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Saturday, December 11, 2010
Week 14 Notes
“What Cloud Computing Really Means,” by Galen Gruman and “Explaining Cloud Computing,” YouTube Video
I never really knew what cloud computing was until this Gruman article and the YouTube video. In the video it defined cloud computing as where “data, software applications, or computer processing power are accessed from a ‘cloud’ of online resources.” They both highlight that cloud computing is very inexpensive and will save companies and organizations from buying new infrastructure, software, and hiring new employees. Both also explained the different forms of cloud computing such as SaaS, MSP, and HaaS. I really enjoyed finding out that when I use Google applications (i.e. Google Docs) that I’m actually using a form of cloud computing. I think it’s a great trend and I hope it continues, especially if they are more like Google docs that are able to allow me to share and create documents or spreadsheets with numerous people at once.
“The Future of Libraries: Beginning the Great Transformation,” by Thomas Frey
I really enjoyed this article and I feel Frey gave an excellent overview of the history and trends that are affecting the future development of libraries. I agree with all ten trends that Frey highlights, but my favorite were trend #1 where he list the different technologies/communication systems that people used to access information; starting with the telegraph in 1844 to podcasting in 2004 to showcase how communication systems are always evolving. I also like trend #10 because I agree with Frey that if libraries can transition from centers of information to centers of culture then they can be more “tapped into the spirit of the community.” Frey as well provides four recommendations for libraries concentrating on preserving community memories and embracing new technologies.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Week 13 Notes
No Place to Hide
On the website, the first thing I noticed was the statement right below the heading:
“When you go to work, stop at the store, fly in a plane, or surf the web, you are being watched. They know where you live, the value of your home, the names of your friends and family, in some cases even what you read. Where the data revolution meets the needs of national security, there is no place to hide. ”
The statement kind of freaked me out, probably because I know that it’s true. I know I basically have very little privacy, especially dealing with technology and the issue of “national security.” Not only can my every move be captured in every public store or setting I’m in by surveillance cameras, but now since most records are online, like bank statements and flight information, my personal information can be known too. This topic is being investigated by No Place to Hide, which is a multimedia investigation led by Robert O’Harrow, Jr. and the Center for Investigative Reporting. On the site, one can read the final chapter and reviews of the book, read interviews from significant figures such as John Ashcroft and Viet Dinh, and can find links to radio and television clippings about the investigation. I enjoyed reading the last chapter of the book and it really made me believe that we no longer own the details of our lives, but that they belong to the “companies that collect them, and the government agencies that buy or demand them.” However, remember it’s OK because it’s all in the name of keeping us safe.
TIA and Data Mining
On this Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) web page information was provided on the tracking system called Total Information Awareness (TIA), which was designed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in November of 2002. Knowing nothing of the project, I learned that the goal of the TIA project was to develop data-mining tools that would sort through a database of records (medical, financial, travel, communication, etc.) of individuals, so that the government could track potential activity and catch potential terrorists and criminals. This project was shut down though in September 2003 when Congress eliminated their funding. However, projects like TIA still exist. From the “Latest News” section of the site I learned that there are almost 200 data mining projects, either operating or in planning, through the federal government today. Many make use of our personal data from private sector databases. This really make me wonder how much of my right for privacy is being violated by the government?
YouTube Video
On YouTube it states that the video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Viacom, therefore I cannot make any comments on the video. Please let know if anyone has found it!
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