Microsoft Word 2010 and Learning Chapters 1 and 2

     Microsoft Word 2010 is the best one so far in my opinion. We had Microsoft 2007 before I began this class, but ended up purchasing the latest version. It has so many different options to choose from and different ways to make flyers and posters way better than before. I like the easy way everything is set up and able to understand where all the different options are. Taking this class and having to get 2010 was one of the best decisions because it has helped with making designs for work and other activities in life. I do feel the tutorials that were given helped me understand Microsoft Word way better than if I had just read the text or just tried to figure it out on my own. 
     Chapters 1 and 2 were very educational. Learning about how hackers are way more in depth than you realize was a huge eye opener. I am now way more cautious about what I am doing when it comes to my bank account, my home security system, and what I log into on my phone and computer. The hardest things to really comprehend for me was the different types of web sites and types. They all kind of seem the same when you are using it everyday and it's just a matter of logging onto the internet, but when you have it broken down and you realize each web site, web browser, search engine, etc. all of those "names" mean something different and have different functions and capabilities.

What Punishment For Webcam Spying Is Appropriate?

     I feel webcam spying should be comparable to other types of spying. There is no difference, in my opinion, to spying on someone at their home by looking from the outside in, or following them around without their knowledge. Any way to spy on someone is still just spying. There is no way to say that webcam spying is any different and to me, it is a crime. All anyone truly has is their privacy and other people shouldn't be allowed to invade it, especially without the persons knowledge of it happening. 

     When you are in a public place, privacy is a little harder to come by. Especially since everyone has their own types of technology and doesn't necessarily realize they are even invading other people's privacy. I do feel, however, that if you are being recorded by someone for broadcasting purposes, you should be told in advance and give that right to them. But, I do not feel that businesses should have to put a sign up saying there are recording devices on their property. If someone wants to try and steal something, then they lost their right to privacy and should be caught. 

Should Apps Be Allowed To Track Your Location?

     Do you have an expectation of privacy when you download an app? Well, I don't know about you, but I definitely expect privacy when downloading an app. I am not downloading an app so everyone can know my location, I am downloading this app because it may have a feature, game or type of activity I like to play with and enjoy in my free time. I don't expect that because I liked the game that it means I am wanting whomever to know my location at all times. I feel like it is invading my privacy.
     Should the police be allowed to track GPS data without warrants? I know how people feel about the police, because I am kind of "one of those people", but this question is kind of a sticky one for me. I feel like certain situations when you are trying to catch a criminal and the crime was extremely bad, anything should go when attempting to catch the suspect. If something happened to someone I cared about, I would want any and all measures done to bring down the person. However, I do not feel as though the police should be able to use the tracking as an advantage for minor things that really are just laws to make us pay fines for very idiotic reasons (see I am definitely one of those people). Those types of situations do not call for a police officer being able to just track someone down just to give a ticket for something that, in my opinion, probably should't even be a law.
     Would you use apps that post your location to your online social network profile or otherwise alert others of your whereabouts? I actually have some apps on my phone that have the location services where it will post where you are and what you are doing, but only if I allow it to. Like with Facebook, you can check in to places or say what you are doing at the time and it will tag you in where ever you may be, but it doesn't do it without you being the one or a friend actually tagging you there. But, with Facebook and many others, you can go to your settings and change it to where it will not post your location or let others do it either. So, yes I have done it before and will probably do it when I am at a concert or something fun, but it is not something I do regularly so everyone can know where I am at all the time.

