Watch this space as I collect and publish my take on 10 great Irish Australians In Ned Kelly's Irish footsteps
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
10 Great Irish Australians
Watch this space as I collect and publish my take on 10 great Irish Australians In Ned Kelly's Irish footsteps
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Preparing for 'future shock"
Walt Mossberg an IT writer with the Wall Street Journal proposes that our privacy will be one of the major concerns in the future development of the Internet and warns of the tracking abilities of 'cookies' with regards to our web activity. He suggests that software is more important than hardware and that the Internet will be pivotal to our information, communication, commerce and entertainment in the future. He contends that although we may still use PCs in the future that our mobile phones will be our most widely used computers and we will be connected all day everyday and that the phrase "on the Internet" will disappear from use as it will be just the norm for everyone to be on the net.
Personally I like what I see in the future, as an active trainer with ASCCA Australian Seniors Computer Club Association I see the changes that computers make in older peoples life's when they are exposed to the Internet. People become empowered and more confident about the future and fill the training rooms when they they are presented with new and exciting changes in what their grandchildren take for granted as the norm. These people embrace the changes and appreciate what they see with the benefit of that valuable asset of 'hindsight'.
One simple device that captures the wonders of change for me is the mobile phone. From a "Dick Tracy" and "Get Smart" gadget we have seen the 'house brick' in 1973 morph into a camera, GPS tool, Web browser, PDA, Email and TEXT device, music player and it even allows you to make free phone calls using VOIP while connected to a "Hot Spot". Where to now is anybody guess, but I look forward to seeing the day when my car or transportation capsule recognises me, unlocks the door and gets me safely and energized to my destination via the quickest or most visually pleasing route with out me having to drive.
Personally I like what I see in the future, as an active trainer with ASCCA Australian Seniors Computer Club Association I see the changes that computers make in older peoples life's when they are exposed to the Internet. People become empowered and more confident about the future and fill the training rooms when they they are presented with new and exciting changes in what their grandchildren take for granted as the norm. These people embrace the changes and appreciate what they see with the benefit of that valuable asset of 'hindsight'.
One simple device that captures the wonders of change for me is the mobile phone. From a "Dick Tracy" and "Get Smart" gadget we have seen the 'house brick' in 1973 morph into a camera, GPS tool, Web browser, PDA, Email and TEXT device, music player and it even allows you to make free phone calls using VOIP while connected to a "Hot Spot". Where to now is anybody guess, but I look forward to seeing the day when my car or transportation capsule recognises me, unlocks the door and gets me safely and energized to my destination via the quickest or most visually pleasing route with out me having to drive.
Module 5: Info-Communication Concepts
The concept of the Ecology of the Internet takes you out of your bubble and makes you realize that as a net user you are part of a much bigger picture. You can now imagine yourself as a drop of water in a massive body of ever changing liquid, yes you are a small part of a gigantic whole. The data that becomes information that can lead to a valuable resource called knowledge is controlled, altered or condensed by nodes as the data moves over the Internet.
As citizen of the net we should be conscious of our privacy and attempt to keep the pollution (incorrect or outdated data, misuse of power) of the Internet environment to a minimum. How we decide on the powers of the sate versus the powers on the individual regarding control, freedom and access to the Internet will be one of the key elements to the future of the net. Will the free flow of data/information be allowed to improve the opportunities for less fortunate communities (information poor)? Note I have used communities rather than countries as examples can be found of countries where they have both information poor and rich communities, for example India and North Korea. Both counties have advanced IT industries but both also have section's of their communities where access to the Internet is beyond the wildest dreams. The Matthew Principle would seem to apply to information as well as wealth in today's modern age. I would suggest that Information + Truth = Knowledge = Potential Wealth. Sadly the more data / information that is produced the greater the gap become between the Rich and Poor counties as witnessed by the movement of IT personnel to better paid jobs in wealthier countries from poorer nations. Some might suggest this is just part of the natural environment or the Ecology of the system.
My position on 'information' versus 'communication' within the framework of 'information ecology' is that information is the data that is sent /moved between the various nodes on the Internet, the communication is the method of transferring said data. As we transfer goods from one city to another via air, rail, road or water (sea, river or canal) the routes remain the same even taking into consideration detours (think server or nodes), but the transfer can be via large aircraft, trucks, trains or boats or much smaller ones or a combination of all three.
We don't talk about 'communication ecology', communication is the capsules or containers that we move the data around in yes they move within the information ecology and are carried by the flow between nodes but they do not in themselves form a new ecology or micro environment.
