Creative Commons

Computing has changed modern society. One of its major impacts has been on exclusivity of intellectual property. As we discuss operating systems, we have seen how the proprietary OS of Apple has limited its scope, while the cross-platform Linux has allowed a global development of the operating system through open source licensing.

A similar movement is discussed in this flash presentation. The Internet has had issues with copyright problems, simply because it is so easy to download data. The organization Creative Commons has started a new movement.

This is a fascinating concept, and it is presented in a flash presentation. Take some time to view this presentation. Then blog on the content of the presentation.

Blog on!

Pervasive computing

This news site has an interesting article on the iPod. Read it, think about it, and blog your thoughts on the inroads that computing has made into modern life.

Blog on!

Windows of the Future -- Good & Bad News

The good news is that Windows is evolving. This PCWorld article discusses some of the planned improvements in Windows.

The bad news is a Windows quiz -- right here in this classroom, next class period. Now wasn't that interesting?

Blog on -- on any technology topic -- but blog on!

Blogging with Style

OK, the weekend is over (awww) and it's time to blog again.  This blog discusses wearable computers.  Don't laugh -- the future is sneaking up on us!  What do you think about personal, really personal, computing.

Blog on!

Windows 2000

As we discuss current operating systems, Windows 2000 has been a "money maker" for Microsoft. The server versions of this operating systems are still in use, unlike some of the other OS we surveyed earlier in the course.

Your blog mission tonight is to research Windows 2000 -- its current market share, the strengths and weaknesses as identified in your research -- and to post your findings on the blog. Then, take a look at the other student blogs and see if you can notice a pattern!

Blog on!

Another picture 

HOPE -- and the future of operating systems

Today's site involves the "Hackers on Planet Earth" or HOPE. This conference involves geeks (no surprise there) and security professionals. It's an interesting blend of participants. Please look at this site for both the information on the conference which just ended on Sunday, and at the (are you ready for this) WIKI. A WIKI is a blog on steriods! Take a look at the WIKI linked through the HOPE site, and then blog away on the HOPE conference and on the WIKI.

For the Operating Systems class, this conference of hackers has a different significance. Use the Internet to research on hackers and operating systems. Microsoft in particular has had problems with hackers. Let your fellow students know what you find.

Blog on!

Thoughts on College by College Students

Just so you don't feel alone in this great experiment. These are some thoughts on the college experience by college students you will probably never meet. Just for fun (and grade profit), take one of the statements and either agree or disagree with it in your blog.

Blog on!

OS Piracy -- and a Blogging Twist

Operating systems are vulnerable to piracy. This Microsoft webpage discusses piracy of all software and the impact such illegal activity has on the industry and the consumer. Do some research on your own about software piracy (not necessarily limited to operating systems), and then -- This is the twist -- blog on both your findings AND the findings of a peer blog in the course site.

And you thought a "twist" in the rules was only used in TV reality shows -- ha!

Blog on (and on and on)