Secure Email Project

For this project, I downloaded Firefox and Thunderbird to practice digitally signing and encrypting my University of Florida email. As shown in this screen shot, I successfully completed both portions of the project:

In the end, I learned a lot by trial and error. Although I became frustrated at times, the end result was a feeling of confidence in my understanding of what occurs when an email is digitally signed or encrypted.

One example of a company that should have enacted higher information security is Gawker Media, which compromised millions of usernames and passwords (Robertson). Gawker Media is based out of New York City and serves as a successful online media company. Back in December 2010, however, hackers breached Gawker Media's security and posted the sensitive information online for free access.

This breach naturally created a problem, but not for the user's information with Gawker. As the article points out, the main concern was with how often users repeat usernames and passwords. Repeating usernames and passwords makes it easy to remember, but poses a serious threat when a security breach occurs in any of those companies. Because now all your password protected information is at risk. With the free access to Gawker's usernames and passwords, hackers could easily apply the information available to other sites to gain access to bank accounts and other online information.

Four sites highly affected by Gawkers breach were Twitter, Yahoo, LinkedIn, and Google. Millions of these site's total users had to reset their passwords to protect their information. The ultimate lesson is to use multiple passwords across different sites and for companies to use many levels of security for their user's information. Even if extra security measures become a hassle for the user, at least he or she will rest assured that the information is safe.

Article:

Robertson, Jordan. "Gawker Hack Underscores Flaws With Passwords." ABC News 19 Dec 2010: n. pag. Web. 9 Apr 2011. .

Tutorial Blog 3: Database Programs

In this tutorial, I want to explain some the usefulness of database programs. Whether you are running a business or just your home, a database program is of use to you. To better explain, I will go into what a database program is, how to use one, and why you should use one. Regardless of whether you operate a PC or Mac, this tutorial will be beneficial to you.

What is a Database?

Dictionary.com defines a database as, "a comprehensive collection of data organized for convenient access, generally in a computer" (Source). Honestly, I could not have defined it better myself. The key to this definition is the convenient access of your organized data. What good is data if you can't manipulate it to provide usable results? Therefore, database programs are extremely useful for managing many different areas of large data quantities.

If this is what defines a database, then a database program is computer software that manages and stores data digitally. A database program is only as useful as the user's ability to use the available options. As a result, in the next section, I will aim to reveal some of the options available to you and others within database programs.

How Do You Use One?

My biggest piece of advice is for you to familiarize with the options on the menu.

If you have a Mac and download the FileMaker Pro application, your menu will look like this screenshot:

Take some time and explore the different buttons. If there is a button that you use frequently but it is not on the menu, feel free to customize the menu to include those buttons. Don't forget about the navigation bar at the very top of your screen. Under each of these menus, you will find many more options than the ones displayed by default.

For more information and tutorials on FileMaker Pro, go the their website.

On the other hand, if you have a PC, and have Microsoft Access 2007, you will have what is called a ribbon, which looks like this screenshot:

The ribbon of Access 2007 is organized in tabs. The tabs vary slightly, based on the view you are in. The interface of Access 2007 is very attractive and user-friendly - much more so than with FileMaker Pro. If you are a beginner to database programs, I suggest that you begin with Access 2007.

For more information on Microsoft Access 2007, visit their training website.

As you may have already noticed, the interface, or how the program interacts with its users, is very similar to other Microsoft Office 2007 programs. This allows for an easy transition between Microsoft Office programs. Not only does the user find transitions easy, the data is also easily transferred between Word, Excel, and Access. In the next section, I will talk more about why you should use a database program.

Why Should I Use One?

A database program will help you organize large amounts of data in a way through which is easy to manage. Database programs often come with built in formats that will help you get started right away, whether you are managing a list of customers or compiling a home budget. I strongly recommend you explore the preset tables provided by your database software before you attempt to create a large, complicated database table, form, and/or report on your own.

If you are anything like me, you probably neglected the usefulness of Microsoft Access before learning about it and giving it a try. I encourage you to explore Microsoft Access and learn how it can make your life simpler. You won't know what you're missing out on until you give it a try. Prior to this course and learning about database programs, I never opened Microsoft Access. My assumption was that Microsoft Office just consisted of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Now, I recognize the usefulness of Microsoft Access 2007. The fourth program of Microsoft Office is, in fact, very useful and strongly compatible with other Office programs.

I hope this blog has motivated you to stop reading (if you haven't by now) and open the database program of your choice to begin seeing all the benefits a database program will provide you!

All Photos: Screenshots - Amanda Basnight. 2011

Definition: "Database" in Dictionary.com

Database Project - FileMaker Pro

When I first opened up the instructions for the database project, I felt overwhelmed. Partially because I had never worked with a database program before, and the other part because I own a Mac. Not only was I expected to complete a project after watching a few hours of video that explained and taught databases, but on a program different from the one used in the lesson. Needless to say, this was a daunting task. The lectures all were based with examples from Microsoft Access 2007. I am thankful that the instructors uploaded a Mac-friendly option for this semester's database project. However, trying to build up the confidence to tackle transferring the skills we learned in lecture to FileMaker Pro was a learning experience.

