUR

For the most current assignment, we needed to add JavaScript or CSS to a webpage of our own. I can't say that this was easy at first, even though all I really needed to do was copy and paste the code into my document. What is difficult is that while working on my homework at school, I run into problems with my computer accepting the code.

I did find the report on CMS interesting, however. In speaking with the tech people at my school, there are many different types of CMSs that we use on a regular basis. The creation of these programs is a definite benefit to teachers today as it makes spending more time on the lessons and less time on the administrative more manageable.

CEDu533 - Week Three

So, I got caught up in the hubbub of the season, and am now TWO blogs behind schedule. As we continue to work through HTML coding, I continue to learn more, but still get frustrated. The midterm wasn't TOO bad, I enjoyed using the different codes and creating a page of my own design, but I don't know when I would actually take the time to use code to create anything for my classroom. I still think that it is time consuming, especially when there are so many other programs designed to do the work for you. I am not lazy by any means, and if I had to do it, I would. However, as an educator, I prefer to spend more time on the students than on a webpage design.