Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of computers and culture, using the book, "Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology" by Neil Postman, and other resources. Specifically, the paper answers the following questions. How have computers and computer networks changed human thinking, behavior, and lifestyle? What has been gained? What has been lost? What are the advantages of computers in communication? In education? In entertainment? In the economy? What are the disadvantages in these areas? Is computer technology creating winners and losers or furthering social stratification? Have we become too dependent on computers? Do computers limit social skills and physical activity to a damaging degree? Why or why not?
From the Paper "Thus, computers are a large part of our daily lives, and they have forever changed human thinking, behavior, and lifestyle. For example, even ten years ago, computers were still a luxury, especially to lower income families and individuals. However, the prices on computers have dropped dramatically, and today, just about anyone can afford a basic computer. Human thinking and behavior have changed dramatically as computers have "woven their way into the daily fabric" of our lives. Today, you can shop at home on the computer, never setting foot outside your door. You can conduct your business almost entirely by computer, and never see the supplier in Hong Kong or the buyer in Bulgaria. Our lifestyles have become much more sedentary ? we lack of motivation to leave the computer screen, because these screens are mesmerizing, as one historian notes. "Whether as a TV screen or computer monitor, the cathode ray tube remains a two-dimensional mosaic display favoring acoustic simultaneity."
Abstract This paper talks about the importance of public relations efforts to large organizations. In particular, the paper focuses on the public relations strategy of the American Kennel Club (AKC). The paper looks at how the AKC has embarked on a strategy to raise public awareness of the organization and all that it offers, boost membership, and explain its role. To this end, the strategy identified intends to make use of major publications, electronic media, and the Internet. Finally, the paper looks at examples of public relations efforts at other large organizations and how these effort helped to improve the images of these organizations.
From the Paper "The American Kennel Club was literally going to the dogs. The organization did not have a public relations image problem, it did not have any image at all. Membership had declined since the mid-'90s and nearly all of the AKC's endeavors on behalf of animals had gone unnoticed. Some marketing had been done, but it was inconsistent. Therefore, early last year, the AKC decided for the first time ever to emphasize communications, including hiring a full-time staff. The result: both pet owners and members are more acquainted with the Club's activities and pleased with what they have learned."
Abstract This paper discusses how, as one of the most controversial Internet-based technologies, file sharing is causing a wave of ethical and legal conundrums. It looks at how Napster drew the most mainstream media attention due to several lawsuits filed against them by individual recording artists and how music files aren?t the only copyrighted materials being shared by Internet users. It explores how software, movies, and photos are freely traded through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and how dozens of file sharing applications like Morpheus have gained popularity, posing legal and ethical problems as most of the files being traded are copyrighted material.
From the Paper "Napster began the file-sharing revolution and was one of the first pieces of software that created an organized network of users. Using a central server to store a massive amount of music files would not only be costly and cumbersome but also totally illegal, so the architects of Napster designed their software so that each person would download directly from other users? hard drives. This system basically made each individual PC running Napster into a server. A list of sharable files is compiled by the software client, and Napster's central servers compile the file lists of all its online users. This way, individual users can browse others? files in a secure manner. Using the software interface, users can then perform searches for specific song titles, and the songs are downloaded directly from one peer to another."
Abstract This paper discusses how criminals today are using modern technology to prey on innocent victims and how computers and the Internet have made the predator's job easier. It looks at how, in the past, child predators found their victims in public places where children tend to gather, such as schoolyards, playgrounds, and shopping malls, and how, today, they have a new place in cyberspace to target children for criminal acts. It looks at how the Internet must be monitored and investigated to prevent crimes against children. It discusses the topic of Internet child-luring and sexual crimes in an effort to determine how the Internet can be used as an investigative tool to prevent these types of crimes.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
About Internet Child Luring
How the Internet Enables Pedophilia and Internet Child Luring
Protecting Children from Internet Crime
Agencies that Combat Internet Child Luring and Sexual Crimes
Using the Internet as an Investigative Tool to Stop Cybercrime Against Children
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Innovative Internet technology gives pedophiles the opportunity to exchange information about children in an organized environment (Faulkner, 1997). By using the Internet, they can meet in chat rooms and educate one another on how to commit this crime. Over the Internet, pedophiles exchange plans and ideas about how to meet, attract, and exploit children, -- and how to lure the parents of these children into a false sense of security about their presence within the family structure. Many Internet sites host online "How To" seminar in pedophilia activities, whether the site managers know it or not."