The database project instructions clearly led me through each step of the project. Yet, the places where I stumbled were where I learned the most! For example, when uploading my data from the members.csv file on the website, I kept getting errors and incorrect uploads. Originally, when I downloaded the file from Sakai, my computer converted the file into a .xls. When I opened the file in Excel, Excel removed the quotes from the first entry of data, the last names, and place all of the data in one column. Therefore, when uploading it into FileMaker Pro, the data was all entered into one field! After hours of troubleshooting, I finally decided to try opening the file in Text Edit and saving it as a .csv. That was exactly what I needed to do in the first place and after saving the file as members.csv in Text Edit, FileMaker Pro was able to upload the data into multiple field successfully.

After working with FileMaker Pro and learning about Access 2007, I have a suggestion for improving database software. Database software could be more user-friendly if it adds better builders for criteria. In the Query lecture, the professor ran into a problem with adding criteria to a field and getting the correct output. He even gave examples of applying multiple criteria. In one specific instance, the professor wised to have the query only return results where the Contact Names in the UK that begin with the letter "H" are returned. Under design view, the professor wanted to add a criteria to the Contact Name field. He taught us how to use the expression builder. This is found under the Design tab in the Query Setup group of the ribbon. The built-in functions need to be easier to understand. One simple solution is to add a description of what that function will result in, that way a user who is not familiar with the technical jargon may be able to use a criteria correctly. The professor tried to use the built in function "Left." It did not work and the students are left wondering what would have worked and instances in which "Left" is actually used. The professor returns to the expression builder and after spending a few minutes searching for an appropriate criteria, just states that the student can play around with many different criteria options. Having easy to understand default builders would ease the usability of Microsoft Access 2007 of FileMaker Pro.

Avatar

Below is my Avatar, created through the free online tool, TizMe:




In creating my own avatar, I found it very interesting that there were many options to personalize my avatar to actually reflect my appearance, style, and lifestyle. Some of the clothing options were somewhat risque and inappropriate for assignment submission. Appropriate options, luckily, were also available.

I chose my avatar based on a realistic image of myself and my style. I was quite amused to find a coffee cup accessory from what appears to be Starbucks, since Starbucks is one of my favorite places to go. Overall, my experience was quick and easy. In the end I created an avatar that best represents me.

Breast Cancer Awareness

A link to my ISM 3004 presentation project for Breast Cancer awareness for the Susan G. Komen Foundation can be found here.

I was able to grasp the viewer's attention in the first 30-60 seconds by opening with the story of how the Susan G. Komen Foundation began. Also, rather than using text to tell the story, I displayed a quote on the importance of promises from a poem by Robert Frost. This was a poem I studied in high school, and when I read the story about the promise Nancy made to her sister, Suzy, it immediately came to mind. The quote represents the mindset of Nancy as she works hard to fulfill the promise she made. This is one of the ways that I "said it then showed it" rather than just reading the slide to the viewer. Further, to gain reader interest and spark curiosity I asked, "So why should you give?" Asking this helped me provide a rationale for the need to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation to find a cure for breast cancer. Also, including the YouTube video from the Susan G. Komen YouTube channel further supported ways that viewers can raise money and spread breast cancer awareness. Using sequential flow to my presentation allows me to answer viewer's questions as they would come to mind.

I am most proud of my design and the way it appears and aides the readability of my presentation. I am glad I was able to find great, free images to use in my presentation. Having a trademark color to represent the cause gave me a great color scheme to design from - PINK! In the end, I was pleased with my design and the way each slide flowed to the next. My design increased readability while reducing clutter on the slides of my presentation. I am glad that I chose to display only a few words on each slide at a time. These design elements helped clarify my message - to raise breast cancer awareness and solicit donations for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Overall, I did not struggle with finding information to present. I did, however, feel limited with what I could include in my presentation based on what images I could find to accompany my slides without violating any copyright laws. It took hours to find the few pink images that I could find, and even then I had to discover a way to include the photographer's name in my presentation. If I were to go back and make any changes or improvements, I would probably add more information on the cause and science of breast cancer, rather than just giving facts. I used statistics about breast cancer to raise awareness and showed only the numbers while explaining the meaning of the numbers appearing on the screen.

By critiquing my peer's presentation on the American Heart Association, I am more comfortable with my presentation and the changes that I made as I prepared. My goal was to be concise and keep my slides readable and I am satisfied with the way my presentation appears and flows. I was impressed with the amount of detail in both my own and my peer's presentations.

