SOFTWARE DREAMS & NIGHTMARES

Discuss how your selected tech topic connects to the fundamentals of information technology covered in this course.
Information Technology, or IT, is becoming increasingly more complex. The rate at which IT and its remnants accelerate and change probably has much to do with this increasing complexity. Yet still, software remains a vital part of the IT infrastructure. If IT is the hand, then the software is the fingers. I would like to think that this marriage of Information, technology, and software gave birth to the idea of computational thinking to methodically solve existing problems sequentially, spawning the algorithm (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all).

Explain how your chosen tech topic relates to information technology and computer science concepts, including the history of computers and the means by which computers operate.
The Central Processing Unit executes a programs instructions (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). We learned through course text that while a computer’s hardware does the heavy lifting it is through the instruction that it operates. This instruction is called a program. Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data (Wikipedia, 2023). At its inception the CPU gets its instruction from a program called machine language. Conversely an alternative was created that took machine language and transferred it to a textual  human-understandable representation called Assembly language (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Through it all hardware and software remain intimately joined through the past, present, and future of IT and computer science.

Evaluate how your chosen tech topic relies on the major hardware components and functions of a modern computer system.
It is not hyperbole to say that hardware and software need each other to function. The fact that they are created in a “co-design” paradigm speaks to the unique position they hold in the life of a computer system (Abdel Hakeem et al., 2022). In my opinion as an extension of Moore’s Law hardware and software had to be created and manufactured in a way to keep pace with technology.

Explain how your chosen tech topic uses programming languages and program execution methods.
As previously stated hardware performs the functions of programs. Software is a set of programs. This instruction or specifications to perform calculations or the processing of data is called an algorithm. It is a completely interconnected system as programming languages consists of algorithms. By now it is clear that we can look at software in two aspects, as programs that drive hardware and as instruction that drive programs. In simpler terms there is software used in programming languages like C++ and Python. Then there is end-user software like Windows and Photoshop.

Analyze the role that application software plays with regard to your chosen tech topic.
My road into computer science and coding is through what I define as the beginning of the true digital revolution, at least when it comes to end-users is the App/Application. We cannot talk about software and software applications without talking about the app and how it has transformed society. The creation of application software is a discipline that requires an immersion of mind body and soul as most of its more well known creators never graduated college. There are newer routes like online courses or coding bootcamps that are becoming popular and creating a more employable option (Whateley, L. 2017). What am I saying here? while there is always a place for theory, this is a science that requires a thinking outside of the box in this ever evolving science.

Describe how your chosen tech topic relates to the basic concepts of database and database management.
As the name implies a data base is the electronic collection of data. Data is gold, there are those who collect it legally and illegally and those who mine it. Database software was created to maintain and secure that data, but also to manipulate that data in a range of ways like data reporting, forecasting, editing, creation, and updating.

Illustrate how the basic concepts of network architecture, management, and security influence your chosen tech topic.
we have provided rudimentary concepts to software in relation to hardware and machine and assembly language. We have talked about software and coding in the creation of Application software and its relation to computer systems and programs. Introducing a network its management and security represents an intensity of risk and reward. The increase in human a material capital requires a different level of scrutiny and protection. In the end it calls on  software and software applications to rise to a level that continues to keep pace with the ever present challenges .




Whateley, L. (2017, March 7). Passion replaces degrees in rush to find top tech talent; Coding bootcamps are creating a new breed of software developer, reports Laura Whateley. Gale Business Insights. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GBIB&u=ashford&id=GALE%7CA484334403&v=2.1&it=r

Abdel Hakeem et al., 2022 Vision and research directions of 6G technologies and applications. J. King Saud Univ. – Comput. Inform. Sci., 34 (6) (2022), pp. 2419–2442, 10.1016/J.JKSUCI.2022.03.019 Vision and research directions of 6G technologies and applications. J. King Saud Univ. – Comput. Inform. Sci., 34 (6) (2022), pp. 2419–2442, 10.1016/J.JKSUCI.2022.03.019

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all.

