Well, it's that time again. We're nearing the end of another semester and it's time to wrap things up. I'd like to start by saying that I have enjoyed reading your blog entries over the past weeks, and I must admit some of you came up with some pretty interesting topics. Hopefully you've found some use - or at least gained some knowledge - out of my postings.
I thought that I would leave you with some links to explore. These are things I found while doing research or just surfing. Maybe you'll find some of the interesting.
Microsoft Security Intelligence Report - From the Microsoft Malware Protection Center. Lots of good information.
Microsoft's Academic Second Shot - Take Microsoft certification exams at a discounted price; and get a free re-take if you don't pass the first time. Expires 30 June 2009!
Social Engineering - Yes, it really works. Read this article.
Lifehacker - Pretty cool site with a technology slant.
Enjoy!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Should Employers Monitor Workers Computer Usage?
For as long as employees have had access to personal computers, there have been arguments for and against employers monitoring the use of those computers. Read the following blog entries about the topic, and then add your thoughts as a comment here. (Don't confine your thoughts to just Facebook - think in broader terms.)
Trey's Thoughts on the Subject:
Doing what I do for a living, I can see both sides of the coin. Management will always make the argument that they bought the equipment, paid for the Internet access, and are paying the employees to work for them, and therefore have every right to monitor and manage what said employees do during work hours. Employees will typically argue that they give more time and effort to their employer than they are paid for and therefore a couple of minutes spent on Facebook or checking their personal email isn't going to bankrupt the company. Both sides have very valid arguments.
It is my personal opinion that employees should be allowed some leeway in using employer provided technology for personal use. However, I think that there should be clear policies on what type of use is acceptable and what is not. Checking your Yahoo! email account once or twice a day is probably OK in most settings. Sending a "tweet" every time you take a file out of the file cabinet is abusing the privilege. In the long run, the majority of employees are going to use the technology that is provided to them in a responsible manner. The policies are there for those who don't - and they should be enforced consistently and fairly.
Moreover, I believe that employers do have the right to monitor usage of technology resources as long as employees are given notice that the monitoring is taking place. After all, they are footing the bill. However, the "threat" of monitoring is usually enough to keep the average employee on the straight and narrow without having to devote the resources to actual monitoring.
So, in a nutshell, employees should be free to use the resources they have access to in a wise and responsible way. And employers should have rules in place to make sure they do; and to deal with those who do not.
- Butt Out IT! Facebook "Productivity Loss" Is No Concern of Yours
- Gartner: IT Has 'No Moral Basis' To Monitor Facebook
Trey's Thoughts on the Subject:
Doing what I do for a living, I can see both sides of the coin. Management will always make the argument that they bought the equipment, paid for the Internet access, and are paying the employees to work for them, and therefore have every right to monitor and manage what said employees do during work hours. Employees will typically argue that they give more time and effort to their employer than they are paid for and therefore a couple of minutes spent on Facebook or checking their personal email isn't going to bankrupt the company. Both sides have very valid arguments.
It is my personal opinion that employees should be allowed some leeway in using employer provided technology for personal use. However, I think that there should be clear policies on what type of use is acceptable and what is not. Checking your Yahoo! email account once or twice a day is probably OK in most settings. Sending a "tweet" every time you take a file out of the file cabinet is abusing the privilege. In the long run, the majority of employees are going to use the technology that is provided to them in a responsible manner. The policies are there for those who don't - and they should be enforced consistently and fairly.
Moreover, I believe that employers do have the right to monitor usage of technology resources as long as employees are given notice that the monitoring is taking place. After all, they are footing the bill. However, the "threat" of monitoring is usually enough to keep the average employee on the straight and narrow without having to devote the resources to actual monitoring.
So, in a nutshell, employees should be free to use the resources they have access to in a wise and responsible way. And employers should have rules in place to make sure they do; and to deal with those who do not.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Virtualization and Windows 7
Update (03/12/09): You will be completing your Windows 7 installation on a "real" hard drive instead of on a virtual machine. The links below are still relevant - read them!
The links below are related to virtualization and Windows 7, two topics that you will be covering in your new assignment that was posted today. (I know you covered virtualization earlier - you're going to see it again!)
VMware - One of the leaders in the virtualization software industry, providing software and technical resources.