As citizen of the net we should be conscious of our privacy and attempt to keep the pollution (incorrect or outdated data, misuse of power) of the Internet environment to a minimum. How we decide on the powers of the sate versus the powers on the individual regarding control, freedom and access to the Internet will be one of the key elements to the future of the net. Will the free flow of data/information be allowed to improve the opportunities for less fortunate communities (information poor)? Note I have used communities rather than countries as examples can be found of countries where they have both information poor and rich communities, for example India and North Korea. Both counties have advanced IT industries but both also have section's of their communities where access to the Internet is beyond the wildest dreams. The Matthew Principle would seem to apply to information as well as wealth in today's modern age. I would suggest that Information + Truth = Knowledge = Potential Wealth. Sadly the more data / information that is produced the greater the gap become between the Rich and Poor counties as witnessed by the movement of IT personnel to better paid jobs in wealthier countries from poorer nations. Some might suggest this is just part of the natural environment or the Ecology of the system.
My position on 'information' versus 'communication' within the framework of 'information ecology' is that information is the data that is sent /moved between the various nodes on the Internet, the communication is the method of transferring said data. As we transfer goods from one city to another via air, rail, road or water (sea, river or canal) the routes remain the same even taking into consideration detours (think server or nodes), but the transfer can be via large aircraft, trucks, trains or boats or much smaller ones or a combination of all three.
We don't talk about 'communication ecology', communication is the capsules or containers that we move the data around in yes they move within the information ecology and are carried by the flow between nodes but they do not in themselves form a new ecology or micro environment.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Conceptual Research and Reflection Project
Concept # 7: Netiquette
“Good communication practice on the internet is not something one ‘learns’, but something one ‘practices’ so as to teach others, less familiar than yourself, how it is done”
The word Netiquette according to Wikipedia has been in use since 1988. Whether emailing, gaming, instant messaging, blogging, WIKI-ing or chatting online, users of the World Wide Web need to be cognisant of the rules of etiquette (Netiquette) that apply to them while they are online.
Heinz Tschabitscher in About.com asserts in Top 26 Most Important Rules that there are twenty six rules that apply when we are using email, most make a lot of sense and would make Best Practice in various office situations where emails have become major time absorbers and wasters. Simple rules like reading an email twice prior to sending and questioning whether it needs to be sent and who should be copied would place greater value on the reader’s time. The use of ‘Reply All’ should be kept to a minimum and avoided when you have been BCC as a recipient of the original message makes a lot of sense. Paying attention to spelling, content and writing style, while avoiding sending material that will clog up the recipient’s inbox just seems like common sense and courtesy. The subject line in emails make it easy for the reader to establish the importance of the message to the reader and keeping the message short and to the point helps those receiving the message, especially if they are doing so on a mobile phone or PDA.
In an extract from her book on Netiquette Virginia Shea on the web site THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE lists 10 rules that will help new and existing users of cyberspace behave in a more appropriate and considerate manner to others. Adhering to these core rules will make us less likely to offend others as we take on and master new ways to communicate using the WWW. Virginia reminds us to treat other users as human, be understanding of mistakes made by others, and to avoid miss use of our power and knowledge. She encourages us to share the knowledge with other and in doing so make ourselves look good online.
Master the Basics: Netiquette maintains that to use all capitals is the same as shouting and advises extreme caution when posting personal, inflammatory or financial details as the data may well come back to haunt us. Data we have deleted from our computer may in fact be also residing on a server somewhere waiting to be retrieved by someone else. Reading FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before becoming active in a discussion group can help to avoid embarrassment and improve your profile. It recommends the use of abbreviations smileys or emoticons and has numerous suggestions with a link to Unofficial Smiley Dictionary for those who want to get more inspiration.
In conclusion wordiq.com takes the view that “Thinking before you post” is the key rule to be observed, which would on reflection seem to be a very wise move whether emailing, chatting, texting or blogging.
Site 1: THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE http://diigo.com/06gow
Excellent site by an author who has spent time to break down the many challenges faced by new and existing net users into ten easy rules that will help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to flaming and flame wars. The information is useful, credible, to the point and will leave the reader with the confidence to join a discussion or chat group, and post a blog knowing that they are dealing with real people. An hour spent studying and mastering the rules will help the reader avoid many embarrassing mistakes in cyberspace in the future. Works well with site 2.
Site 2: Top 26 Most Important Rules of Email http://www.diigo.com/06qsx
This is a comprehensive site that breaks down the various areas of Emailing and lists Do’s and Don’ts that will be helpful to new and experienced emailers alike. It looks at each off the rules and supports them with reasoned bullet points that remind you of past correspondence you have received that left you wondering as to why it was sent. Rules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 on the first page should be mandatory in every office while all the others are helpful and should be common courtesy. These rules if applied will help us communicate effectively. Expands on the details in site 1.
Concept # 10: Automation
“Advanced effective internet communicators do not ignore automation, nor use it unthinkingly: they essentially negotiate arrangements with their communications software and review them as necessary”.
Canonical QA states that automation is a system of using a software programme to run a series of pre planned actions. From the simple keystrokes of “Ctrl A” to select all text or images on a page to the sophisticated software that will alert you when a file, folder has been altered on your PC or network. Automation can make our life easier and take the tedium out of various tasks while keeping us up to date by sending the data we have requested to our PC or mobile phones.