Wikipedia contributors. (27, February 2023). Software. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software

DOCUMENTING MY DAY (WORD)

 Each of the tasks for the week two assignment presented different challenges. Some are more involved than others. The creation of formatted text by way of a journal entry using Word was by far the less stressful. I wasted no time documenting my normal routine when ever I spend time with my grandchildren. In contrast to the spreadsheet and database applications, it was less about a narrative and more about procedure. The presentation was more a creative pursuit incorporated with the narrative using word. It was more intensive because it utilized text, images, animations, and audio. It totally encompassed the entirety of chapter five.
PowerPoint was by far the most appropriate in documenting my day because it allowed me to work with my grandchildren in the completion of the assignment. Showing them this software allowed them to see how software can be used to bring ideas to life. In the end it seemed to be an activity of the left brain right brain variety.  Using text to create narrative is simplistic and minimizes time used to convey a point. A spreadsheet and utilization of database data illustrated how one could start to really think about app creation. Last the PowerPoint application illustrated the limitless potential one could utilize to test the limits of his/her imagination.

A DAY IN MY LIFE (EXCEL)

 

A DAY IN MY LIFE POWERPOINT

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13Z1LdQyzXD3i3qY5bwjdC9fc2jDJZWdr/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110391644977548931665&rtpof=true&sd=true 

 

 

A DAY IN MY LIFE

Prepping for a weekend with my grandchildren. 

 

Identify and describe at least 10 tasks that you engaged in during the course of the day.

 I often get my grandchildren (Mahaad, Mahir, and Malayah), ages (7, 9, and 12, respectively) for the weekend. At fifty-five, dealing with three precocious, know-it-all children is no easy task. So, I have to plan things out. My pre-prep before their arrival consists of.

     PREPPING MY APARTMENT

• Relocating fragile items
• Relocating important documents

    Creating a grocery list and heading to the Supermarket

     BREAKFAST

• Cereal for the boys
• Malayah like to prepare her own breakfast (eggs and bacon) 

    BATHROOM RITUAL

      •    Washing
      •    Floss & Brush
 

   BASEBALL PRACTICE (weather permitting)

     •    This will be my grandson’s second season. Mahaad is moving up from T-Ball. He will be playing with Mahir in AAA, where they use a pitching machine. This will be Malayah’s first year. These are coed leagues, and she’s older and a little intimidated by the advanced play of the boys. She did not have the advantage of starting in T-Ball and progressing through the ranks. So, the practices are really to get her physically and mentally prepared.
    •    Allow them time to run wild with their friends, with me only as a monitor.
    •    Structure is great, but kids need time to be kids. The interaction socializes them and prepares them for life.
   

   LUNCHTIME
    •    This is always a tough time a consensus wins. The politics that go on trying to get Mahaad to represent the consensus vote are comical. Malayah has more bargaining chips, so it mostly plays out in her favor.
    

  BOWLING
    •    Bowling, skating, movies, and generally anything that causes me to spend money is what they love to do. Any activity has to be coupled with pizza, chicken nuggets/strips, fries, and drinks.
    

  MOVIE NIGHT
    •    A streaming App, a good movie, and snacks are how they wind down.
    

   BEDTIME
    •    Showers, then off to bed.

March 2, 2023

 COMPUTER: SCALE AND SCOPE

This post was about price point comparisons for two laptops from different manufacturers. We were given a scenario of being employed in the IT department of a mid-sized company. We were given a budget with some specifications and asked to make what we considered the best choice.  Class text (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks) had more than prepared us to objectively look at hardware and software specifications to make an informed decision.

WEB/MOBILE APPS

This post required us to research and document Applications that we use. This was a great discussion because of my familiarity with this App.  It is like allowing a narcissist to wax poetic about himself. When you come upon a good thing, you want to tell people about it without appearing overbearing or pushy. This discussion forum allowed me to share the beauty of the SNKRS App and its ugliness.

