Ajay's NET11 Blog: January 2007

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Module 4: Website Evaluation

Answer:
URL: http://www.livinginternet.com/
Author: William Stewart
Site Title: The Living Internet

The website that I have chosen is great for resource information about anything to do with the internet. The 'comments and reviews' section of this website speaks for itself. I will be using this site as one of my reference sources for assignment 1.

Reliability and authority...
The name 'William Stewart' on Google search revealed that the author of this website has taken many years to built this website with help and resource from many people. He has also written documents on: The Fun Standard, and runs FreeOpenSourceSoftware.net.

Main ideas...
The website has an extensive list of contents - too many to get through. It is regularly updated and has more then 600 pages and 2000 external links. This website is a resource material for anyone that is interested to learn almost anything about the internet.
It is also a great source for links to other useful websites for software, mailing lists etc.

Purpose...
The website was originally written by William Stewart because he saw the power of electronic communication in 1989 during the Tiananmen Square rebellion in China.
I think that this website now provides information and resource for the all types of internet users - from the beginner to the advanced.

Question: Which part of the site is most useful to me to refer back to?

Answer: When I first stumbled across the website (The Living Internet), the first three titles on the main contents page ('The Internet', 'World Wide Web' and 'Electronic Mail') took my interest. I guess the main reason was because of easy and simple way that things are explained in reference to these subjects. It relates directly to this subject (NET11) and the whole 'Internet Studies' course.

Question: How will other users find this site useful?

Answer: I think that there is a vast amount of material in this website for all levels of internet learners and users. Personally, I think that users of the website will appreciate the way that the website is simple to read and understand for new internet users and equally as engaging for advanced internet users.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Module 4: Organising Search Information

Task: We have to choose the best three sources found in the previous task and record the following:

The URL
The Author
The Institution
Copy a Summary of the website
Explain what software we use to store the information/URL and why we saved it.

Answer 1:
URL: http://www.livinginternet.com/
Author: William Stewart
Institution:
Blurb: " This site is a free, in-depth reference about the Internet, prepared to provide living perspective to this most technological of human inventions. The site was written from 1996 through 1999, posted on January 7, 2000, last updated August 28, 2006, includes 700-odd pages, and receives more than 80,000 visitors a month. It has received input from many of the people that helped build the Internet. Enjoy" (William, n.d.)

Reference: Stewart, William Living Internet. Retrieved January 02, 2007, Web site: http://www.livinginternet.com/

Answer 2:
URL: http://www.dynamicdrive.com/style/csslibrary/category/C1/ Author: Dynamic Drive
Institution:
Blurb: "Welcome to Dynamic Drive's new CSS library! Here you'll find original, practical CSS codes and examples such as CSS menus to give your site a visual boast." (Dynamic Drive, 2006)
Reference: Dynamic Drive, 2006 Retrieved November, 02, 2006, Web site: http://www.dynamicdrive.com/

Answer 3:
URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/extensions/ Author:
Institution:
Blurb: "The award-winning Web browser just got better. It's free and easy to use. Join the millions of people worldwide enjoying a better Web experience. Surf faster and smarter!

The innovative Firefox browser makes surfing the web faster and safer. With the included Google Toolbar, features like AutoFill and SpellCheck will make browsing more convenient. Together, they'll change the way you use the Internet - for free." (Mozilla.org, 2006)

Reference: Mozilla.org, (Copyright © 2004-2006). Retrieved November, 08, 2004, from Mozilla Firefox Web site: http://www.firefox-2-0.com/au/

I save all my useful URLs in the normal default 'bookmark' folder of my web browser. However, I use an addition software called 'Blue Organizer' and 'Blue Mark' (which are free add on software from Mozilla Firefox) to get more information about the links that I have saved.
The websites that I save in my bookmarks are always in folders that I name appropriately (a practice that I have always done) and I generally leave all the current folders open so that I can always see the bookmarks. (See pic below)

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Module 4: A way to search - 'Boolean'

The 'Boolean' searching logic on the internet is something that I've been using without knowing of its origins. I also didn't know how to use it properly until I read the tutorials.

I used 'Google' as my search engine for all the tasks on the 'Boolean' logic.