Email systems like Outlook, Hotmail and Gmail have many features that will automate basic actions from “Out of the office” replies to incoming mail, forwarding mail to mobile phones, synchronising calendar entries, meeting reminders and invitations. A well set up Email system will keep your “To do” list and tasks running smoothly and to schedule, while sharing your calendar and documents on a site like Google will allow you to access your mail and documents from any computer anywhere in the world that has internet access.
StumbleUpon will automatically go out and search the net for sites, photos, news and videos that interest you, based on the list of subjects you have indicated you want the software to find information on. RSS feeds, using readers like Google Reader or many others these programmes will collect all the latest news and changes from your favourite blogs and news sites and keep you up to date with out the need to go to the various sites to check for “what’s new”. Feedmyinbox will gather any RSS feeds you instruct it and deliver them to your Email In Box, allowing you to pick up the feed from your PC, PDA or Email empowered mobile phone.
Twitter allows you to follow your friends or others as they share news and web sites that they find of interest. By using Twhirl it even makes Twitter more powerful allowing you to consolidate multiple accounts, post images spell check and shorten URLs saving on those precious 140 characters you are allowed. Twhirl also gives you the power to twitter individuals, groups or all your followers depending on your needs.
Software like WinAutomation which is a commercial programme, will allow single users or administrators to track changes in files or folders on one PC or a whole network. The software allows the changes to be flagged by Email so the owner or administrator knows what is going on at all times. This and many other programmes will allow users to create Macros to automate multiple tasks in to one singe “hotkey”.
Finally, one of the most effective pieces of software that I have used is Google Alerts it will search out or monitor news stories, competitor activity or any key words from news sites, blogs, web sites, videos or groups or all of the sources combined. It can be programmed to search as it happens, once a day or once a week. You are then ‘Alerted’ by Email once it has data collected. Automation takes the drudgery out of our daily computing and gives us our life back.
Site 1: FindMySoft http://www.diigo.com/06qve
Very informative site that not only list the automation tools available for Email programs but also offers links to sites that automate other computer tasks such as web crawling, Data Mining, Desktop Macros for repetitive tasks, and scheduling tools. It states the date the software was released, the number of times it has been downloaded and whether it is Commercial, Shareware, Free to try or Freeware. The Top Downloads list on the left hand side of the page tells you what others net users are downloading and gives you a link to each of the top thirty sites. This site has a wider selection of software than site 2.
Site 2: WinAutomation http://www.winautomation.com/automate-tedious-tasks-with-winautomation
One of the better sites I found using Web Crawler on Automation. This site despite being a commercial site lists the outcomes that can be achieved in an easy to understand format. Their programme allows Scheduling of tasks, creation of Macros that can be actioned with a Hot Key, tracking of changes in folders on your PC or a network by Email alerts to you, Data Mining from web sites and capture links, images and Email addresses from web pages and convert them to a text file. Informative site but their aim is to sell not inform unlike Site 2.
Concept #13: Communication is not complete upon receipt
“The key to effective email management is to consistently and conscientiously respond to and act upon the email you receive, while recognising that others may not be as efficient as yourself.”
This seems to be a reasonable proposition at first glance to respond to or act on our emails; however there are many elements that I would suggest are covered by the simple phrase of “Act on or respond to”.
Firstly, security is critical to your system, to start your average email programme without having an effective and updated virus checker is courting disaster. One unguarded moment could lead to the infection of your computer by a malicious virus, worm or spyware. So prior to sending or opening an email let your Virus Checker do it’s job, in keeping you and your contacts virus free. If in doubt delete, do not open do not respond!
Secondly, having opened and read your message there are multiple decisions to be made and tasks to be carried out:
• Reply, does the message warrant a reply or was it just meant to inform (FYI)(For Your Information).
• Reply All, do you really need to use this function, will you be filling up inboxes needlessly? Will rely to the sender be all that is needed?
• Should you forward the email to a third party? With or without all the sender’s and receivers’ details? It is often wise and cautious to remove these details to protect other’s privacy and security.
• If you were BCC (Blind Carbon Copied) responding to anyone but the sender will “blow” your cover, Reply All would be a mistake.
• If you do reply or forward do you keep the message subject line as is or in changing it indicate part of your response? “Sorry, I can not attend Sales Meeting Friday 13th July”. Your altered subject line clearly indicates what your response is to the original, Sales Meeting Friday 13th July.
• Saving or filing your emails when read is a critical function, and it’s value is not understood until you come across an Inbox with thousands of emails going back years. Setting up files or folders for your contacts and in some cases sub-folders where multiple subjects or projects are being shared or worked on makes a lot of sense.
• Deleting emails, emails take up so little space that unless you suspect it to be infected with a virus or it is utter rubbish, you do not need to delete.
• Is the email Spam, unsolicited junk email? Add the sender to your Junk Mail list and block them from further contact. N.B. do not respond or ask to be removed from their mailing list, this just confirms that you exist and will result in a possible flood of more Spam.