RANDOMLY ACCESSING MEMORY & HARD DRIVES

This post was a dive into the nuts and bolts of a computer system. Hard Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SDD), and backing up your system. I am willing to wager a few dollars that most computer users never stop to consider what is going on under the hood. Most care nothing about the intangibles that make their lives easier, just that this computer has simplified things for them, and kudos to the ingenuity of intelligent men and women. This discussion forum was a reminder that something as innocuous as hard drives and RAM speed has always been significant in the grand scheme of things.

PING & TRACE ROUTE COMMANDS

This post was about the importance of Ping and Trace Routes. These contingency plans are implemented as a way to diagnose issues within a network. Essentially, they are the breadcrumb trails that allow IT specialists to find their way through what would surely be a maze without these commands. We were asked to document our findings to Ping/Trace Route, a company locally and internationally. What was presented was the first line of defense for IT security specialists policing a network. With cyber criminals forever on the prowl for compromised networks, the Ping and Trace Route commands are the way to stay vigilant. 

NETWORK SECURITY

This post was a continuation of the network and how to protect it. Technology moves at a breakneck speed in both directions. There are those looking to enhance networks like the evolution of 5G. Then there are those looking to exploit networks for monetary gain, like Ransomware.  We were tasked to select two network menaces and shed some light on how they work. I chose social engineering and phishing. These two tools of the cybercriminal remain ever-relevant and ever-evolving. 

The SNKRS APP

 SNKRS MOBILE APP REVIEW

If you want “your ultimate sneaker source” (Nike, 2023), then look no further than the Nike SNKRS App (insert pic here). Gone are the days of pitching a tent in front of Footlocker so you can be the first to cop the latest Jordan release. The App has allowed a somewhat skewed leveling of the playing field, but at least you are in the game. But it is more than just an App for trying to get your hands on the latest drop through what they call a draw (as in a drawing). There is merchandise and apparel for men, women, and children. There are accessories and equipment like bags, backpacks, hats, and socks. New items, best sellers, and sale items are all at your fingertips. The App has featured content beyond just the demand for your consumer dollar. So let us take a look at the SNKRS APP.

DESIGN:

The design interface is user-friendly, classic, and responsive. Nothing overbearing that assaults your senses with an excess of text and images—simply the iconic swoosh and the shorthand version of sneakers. The Jordan Jumpman icon is black on a white background and quickly flashes by before you are introduced to one of the new releases.

FUNCTIONALITY:

How does the App function? I am glad you asked. Are you a sneaker-head, a self-described cultural icon, or an enthusiastic fan of everything Nike and Jordan Brand? Then this App is for you. But first, you have to become a member. By-passing the obvious stuff like your name and address, your shopping preference, shoe size, payment information, shipping information, and an email is all you will need to access this platform. Then on the day you  “Got’em.”

Just click the share button to broadcast your good fortune on social media and pour a little salt in the wound of the haters. From logging on to sneaker immortality in about forty-five minutes.

Typical Drop TimeLine

1. 30 minutes before the drop, the App will notify you.
2. The drop item and price appear on the screen 

                                              

3. Tap the price, and the size chart appears (pick the size you want to purchase).
4. Verify that your credit card information is accurate, then purchase.
5. The algorithm works while you cross your fingers and pray to the sneaker Gods.

Some will be victorious, but most will not. Remember, you are dueling with sneaker-heads and enthusiasts from around the globe or not if you are a flat-earther. As a member since 2011(before the SNKRS App went live), the mobile App functions as it should. I have always run smoothly with the mobile App. But I have had problems with the App on my desktop.

USABILITY:

I have detailed how to use the App to score the latest drops. But the App also offers a ton of content. The Discover icon is at the bottom of the page, nestled between the feed and inbox icons. Here is a database of everything from fashion shows to music videos—web features like Icons, Kickcheck, What You Got, and more. As an end-user, I can tell you that the content can rival anything television networks produce. Furthermore, it is to your advantage to watch as much of the content as possible because those in the know say it helps the algorithm when it is deciding who Got’em and who

SUGGESTION BOX:

It does not happen much, but it is a nuisance when it does. The size chart says the size is available, but when accessed, you get a message telling you the size is no longer available. This is a frustrating glitch that I would correct.

