best pics

My collage is a rendition of the Pakistan flag, with different colors and shapes.

Chris Nolan

On Tuesday, Chris Nolan from the library came to visit us to talk about searching for information, Google, directories, and evaluating websites. I did not how Google gets its most popular results (the results at the top of a search). Apparently, there are many reasons for results being at the top of a search, such as the number of links on the page. I did not know that the only results that are paid for are the small ones in the top right-hand corner of the page under the words Sponsored Links. Also, sometimes the Sponsored links can be in a shaded yellow box above the normal results. It makes me happy that Google does not base the normal results on how much money has been given to them by the person who the website belongs to. Something I found interesting about the presentation is that it is possible to change the language of your Google to Pirates.

Pictures that Lie

I chose the image of Katie Couric because I think that it was the picture with the most change. The picture on the left originated from TVNewser. TVNewser obtained the photo from CBS in May. The picture on the right was taken from the September issue of Watch magazine, which is a CBS publication. It was manipulated by making Couric slimmer, making her outfit darker, and altering the lighting. It was probably manipulated to make Couric look like the ideal woman. I think it was harmful because photos like this one make people have a specific idea of what all women should look. You can get a closer look at the picture here.

visit to CLT

On Thursday we went to the AT&T Center for Learning and Technology. Rob Chapman showed us the Studios, or the main area equipped with both PCs and MACs. He said that that area is used for a variety of projects including editing videos. We learned that at the CLT, they try to keep the latest and greatest versions of software for their MACs and PCs. We got to see the various printers, scanners, and video editing software that is available to all Trinity students and faculty. The next area we were shown various equipment was the Digital Audio Lab in which students and faculty can create and edit videos. Also, he showed us the Media Presentation Room where we were told video conferences can be held. Not only available for video conferences, the MPR can be used for video presentations and classroom use. Mr. Chapman also showed us Innovation Studio, the area in which he trains faculty to use software such as TLEARN. He told us that this area can also be used by students if it is not already in use. I think I might be able to use the CLT for computer class when we get to Photoshop because I don't have that software on my computer. Though I don't think I could use it for any of my other classes, personally, I could also use it to edit and color correct pictures that I have taken.

Copyright Presentation

Last class Jason Hardin, the Manager of Access Services, came in to tell us about copyrights. He talked about many things including how copyrights work, Title 17, what copyright holders are entitled to, and how there are different types of copyrights. There is a website called Creative Commons that lets people chose the type of copyright that is right for them and their work. He explained that the copyrights taken from this website are more liberal than the one offered by the law. I was not aware that you can change your copyright to be customized to your needs.

Some people think that the hold on copyrighted material should be longer than the author's life plus seventy years. Others believe that seventy years after the author's death is too long of a copyright period and it should be shortened. I believe that the author's life plus seventy years is a good time for the author to reap the benefits of his labor, though I understand why some people would want to make the period longer.

Copyright Presentation by Hinna Hassan is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

TU Network Diagram

So I just finished making my TU Network Diagram. It took me a VERY long time, but I think I am finally satisfied with it now. If anyone has any comments about it, you can leave them below. :-)

my favorite computer survival skill

My favorite computer survival skill was that I need to keep my computer up-to-date by clicking on the apple sign at the top of my screen and click software update. I learn today that your computer is only as safe as the latest version of everything on your computer allows it to be. I am actually loading the new updates now!