The Technology Divide

      Technology I feel like creates a divide between the more and less fortunate. Technology is great for people, but technology does not come cheap and not everyone can afford to keep up with the latest inventions and the newer ways to do things that were once done traditionally. When you are able to afford computers, smart phones, tablets, etc. you are able to stay current in the technology world. But, when you are only able to do the bare minimum without adding in expensive equipment to buy and learn to use, it makes it harder on the people just trying to get by.
      I do feel like the school system should have the responsibility to provide an even playing field regarding technology access because a student is at the school to learn the information regarding the class which has been done with a book and paper for an extremely long time without the use of any technology. Making things due typed up, sent through an email account, needing information to be looked up online, etc. is acceptable if time is allotted at the school to have this type of work done. Not everyone can afford a computer or any electronic device and if you are demanding things to be done that way, you should provide the means at the school. Schools should be allowed to require students to use technology if they would like, as long as they are giving time at the school for the student to complete the work. Being able to use the student library that has internet access and such is an acceptable thing so the student can complete the work without worrying about not having the device at home.
      I feel if society wants to narrow the digital divide, they need to start making things less technology based. When you go to a grocery store or any check out line for that matter, the person working relies solely on the machine telling them the correct change to give the customer. This is an example of technology starting to rule the world. Making people still use basic math will keep their brains from solely relying on something that can go away at any minute. Also, traditional ways never hurt people before so why make everything easier by using some sort of gadget to get by. This is how you improve the brain cells again in people and make people learn to still live a life that doesn't involve technology.

Text Messaging

      Do I feel the use of text messaging makes students less likely to perform well in formal writing assignments? Absolutely. I feel students get so use to using slang terms or shortening words and sentences for easier texting that it then transfers over to their communication while talking along with assignments for school. Once you are used to speaking or writing a certain way and making words shorter, you will then do that without the second thought of where you are saying and doing it at. 

      Teachers should never allow students to use text acronyms or abbreviations in formal writing. This is allowing students to basically sound like they have no education and are unable to carry on an educated conversation with someone. The way you communicate on paper is usually how you would communicate to someone when you are speaking with them. I feel like using abbreviations and acronyms in a formal writing class would be taking away the educational benefit of the class by allowing slang and laziness into a classroom.

      Text messaging has no positive impact on communication in my opinion. Text messaging can be helpful if the person likes to double check what they have typed out and uses correct grammar and punctuation, however, most people rarely do that. Luckily, phones have the ability to change the word to the correct spelling and some people actually spell things out because of it. But, I feel like text messaging is actually making people "dumber" in a sense because it shortens people's vocabulary and makes some people unable to spell words correctly in their every day life, such as their job or classes at school.  

Introduction To Kristyn's Computer Blog

      My name is Kristyn and I am from Fayetteville, North Carolina. This blog is created to give you insight on how I feel about technology and my current computer class, CIS 110. I personally have mixed feelings when it comes to technology. I feel like their are good aspects and their are definitely bad ones. Technology has helped decrease the amount of paper being used, which in turn helps the environment. Technology also created easier ways to pay bills, shop for different things, schedule appointments, get in contact with friends and family, and etc when it comes to doing things online. However, technology has been bad towards people being that it is now way easier to hack into someone's account and hack into someone's life in general. Someone being able to get your bank account information, house alarm code, and information for when you are going on vacation and different things.
       Do I feel technology is running our lives? Absolutely. Technology is the foundation of people these days. Everyone has to have their cell phone, has to look on Facebook, has to check their phone constantly for mixed text messages or calls. I feel people use Facebook as their way of life. They can have 1,000 friends on Facebook because that is so important, yet wouldn't speak to hardly any of them in real life. Relationships are based on Facebook statuses and communication is solely based on a Facebook instant message or a text message. People do not know how to interact as well and have true relationships because of the way technology is.
       I feel technology is taking us towards some great things and some terrible things in the future. I feel like technology will lead us to being able to make our taxes even easier to do, our online shopping and information easier to avoid getting scammed and hacked, and easier for many different ordinary things you wouldn't expect to be able to do online. However, in the same aspect, I do feel like technology will make it harder to meet people, harder for people who may be socially awkward to actually have a reason to get out in the world and meet someone, and possibly do the opposite and make it easier for scammers to scam someone.
       I hope my first blog was worth the time to read and you enjoyed my thoughts and views on technology so far.