An examination of the government's continued attacks on the company and exploration of possible consequences of the government's decision to prosecute Microsoft.
2,147 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 0 sources, 2000, $ 67.95
From the Paper "The word Microsoft has become synonymous with Windows, Internet Explorer, and basically the entire computer industry. The government believes this to be a "monopoly" by their standards; in fact they specifically brought the case against the forced usage of Internet Explorer with the Windows operating system."
From the Paper "These days, owning a computer is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity. However, owning a computer isn?t always enough for people anymore. The convenience of the Internet is becoming the real necessity in people's lives. The Internet has millions of sites with information on people, news, finances, places, history, entertainment and many hundreds of other topics. This information can be accessed from the Internet through a computer. Through marketing, companies have been able to pay people money to use their good or service via the Internet. By marketing the good or service as a way for people to make free money, companies have gained the attention anyone wanting more money, students, and advertisers. The company makes money from advertising, and the person using the website gets paid by the company. Making money on the Internet requires almost no effort, but is sometimes time consuming. Ways to make money on the Internet include: surfing the web, having an Internet start page, filling out surveys and giving opinions of products and services, and listening to music. "
Abstract This paper details problems with the Internet such as hacking, obtaining credit card and personal information, and the dangers of chat.
From the Paper "Although the information super highway is known as the "world beyond our own" and the information found on the Internet is almost infinite, the information superhighway is becoming one of the biggest headaches the world has ever known. Along the lines of surfing the information superhighway just about anything can be found from bomb making to how to plant a flower garden, but while you are surfing the net you may be leaving yourself wide open to unknown persons obtaining every bit of information about yourself. Everything from your social security number to the credit card numbers, and including your bank account numbers are waiting just for the right knowledgeable person to look for it. You have to learn to protect yourself and your personal belongings such as your personal information."
A look at the law regarding Internet censorship and tools that are used to censor, as well as a debate about the extent of censorship that should be in place.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, 2000, $ 36.95
From the Paper "Countries with a history of limiting free expression, such as China and Singapore, are seeking to extend their controls into cyberspace. Meanwhile, countries with more democratic traditions, such as the United States and members of the European Union, are considering policies that seek to control problems like racism and pornography, which could end up restricting speech on the Internet."
Abstract This feasability study, carried out for a knowledge management project, is based on a fictitious organisation, an insurance company, that is expanding rapidly and needs to implement a database system to store client details and general information. The report includes a presentation of the use case (report section 2), analysis of Organisational and Technical Requirements (section 3), Proposition of a Solution (section 4), Implementation Strategy (section 5) and Evaluation Strategy (section 6). Conclusionsare also drawn regarding the knowledge management project (section 7).
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at computer viruses. Topics covered by the author include: What is a virus? Different kinds of viruses, and how viruses can be prevented.
From the Paper "First, what is a virus? A virus, according to Dr. Solomon's On-Line Guide to Computer Viruses, "is a program that repeats itself". When something repeats itself, it grows. That is the problem, but looking at a virus, one will realize that it is no more than a weed in a garden, a mere nuisance. It can be easily removed. Except it is classified as being a weed in an electrically rooted garden. In a real garden, many people consider a dandelion to be a weed. The gardeners believe that the dandelion can destroy all the other plants in the garden, therefore being a destructive dandelion. The same is true with a computer virus if it isn't caught and "pulled."
Abstract This short paper argues that the internet has improved our lives and changed things for the better. The author includes numerous examples to back up his argument.
From the Paper "The Internet is just one of many technological innovations which have changed our lives in the last decade, yet it is by far one of the greatest. In a relatively insignificant amount of time, this simple concept has revolutionalised the way we go about our lives ? from our use of computers, to the print media industry, to significantly affecting the workings of both large and small businesses. Pick up any magazine, newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV and you can?t help but notice the massive influence it has already had on our lives. It will also be a major force in determining our future. The question therefore has to be asked, has the "Dot-Com Revolution" changed our society for the better, or worse?"
Abstract This paper looks at the future state of the hardware and software industries. The author stresses the decrease in the requirements and demands of new technology and the effects this might have on the financial profits and workforce numbers for the industries concerned.
From the Paper "Concerns over the economy combined with a slowdown in the demand for new installations due to the fewer new technology companies appearing on the scene have industry analysts predicting tough times ahead for the hardware industry. Most hardware manufacturers have announced lower expected profits for the next year, and some have resorted to workforce layoffs to cut costs in response to the decrease in demand. Apparently IBM is the only major player not to be significantly impacted, given its longevity on the hardware scene and its diversity of product offerings that extend beyond computers into other office and IT equipments."
Abstract This paper depicts the notion of telework and its various aspects. It details why the world has turned to telework and what the advantages and disadvantages are in such a change. The author feels that in order to to shape these changes rather than just react to them, it is necessary to understand what telework offers to workers, employers and society.