TASK: We have to record the hits to the words 'advanced internet users':

'Advanced Internet Users' as all the words with the following results:
About 113,000,000 for advanced internet users. (0.24 seconds)

With Boolean logic operators 'OR' and 'AND':
About 267,000,000 for advanced and internet and users. (0.17 seconds)
About 282,000,000 for advanced or internet or users. (0.35 seconds)
About 282,000,000 for advanced and internet or users. (0.13 seconds)
About 282,000,000 for advanced or internet and users. (0.20 seconds)

With Boolean logic Keyword Searching:
About 102,000,000 for +advanced+internet+users. (0.06 seconds)
About 104,000,000 for +advanced +internet +users. (0.04 seconds) (space between words)

With user fill in template:
About 13,700 for advanced internet users "advanced internet users". (0.06 seconds)

I think that the best way to look for anything in the internet is to refine the search as much as possible. We can look at searching in various ways:

Do we just want as many 'hits' as possible and then go through the websites and filter information or;
Do we want to have less hits with more relevant information that the search engine filters for us.

Personally, I prefer the search engine to filter the information for me. It makes life much easier.

TASK: We have to record hits by attaching a skill based to the words 'advanced internet users'

I've interpreted the 'skills-based' part of this question as a particular skill in advanced internet use. The skill I will use is 'Web Design'.

With Boolean logic operators 'OR' and 'AND':
About 76,700,000 for advanced internet users and web design. (0.15 seconds)
About 38,100,000 for web design and advanced internet users. (0.14 seconds)

With Boolean logic Keyword Searching:
About 37,700,000 for advanced +internet +users +web +design. (0.12 seconds)

With user fill in template:
About 1,180,000 for advanced internet users "web design ". (0.13 seconds)
About 792 for web design "advanced internet users ". (0.10 seconds)

Here again, the 'user fill template' was the best result with less hits and more relevant websites for the search.

TASK: We have to search universities for the words 'advanced internet users' and record the results.

For this task, I've only used the 'user fill in template' search to get results. From all my previous tasks, I think that searching the internet this way gets the best and most relevant websites.

Search in general for 'university', 'education', 'college' and 'teach' with the following results:
About 298 for university "advanced internet users ". (0.70 seconds)
About 350 for education "advanced internet users". (0.62 seconds)
About 194 for college "advanced internet users". (0.43 seconds)
About 195 for Teach "advanced internet users". (0.41 seconds)
Very relevant information and websites were displayed in the above search.

Search for Curtin:
About 53 for curtin "advanced internet users". (0.56 seconds)

The narrowing of the search to 'Curtin' resulted in very relevant and useful results as well. Most websites were about the NET11 course and the student weblogs.

Module 4: Search Engines

TASK 1: Search the words - 'advanced internet users' - using a common search engine.

Results as follows:

Answer: I used the 'Google' search engine for this and got the following result:
(Results 1 - 10 of about 126,000,000 for advanced internet users. (0.07 seconds)
FIRST HIT: The first 'hit' for the recommended search was: CIESE website.
NUMBER OF HITS: about 126,000,000

TASK 2: Search 3 search engines - including the 'deep' web.

Results as follows:

Answer: I used 'Copernic Desktop Search' for this task. The search result was 59 hits.

Differences?
Answer: The most outstanding difference is the number of hits on both the search engines. 'Google' got 126,000,000 hits whereas 'Copernic' only got 59 hits. Another difference was the the time it took for the results to come up - 'Google was much faster.

Why?
Answer: I think that the enormous difference in the number of hits is because 'Google' searched for each word in ("advance" "internet" "users") as individual words and as a phrase whereas 'Copernic' searched it as a phrase only. Also, less websites are registered with 'Copernic' compared to 'Google'.

Which search showed the best results?
Answer: At first glance 'Google' seems better because of the number of hits and the speed at which it got the results. Also, there are more choices in the 'Google' search results. The 'Google' search engine can also be modified more to get more refined searches.

TASK 3: To record 5 hits each of the two searches.

Answer: First 5 hits for 'Google':

Answer: First 5 hits for 'Copernic':

Module 4: Download tools and plug-ins

1. Adobe's pdf reader: I already have this programe/software installed in my computer. It is used often to view PDF web pages/documents. I also have a software called 'Software995' which I use to create PDF files. It is a cheap software that does the job very well.

2. Flash/Shockwave Players: These 'plugins' are a must for interacting with websites that support it. I had to download 'shockwave' software. Both do very similar things according to what I can see.

3. Media Players: I use WMP11 as my default media player. I've also got 'Quicktime' set up just to open files that are set up for it. I will install 'Real One' at a later stage if needed. One thing with these softwares is that they have to be configured properly otherwise they are set to be the default media players in your computer.

4. Search Manager/Combiners: I downloaded 'Glooton' and 'Copernic Meta for PC'. I found Glooton to be a very slow meta search engine. In fact, the searches never gave me any results at all. Copernic brought up errors with my IE7 when I installed the software (I tried twice with similar results). I installed the programme to see how it works. Maybe I'll like it!