This is an improvement but not an improvement to the App. How about manufacturing enough products to meet the demand so there is no need for a drawing. Supply the demand.

Lastly, hire better programmers so they create a contingency plan for the dreaded bot (robot). These software applications imitate human activity and allow programmers to cheat the system and generate hundreds of thousands of dollars selling these bots so limited-released sneakers can sell for big money on the resale market.

 

Scratching the Surface.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/797494983

Excitement is the word I would use to describe my experience using Scratch. I dare not say this is my first course toward securing my degree major in software engineering. I understand how my classes (11) have prepared me for this course. The door to this digital world has been opened, and I have been invited in but have yet to be deemed worthy of closing the door behind me. So, it remains ajar until I have proved my worth. Like anything else you experience for the first time, the difficulty is overcoming errors through trial and error. Inputs not matching outputs are met with a regurgitating of the process until satisfactory conditions are met. 

I like to draw analogies, and in this analogy, I am Dorothy off to see the wizard only to realize that beyond the smoke and mirrors, behind the veil is a little man inputting high-level language into a compiler that converts it to machine/assembly language. The user, in this case, Dorothy and her tag-a-longs, is oblivious to the 0’s and 1’s that are the great and powerful Oz. However, here is where the story takes a turn. No longer do I want to return to Kansas, not right away. I want to return with a programming language that puts me in a rarified class—those behind the veil who provide a service to the user. 

Pardon my pun, but as I scratch the surface of this new language, I understand that utilizing Scratch is, in essence, my baby steps. Watching the tutorials, YouTube videos, and reading course materials has already begun transforming from a user’s perspective to an inner circle initiate seeking to elevate to that of a programmer. This can only happen through the immersion of the self into the languages, but where do I start? Before getting into the differences in the languages, I have to say that one thing I noticed about using Scratch is that reliability is an issue. Initially, the block programming language performs as expected, but you begin to see some things the longer it runs. Some Sprites will experience lag which affects the continuity. I can only assume that there are some conflicting issues with scratch and the browser it is running on. 

Describe the differences between the languages.

There are compiled languages that are converted into “machine code” that processors can execute. They are more efficient and faster than interpreted languages. Programs like C and C++ are compiled languages (FreeCodeCamp, 2020). 

Interpreted languages execute each command of a program line by line. The difference here is that any changes to the code can be executed on the fly. Compiled languages require a “build” step. You have to manually stop to rebuild the code if changes need to be made (FreeCodeCamp, 2020). Programs like Python and JavaScript are interpreted languages. 

Identify which language you found easiest to use.

Because the course text introduces us to Python, it is the easiest, as I have yet to use the others. 

Describe scenarios where each type of programming language would be most effective.

The comptroller at a women’s art college needs a program that can forecast quarterly projections and make yearly predictions. C programming would be instrumental in creating this end-user application.

UnReal Engine wants to develop a new game for its gaming platform. C++ is the programming language selected to perform this task.

 An interactive online golf game used by millions of users uses the Java programming language. 

3d Max wants to create a new 3d modeling software as an upgrade to their current 3d modeling render and calls on the Python programming language to handle the load. 

An upstart restaurant in the city wants to build a website to promote its business and handle online orders. The web developer will use JavaScript programming to do the job.

Explain which programming language you think is the most popular and why.

Before researching and reading stack overflow’s report on the most in-demand programming languages, I would have said Python simply because my experience with the UAGC has been excellent. They have been exemplary in their approach to online education. They have far exceeded my expectations. Because their introduction to the language was Python, I naturally felt like their choice was the best one. Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer site for programmers and enthusiasts, and they ranked Python as the most popular programming language (Stackoverflow. 2019).

FreeCodeCamp. (2020, January 10). Interpreted vs. Compiled Programming Languages: What is the Difference? https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/compiled-versus-interpreted-languages/#:~:text=In%20a%20compiled%20language%2C%20the,reads%20and%20executes%20the%20code.

Stackoverflow. (2019). Developer Survey Results 2019. https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2019#developer-profile