• Is the sender in your Contact list or Group list, add them to same by right clicking on their address (normally).
• Have you received a photo as an attachment, copy it to a file in My Pictures to find it easily later or play as part of a slide show. The same applies to an attached document but copy if you wish or need to my documents.
Finally, email etiquette suggest that you should be polite, don’t Flame, if in doubt don’t, better to wait till the heat is gone out of the argument then to email in anger or hurt. Once sent it is out there!
Site 1: Livinginternet http://www.diigo.com/06rmw
Dave Crocker with his 35 years + of experience and service to the internet industry breaks down email into easily understood parts. Starting with it’s early history in the 1970s and its developments in the 1980s when the world started to realize the potential for this new communication medium. He explains in plain English how emails are exchanged between servers using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and with multiple links goes on to give us an insight and guidance into every element with email programmes. He even has a FAQ on emails, this is a very comprehensive site. Great coverage when used with site 2.
Site 2: e-businessguide http://www.diigo.com/06rtg
This Australian Government web site gives an excellent overview of security as it applies to email. It discusses the need for security and lists a number of the more popular emailing programs. It suggests three programmes that are either free or have a nominal annual charge as a good starting point. Encryption-based email software is discussed and that it is available to be used with most of the popular email programmes. The fact that some organizations only secure external mail and not internal mail is mentioned and checking mail for inappropriate content is covered briefly. Very frank non commercial site gives a deeper coverage of security than site 1.
Concept # 26 . Privacy and Security
“The Internet is a profoundly ‘open’ system and advanced Internet users are cautious about either accepting or sending material from and to unknown sources and are careful in realising information about themselves in any form”.
Would you leave your front door open? Not a chance I suspect; the same level of awareness is required when we are active on the Internet. Through the open door of our house or unit intruders can invade our privacy, the Internet if not used wisely can leave us vulnerable in much the same way but to a larger volume of people. Online E-ssentials and The Australian Government Privacy web sites look at privacy online and make some excellent suggestions:
• Passwords keep them secret and do not reveal them to anyone no matter if they claim to be from one of your providers (Bank, Utility Company, ISP). They will know your password already and will never ask you for this information. Avoid using your name or date of birth in your password. Change passwords regularly. Be careful where your store your passwords, a sticky note on your computer or desk is not secure.
• Email is as private as a postcard is when using ‘snailmail’. Don’t put credit card information or other private details in emails. All your details will be residing on a server or a series of servers, leaving you vulnerable to the misuse of the data you have sent. Once you have put the email ‘out there’ you have lost control and the data can be forwarded on to persons unknown. In a work place or public situation, shut down your email programme which should be protected with a password.
• Cookies are electronic trackers that are left behind when your visit a web site. Some website claim they speed things up when you revisit but they may also track other sites you visit for marketing purposes or more sinister reasons. You can set your browser to delete cookies at regular intervals; this may slow down your ‘surfing’ but will improve your privacy.
• Multiple email address can help your privacy, having one email address for secure contacts and another that you use when dealing with unknown people or organizations is ideal. Using Gmail or Hotmail when travelling and using internet cafes lowers the risk of someone tracking your personal details using spyware. Avoid using Internet Banking on public computers.
• Privacy policy, does the site you have visited have a privacy policy on sharing your details, reputable sites will declare their position on this key issue.
Security online is also an area that is dealt with by Online E-ssentials very comprehensively:
• Ensure the site you entrust your financial account details to, encrypt the information. Most Australian online banking use a golden padlock (VeriSign) to indicate their site is secure and authenticated. They will also have a detailed link to their Privacy and security page. Avoid replying to Spam or Phishing emails this will help avoid identity theft.
• Include security detection as part of your regular updating process.
• Use the best anti virus and spyware you can afford, prevention is better than an expensive cure or major loss.
• Make sure your home or business network is secured, people ‘cruise ‘areas looking for unsecured wireless networks. On a recent trip from Amsterdam to Budapest by river and canal, I never failed to pick up an unsecured network in every town and city we visited. Setting up a firewall is well worth the effort.
Finally, don’t put personal or private details on sites like Facebook, Myspace or other social networking sites that could comprise your privacy or security not only on the Internet but also in your normal life.
Site 1: Online e-ssentials http://www.diigo.com/06rvk
This is an excellent site that goes into the subjects of privacy and security in great depth with out a commercial bias despite being sponsored by Dell computers. It gives examples and security tips in a comprehensive detail way with five links to individual pages on privacy, security, families online, terms (jargon) and a resources page that give links to many more helpful sites, that would fill in most gaps in the readers knowledge. When compared to the Australian Government site it is way ahead on quality, quantity and coverage.
