Abstract The following paper discusses the concept of personal financial planning, including a brief definition of the term. It then gives a short but succinct history of the rise of personal computing, and the Internet, in the late 20th century, and early 21st century. Finally it discusses how the personal computer has impacted personal financial planning, including both positive and negative effects. Several concepts, including budgeting, investing, taxes, personal banking, retirement and estate planning, insurance purchases and career planning are examined.
From the Paper "To begin, I will discuss the concept of personal financial planning, including a brief definition of personal financial planning. In simple terms, personal finance planning refers to the process of managing personal assets in order to achieve personal economic satisfaction. Personal financial planning can encompass a wide variety of strategies, including budgeting, investing, insurance, career planning, and perhaps the most obvious of all retirement planning. Given the breadth of personal financial planning, a wide variety of areas must be considered, and several complex and interrelated decisions must be made in the process of individual financial planning. Perhaps not surprisingly, the personal computer has begun to be a key, important tool in the process of personal financial planning.;
Abstract This paper explores both sides of the internet censorship debate and settles upon the advocacy of unbridled free speech. The following topics are discussed in detail-- the presence of child pornography on the internet; the unique global audience that the internet attracts; the subsequent inconsistent standards for "indecent material"; the efforts of conservatives and liberals to enact internet-related legislation; and the possible consequences of curtailing the internet's voice. The paper ends with the notion that silencing "indecent material" on the internet would silence a world-wide web of voices that is still growing as we speak.
From the Paper "Harmful objects are kept from children by locks on doors and tabs on cupboards. Now, right-wing Conservatives wish to apply this same child-proofing strategy to the Internet. The Communications Decency Act ? backed by such groups as the Family Research Council and the Christian Coalition ? would have made it illegal to transmit "indecent" material to children online, had it not been struck down by the Supreme Court. The similarly themed Child Online Protection Act sought to demand "ID verification" from those that visit "adult" sites. The problem with such legislation is that the Internet ? unlike television, radio, or print ? is trafficked by a global audience unaffected by the strength of broadcast signals or the location of paper routes. For this very reason, provincial definitions of "pornography" or "indecent material" cannot be applied to the Internet without abridging First Amendment protection. To ban pornography from the Internet would be to curtail a medium that is fully deserving of the right to free speech."
Abstract This paper discusses the progress of all mechanical inventions, computers in particular. The paper shows how the idea of computers came about and highlights the roles of computers in the modern world.
From the Paper "Finally, in 1959, computer companies started delivering transistorized computers. That year marked the beginning of the second generation. Sales of vacuum-tube computers immediately stopped. The first company to make transistors for computers was Philco, but the most popular second-generation computer turned out to be the IBM 1401, because it was business-oriented and cheap. IBM announced it in 1959 and began shipping it to customers in 1960."
Abstract This paper briefly discusses methods used by IT professionals when faced by bugs in the network and the inability to retrieve data. It shows that today IT environments are full of technologies to help deal with disasters and help with recovery efforts. It discusses the basic characteristics of these programs and the method used by teams to correct such potential "disasters".
From the Paper "Murphy is alive and well in the Information Technology (IT) world. Which is why disaster recovery planning is a critical function for so many IT departments. And why, as IT assumes a greater and more significant role in the success of organizations from small businesses to international corporations, disaster recovery and business continuance planning will become even more important in the future."
Abstract This paper examines how middleware enhances many critical aspects of a distributed enterprise system as seen in application, web, and messaging servers. It illustrates the strengths of Java Messaging Services (JMS) and the advances as a result of this technology.
From the Paper "Enterprise systems were previously built on a two-tiered, client-server model wherein clients required direct access to a limited resource, which was customarily made available through a centralized server. Direct client interaction with these low-level services tended to be problematic in that any changes to "server-side" code often caused clients to stop functioning correctly. "
Abstract This paper examines the positive impact technology has had in many areas of life, such as the environment, transportation, business, communication and health. Associated problems, such as pollution and the threat of bioterrorism are also discussed.