5. Bookmark Manager: I use the default bookmark manager on my internet browser - which suits me well. I often go through the bookmarks and tidy it up. It is portable as I can import or export the bookmarks from one internet browsing software to the next without any changes. All my bookmarks are in a logical order in folders.

6. Offline Browser/Copier: I downloaded 'Pagesucker' and came to the conclusion that it is a great tool for portable devises such as the 'pocket pc' and 'blackberry' etc. A great way to catch up with electronic reading. Not useful to me as yet.

Module 4: Search/Locate/Evaluate

I've started this module by reading the supplied notes. I must admit that I don't like downloading software unnecessarily however I will do it to try them out for this module research purposes.
The first assignment is also looming and I've started to read what we need to do for it. I'm a bit confused about the assignment at present - hopefully the answers will be in the student discussions. I've also started another weblog for assignment 1.
Another late night...

Monday, January 8, 2007

Making some headway...

I've spent quite a bit of time trying to catch up with all the modules. I think that I'm making some headway - still a long way to go. The problem I find with playing 'catchup' is the lack of time in reading materials thoroughly.
I was lucky in many ways for doing NED11 - it saved me a lot of time with the HTML tasks.
I will continue tomorrow - feeling pretty exhausted...

Module 3: Blog

This is the first time that I've ever created a blog - and I must admit that I like it. It's just a quick and easy way of having my own website without writing any of the cumbersome html tags.

It seems funny that I have to post a picture of my 'blog' in my 'blog'... here it is...

Module 3: FTP

I've uploaded files into the 'Oasis' website before without any problems using the FTP.

The FTP url for the website that I've uploaded is:
http://webct.curtin.edu.au/305033_b/student_pres/Ajay%20Singh%20%2813598828%29/tajmahal/index.html

Module 3: WWW Standards 2

My HTML page (Taj Mahal) has been validated by W3c. The W3c validation tag can be seen at the bottom of the web page.
I have to admit that the validation did not come easily. Firstly, it was the first ever html mark up that I had ever done and it was full of mistakes. It took many corrections, a lot of late nights and a lot of frustration to get the validation stamp.

Have you used images or words on your web page or website that contravene copyright laws?

I used the WWW for research on the subject in my website and used images from 'Google Images' which do not breach the copyright laws.

Would you be in breach of copyright if you put the Curtin logo at the top of your web page for an assignment?

We would definitely be in breach of the copyright laws if we use the Curtin logo in our body of work or assignments. Click here for the 'Curtin Copyright' policy.

Module 3: WWW

I think that (John Morkes and Jakob Nielsen (1997) article - Concise, SCANNABLE, and Objective: How to Write for the Web) is still very valid in the way we use the WWW today.

As a moderate user of the internet, I always scan the websites when I'm looking for information about a particular subject. The only websites that I tend to spend more time investigating are the ones that highlight the content/text/information either in the form of writing, pictures or diagrams of the subject that I'm searching for.

In today's WWW, there are pictures and diagrams that make it easy for the users to scan websites more efficiantly then it would have been in 1997 (when the article was written). I think that websites can be scanned much easily now due to the ways that information is displayed in them. This can be attributed to the quick and easy way that digital images/diagrams can be uploaded into the internet. There are also lots of software available that can enhance words, pictures and diagrams to make websites stand out in what they are presenting.

The only time that I would spend more time on a particular website is when I'm looking at things that I have a particular interest in, for example, planes, music, cars etc.

FIVE IMPORTANT RULES FOR WRITING ON LINE:

Have original content with the main heading/points/words that stand out and relate to the content.
Make key words lead to useful links that relate to the main content /subject.
Provide concise and exact information about the subject/topic.
Do NOT have too much advertising - this shows that a website is just a billboard.
Make the navigation through the website easy with appropriate 'breadcrumbs'.

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Module 3: (X)HTML

I've done NED11 as my first subject where I learnt a lot about HTML and XHTML. Our first task was to create a website using the basic HTML editor, for which I used windows notepad.
The task was extremely difficult initially because I didn't understand how to use the opening and closing HTML tags and how it functioned in creating a web page/site.
(Seperate issue - I also had a lot of difficulty in understanding how to incorporate CSS to the website to style it.)
The students presentation area is also a HTML markup which I've done just for NET11 to present all our course work. I managed to get a W3C validation for it.

Module 3: Publishing on the 'Internet'

I printed the Module 3 reading material and tasks which I read during the day today. It all seemed pretty straight forward, however I was only able to click on all the links to see the websites when I got home.