Site 2: Australian Government Privacy Topics http://www.diigo.com/06rvi
An Australian Government web site that should have credibility, but it is rather on the lightweight side when it comes to details. It does not go into the subject of privacy very well despite having a number of links to some of it’s other sites dealing with small business security, students security and pass word security. The site on password security was the only one of three that was added value due to the details covered and suggestions it made. Overall it compares poorly to Online e-ssentials in presentation and content.
References:
About.com. Retrieved 31st July 2009 from http://email.about.com/od/emailnetiquette/tp/core_netiquette.htm
Australian Government web site. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from http://www.privacy.gov.au/topics/technologies
Canonical QA. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://ubuntu-mobile-edition.blogspot.com/2009/03/desktop-automation.html
e-businessguide. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from
http://www.e-businessguide.gov.au/protecting/issues/email
Google Alerts. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.google.com/alerts
Google Reader. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.google.com/reader/view/?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-ww-ww-bk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google+reader#overview-page
FindMySoft. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.findmysoft.com/software/email_automation/
Livinginternet. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from http://www.livinginternet.com/e/e.htm
Master the Basics: Netiquette. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm
Online E-ssentials. Retrieved 5th August 2009 from http://www.nclnet.org/technology/essentials/privacy.html
StumbleUpon . Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.stumbleupon.com/
THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE. Retrieved 31st July 2009 from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Twhirl. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.twhirl.org/
Twitter. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://twitter.com/about
Unofficial Smiley Dictionary. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://w2.eff.org/Net_culture/Net_info/EFF_Net_Guide/EEGTTI_HTML/eeg_292.html#SEC293
Wikipedia. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette
WinAutomation. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.winautomation.com/?gclid=CIzFrbL-g5wCFdEvpAod8xXx-A
wordiq.com . Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Netiquette
“Good communication practice on the internet is not something one ‘learns’, but something one ‘practices’ so as to teach others, less familiar than yourself, how it is done”
The word Netiquette according to Wikipedia has been in use since 1988. Whether emailing, gaming, instant messaging, blogging, WIKI-ing or chatting online, users of the World Wide Web need to be cognisant of the rules of etiquette (Netiquette) that apply to them while they are online.
Heinz Tschabitscher in About.com asserts in Top 26 Most Important Rules that there are twenty six rules that apply when we are using email, most make a lot of sense and would make Best Practice in various office situations where emails have become major time absorbers and wasters. Simple rules like reading an email twice prior to sending and questioning whether it needs to be sent and who should be copied would place greater value on the reader’s time. The use of ‘Reply All’ should be kept to a minimum and avoided when you have been BCC as a recipient of the original message makes a lot of sense. Paying attention to spelling, content and writing style, while avoiding sending material that will clog up the recipient’s inbox just seems like common sense and courtesy. The subject line in emails make it easy for the reader to establish the importance of the message to the reader and keeping the message short and to the point helps those receiving the message, especially if they are doing so on a mobile phone or PDA.
In an extract from her book on Netiquette Virginia Shea on the web site THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE lists 10 rules that will help new and existing users of cyberspace behave in a more appropriate and considerate manner to others. Adhering to these core rules will make us less likely to offend others as we take on and master new ways to communicate using the WWW. Virginia reminds us to treat other users as human, be understanding of mistakes made by others, and to avoid miss use of our power and knowledge. She encourages us to share the knowledge with other and in doing so make ourselves look good online.
Master the Basics: Netiquette maintains that to use all capitals is the same as shouting and advises extreme caution when posting personal, inflammatory or financial details as the data may well come back to haunt us. Data we have deleted from our computer may in fact be also residing on a server somewhere waiting to be retrieved by someone else. Reading FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before becoming active in a discussion group can help to avoid embarrassment and improve your profile. It recommends the use of abbreviations smileys or emoticons and has numerous suggestions with a link to Unofficial Smiley Dictionary for those who want to get more inspiration.
In conclusion wordiq.com takes the view that “Thinking before you post” is the key rule to be observed, which would on reflection seem to be a very wise move whether emailing, chatting, texting or blogging.
Site 1: THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE http://diigo.com/06gow
Excellent site by an author who has spent time to break down the many challenges faced by new and existing net users into ten easy rules that will help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to flaming and flame wars. The information is useful, credible, to the point and will leave the reader with the confidence to join a discussion or chat group, and post a blog knowing that they are dealing with real people. An hour spent studying and mastering the rules will help the reader avoid many embarrassing mistakes in cyberspace in the future. Works well with site 2.
Site 2: Top 26 Most Important Rules of Email http://www.diigo.com/06qsx
This is a comprehensive site that breaks down the various areas of Emailing and lists Do’s and Don’ts that will be helpful to new and experienced emailers alike. It looks at each off the rules and supports them with reasoned bullet points that remind you of past correspondence you have received that left you wondering as to why it was sent. Rules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 on the first page should be mandatory in every office while all the others are helpful and should be common courtesy. These rules if applied will help us communicate effectively. Expands on the details in site 1.
Concept # 10: Automation
“Advanced effective internet communicators do not ignore automation, nor use it unthinkingly: they essentially negotiate arrangements with their communications software and review them as necessary”.
