Module 1- Internet and Protocols
Smith S.E. "What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?” (2007) Wisegeek. 12 February, 2007 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-http-and-https.htm
This article explains the difference between HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol and HTTPS (using encrypted HTTP) in a simple, yet comprehensive way. Smith explains it in a way that I, as a student, understands it easily, but even someone not to versed in Internet technology, would also be able to understand it. The concept is simply to clarify how the protocols differ from each other. The article relates to the topic under Module 1 and accomplished to explain the differences well.
Kelly, Spencer. “Bittorrent battles over bandwidth”. (13 April, 2006) BBC Click. 14 February, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/4905660.stm
In this resource Kelly discusses Bittorrent, a Peer-to-Peer file sharing program. The concept is to explain some its uses but also the implications for copyright holders of using it and the impact of the large files on the bandwidth. I found to be a great resource because it gives the reader a good overview about Bittorent as a file sharing tool but also how it is impacting the the bandwidth infrastructure and the society as a whole with copyright issues.
Module 2 - Communicating in the Infosphere
Module 2.2: Emailing
Vaughan, Sandra. “Evolution of employee monitoring stretches far beyond email” (26 February, 2007) SC Magazine. 24 February, 2007 http://www.securecomputing.net.au/feature/3296,evolution-of-employee-monitoring-stretches-far-beyond-email.aspx
The article sheds some light on monitoring employee emails, as well as additional outbound streams such as blogs, instant messaging , web based mail and FTP s within companies. The concept of the article is that companies will always be susceptible for confidential information leaving the doors, but by having a look at securing the emails and outbounds streams, as well as creating clear security policies for the employees to follow, they can secure the information a step further. An interesting read which makes one realize the vulnerability of companies in these days compared to the days of word-of-mouth only.
Module 2.2: Lists, newsgroups and chat
Willard, Nancy E., Gale Schools. (March 2006) MySpace Phenomenon.12 April, 2007 http://www.galeschools.com/article_archive/2006/03/myspace.htm
This resource discusses MySpace, the online social networking phenomenon for teens and younger adults. Willard focus from an Educator’s perspective is on providing parents of teenagers with the risks of potential unsafe activities which can take place on MySpace, though she is not against the use of it completely, but wants parents to be aware of them and monitor their children. A good source for parents or anyone with limited knowledge who needs a quick overview what MySpace is.
Module 3 – Contributing to the Infosphere: E-writing
Wikipedia
Myers, Jimmy. “Professors warn students about trusting online sources”. (28 February, 2007). St Joseph News-Press. 12 April, 2007
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/56012.html
Myers brief article is focusing on the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia and the importance for students of not become reliant and trusting its content without double-checking with at least one more source first.
Users make their own content and news on Wikipedia
Galore, Micheal (user), referenced on Wired. (20 April, 2007). Video Tracks Virginia Tech Wikipedia Page. Retrieved 20 April, 2007 from http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/04/video_tracks_vi.html
A good example of how Wikipedia has become more than just an encyclopedia, users creating headline news in real time. This is not an article, but a a good visual resource of how Wikipedias users are creating their news in real time.
Industry blogs
Campaign Brief (n.d) A blog for advertising creatives in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. 20 April, 2007 http://campaignbrief.blogspot.com/
Nzcreative circle (n.d) A blog for the New Zealand Creative Advertising Industry. 20 April, 2007 http://nzcreativecircle.blogspot.com/
These resources shows examples of how blogs can be used as a source for current industry news and online networking environment. These blogs are primarily for the Advertising Community in Australia and New Zealand.
Module 4-Web Search and Evaluation
Web 2.0
O’Reilly, Tim. (30/9/05). What is Web 2.0. 12 March, 2007
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
This very comprehensive and excellent source by O’Reilly discusses the difference between Web1.0 and Web 2.0. The topic is somewhat confusing since Web 2.0 has been used a buzz word, so the article’s focus is on explaining the history of how Web 2.0 came about as an expression and as applications on the web and a list of premises of being able to call oneself a Web 2.0 company. Although somewhat dated, the article was written 2005, the resource does not just give me an overview about Web 2.0 criteria, but a short history of popular current web applications and usage for the past years.
Lowery, Shelley. (2007). Excerpt from Web Design Mastery: Web Site Optimization. 21 March, 2007 from http://www.web-source.net/webpage_optimizing.htm
This resource does a great job of explaining the ins and outs of web site optimization for search engines. The concept is to make a web site owner understand how they by using key words or key word phrases in their web pages as meta tags, titles and text they can improve the ranking their site gets listed under a search engine, which is very important, considering people tend to look at the first 10-20 results only. Clear and good explanations.
