This past Tuesday, Chris Nolan visited and provided the class both useful and helpful information regarding search engines, particularly Google. One aspect of Google that I found interesting was how some websites are not as credible as one initially believed them to be. For instance, one can use site: gov in order to find sites related to the government; however, government sites aren’t always safe. These sites may be bias, and government agencies can color the site contents in order to make an issue appear appealing. Non-profit organization websites (.org) are not always reliable sources, either. One must look carefully at the information provided by the site before using it for academic purposes.
There were a variety of other topics Chris Nolan mentioned that I found beneficial, especially the subject on how to narrow down your search. Google Scholar was something new that I thought could help me narrow my search down to more scholarly results. Chris Nolan also introduced the class to a database called Infomine, which I did not know existed until then. I am thankful that he has provided information that could help and aid me whenever I search for specific topics.
I commented on the blogs of both Jenni and Luisa. They had interesting takes on facebook, and I agree with a lot of their comments.
I would like to extend my thanks towards Mrs. Diane Graves, who took time to offer the class important information about copyright infringement. There were many topics she discussed on Tuesday that I felt were interesting. However, I was most curious about the file-sharing and illegal downloading aspect of her lecture. I’m sure we are all well aware of how rampant such methods have gown throughout the years. With technological advancements expanding rapidly in this country, it is hard not having at least heard about illegal downloading and copyright infringement. Therefore, I would like to narrow the topic particularly to how file-sharing actually works.
During her lecture, Mrs. Graves discussed the several methods of sharing music and videos on the internet. One of the methods she mentioned was BitTorrent. Programs, such as Limewire, allow sharing that can be easily detectable by the RIAA (Recording Industry Assn. of American), MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), and ESA (Entertainment Software Association. However, BitTorrent actually searches the internet for copies of the requested file and reconfigures the bits and pieces it takes from these copies. Thus, it is harder to detect any violation of copyright laws.
Many students would be tempted to illegally download music and violate copyright laws, and the reasons are obvious. It’s free, and money doesn’t fall from trees. But what I like to point out is not only why some people download but also why people make such programs like Limewire and BitTorrent to start. Granted, the idea behind BitTorrent is ingenious, and the reasons for designing these programs are the same reasons why people illegally download. After all, people will constantly try to bypass the rules in order to save a little. However, it is personally mind-boggling to think of the extent these program makers would go through just to create such software. To save money, they sacrifice time that could have been better invested in something more law abiding and beneficial.Perhaps the creators would think otherwise, but it's a situation that I don't believe one can win in.
Copyright infringement and violation continues to exist on the internet, and it is inevitable that, despite the pursuance to stop illegal downloading, more people will find loopholes above and beyond the loopholes that have existed before them. With an already massive population that is still growing, it is unimaginable the extent people will go through for free music and videos.
Facebook is a social-network whose prevalence on the internet is also present in the lives of students. What once started as a site exclusive to students has now erupted as a national craze that allows virtually anyone to participate. As with any social network, invasion of privacy is inevitable if no precautions are taken. Because of this aspect, many users, including myself, feel the need for more security measures. My parents until recently had always discouraged facebook, fearing that I would fall victim to identity theft or other devastating events.
Nonetheless, the site is a great way to keep in touch with friends, organize celebrations and special meetings, and upload and store pictures and videos to share with your friends. Facebook has impacted society so much that it has emerged as not only a site for social means but also a foundation for communities, advocates of certain fields, and scholars to exchange information, discuss ideas, and create efficient schedules. It connects people across lands and presents a convenient way of communication.
I was once addicted to the facebook in high school in that I would log on, check for updates, and talk to friends constantly. However, I hardly use facebook ever since college started. I still think facebook is a terrific way of inviting friends and making aware of events in the future. This is one of the main reasons I still go on every now and then. However, while commenting back and forth with old friends on facebook is wonderful, I realized how great it feels to send real letters and actually call them. I now prefer physically talking or hanging out with friends.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1213/p13s01-legn.html