Canonical QA states that automation is a system of using a software programme to run a series of pre planned actions. From the simple keystrokes of “Ctrl A” to select all text or images on a page to the sophisticated software that will alert you when a file, folder has been altered on your PC or network. Automation can make our life easier and take the tedium out of various tasks while keeping us up to date by sending the data we have requested to our PC or mobile phones.
Email systems like Outlook, Hotmail and Gmail have many features that will automate basic actions from “Out of the office” replies to incoming mail, forwarding mail to mobile phones, synchronising calendar entries, meeting reminders and invitations. A well set up Email system will keep your “To do” list and tasks running smoothly and to schedule, while sharing your calendar and documents on a site like Google will allow you to access your mail and documents from any computer anywhere in the world that has internet access.
StumbleUpon will automatically go out and search the net for sites, photos, news and videos that interest you, based on the list of subjects you have indicated you want the software to find information on. RSS feeds, using readers like Google Reader or many others these programmes will collect all the latest news and changes from your favourite blogs and news sites and keep you up to date with out the need to go to the various sites to check for “what’s new”. Feedmyinbox will gather any RSS feeds you instruct it and deliver them to your Email In Box, allowing you to pick up the feed from your PC, PDA or Email empowered mobile phone.
Twitter allows you to follow your friends or others as they share news and web sites that they find of interest. By using Twhirl it even makes Twitter more powerful allowing you to consolidate multiple accounts, post images spell check and shorten URLs saving on those precious 140 characters you are allowed. Twhirl also gives you the power to twitter individuals, groups or all your followers depending on your needs.
Software like WinAutomation which is a commercial programme, will allow single users or administrators to track changes in files or folders on one PC or a whole network. The software allows the changes to be flagged by Email so the owner or administrator knows what is going on at all times. This and many other programmes will allow users to create Macros to automate multiple tasks in to one singe “hotkey”.
Finally, one of the most effective pieces of software that I have used is Google Alerts it will search out or monitor news stories, competitor activity or any key words from news sites, blogs, web sites, videos or groups or all of the sources combined. It can be programmed to search as it happens, once a day or once a week. You are then ‘Alerted’ by Email once it has data collected. Automation takes the drudgery out of our daily computing and gives us our life back.
Site 1: FindMySoft http://www.diigo.com/06qve
Very informative site that not only list the automation tools available for Email programs but also offers links to sites that automate other computer tasks such as web crawling, Data Mining, Desktop Macros for repetitive tasks, and scheduling tools. It states the date the software was released, the number of times it has been downloaded and whether it is Commercial, Shareware, Free to try or Freeware. The Top Downloads list on the left hand side of the page tells you what others net users are downloading and gives you a link to each of the top thirty sites. This site has a wider selection of software than site 2.
Site 2: WinAutomation http://www.winautomation.com/automate-tedious-tasks-with-winautomation
One of the better sites I found using Web Crawler on Automation. This site despite being a commercial site lists the outcomes that can be achieved in an easy to understand format. Their programme allows Scheduling of tasks, creation of Macros that can be actioned with a Hot Key, tracking of changes in folders on your PC or a network by Email alerts to you, Data Mining from web sites and capture links, images and Email addresses from web pages and convert them to a text file. Informative site but their aim is to sell not inform unlike Site 2.
Concept #13: Communication is not complete upon receipt
“The key to effective email management is to consistently and conscientiously respond to and act upon the email you receive, while recognising that others may not be as efficient as yourself.”
This seems to be a reasonable proposition at first glance to respond to or act on our emails; however there are many elements that I would suggest are covered by the simple phrase of “Act on or respond to”.
Firstly, security is critical to your system, to start your average email programme without having an effective and updated virus checker is courting disaster. One unguarded moment could lead to the infection of your computer by a malicious virus, worm or spyware. So prior to sending or opening an email let your Virus Checker do it’s job, in keeping you and your contacts virus free. If in doubt delete, do not open do not respond!
Secondly, having opened and read your message there are multiple decisions to be made and tasks to be carried out:
• Reply, does the message warrant a reply or was it just meant to inform (FYI)(For Your Information).
• Reply All, do you really need to use this function, will you be filling up inboxes needlessly? Will rely to the sender be all that is needed?
• Should you forward the email to a third party? With or without all the sender’s and receivers’ details? It is often wise and cautious to remove these details to protect other’s privacy and security.
• If you were BCC (Blind Carbon Copied) responding to anyone but the sender will “blow” your cover, Reply All would be a mistake.
• If you do reply or forward do you keep the message subject line as is or in changing it indicate part of your response? “Sorry, I can not attend Sales Meeting Friday 13th July”. Your altered subject line clearly indicates what your response is to the original, Sales Meeting Friday 13th July.
• Saving or filing your emails when read is a critical function, and it’s value is not understood until you come across an Inbox with thousands of emails going back years. Setting up files or folders for your contacts and in some cases sub-folders where multiple subjects or projects are being shared or worked on makes a lot of sense.
