Ubuntu and Open Source Software

Ubuntu is a fast, secure and easy-to-use operating system from Linux used by millions of people around the world.  it is a free alternate to Microsoft Windows or Mac OS.   Ubuntu is an open source software from Linux, which means the software is distributed, usually for free, with the source code so that it can be studied, changed and improved by users.  This is unlike proprietary software like Microsoft Windows, which does not release the source code, or programming language to users.  A programming language (as defined by Baldauf and Stair) is the primary tool of software engineers, which provides commands for writing software that are translated to step by step instructions executed by the processor to achieve an objective or solve a problem.  One of the benefits of open source software is that when people find errors or bugs, they themselves can modify the software.  Other operating systems require a series of error reports, patches and even new versions of software to correct issues that may arise. 

For a better understanding of open source software, take a look at this interesting video from Richard Stallman, a pioneer of the free software movement.

In class, we actually were able to play around with Ubuntu software.  It has all the same capabilities of mainstream software that users are familiar with such as spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software and is supposedly much faster at executing commands.  It is easy to use and it is free.  So why don't most people use this? Mainly because people believe that well known mainstream companies are better because of their name.  Another supposed downside is the support, which is online based. 

There are businesses that have reorganized all of their operating systems to run Ubuntu as a money saving measure.  This would be a great alternative for libraries that don't have the budget to pay for operating systems.  I am seriously considering switching to Ubuntu when I next upgrade my operating system at home.  It is easy to use and it compatible with all other operating systems.  You can also look into the option of running dual operating systems, where you choose which one you want to use when you log on. Another option for running multiple operating systems at a time is called virtualization.  Virtualization software, also called virtual machine, allows users to run one operating system on top of another.  This allows users to go back and forth between operating systems easily. 

For more info, take a look at the ubuntu website:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Follow this link to download, save to a disc or flash drive, or to learn about running Ubuntu with Windows. 

http://www.ubuntu.com/download

For a tutorial check this video out:

What is a Computer? Key terms and definitions

It may seem like a silly question, but how would you define a computer? What devices are considered computers? What are the key terms used in the technology world? You'll find the answers here, provided from the textbook Succeeding with Technology by Ken Baldauf and Ralph M. Stair.

A computer is:

 nA digital electronics device that combines hardware and software to accept the input of data, process and store the data, and produce some
useful output.

 Digital Technology

nTechnology refers to tools, materials, and processes that help solve human problems.

nMany of today’s technologies fall under the classification of digital electronics.

 

nDigital electronics devices store and process bits electronically.

¡A bit represents data using 1’s and 0’s

¡Eight bits is a byte – the standard grouping in digital electronics

¡Digitization is the process of transforming information into 1’s and 0’s

Producing Valuable Information

 

nData: items stored on a digital electronics device: numbers, characters, & sounds

nInformation: data organized and presented in a manner that provides value to the user: documents, graphs,

  music, photos

Microprocessor

 

nSometimes called a chip or just a processor, combines microscopic electronic  components on a single integrated circuit that processes bits according to software instructions.

Digital Technology Metrics

 Personal Computer (PC)

 Types of General Purpose Computers:

Supercomputer

Most powerful with fastest processing speeds

Special Purpose Computers

nA kiosk is a computer station that provides the public with specific and useful information and services.

Example:The Kindle

Telecommunications and Computer Networks

nTelecommunications are communications that take place electronically over a distance.

nA computer network is a telecommunications network that connects two or more computers for data communications.

The Internet and Web

nThe Internet is the world's largest public computer network, a network of networks, that provides a vast array of services.

nThe Web is an Internet service that provides convenient access to information through hyperlinks

Wireless networking

nWireless networks use radio signals rather than cables to connect users.

nWi-fi is a popular wireless standard.

The Computer and the Human relationship

Computation

nComputers were invented to compute – calculate solutions to mathematical problems.

Automation

nAutomation involves utilizing computers to control otherwise human actions and activities.

Communication

nComputer systems control, support, or provide many forms of communication.

¡E-mail

¡Instant messaging

¡Blogs

¡Social networking

Entertainment

nDigital technologies not only enrich people’s entertainment experiences, but also have revolutionized entertainment distribution.

Information

nA Computer-based
Information System (CBIS) uses these components to manage and distribute
information.

Information Systems and Information Technology

 

nIT can be defined as issues related to the components of a computer-based information system.

nSystems development is the activity of creating or modifying existing information systems.

Information System Types

•  Expert System
• Decision Support System
• Management Information System (MIS)
• E-commerce

Transaction processing System (TPS)

Information Security

nInformation security refers to the protection of information systems and the information they manage against unauthorized access, use, manipulation, or destruction, and against the denial of service to authorized users.

Does your brain hurt? Having a basic knowledge of the key terms and concepts of computers and technology helps to understand how computers function and in turn can assist with problem solving and trouble shooting.

Technology for Information Professionals

Hi all!
I've begun my summer class, Technology for Library Professionals! The summer semester moves so quickly since it's only 7 weeks and we've hit the ground running.  We've already covered a lot of terminology used in the field and yesterday in class I took a computer apart and put it back together again! I'll keep you posted on all the techie things I'm learning.  The first assignment is an interview with a Systems/Technology Librarian and it's due in only two weeks! It's a group project so my group is interviewing the Technology Librarian at Beatley Library from Simmons College! I'll let you know how it goes as I'm sure it will be fun and interesting!

What I'm Reading Now

Hi! I've completed the spring semester at Simmons and received A's in both classes, ending my first semester with a 4.0! I have a quick break and then I start my summer class (ugh) on June 13.  During my weeks off, I've been reading up a storm! Here are some good books I've read recently:

The weird sisters by Eleanor Brown
A well-written novel about three sisters named after heroines of the bard's famous plays by their Shakespeare Professor Dad.  When their Mom falls ill, the sisters all return to their childhood home to find that some things never change...but some things do...for the better.

Water for elephants by Sara Gruen
I didn't read this book when it came out, so when the movie version hit theaters, I figured it was time! The book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down! The book tells us the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man in veterinary school who loses everything he's known when his parents die in a car accident.  What ensues is an exciting tale of adventure, romance and murder when Jacob joins the Benzini Brothers traveling rail circus.

The red garden by Alice Hoffman
Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors and I always look forward to her books.  In her latest novel she weaves together stories of generations in the fictional Blackwell, Massachusetts.  The town carries secrets and the supernatural from one generation to the next.

The peach keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
A great summer read! In this quick but nicely written short novel, two totally different women are brought together by their grandmothers' pasts when a skeleton is found.  The writing is poetic at times and the book is filled with magical realism.

On the road by Jack Kerouac
I'm listening to this audio book in my car.  The book is a detailed journal account of Sal Paradise and his crazy friends as they travel across the U.S. and back again...and again...and again. 

The fates will find their way by Hannah Pittard
A coming of age tale that takes you into the adulthood of a group of male friends whose lives have been changed by a female friend that goes missing on Halloween night.