Computer-Information-Technology

Hologram?

2008-10-19T13:33:00.005-06:00

Recently I was watching videos about new gadgets and came across something I found very intriguing. Upon seeing it I quickly thought, “I MUST HAVE ONE.” Sadly, I don’t think this is for sale yet. I’m fairly sure the person that posted this video was one of the creators of the globe. I did a little read and the way this globe works is pretty interesting.

The globe you see above is not a projection of any kinda, but is actually a POV display (Persistence of Vision). Persistence of vision is the blur you see when you wave something quickly in front of your eyes such as a flip book. Similar items to the one shown which you might be familiar with are fans with lighted messages, or clocks with a rapidly swinging stick(like a metronome) that displays a message. These are all POV displays.

This Globe has been made into a 3D POV display. So now imagine turning one of these light fans sideways and having several other layers getting smaller above and below the fan. Now by flashing the LED's at certain times, an image or message is created in the air. The multiple layers is how they've created a seemingly 3D projection of the globe. It has 256 white lights or LED's for drawing the world and 32 blue LED's for the message section.

Apple iPhone/iTouch

2008-10-12T18:31:00.007-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to use my good friends iPhone. I've never been a big fan of Apple and like to tease those who are almost obsessed with anything that has an apple stamped on it. I think the iPhones are overpriced, just as everything else Apple releases, but I was...too my shock...pleasantly surprised with the new product.

For being a touch screen with no stylus it does quite well knowing what you mean to click. I have big hands and fingers, but was still able to easily navigate their menu's and the web browser. They provide free and purchasable software for the phone that ranges from games, to rulers and levels, to heart rate monitors. They all work surprisingly well. Overall the phone works well, the camera takes a pretty decent picture, and it has a pretty sleek design.

However, I would be afraid of cracking or scratching my screen considering the WHOLE THING is a screen. I'm sure it just takes being careful and proper care just as you would any semi-fragile electronic, but that's a lot of money gone if you do crack it. As I said before I think they are overpriced. The way apple works, there will be something better within 6 months. I also have a problem with the amount of storage available; that ties in with price. I would use one as my main music player if I were to get one, but at least $300 for 16 Gig is a bit steep for me. I know it has all the new features and isn't available through other companies, but when I can get a regular "Apple Ipod" with 160 Gig for $250 or pay $300 and get 16 Gig there's a problem.

Independent Study and A+ Certification

2008-10-12T18:06:00.008-06:00

Early 2005 I began a self study course to earn my A+ Certification. I'm sure there are many who prefer self study courses over being lectured everyday, and also those who prefer the traditional lecture. I personally can see benefits to both, and will outline a few for each. I am satisfied with how I received my certification, but do see some dis-advantages with the independent study.

Pro's to Independent Study

Independent study lets you go at your own speed. The time table was a huge deal for me. I received my A+ Certification in just a couple of months. When done through a college, the certification can take several semesters.
I've used computers as long as I can remember and some of what I studied was very basic and I studied at a glance. Other areas required me going a lot more in depth.
You can also study around your own schedule reviewing and quizzing yourself on what YOU need. You don't have to work around other students, fight for a text book, struggle to get help from the teacher, or anything else you have to put up with in a normal classroom setting.

Con's to Independent Study

Taking a course to receive your A+ certification might result in a longer period of time, but almost guarantees plenty of hands on experience. That is one thing I lacked in my own studies, and is one of the more important aspects. While I've gained my own experience and applied what I learned, I didn't get to use it while I was learning it.
Having a teacher and other students to deal with isn't always bad, but at times can provide different prospectives on new concepts. At times a more experienced peer or teacher might be the only way to fully understand something you're trying to learn.

As I said I'm satisfied with how I earned my certification. For anyone considering self study, or how they should go about getting certified, I've just listed a few pro's and con's of doing it yourself or taking a class. Hopefully this will help. I found "Self Test Software" designed for the A+ Certification especially useful. This can be expensive at times though, so another alternative is just basic books on A+ which can be found at Barnes and Noble. Even a book like A+ Certification for Dummies can be a great resource in helping you learn, study, and understand for the big test.

HP Pavilion Power

2008-10-12T17:37:00.005-06:00

I recently got an HP Pavilion dv9000. Here you can find tech specs and all the juicy details about my computers performance. This computer was fully customized by me, and was done trying to keep the price down but performance up. I probably got an average deal, meaning you could find better, but there are also worse out there.

Cost: $1507.99
OS: Windows Vista Business w/ Service Pack 1
Processors: Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4 GHz)
Monitor: 17" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Def HP Bright View Widescreen Display (1680x1050)
RAM: 3GB DDR2
Graphics: 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600m GS
Hard drives: 240 GB 7200RPM STA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
Security:Fingerprint Scanner
Network Connection: Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN
CD Drive: LightScribe SuperMulti 8x DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Support
Battery: 8 Cell Li-Ion battery
Microsoft Office: Home and Student
Norton 360: 15 Months

So far the Computer has worked great. I'm not sure if I'd recommend the Business pack or the Home Edition because I don't see a lot of advantage having the business pack. The processor speed+the RAM+the dual hard drives at 7200 RPMs=No problems with speed AT ALL. The dual hard drives are especially nice when splitting up information or indexes for even quicker access. The screen and resolution is beautiful and the graphics cards does better than expected. I have no problem running games like Half Life 2 with the graphics cranked up. I haven't tried any really high end games yet, but have had zero trouble so far.

Overall I would rate the computer 10 out of 10. The only complaints I could find were that the right shift key is small and sometimes during game play the quickplay volume adjuster made the computer lag. I use the left shift key and havn't had any trouble with the quickplay keys. I get about an hour and a half battery life on "High Performance" setting while running a DVD. I would recommend something similar to anyone looking for a powerful computer that can play games and with a low budget.

Shortage of CIT Graduates

2008-10-12T17:13:00.009-06:00

Recently looking through financial information for school, it came to my attention that there is actually a shortage of CIT graduates. This was a surprise to me because everyone and all businesses have computers so I've always seen it as a field of high demand.

Due to the shortage of graduates there are many government grants and scholarships being made available to CIT majors. My university's CIT department is actually offering its own scholarship for CIT students with the following requirements.

Being a CIT major
Being a full time student
Having a minimum college GPA of 2.500
Having less than 130 cumulative credits
Not having already received one or more scholarships that add up to a full LDS tuition scholarship already

Many of the other CIT scholarships out there have similar requirements. For a list of other opportunities available, visit

http://www.byui.edu/cit/#scholarship