• Deleting emails, emails take up so little space that unless you suspect it to be infected with a virus or it is utter rubbish, you do not need to delete.
• Is the email Spam, unsolicited junk email? Add the sender to your Junk Mail list and block them from further contact. N.B. do not respond or ask to be removed from their mailing list, this just confirms that you exist and will result in a possible flood of more Spam.
• Is the sender in your Contact list or Group list, add them to same by right clicking on their address (normally).
• Have you received a photo as an attachment, copy it to a file in My Pictures to find it easily later or play as part of a slide show. The same applies to an attached document but copy if you wish or need to my documents.
Finally, email etiquette suggest that you should be polite, don’t Flame, if in doubt don’t, better to wait till the heat is gone out of the argument then to email in anger or hurt. Once sent it is out there!
Site 1: Livinginternet http://www.diigo.com/06rmw
Dave Crocker with his 35 years + of experience and service to the internet industry breaks down email into easily understood parts. Starting with it’s early history in the 1970s and its developments in the 1980s when the world started to realize the potential for this new communication medium. He explains in plain English how emails are exchanged between servers using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and with multiple links goes on to give us an insight and guidance into every element with email programmes. He even has a FAQ on emails, this is a very comprehensive site. Great coverage when used with site 2.
Site 2: e-businessguide http://www.diigo.com/06rtg
This Australian Government web site gives an excellent overview of security as it applies to email. It discusses the need for security and lists a number of the more popular emailing programs. It suggests three programmes that are either free or have a nominal annual charge as a good starting point. Encryption-based email software is discussed and that it is available to be used with most of the popular email programmes. The fact that some organizations only secure external mail and not internal mail is mentioned and checking mail for inappropriate content is covered briefly. Very frank non commercial site gives a deeper coverage of security than site 1.
Concept # 26 . Privacy and Security
“The Internet is a profoundly ‘open’ system and advanced Internet users are cautious about either accepting or sending material from and to unknown sources and are careful in realising information about themselves in any form”.
Would you leave your front door open? Not a chance I suspect; the same level of awareness is required when we are active on the Internet. Through the open door of our house or unit intruders can invade our privacy, the Internet if not used wisely can leave us vulnerable in much the same way but to a larger volume of people. Online E-ssentials and The Australian Government Privacy web sites look at privacy online and make some excellent suggestions:
• Passwords keep them secret and do not reveal them to anyone no matter if they claim to be from one of your providers (Bank, Utility Company, ISP). They will know your password already and will never ask you for this information. Avoid using your name or date of birth in your password. Change passwords regularly. Be careful where your store your passwords, a sticky note on your computer or desk is not secure.
• Email is as private as a postcard is when using ‘snailmail’. Don’t put credit card information or other private details in emails. All your details will be residing on a server or a series of servers, leaving you vulnerable to the misuse of the data you have sent. Once you have put the email ‘out there’ you have lost control and the data can be forwarded on to persons unknown. In a work place or public situation, shut down your email programme which should be protected with a password.
• Cookies are electronic trackers that are left behind when your visit a web site. Some website claim they speed things up when you revisit but they may also track other sites you visit for marketing purposes or more sinister reasons. You can set your browser to delete cookies at regular intervals; this may slow down your ‘surfing’ but will improve your privacy.
• Multiple email address can help your privacy, having one email address for secure contacts and another that you use when dealing with unknown people or organizations is ideal. Using Gmail or Hotmail when travelling and using internet cafes lowers the risk of someone tracking your personal details using spyware. Avoid using Internet Banking on public computers.
• Privacy policy, does the site you have visited have a privacy policy on sharing your details, reputable sites will declare their position on this key issue.
Security online is also an area that is dealt with by Online E-ssentials very comprehensively:
• Ensure the site you entrust your financial account details to, encrypt the information. Most Australian online banking use a golden padlock (VeriSign) to indicate their site is secure and authenticated. They will also have a detailed link to their Privacy and security page. Avoid replying to Spam or Phishing emails this will help avoid identity theft.
• Include security detection as part of your regular updating process.
• Use the best anti virus and spyware you can afford, prevention is better than an expensive cure or major loss.
• Make sure your home or business network is secured, people ‘cruise ‘areas looking for unsecured wireless networks. On a recent trip from Amsterdam to Budapest by river and canal, I never failed to pick up an unsecured network in every town and city we visited. Setting up a firewall is well worth the effort.
Finally, don’t put personal or private details on sites like Facebook, Myspace or other social networking sites that could comprise your privacy or security not only on the Internet but also in your normal life.
Site 1: Online e-ssentials http://www.diigo.com/06rvk
This is an excellent site that goes into the subjects of privacy and security in great depth with out a commercial bias despite being sponsored by Dell computers. It gives examples and security tips in a comprehensive detail way with five links to individual pages on privacy, security, families online, terms (jargon) and a resources page that give links to many more helpful sites, that would fill in most gaps in the readers knowledge. When compared to the Australian Government site it is way ahead on quality, quantity and coverage.