Abstract This paper discusses the topic of dating in the United States and shows how technology has affected dating in the last 50 years. The paper shows the impact of technology during this period on dating patterns of "young adults", namely, those aged 13-30, depending on the social norm of the decade. Dating has always been a ritual by which young adults find themselves and discover their sexuality while trying out potential long-term mates. The paper explains that, today, dating has changed considerably due to advances in technology, such as films, MTV, and the Internet.
From the Paper "The partners no longer need to be in the same room, car, or theater, they can be hundreds of miles away from each other and still date online. They can view films together, listen to the same music, and play games all over the Internet. They can chat whenever they want via Instant Messenger or email. The Internet has taken dating to another level, and has proved to be an excellent way for people to meet other people with the same interests and ideals."
Abstract This paper gives a brief explanation of how wireless technology works and its applications. The paper then presents a review of ten articles on wireless network technology and looks at why it has become so useful currently and what its impact will be in the future.
From the Paper "Wireless technologies are portable systems that use radio signals for the exchange of data. In other words, wireless system is always connected with the data. A number of examples of wireless systems are personal digital assistants (PDAs), robots, telehealth apparatus, pagers, telephones, tablet computers and subnotebook computers (smaller, lighter portable computers), smart telephones, wireless networks."
Abstract This paper explains the differences between the security considerations involved in a regular company and a virtual company. The writer provides a history of the WWW and e-commerce and looks at the options of security technologies available to protect a business.
From the Paper "What is enough security? No matter how many devices are deployed across a network there will never be enough security to ensure a business is 100 percent secure. A combination of technology, knowledge and education will provide layers of security to ensure as much protection as possible is achieved (Catalno, 2001, p.218). The only way to protect a business from the Internet is not to be connected to it at all. This is not feasible in today's market, so the best to approach security is in a practicable, methodical and realistic way. The e-commerce owner should never make assumptions about hackers and viruses, but base a solid security policy on fact and knowledge and ensure it fits into the strategy of a business and has a realistic and working practice."
Abstract This paper presents a project plan for a corporate web site and a rack optimized system. The paper describes some of the problems associated with computer systems designed to meet the needs of high-demand web sites and complicated computer software applications and then presents a plan that would address these problems. The solution presented explains how to install and set up a fully clustered/load balanced multi-processor hardware system and a redesign of a current web page portal that reflects the high-volume capabilities offered by the new equipment. Appended are figures that help illustrate the proposed plan.
Project Description
Project Objectives
Tasks and Schedule
Risk Management
Research
From the Paper "Today, both small as well as medium sized companies experience server related problems due to the excess load on their websites. In order to solve this problem companies deploy multiple servers. But instead of working as a solution these servers further give rise to problems ranging from the complex cabling, prolonged deployment, more hardware and software requirements to increased data center costs and space requirements, and lower processing capabilities. This problem is further mounted with the amount of space servers occupy. Although rack mounting server is a possible solution but even it takes up a lot of space and is difficult to replace."
Abstract This paper examines how a collaborative approach on the part of customers, users, and the entire project team is essential to realizing a successful software development project. It looks at how the main objectives of lowering development costs and improving project success rate require clear understanding of user requirements, the need to anticipate changes, integration, and frequent communication among all parties involved. It also shows how effective software quality assurance is a challenge that requires strategic planning and a long-term commitment.
From the Paper "Project requirements/user involvement is the number one problem for these failed projects. The typical problems with requirements that we see are similar to what Glass has described as well. This includes too many requirements, unstable or constantly changing requirements, ambiguous requirements or incomplete requirements. In most organizations we find that incomplete or missing requirements seems to be the most prevalent requirement's issue. The second major finding has to do with project planning and estimation, which are activities typically performed by management. These categories are similar to the Executive Management Support and Proper Planning found in the Chaos Study. Somehow we are just too optimistic when it comes to delivering software."
Tags: code, computer, cycle, developer, engineer, implementation, microsoft
Abstract This paper discusses the company, Cisco Systems, and its unique capabilities in the technology arena. It talks about the company's history and its competitive advantage in its industries.
From the Paper "The search for talented high-tech workers has grown fierce as the numbers of eligible workers that meet this need are few. One company, Cisco Systems, has perfected a way to not only attract these employees, but also to retain them as well. The company went public back in 1994 primarily as a manufacturer of routers for the Internet and communications market. It has blossomed into a communications giant that is involved in some aspect with almost every technology field."
Abstract This paper addresses the subject of violence in video games and looks at whether there is any positive correlation between violent video games and the danger of perpetuating violence in children.