This project has allowed me to learn more about presentation skills and helped me improve on communication. Having to redo the recording of my presentation until I was satisfied made me realize that practice before presentations is vital. In the real world, I will not be able to hit stop recording, delete, and start over. The presentation that comes out of my mouth if I am at a business meeting is the one the counts. The planning process for this project helped me organize my thoughts early on and begin planning my presentation. With a plan written out, the subsequent steps of putting my presentation together seemed to flow better. From this, I learned the a storyboard will aid in preparing for any future business presentations. The extra practice in PowerPoint was also helpful. Any extra, practical use of Microsoft Office is helpful during my education, which is why I enjoy this class. Additionally, I experimented with Camtasia:Mac for the first time and learned how to operate on its interface. I always learn new information to take away from each assignment - beyond hitting submit. Each assignment, including this one, builds my skills and experiences to make me a bigger asset to my future employer.

Tutorial 2: Pictures Make Life Beautiful

Taking pictures is something I have always had a passion for. Many people underestimate the artistic value of photographs. I am not an artist in the sense that I cannot draw, but I can take pictures. Photography as a hobby began when I wanted to capture memories of my friends and family. Now, I treasure the times that I can remember because of the pictures I have taken. I see how my friends have grown and changed and cherish the fun times we had. Through this blog, I hope to share how to purchase a camera according to your needs, take great pictures, and organize your archives.

Buying a Camera

Many buyers get stuck on how to shop for the right type of camera. One site I have found very helpful when shopping for different camera models is: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp. This website offers side-by-side comparisons between many different digital camera makes and models. I use it each time I consider buying a new camera.

Before you make a comparison chart, you need to analyze your needs. Do you want to take pictures of people or nature? Are you more interested in portability or quality? Not all these questions involve complete trade offs. After a certain point, having a 15 megapixel photo won't matter when you only want to upload pictures to your social media site. Ask the experts at local electronic specialty stores and do your research.

Taking Pictures

Taking photographs is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. The more photographs you take, the more you learn about photography. I have always enjoyed documenting moments with my friends or beautiful nature scenes. For tips from Kodak on how to take great pictures see this link.

The important thing to take away from these tips is that practice makes perfect. You will not master each lesson of photography on your first try. Get out there and keep trying, though, and your efforts will be rewarded.

There are a few different file formats that pictures can be saved under. BMP stands for Bitmap, where no compression takes place. GIF is "Graphical Interchange File," which throws out color depth but no pixels are deleted in compression. JPG, or JPEG as some pronounce, stands for "Joint Photographic Experts Group." It is a very commonly found format for pictures and uses lossy compression but only deletes data that the human eye is not likely to pick up. The group studies human eyesight patterns to decide which data should be removed from the picture. Finally, PNG or "Portable Network Graphics" uses lossless compression.

Organization

Once you take photos, you have to find a way to organize them. Each person will have their own unique organization method. Personally, I organize by milestones. In high school, I would label folders: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Year. Now, in college, I use a semester timeline.

Having thousands of pictures is useless unless you can easily find them. Your own supply of pictures gives you original material to use in presentations, without worrying about copyright violation. You take the picture, you own it (assuming you do not take a picture of copyrighted material).

Taking pictures takes up computer space, and trust me...I know. Luckily, there are ways to save space and keep your valuable memories. You can compress your pictures or store them on an external storage device. There are two forms of compression: lossy and lossless. Lossy compression discards some data while it compresses the graphic. Usually the data deleted is negligible to the human eye, but over time and after multiple saves, noticeable changes begin to appear. Lossy compression is beneficial when you intend to share the picture, through a medium such as the Internet. The other form of compression is lossless. Lossless compression does not throw data away from the photograph. For this reason, lossless compression is best for archiving your pictures as you organize them or editing your original photos. Another way to save space on your computer is to use an external storage device, like a hard drive, to store your photos. This is an easy way to back up your pictures and also is a great idea to keep a backup of your pictures in case your computer's hard drive is damaged.

I currently own a Canon SD1400. I would like to conclude with some of my favorite photographs:

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Chicago, IL

My cat, Roxy

Monarch Butterfly

Saint Barthelemy, French West Indies

Caspersen Beach, Venice, FL

Ladybug

Photos: Amanda Basnight Copyright 2011

Excel Project

The Excel project allowed me to apply my basic skills in a practical way. Although I have basic knowledge of Excel and its functions, I believe that the best way to learn Excel is by practicing with actual data. That is how you can truly appreciate the power of Excel and how much it helps the user be effective in manipulating the data. Using Excel’s formulas helps us display data in which we can apply.