Site 2: Australian Government Privacy Topics http://www.diigo.com/06rvi
An Australian Government web site that should have credibility, but it is rather on the lightweight side when it comes to details. It does not go into the subject of privacy very well despite having a number of links to some of it’s other sites dealing with small business security, students security and pass word security. The site on password security was the only one of three that was added value due to the details covered and suggestions it made. Overall it compares poorly to Online e-ssentials in presentation and content.
References:
About.com. Retrieved 31st July 2009 from http://email.about.com/od/emailnetiquette/tp/core_netiquette.htm
Australian Government web site. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from http://www.privacy.gov.au/topics/technologies
Canonical QA. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://ubuntu-mobile-edition.blogspot.com/2009/03/desktop-automation.html
e-businessguide. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from
http://www.e-businessguide.gov.au/protecting/issues/email
Google Alerts. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.google.com/alerts
Google Reader. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.google.com/reader/view/?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-ww-ww-bk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google+reader#overview-page
FindMySoft. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.findmysoft.com/software/email_automation/
Livinginternet. Retrieved 4th August 2009 from http://www.livinginternet.com/e/e.htm
Master the Basics: Netiquette. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm
Online E-ssentials. Retrieved 5th August 2009 from http://www.nclnet.org/technology/essentials/privacy.html
StumbleUpon . Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.stumbleupon.com/
THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE. Retrieved 31st July 2009 from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Twhirl. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://www.twhirl.org/
Twitter. Retrieved 3rd August 2009 from http://twitter.com/about
Unofficial Smiley Dictionary. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://w2.eff.org/Net_culture/Net_info/EFF_Net_Guide/EEGTTI_HTML/eeg_292.html#SEC293
Wikipedia. Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette
WinAutomation. Retrieved 2nd August 2009 from http://www.winautomation.com/?gclid=CIzFrbL-g5wCFdEvpAod8xXx-A
wordiq.com . Retrieved 1st August 2009 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Netiquette
Friday, July 31, 2009
Final log entry on Module 4
Walking in Ireland my selected site would be helpful to anyone researching or planing a walking trip to Ireland. The site was not biased and was not selling a message. The author is experienced with other blogs and web sites to his credit, his writing style was relaxed and appropriate to his intended audience. The information was current and appeared accurate, while the major walking areas were covered in reasonable detail. The home page was clear and indicted it's content and links to various walks effectively, and would be a help to a new visitor to the web site. The .org in the URL suggest the site is a non-profit organisation but the presence of a few adverts suggest the author was trying to recoup some of his costs.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Evaluating the web Annotation
Evaluating Walking in Ireland web site using the elements as mentioned in Ohio SU met.Tutor.
1. Purpose: An excellent website with helpful content, relevant to any pre-planning for a walking trip to Ireland. The main purpose of the site was to inform by giving an insight into what to expect and with a minimum of relevant adverts for accommodation and available tours.
2. Author: Leslie Gilmour has written extensively about walking in Ireland and other countries on various web sites and also in his personal blog. I found details on his various blogs and web sites in Ezine @rticles.
3. Content: Relevant, accurate, helpful, with basic maps and links to other sites and books for more details on numerous walks.
4. Coverage: Google Advanced Search indicated there are 30 pages that link to Walking in Ireland. I did not find any other site that were as well informed and as unbiased on the subject. All other sites were sponsored and were there solely to sell their services.
5. Currency: Last updated Monday, 27th April 2009. All links were working.
6. Recognition: Delicious showed 10 tags for Walking in Ireland.
1. Purpose: An excellent website with helpful content, relevant to any pre-planning for a walking trip to Ireland. The main purpose of the site was to inform by giving an insight into what to expect and with a minimum of relevant adverts for accommodation and available tours.
2. Author: Leslie Gilmour has written extensively about walking in Ireland and other countries on various web sites and also in his personal blog. I found details on his various blogs and web sites in Ezine @rticles.
3. Content: Relevant, accurate, helpful, with basic maps and links to other sites and books for more details on numerous walks.
4. Coverage: Google Advanced Search indicated there are 30 pages that link to Walking in Ireland. I did not find any other site that were as well informed and as unbiased on the subject. All other sites were sponsored and were there solely to sell their services.
5. Currency: Last updated Monday, 27th April 2009. All links were working.
6. Recognition: Delicious showed 10 tags for Walking in Ireland.
Details on software used on "Organising search information task"
I used Delicious, Diigo and firefox to store my sites. I am slowly getting used to Delicious but find the bookmarking system in Firefox easy to operate and I have my sites stored in folders within the Bookmarks tab. I believe in the end I will settle on Diigo as I like it's system of highlighting and "sticky notes". I used Gadwin Screen capture to grab a "screenshot" of each site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)