From the Paper "Technological advances have made telecommuting an attractive choice for employees because it gives them the flexibility to work almost at anytime anywhere. It could promote diversity and increase worker productivity, which also may mean an increased net income. In addition, telecommuting provides greater job opportunities for disabled members of the work force. This option allows employees the flexibility to manage family responsibilities or health problems without giving up their careers. Telework can bring equality and satisfaction to workers, as they may find their talents and realize their dreams with better time management and independence. Also the prestige of some occupations will not play that significant role any more with status becoming less visible due to infrequency of actual face-to-face communication. Getting accustomed with new technologies means adding value to one? marketability in the future. Some teleworkers may eagerly trade off all possible drawbacks against an opportunity to learn more skills in terms of dealing with technologies and ability to be flexible and competent, as these former bottom-line workers will have to perform functions (and therefore possess expertise) of middle-line employees. "
Tags: telecommuting, telework, flexiplace, flexible, work
Abstract This paper explain what e-commerce is and how it has developed. The author of the paper examines various aspects of e-commerce; its uses and advantages for aspects such as consumerism, research, information, communication and businesses of today. The paper also examines how e-commerce has changed manufacturing, production and consumption and the every day life of individuals.
From the Paper "Electronic commerce is a term used to describe transactions carried out through the use of computers and networks. At its most basic, it means electronic shopping, doing business online, or buying products and services through web storefronts. The terms have evolved to include all aspects of business and market processes facilitated by the use of computers, networks, the Internet and the World Wide Web. (NIACC). Advantages of electronic commerce include the ability to reach global markets, to facilitate fast transactions and settlement, achieving higher transaction volume at a lower cost due to automation, realizing time and personnel savings due to reduced "human" handling of transactions and the ability to integrate cross-functional systems. There are already $1 trillion USD in technical infrastructure in place, available for anyone to use at any time. (Hoffman, et al). "
Tags: commerce, computer, technology, programming, consumer, manufacture, consumption, production
Abstract This paper investigates the role of formal methods (such as Z, Object-Z, VDM, B) within the software process and compares these to less formal methods such as natural language specifications and semi-formal methods like UML/Fusion. The complexities of formal methods are weighed against the software quality benefits often achieved through their use. Overall cost-effectiveness of both methods are discussed, as well as situations where formal methods may not be required (non-critical applications, rapid prototyping).
From the Paper "While it is clear that both formal and informal methods have their own inherent benefits and shortfalls, it seems as though formal methods are the best option if software quality and overall cost-effectiveness are to be maximised. With increased tool support and method standardisation, barring personal preference, there are few reasons why a formal approach should not be implemented. Increased acceptance of formal methods would most likely lead to higher quality software due to the more complete and precise specification that mathematical notations allow. While the initial costs experienced in the early stages of the development process may be high, these become less important as the benefits trickle their way through the software development process."
Abstract This paper elaborates on the programming software developed by Microsoft that distinguishes its software from that of competitors'. The writer discusses how Microsoft differentiated itself from the rest of the market and lists the various software and application developed by the company.
From the Paper "Microsoft has been for sometime now the leading developer of software programs regardless of the allegations it has faced by anti-trust laws against monopolizing the market. The software programs that it has developed have allowed it to grab the major part of the market and forcefully caused the competitors to leave the field or bend to its will and yet, the programs it develops are still adopted all worldwide."
Abstract This paper describes the wireless business with special focus on the cellular technology. The author examines cellular technology as the driving force in the US economy in a quality of life, economic, business and investment boom. A look at the growing changes and increased customer expectations.
From the Paper "Experimentation in wireless communication has been in existence since the invention of the telegraph. And it is nothing new to the American consumer in a greater concept, especially since they are familiar with televisions and radios. Also, the telephone industry has used Microwaves to move voice data from one location to another via the use of microwave transceivers. Also, the American consumer is well aware of the value of communication, communications systems, and the impact that these systems have on our lives. In the case of the telephone, the average consumer was well aware that this single device was an integral part of keeping in touch with family and friends, as well as being able to speed up business by being able to get necessary supplies to the manufacturer in a more timely manner, being able to bring a new product to market more quickly, and so on. The paradigm shift came when the average consumer was now able to both understand and afford that the time could be reduced even further with the use of mobile communications."
Abstract This essay is an in-depth analysis of file-sharing technology (Napster, Kazaa) and its relation to modern intellectual property laws. In order to structure the analysis, theoretical work from two prominent communications scholars - Harold Innis and James Carey - is employed. These authors divided media into two types: Innis categorized media as either time-biased or space biased, while Carey said media was either ritual or transmission. Ritual/time-biased media resist control and intellectual property laws, and file-sharing networks are ritual and time-biased. This essay defines the medium of file-sharing networks, intellectual property, the terms used by Innis and Carey, and shows how the nature of the medium explains why intellectual property laws are ignored on file-sharing networks.
From the paper:
"From a modern, literate, perspective the current economic and legal debate over file-sharing is a teeming with contradictions. Most people find the thought of shoplifting a CD repugnant, yet many of those same people wouldn"t hesitate to borrow a copy from a friend or download a song from a complete stranger. What is the cause of this dichotomy" Can one be a consumer and a thief at the same time? This essay proposes that answers can be found by examining the media in question. Most modern investigation of this subject, critical and legal, is rooted in one specific perspective, but media scholars like Harold Innis and James Carey have in fact proposed two. Logically and historically, intellectual property rights appear in one and not the other. The following pages will define the medium in question and the two perspectives. Next these definitions will be used to place the medium in the most appropriate frame. Once the medium is categorized, the work of Innis and Carey will be applied to show how the nature of the medium determines the role of intellectual property."