Below is a screen shot of the Average Increase pivot table:

I did encounter one issue while completing the Excel project. When told to freeze the top two rows of the data sheet, I only knew where the freeze panes command was and what it did. I did not know why I was getting a particular error. Each time I would select rows 1 and 2 simultaneously and select freeze panes: freeze panes based on current selection, the first eight rows and the first four columns would freeze. Seems random – I know. The other two freeze panes options were preset to freeze only the top row or freeze the first column. Since the directions required freezing more than just those presets, the customizable option was necessary. In the end, I discovered that instead of simultaneously selecting the two rows, Excel performed freeze panes correctly when I only selected on cell. The selected cell was A3 – just below the rows I wished to freeze. I believe that this obstacle helped me learn the freeze panes command even better than before I began.

In other words, after completing this Excel project I believe I have a better understand of Excel and its functions. Given the data I started with, I am pleased with the outputs and the usability of the data. Trial and error with data manipulation and following directions to achieve an output is the most helpful way to apply knowledge of Excel.

Tutorial 1: Computer Hardware is like a Human Body

The hardware of a computer involves many interrelated parts. Most hardware is useless without the connectivity to other hardware units. In order for a computer to operate and be useful to the user, each of the necessary pieces need to be present. This is also true of the human body. All of the parts of a computer and human body work together to help complete tasks. Through this tutorial I hope to explain computer hardware in a creative, easy to understand manner - by comparing each part to a physical part of you! For easy reference, the body parts discussed will appear peach, while the computer parts analogous to that body part will appear blue. Below is an illustration of the analogies to which I will refer:

Starting from head to toe: A human brain is like a computer's central processing unit (CPU). In order for both the human body and computer to perform tasks, they need a brain or CPU. The brain and CPU communicate with other parts of the computer. The body is rendered useless without a brain in the same sense that a computer without a CPU is an pile of hardware unable to work together. Many people commonly refer to the CPU as "the brain of the computer," and stop there. To continue the analogy, if the CPU is a brain then the clock speed of the CPU tells us how smart, fast, and efficient he or she is. Cache is comparable to human short-term memory. A small amount of information is kept there for fast retrieval, yet it is often information frequently accessed by your brain or computer. CPUs communicate through buses, which are like the nervous system. The wider the bus and faster its speed, the easier information flows in the same way that the nervous system provides channels for the brain to communicate to even the most remote parts of the human body. All of these hardware parts relate to the CPU, which is like a human brain.

If the CPU's cache is our short-term memory, then long-term memory is a computer's hard drive. A hard drive stores a computer's written data and information. It is considered long-term memory because it could not be as easily accessible as the CPU cache. The hard drive's access time is much like the process we undergo when we stop and think for a few moments in attempt to remember and reorganize our thoughts. When we access memories, the more disheveled our long-term memory, the longer it takes to retrieve. If a computer's data is highly fragmented, it may take longer for the computer to find and retrieve information off the hard drive (the longer the access time). Defragmentation reorganizes the placement of data written on the hard drive to make it easier to read and provide faster access times. Although Apple does not recommend manual defragmenting for Macs, it may prove useful tool for improved PC performance. Defragmenting could even reduce heat generated by the hard drive.

Another part of a human body analogous to a computer part is the eye. The eye provides human vision in the way a computer's video card creates images to display on the monitor. Resolution results in the clarity of images on the screen and pixels are the colored dots on the screen. Poor resolution for a computer is much like poor vision for a human, or vision that may call for a visit to the optometrist and glasses. Units of measurement like 20/20 vision and different aspect ratios (such as 4:3 or 16:9), provide more information on the type of eye or video card we have.

Structurally: The skeletal system is a computer's motherboard. Our skeleton holds all of our systems and organs together. Bones give us structure and provide a place for each part of our body. A computer's motherboard similarly provides a location to mount much of the computer's hardware.

Human skin is like a computer case. We have bones, organs, and a need for blood flow and skin contains each of these in a defined area. Skin protects us from infections and serves as a line of defense from the outside world. A computer also needs a defined area to keep and protect its hardware.

The digestive system of a human body takes food and converts it into useable energy. By digesting, our body is provided with nutrients alongside the storage of energy to be used later. This is why the digestive system is comparable to a computer's RAM, or random access memory. RAM stores the running data and software for our computer. Oftentimes more RAM can result in a performance boost to a lethargic computer. This is similar to the sense of hunger we feel when our body could use the energy food provides to continue to function.

Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that more food is always the answer - especially not junk food - even though sometimes I wish that were true.

Our sweat glands are like heat sinks. Heat sinks are found mounted on CPUs and sometimes video cards to keep the computer's temperature from getting too hot. The human body reacts to temperature changes by releasing sweat through glands found all over the body. The sweat then dries on the skin to cool down the internal body temperature. Without the ability to sweat or the placement of heat sinks, our bodies and computers would reach a temperature too high at which to operate.

I hope this analogy and illustration provided a better understanding of a computer's hardware and how it relates the the human body. Take note that this analogy could also be stretched and applied to many more computer processes to better understand how a computer works.