From the Paper "Technology has made a positive impact on the environment. Advances have made it easier to build buildings that are stronger and last longer. These buildings also do not put deadly pollutants in the air as some constructions did as little as 50 years ago. Buildings in the United States have climate control and make working more comfortable for people. The buildings also have weigh rooms so those employees can exercise at their work place. The digitized systems allow employees to count calories as they work out."
Abstract This paper analyzes in detail the demise of the dotcom business, Webvan. The author states that Webvan ignored the most important lesson that good business is still based on basic rules of supply and demand, customer service, employee relations, and prudent expansion. It reached too far and too fast.
From the Paper "In the boom days of the dotcoms, even with such ambitious scope, Webvan had no trouble raising capital; at its inception, investment analysts gave it the nod with assessments that ranged from "attractive" to "strong buy" ... But no sooner did the company go public in November of 1999 and raised $375 million, but the bottom dropped out, and it showed losses of $144.6 million in its first year of existence. At that point, from a market perspective, most of us would do what the analysts did"urge "holds" and caution"to give the brand-new baby business time to find its feet."
Abstract This paper examines the complexities of doing business in our virtual age, looking at the particular challenges of marketing a virtual bookstore. At the center of this paper is a case study of an individual who once owned a bricks-and-mortar bookstore and considered opening a virtual bookstore, only to find the marketing challenges too great. This study shows how the booksellers have had to adjust their own business practices so that they could interact in the smoothest possible way with virtual stores. This paper then presents some possible modifications that will allow this particular bookseller to succeed in today's virtual age.
From the Paper "Independent bookstores have traditionally taken chances on new authors, who often contribute substantially to making the marketplace of ideas more diverse. But the number of independent bookstores ? which have allowed new writers to find their audiences ? seems to decrease each day. The loss of these bookstores is not the same as the closing of a cute clothing boutique; each independent that closes takes with it some measure at least of the freedom of expression that exists only when it is used. The support of these newly emergent authors is something that virtual bookstore owners can use as a marketing strategy. This man, who is planning to open a virtual mystery bookstore later this year, intends to use this as a marketing strategy. Especially for mystery readers there's always this search for new authors. Mystery readers tend to read a lot of books and they"re always running out of new works to read by their favorites, so they"re always looking for new writers. And that's often very hard to find in a Barnes and Noble because they"re committed to these huge profits and sales figures. I"m not looking for that. I?m looking to make a little bit of a profit ? and I want to be part of the mechanism that brings new authors into the public arena. And I know that there are a lot of people who would appreciate that. I go to conferences all the time, and people are always asking when there's going to be a bookstore all about new voices."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss available methods to secure a network so people can access it remotely. The paper describes the network administrators? challenge of securing an enterprise network from hackers. The author writes that with software and hardware innovations, consultants and companies specializing in enterprise security, showing up practically everyday, network security is attainable.
From the Paper "When the first public access networks were installed in Berkley, California in the mid 1970s, the principle was to provide people the means to share information. Restricting access to a remote computer system or protecting it was an unimaginable concept."
Abstract This paper analyses how videoconferencing has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. It details the technology and lists the many different places that it can be applied. It looks at how videoconferencing is used in the business world and how it has changed the face of business and communication. The paper also looks at how it has become a factor in home-based businesses in a positive manner. According to this author, it has opened up the world to anyone because this technology allows people worldwide to communicate and share ideas with one another.
From the Paper "The videoconference connections may be limited to a closed network such as LAN (Local Area Network) or may use public networks such as regular telephone lines. Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) has considerably reduced the expense of videoconferencing making it economical as well as high quality. ISDN works over regular copper telephone lines, transmits at a minimum of 128 KBPS per line, and provides dedicated bandwidth for smooth audio and video. In contrast, a regular Internet connection may cause audio clipping delays resulting in jerky video on slow networks."
Abstract This paper outlines the necessity of computers in today's society and emphasizes the fact that computers do not perform without the aid of people. To support this claim, the writer describes three professions essential to information systems.