From the Paper "Video gaming is a multibillion dollar industry and billions of dollars worth of game units are sold every year. It is estimated that more than 60% of all Americans play videogames which is nothing but an astounding 150 million people or more. Analysis has revealed that more than 89% of these videogames are imbued with violence of different degrees. Even majority of those games which have been certified and approved for all ages (E) carry violence as the main theme. [Children Now] While past studies have corroborated the positive aspects of video games such as improving the cognitive skills, spatial skills, hand eye coordination and attention skills recent researches have shown that they also pass on the scourge of violence. Many results have attested the fact that the obsession with videogames has also created a new type of society where children are beginning to be aloof and exhibit unusually aggressive behavior. Video games have sort of created a withdrawal effect in these children as they are more and more fixated to those pixilated characters than the social life outside."
Tags: desensitizes, disturbing, behavior, entertainment, electronics, exposure, columbine, high, school
Abstract This paper discusses the current state of world technology. It explains how the SQL Server can be implemented in a business setting and looks at its advantages. The use of different computer languages alongside this server are also discussed.
From the Paper "Commerce in the 21st century is changing at lighting speed. Business processes to find and retain customers continues to evolve. The Internet now provides a means for today's businesses to sell to customers in real-time in the comfort of their homes. The same technology also provides a low-cost means for businesses to place orders with other businesses to manage inventory levels within the supply-chain."
Abstract The objective of this paper is to discuss the development and adoption of mobile wireless communications technologies and their effects on organizations and society. It examines the information society concept followed by the impact of mobile technologies ? mobile phones in particular - on society. The influence of mobile technologies on organizations is also investigated as well as the changing working procedures of workers. Particular attention is paid to blue-collar fieldworkers. It also explores the advantages of employing mobile technologies in organisational operations and how these technologies can contribute to organisational performance.
Outline
Information Society Concept and How Mobile Technology Effects Society
Impacts of Mobile Technologies on Organizations
Impacts of Mobile Technologies on Working Procedures
Conclusion
From the Paper "No technological development is possible without effect upon society. Thanks to the developments in technology taking place since the end of the 20th century, we have moved towards an emerging society defined as "the information society". As can be clearly understood from its name, information has become a significant factor for the development of society. Yoneji Masuda, who discussed "Information villages" as the social system of the future in 1971, is regarded as an early proponent of information society concept."
Abstract This paper examines the philosophical and scientific implications of artificial intelligence for humanity. The paper traces the original connection made between human thought and computer processes and then goes on to explain how the question of artificial intelligence then became not whether an advanced computer can be built, but rather what is intelligence. The paper also looks at the evolution of computer capabilities and how they are now more capable of intelligent thought than ever before, but are still not capable of common sense or an understanding of what they are for or the limits of their applicability. The paper concludes with the observation that, while newer and more advanced technology will bring major changes to the level of artificial intelligence, whether these changes will actually approximate human intelligence is still an unknown.
From the Paper "Not even a century ago?in fact, not even a half-century ago--few people could have imagined the present-day world with computers operating most of the government and business processes and the Internet running in millions of homes. Thus it would have been nearly impossible to comprehend artificial intelligence (AI) and that scientists would try to create a machine (AI) to learn, adapt, reason, correct or improve itself. Whether or not this will become a reality is still unknown. AI pioneer Chris Langton says that this "intelligent entity" will never be possible. He believes, ?when scientists are faced with the choice of either admitting that the computer process is alive, or moving the goalposts to exclude the computer from the exclusive club of living organisms, they will choose the latter.? Is this true? Will humans never admit that a computer can actually function as real life? Or will they instead decide there is nothing special about life, and humanity can therefore be designed, built and replicated? At least for the time being, there is no answer to this dilemma."
Abstract In recent years, enterprise-wide networking has been the topic of discussion. Advances in technology and networking systems have caused organizations to develop new management techniques for enterprise-wide networks. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the management of enterprise-wide networking by focusing on four aspects of enterprise-wide networking, including legacy systems, Internet security, off-shore development, and support and mobile computing. It investigates how each of these aspects is handled within an enterprise.
Outline
Introduction
Legacy Systems
Internet Security
Off-shore Development and Support
Mobile Computing
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the main means of internet security is through digital certifcation authorities (CA). This method includes the use of usernames, and passwords among other things. Authentification attempts to protect an enterprise wide network from hackers and to protect consumers from identity theft. An article in the CPA Journal explains that there are five areas of digital certification that need to be resolved. (PKI: The Key to Enhanced Internet Security Standards...2003 These areas include; Required identification, Authentication and authorization procedures, levels of assurance assigned to certificates, Accreditation of root and subordinate CAs under the WebTrust for Certification Authorities Program and Consistent application of standards across the CA industry (PKI: The Key to Enhanced Internet Security Standards...2003)."
