Assignment 5

URL to Monster Mash.exe file:

https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/shebell/Monster%20Mash.exe

 Thoughts and Things I learned over Object-Oriented Programming:

     I find OO programming very boring. But I think that this could be do the the program we used. I think if I had the chance to learn about it more indepth and hands on then I might actually walk away with something useful. It makes me a little more curious.  I did learn that in order for your score to build you must make sure that it is relative. I also learned that if one object has the wrong property settings then it could mess up your entire game. The quality of your game is based on your sprites, objects, and sounds you include throughout the entire game. I learned how to make objects move in a randomly fixed manner. The entire game is under my control, and I have a say on what objects, sounds, and sprites to use.  I chose to make my game very simple. If you click on the green monster than your score is increased by 10 points. If you click on the orange monster then your score is decreased by 10 points. Also, every time you click them then the speed of movement is relativley increased by .10. I chose a simple background becuase it is a simple game. Every object in OO programming is connected and effects the other objects. If someone who wants to be something like a grapic designer in video games then oo programming knowledge is great to have.

Chapter 9 Discussion

1. What are the major milestones in the history of computing? Can you identify two or three events that directly affected the way we use computers today? Can you identify any current trends that might similarly affect the future of computing?

          Some of the major milestones in computer history are: the production of UNIVAC the worlds first commercially successful digital computer, transistors,  the personal computer and the Apple Computer. All three of these things helped make computers as assessable as they are today. One major event that directly effects how we use computers is the technology boom that seemed to happen in the 1980’s. It made us realize how important technology is and started the ball rolling for bigger and better things. Another event that affects how we use computers is the invention of the Internet. People primarily use computers to connect with people all over the world and provides endless information. I think computers will get way more powerful and travel friendly.

2. The computer and IT industries have rapidly emerged as a global economic force in the last twenty years. What benefits and drawbacks does this rapid growth have for our culture? Do you think this growth should be slowed?

          The rapid growth offers immediate benefits for the economy. It provides jobs, and continually changes. One of the major drawbacks are we have become too depended  on technology. If something was to happen to any major network it could shut down our economy. The major growth could set our economy way higher than it orginally should be and when the economic boom calms we could have major problems. Technology jobs could start to become scarce because so many people are seeking them. But as I said before the immediate benefits could help jumpstart our economy in it’s current state.

3. Compare computer professions to other professions such as the law, medicine, teaching, etc. in terms of working conditions, educational preparation, salaries, and social status. Consider why you are attracted to the computing professions and discuss what would provide the incentive for you to be successful in an IT field.

          I think I was initially attracted to the IT field because I love technology. I love to see how things change. I mean a laptop from 2005 is almost completely outdated to my laptop. Technology is always changing so your job would differ a little here an there almost daily. That is why I was attracted to a technology field. The incentive for me to be successful in an IT field would be job stability. As long as there are technological advances there will be jobs for IT people.  

Chapter 8 Lab (Continued)

Before:

 After:

Chapter 8 Lab

     The movie Transformers recently released this year and has quickly captured the hearts of many, including mine. Transformers is seriously one of the best movies put out by Hollywood in ten years. Not only is the plot line something you can connect to but the graphics used are completely revolutionary and believable. Without the special effects used in this movie, it would be dull and boring. Michael Bay really out did himself with his mastering of being able to transform a seemingly normal car into a fully functioning, fighting robot.

    It cost Michael Bay $150 million dollars to make this film. The special effects were made by the using Idustrial Light Magic pioneered by George Lucas in The Empire Strikes Back. It took over 350 engineers to make this movie possible. The special effects make you believe that transformers could really exist. When you see this movie for the first time, you are caught in utter amazement. The shifting of the robots is so intricate, and the battle scenes leave you wanting more. When you first see the helicopter, Blackout, shift into a robot you sit up in your seat with your eyes open wide like a little kid.  The special effects in Transformers makes the entire movie. If Michael Bay would not have used Industrial Light Magic then, I firmly believe Transformers would have flopped in the box office.  

Chapter 8 Discussion

What do you think?

1) Have you had trouble using software, music CDs, or movie DVDs beacause of copyright protection?

     Yes, when I bought a CD a couple of months ago I wanted to put it on my computer and I couldn’t. It made me mad because I had bought the CD to put on my MP3 player and now I couldn’t. I also wanted to make a copy of a backup disk for Windows XP and it would not let me, so lets hope that nothing ever happens to the original.

2) In your opinion, do sites like the iTunes Music Store provide consumers with enough flexibility for copying files and creating playlists?

     I would say yes because it allows you to access the music you want on a legal level. If you don’t like a song you don’t have to buy it. iTunes and Napster allow people to buy the songs they want, and have them on thier computer, MP3 player or whatever without buying the songes they don’t want.

3) Do you think digital rights management technologies are justified because of the high rate of piracy?

     Yes, I do because they are trying to protect music, movies, and software that are made to be sold. Nothing is free so, why should digitized music, movies, and software automatically be considered free? But I do think that the DRM technologies are becoming overbearing.