Microsoft's Virtualization Site - Information on Microsoft's virtualization products, as well as technical resources.
Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007 - The software you are using in class.
Windows 7 - The new operating system from Microsoft. You can download the beta through the MSDN AA site.
After you've completed the Windows 7 assignment, come back and post your thoughts as a comment on my blog.
The links below are related to virtualization and Windows 7, two topics that you will be covering in your new assignment that was posted today. (I know you covered virtualization earlier - you're going to see it again!)
VMware - One of the leaders in the virtualization software industry, providing software and technical resources.
Microsoft's Virtualization Site - Information on Microsoft's virtualization products, as well as technical resources.
Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007 - The software you are using in class.
Windows 7 - The new operating system from Microsoft. You can download the beta through the MSDN AA site.
After you've completed the Windows 7 assignment, come back and post your thoughts as a comment on my blog.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Visual Search Engines
Here's something fun for you to try...
Most if not all of you are probably familiar with visual search results: seeing a visual representation of your search results instead of a group of text links. If you've ever used Google Image Search then you know what I'm talking about.
Below are two search engines that have put a new spin on visual search results.
Searchme and Viewzi not only allow you to search and see pictures, but they also allow you to see screenshots of the web pages returned for a standard search. While the technology may be a little slower, it does give you a chance to preview the page before you actually visit it.
After you've used these two search engines, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Most if not all of you are probably familiar with visual search results: seeing a visual representation of your search results instead of a group of text links. If you've ever used Google Image Search then you know what I'm talking about.
Below are two search engines that have put a new spin on visual search results.
Searchme and Viewzi not only allow you to search and see pictures, but they also allow you to see screenshots of the web pages returned for a standard search. While the technology may be a little slower, it does give you a chance to preview the page before you actually visit it.
After you've used these two search engines, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Welcome to CTS 287 - Emerging Technologies
Welcome to CTS 287 - Emerging Technologies (Spring 2009) at Edgecombe Community College.
If you are reading this, you are probably in my class this semester. (If not, you're still welcome to read along.) Since you are going to be required to maintain a blog throughout the semester, I thought it would only be fair for me to maintain one as well.
I will be posting items that are relevant to the topics that we are covering in class along with other technology items that I think may be of interest to you. And who knows, I may post something that has absolutely nothing to do with technology just for the fun of it. That's the advantage of being the instructor!
I expect you to check my blog at least once per week. Checking once at the beginning of the week and once at the end of the week would be even better. If I pose questions in a particular post, I will expect you to post a comment in response - it will count as part of your grade for that week. However, you can feel free to reply to any post that I make. Also feel free to reply to your classmates' posts as well.
You may find it interesting to read through my blog postings from the last time this class was taught (Spring 2008). You might actually find something useful. You don't have to reply to those posts, and if you do, I probably won't see them since I have no plans of re-reading my posts from the previous semester. Links to student blogs from the previous semester can be found at the bottom right of the page. Links to student blogs from this semester are at the top right. The Trey in the list isn't me!
I hope you enjoy the class and your blogging experiences. If you have questions, let me know.
If you are reading this, you are probably in my class this semester. (If not, you're still welcome to read along.) Since you are going to be required to maintain a blog throughout the semester, I thought it would only be fair for me to maintain one as well.
I will be posting items that are relevant to the topics that we are covering in class along with other technology items that I think may be of interest to you. And who knows, I may post something that has absolutely nothing to do with technology just for the fun of it. That's the advantage of being the instructor!
I expect you to check my blog at least once per week. Checking once at the beginning of the week and once at the end of the week would be even better. If I pose questions in a particular post, I will expect you to post a comment in response - it will count as part of your grade for that week. However, you can feel free to reply to any post that I make. Also feel free to reply to your classmates' posts as well.
You may find it interesting to read through my blog postings from the last time this class was taught (Spring 2008). You might actually find something useful. You don't have to reply to those posts, and if you do, I probably won't see them since I have no plans of re-reading my posts from the previous semester. Links to student blogs from the previous semester can be found at the bottom right of the page. Links to student blogs from this semester are at the top right. The Trey in the list isn't me!
I hope you enjoy the class and your blogging experiences. If you have questions, let me know.
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