Learning about the 'linear' and 'non linear' documents on the WWW makes a lot of sense.

One of the things that I look for are direct answers to questions that I need answers for when I'm looking in the WWW. For example, when seeking information about products I like to see the picture of the product, model numbers and explanatory notes. If there is a lot of text about the product with no pictures or diagrams, I usually skip the website and move on to the next one. I prefer 'non linear' websites more.

When it comes to links, there is nothing worse then websites that have false advertised web links. In other words, the links that the websites direct you to have nothing to do with what you are looking for.

Modules 1&2: Self Evaluation

I did the self evaluation quiz for modules 1 and 2 with somewhat disastrous results - 35%. I suppose rehashing over the notes would have helped. Anyway, on to module 3.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Module 2: ICQ

I downloaded and installed ICQ a long time ago and attempted to use it for our module task. When searching for the 'advanced netstudies' nickname, it came up with other students links - (Dewa being on the top of the list)
I read her 'blog' and had to back track to the discussions board to get answers as to why the ICQ task was not working. (Message 100 from Cynthia Verspaget in the discussion board)
I usually use 'Yahoo' for my chat with people. The people that we chat with are usually our family overseas and we all have the same software installed for on line chats and web cams.

Module 2: Newsgroups

I searched a topic that was of great intrest to me - Microsoft Flight Simulator 10 - and posted the following question.

From:		a...@bigpond.com.au - view profile
Date:		Sat, Jan 6 2007 1:56 pm
Email:		a...@bigpond.com.au
Groups:		alt.games.microsoft.flight-sim

I've just installed FSX for the first time. It seem like a great game.
How much easier is it to use a joystick as compared to the keyboard?
I'm currently using a keyboard/mouse and find it quiet frustrating.

Within a day I got 5 replies. The result and help on the questions were a supprise to me as they were very helpful and friendly. Someone even wished me 'happy new year'.
The result of my question is as follows:

Starting FSX
All 5 messages in topic - view as tree

From:		a...@bigpond.com.au - view profile
Date:		Sat, Jan 6 2007 1:56 pm
Email:		a...@bigpond.com.au
Groups:		alt.games.microsoft.flight-sim

Reply »

From:		Don Burnette - view profile
Date:		Sat, Jan 6 2007 2:44 pm
Email:		"Don Burnette" ...@clothes.comcast.net>
Groups:		alt.games.microsoft.flight-sim

...@bigpond.com.au> wrote in message

Way easier. If you really like it, and think you will stick with it a while,
do yourself a favor and get a decent joystick at the least, or a joystick
and throttle combo.

I have the TM Cougar, modded with a gimball mod and hall
sensors, along with the TM Elite rudder pedals, would not recommend
this type of setup if yourjust getting into it.
CH makes a good system, and they also make a flight yoke that may
be more to your liking.
If the majority of your flight simming will be with FSX, might
want to seriously look at the yoke.
I understand the Saitek X-52 is pretty good as well. You might want to
start out on something not so expensive, use it a while, then if your going
to be serious about flight simming, you can always move up from that.

Good luck,

Don

Reply » Rate this post: Text for clearing space

From:		Dallas - view profile
Date:		Sat, Jan 6 2007 5:02 pm
Email:		Dallas
Groups:		alt.games.microsoft.flight-sim

On 5 Jan 2007 18:56:12 -0800, a...@bigpond.com.au wrote:

How much easier is it to use a joystick as compared to the keyboard?

Trying to fly Flight Simulator with the keyboard is like trying to drive a
car with your feet.

Reply » Rate this post: Text for clearing space

From:		Quilljar - view profile
Date:		Sat, Jan 6 2007 9:03 pm
Email:		"Quilljar" ...@yahoo.co.uk>
Groups:		alt.games.microsoft.flight-sim

a...@bigpond.com.au wrote:
> I've just installed FSX for the first time. It seem like a great game.
> How much easier is it to use a joystick as compared to the keyboard?
> I'm currently using a keyboard/mouse and find it quiet frustrating.

Virtually impossible. Even the cheapest stick, or one off a dump will be
better!

Happy New Year
Quilly

Reply » Rate this post:

Click here to visit the Newsgroup.

Friday, January 5, 2007

Back to uni...

I've been away and unable to work on my modules and assignments for a long time. It has been at the back of my mind all the time - and i've been worrying about it.
However, like they say, it's never too late. I've got a lot of catching up to do. I will start with finishing the modules ASAP and start to tackle the assignment.
One thing I've noticed is the build up of all the student discussions - what a nightmare trying to read all of them.
Here we go...

Ajay's NET11 Blog