Chapter 12 Lab

New Perpectives Labs Results:

22/25 or 88%

Multimedia Project

Objects in Dino’s Dream-

• Background- Moves when Dino moves.
• Music/Sound- There is no music on the beginning menu but when you start the game there is a simple melody playing. When Dino jumps it makes a slight springing noise and when he kills a little monkey or fly traps it makes a slight sound. With that it also makes a sound when he claims the little red hearts.
• Beginning Menu- Has four selections that after you click them send you either to play the game, brings up an instructions menu, or sends you to another website.
• Dino- Moves up, down, forward and backwards. He is green.
• Hearts- The little red hearts disappear when Dino jumps and touches them.
• Purple deformed monkey- If it touches Dino then he dies. If Dino jumps on it then it dies.
• Green Venus Fly Trap- Dies when Dino jumps on it. Kills Dino if he touches it.
• Floating Mushrooms- Provides a base for Dino to jump on.
• Big Pink Mother Dinosaur- Stands there until Dino reaches her then disappears when he runs through her.

Screen Shots of Dino’s Dream

Chapter 12 Discussion

What Do You Think?

1) Can you think of a specific instance when you have become frustrated with a software user interface?

        Yes, It happens all the time. I recently upgraded to Microsoft Office 2007 and its complex if you are not use to it. I get aggrivated because it is hard to follow even for someone who is generally good at computers.

2) Is it possible to make computer software siginificantly eaiser to use?

        I do believe that you can make software eaiser to use. But it depends on the type of software you are talking about.

3) Would you agree that programmers do not understand the viewpont of a typical computer user and consequently produce bad software?

        I do agree that programmers have a distorted view of what typical computer users think. I would not say they produce bad software. I would say we have hard to follow complex software. If we could keep the quality of software out on the market today and make it easier to use then it would be great.

Other Thoughts

        I believe that the computer user’s bill of rights is a grat idea, and would be nice if it would be put into practice. I believe that in my high school we use technology a significant amount. But I believe that North Montgomery would benefit if we could submit assignments online and have a messaging system in place such as oncourse. It would be easier to keep track of assignments and help teachers with making sure students submit assignments in on time.  I do believe that games/simulations, blogs, and wikis could be used effectively in high school courses if students are taught the significance of them. But I also believe that majority of the courses that involve things like oncourse and other programs should be reserved for students in the upperclasses. Mainly because it takes a lot of maturity and responsibility to have focus and learn on your own through programs such as oncourse.

Assignment 3

http://mypage.iu.edu/~shebell/resume.txt

Chapter 10 Discussion

What Do You Think?

1) Would you pefer online voting to voting at a polling place?

     Voting at a polling place. I think that some things should not be placed in electronic hands, and this is one of them. Paper ballots allow people’s identities to remain secret. Also if people demand a recount or something of that nature then with the paper ballots we have means to do so. 

2) Do you thing online voters would disproportionally vote for Republicans?

     I honestly do not think that online voting would provide a huge surge in Republican votes. Your political party choices are not determined by simply having a computer and the ability to vote online. Also, a lot of middle-or-low income families have access to a computer and if anyone seriously wanted to vote then they could find someone who has a computer and use it. They could also go to the library or something like that.

3) Should online voting be available only to specific groups, such as elderly voters and military personnel stationed abroad, who currently have trouble reaching polling places?

     If we implemented online voting then I think that it should be available only to elderly people and military personnel stationed abroad. Both groups have a hard time reaching polling places, and should have the right to vote.

Discuss exposure that you have had to an information system directly. If you can’t think of anything, think about roles you have in life – especially as a student and as an employee possibly. In your roles there you are at a minimum a part of an information system.

My exposure to infomation systems happens everytime I go to work and work at the checklane or at USCAN. Everytime something is scanned then the information goes into our inventory database. Also, I encounter an information system when I go to the ATM or gas station and use my debit card.

Chapter 6 Lab

What Do You Think?- Questions 

1) Should governments be allowed to block access to Web sites based on local religions, politics, and customs?

     Yes, I do believe that governments should be allowed to block access to Web sites based on thier religions, politics, and customs. Just because they do not have freedom of speech then we shouldn’t criticize what they believe. I believe that Americans tend to shun other societies just because they are not like ours. If a country like China wants to filter their internet to make sure that their communist ideas stay in tact then that is their doing. Who are we to judge?

2) Do you believe that a privately-held Internet Serivce Provider like AOL has the right to censor the data posted on Web sites it host?

     No , I do not believe that privately-held Internet Service Providors have the right to censor data posted on web sites it host. Unless it is part of a blocker for a foreign countries internet. The web sites that are hosted have freedom of speech in this counrty and that should be withheld.

3) Should companies like Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Cisco Systems provide blocking technology to foreign governments?

     Yes, they should be able to provide blocking technology to foreign governments. They have a right to do business with anyone they choose. They are not breaking any laws, so they should be able to have free enterprise.

4) Would you use filtering software that was preprogrammed to block pronographic and nuisance Web Sites?

     Yes, I would use the filtering software. Mostly to help keep the sites off my computer because I do not care to see them. Also, my niece is starting to use my computer and I don’t want her to see that.

My Memory

     I cannot remember the first memory of me using the internet, but I remember when I first got the internet at home. It took forever to set up, but when I first used it I thought it was amazing. It was slow, but I had the world at my fingertips when I was about eight or nine years old. My experiance in using the web has change a lot in the past two years. I went from cable internet to accelplus, which is fiber optic. It is substantially faster. I can download files in no time. Which is great. I really use the internet mostly for school, but I spend a lot of time on myspace, and facebook. Two years ago I was mostly on yahoo messenger. So that’s all that has really changed in my internet experiance.