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technical issues

Computer profile -

    Many things determine power/functionality of the computer:
  • Processor - (aka microprocessor or Central Processing Unit) It is seen as the brains of the computer, in a sense. It processes data. The most common type of processor is Intel based. Computers can have more than one processor.
    • More than one processor - parallel processing happens. If there are dual processors, they are operating simultaneously and it increases the speed of processing.
    • Speed of the processors is referred to in GHz (giga-hertz)
  • Memory - Random Access Memory (RAM)
    • Access any point of memory at any point in time - it is randomly accessible. It is the working memory of the computer
    • A psychologist would say this is like the short term memory in terms of the brain. 
    • Referred to as bytes
  • Storage Devices - how you store the memory for long term purposes
    • Hard Disk Drive - mechanical device
      • you can save data onto it
      • randomly accessible data
    • Different types of drives: Firewire, USB, flash drives
  • Operating System
    • Most important piece of software for computer - determines what the computer can do - patches you into the computer and its devices
    • Deals with everything inside the computer, and everything outside
  • Monitor
    • resolution - how many pixels per inch - the more the better
    • the video card - how much memory it has to be able to send the data
Changing Preferences of Browser/ Saving Downloads-
If you want your downloads to go to a certain location follow these steps:
1. Go to Safari (Menu)
2. Click on Preferences
3. Where it says: Save Files To: Choose Location.  I.E. Desktop
This will allow you to know where your downloads are being saved on your computer.

Editing Toolbars and Menus-
Go to View, click on customize toolbars and menus, click on commands and drag and drop what you want into your toolbar at the top for easier access.
 
Dashboard and the F12 key- allows you to assemble different types of information on your desktop called widgets. The F12 key brings your dashboard in and out of view on your screen. 
 
Changing number of screens and other screen functions- Go to apple, click on system preferences, click on expose and spaces (or dashboard and expose will just do the corners and dashboard if you don't have an updated version with the squares option) - if you want to have four screens or to control the movement in the corners of your desktop adjust preferences accordingly.
 
Navigating the Internet- URL- Uniform Resource Locater-the global address of documents and other resources on the World Wide Web. The first part of the address is called a protocol identifier and it indicates what protocol to use, and the second part is called a resource name and it specifies the IP address or the domain name where the resource is located. The protocol identifier and the resource name are separated by a colon and two forward slashes.
 
Translating webpages/documents: Certain websites and softwares alllow to translate text from English to any other language and vice versa, such as GoodleTranslations.
 
IP or Internet Protocal address: Each computer has a unique address as it goes through a unique service node at the servic provider

To know how to check for your IP address: go to http://www.ehow.com/how_2068589_check-macs-ip-address.html (Claude).

Frozen Computer Problem Fix:  When your computer is going crazy and the rainbow pinwheel is spinning, but not doing anything else because it is frozen. Go to the tool bar, far left hand corner, to the Apple Icon, and select "force quit" on the drop down menu. This will close the program.  Melody Abrams

If you are having difficulties accessing the class wiki you may need to simply sign out and sign back in again to refresh the page and receive edit options.  (I wrote the previous point (with my name next to it) for this section but had to access it through Cynthia's account because mine wasn't working at the time the professor was out of town.

Comments (2)

Alix de la Foret - Jun 14, 2009 4:07 PM

What is outsourcing ?
Outsourcing is the business practice of hiring workers from international locations to supply labor. Industrialized nations do so because labor costs less when you they hire skilled workers from developing nations. Technology allows those foreign workers to remain located where they live, and still supply the labor via the internet and other international communication means. It is very much part of global culture and the world economic system of today. This is why educators and students need to get familiarized with the newest technological possibilities in the field communication.

Alix de la Foret - Jun 14, 2009 4:11 PM

Claude: I would like to add this wikipedia link that I found very helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outsourcing.