From the Paper "The first person that we will discuss is the Computer Systems Analyst. This person is responsible for analyzing the needs of a business and designing a computer system to meet their needs. They also constantly evaluate existing systems and devise ways to improve production, work flow, or expand new systems for new purposes (COG 541). Their job requires a thorough knowledge of all phases of an operation so that they can best design a system to meet the customer's needs. They design systems for all phases of an operation including operations planning, monitoring, testing, accounting, forecasting, coordination, scheduling, and many other areas. They may design the company's entire system, or in larger companies, they may work as a team and be responsible for only a small part of it."
Abstract This paper discusses why the Unix/Linux Operating System has become popular and its major advantages as compared to Microsoft Windows. The writer also explores the five components of an operating system - user interface, device management, file management, memory management and processor management.
From the Paper "Analysts agree that if one operating system stands a chance to give Microsoft a run for its money, that system is Linux, a version of Bell Labs' venerable Unix operating system, written for personal computers. With a very strong grass-roots movement, Linux users are in the millions world-wide. The reason for the Linux phenomenon stems from the input and support of Linux users around the world. Unlike Microsoft who sell a site license giving you the right to install Windows on a certain number of computers, Linux allows its users to pass on their system and to use it on as many computers as they want, even allowing to modify the program (Simnacher 1998). Moreover, you can download Linux from the Internet or get a copy from the North Texas Linux Users Group or another Linux user. Furthermore, Linux fans rave about the operating system's reliability and speed. It can run on relatively old 386-based computers and Linux has versions available for Digital Equipment Corp.'s Alpha 64 workstations and the Macintosh and the Amiga, a computer that Commodore, a computer maker, abandoned (Simnacher 1998).'
Abstract This paper focuses on the merger of the aforementioned companies. It looks at the history behind the merger and opposition to it. It mentions the corporate staff involved and lists the events leading up to the merger. It deals with the position of stock holders and lists the benefits of the merger. The paper concludes with a look at how the merger has been accepted by the market.
From the Paper "Hewlett Packard is a Houston based corporation that has a reputation for selling computer accessories, such as printers, calculators, electronic notebooks, computer software, etc? Compaq headquarters is a Dallas based corporation, headquarters in Plano TX, that sells mainly computers. Carly Fiornia, HP?S CEO, decided that in a rapidly changing economy, the company would be more productive by merging together and combining into one big company."
Abstract This paper details which changes need to be made in order to upgrade a business computer system. It first explains why XYZ company needs to expand its system and how the change will benefit clients and personnel alike. XYZ is a medical practice and the writer examines what changes need to be made to the administration and operations of the company in order for the technical changes to run smoothly.
From the Paper "One of the most critical areas to upgrade XYZ Company is that of its information technology system. Its current method of storing and retrieving information remains woefully out of date, resulting in needless delays for both patients and physicians. Such delays not only result in wasted time, but also hold the potential problem for error in terms of patient's medical records, billing, and data regarding the organization. XYZ's current computer network consists of 3 IBM Pentium's 166 MHz. Due to insufficient hard drive capabilities the company thus must keep hard copies of all record. The most obvious problem that results from this is the danger of mishandled information lies in the often overstuffed and poorly organized storage room. However, needless costs also ensue because of the necessity of employees working more hours in an improperly filed and outdated file room."
Abstract This paper covers the issues related to Internet abuse, sexual harassment and e-mail harassment in the work place based on a given case study. The case study illustrates abuse of the workplace environment and the trust accorded by employers and coworkers.
The paper then turns to the controversial question of the right of the employer to monitor employee e-mails and Internet use and if so, the question of the extent to which this is allowed.
From the Paper "When an employee enters the office environment he or she is essentially entering a place where he is being trusted to cater to the organizational culture. The salary received by the employee is not merely for services provided but rather the sense of loyalty and trust that he or she incites in the employers and the coworkers. In the same context, the employees within the organizational environment trust the management to keep them safe and expect their coworkers to maintain a stress free environment as far as possible. The policies created for the regulatory functioning of the work place are then presented so as to maintain certain decorum of trust within the organization. These policies then create the culture of the organization and work to create the reputation the organization has in terms of employee's and customers for the most recent research suggests that a satisfied worker produces more turnover in terms of production and is thus, more motivated. Any interference in these policies would then directly interfere with employee motivation."
