Johan Cespedes — May 1, 2011, 2:31 pm

14th Week FInal Blog

It has been a very interesting semester , specially in this class , we covered so many things , in such short time , it will be very difficult to summarize it all in a few statements , but I will do my best. The course was very well planned , and Dr. Brown not only explained it all well but  also was patient with all students.

The first week we covered the history of computers and I found it interesting , its beginnings and what these people went trough  to bring this technology about , was to me very interesting . I enjoyed this week , as I learned the names of the people involved in the development , and the different ideas they had until we got t the system we use currently. It was like a ride through time , and it was helpful to understand , how this emerged. It was a great start and I am looking forward to learn more. The second week was also another ride through time , learning Binary number system , also conversion from binary to hex to decimal , it was a whole learning experience  , especially goint into the #rd week in which we had to build a pc , I remember doing step by step building this particular PC from scratch , and chose part by part and very specific in choosing the most expensive keyboard and mouse since we use that the most . Also we began this Blog about that same time.

The 4th week we covered the assembly language and used a simulator (als) again  it was another learning experience as it all was new to me , yet the ALS was so easy to learn it made things more manageable and easier to understand it  helped clear the path instead of confusing , this all led to the first test and our spring break. The first test was not too bad , I could have done better , just had some memory lapses , but ended with a B .

When we returned from break we covered the different Networks and also learned HTML wrote a small web page and uploaded to the college server using ftp , it was a neat little project , on top of that learning different topologies of networks was part of this weeks class .  Week 7 we covered Databases , mainly SQL , it was a history trip , and learned all from flat types to relational types ,  we moved in week 8 to programming using a program called scratch , i made 2 programs , the first was way too complicated , so i opted using the second one , it was simple  we uploaded this to the scracht website , week after that we covered security on the web , how hackers began , what they use , and so on , again another week of new information . which led to week 10  another week of tests , again I could have done better , I missed a 10 point question got a b , the tests were fair just have to pay attention .

The week after we covered Robotics , this was all new to me ,  i thought i could be complicated but it was really more fun than anything .  that quickly went to week 12 where we covered (AI) Artificial Intelligence , it seemed right out of the movies , it was also another history trip , as I learned how this started and so on which led to the final week where we covered Virtual Reality (VR) , it was also another learning week , so much learned in such short time , now I could go on but I will end this here , and to end this I must say it was a most wonderful learning experience , one I know anyone taking this course will not only learn but also enjoy doing it. Now is test time again , got to get ready for Finals so good luck to me .  Bye for now!!!!

Johan Cespedes — , 1:45 pm

13th Week Virtual Reality

Learning about Virtual reality (VR)has been an interesting week ,  this technology  allows the user to interact with a computer-simulated environment through one’s senses. The term “simulated reality” is also used in literature and science fiction. A social environment created by internet-based simulation game, such as Second Life, may be considered by some as a type of virtual reality.

Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual in nature, displayed either on a computer screen or through stereoscopic displays, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound. Some advanced, haptic systems now include tactile information, generally known as force feedback, in medical and gaming applications. Users can interact with a virtual environment or a virtual artifact (VA) either through the use of standard input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, or through multimodal devices such as a wired glove, the Polhemus boom arm, and omnidirectional treadmill. The simulated environment can be similar to the real world, as in simulations for pilot or combat training, or it can differ significantly from reality, as in VR games. In practice, it is currently very difficult to create a high-fidelity virtual reality experience, largely due to technical limitations on processing power, image resolution and communication bandwidth. However, those limitations are expected to eventually be overcome as processor, imaging and data communication technologies become more powerful and cost-effective over time. We were introduced to Alice to write a small program just to get our feet wet.

Johan Cespedes — April 25, 2011, 1:18 pm

12th Week Artificial Intelligence

The computer provided the technology necessary for AI, it was not until the early 1950′s that the link between human intelligence and machines was
really observed. Norbert Weiner was one of the first Americans to make observations on the principle of feedback theory feedback theory.
The most familiar example of feedback theory is the thermostat: It controls the temperature of an environment by gathering the actual
temperature of the house, comparing it to the desired temperature, and responding by turning the heat up or down.
What was so important about his research into feedback loops was that Wiener theorized that all intelligent behavior was the result of feedback mechanisms.
Mechanisms that could possibly be simulated by machines. This discovery influenced much of early development of AI.
Learning about this and more was a great experience.

Johan Cespedes — , 12:16 pm

11th Week Robotics

This week we finished the scratch program as well as an introductions into robotics. Then we got to build robots , the best we could , it was quite challenging as it was all new to me . Robotics is no longer just for toys and science-fiction movies. More and more consumer products are utilizing robotics, including vacuum cleaners and almost all new equipment has some sort of computer device built into them. http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/milesjac/1736546

Johan Cespedes — , 12:06 pm

10th Week Exams

Exam week is here again , I miss a very important 10 point question , otherwise i did fine on the test.

Johan Cespedes — , 12:04 pm

9th Week Security

I thought learning about security was very important , specially about internet hackers and ways they do that . Just brings the awareness of security every time you are on the net ,  and with security in mind is best to do things on the net.

Johan Cespedes — , 12:00 pm

8th Week Programming using scratch

Programming using scratch was easy , simple to say the least , but not at first , it took a few minutes to get to know the program , then you can do almost anything

I decided to do a simple program , called psyquic , the original i was making was running too long so I simplified.

Johan Cespedes — April 18, 2011, 8:36 pm

7th Week Databases

Week seven was an introduction to databases , SQL was the main database we focused on , also learned the difference between

flat files , hyriacchal and relational databases. it was indeed a learning experience once again , also learned the basic commands to the SQL database. We learned how to retrieve , add delete data in a database with simple commands.

Johan Cespedes — , 8:34 pm

6th week Networks and Create Html web Page

This Week we learned the basics about Networks , and I enjoyed every bit of it , I had no idea there were different types

This was a very good learning experience to say the least , learned not only the protocols but different configurations it sure was an interesting week. From Bus , to Star , among other configurations they were my favorite. also we learned about html and created a web page and using ftp uploaded it to the school server this was one of the weeks I enjoyed most.

Johan Cespedes — , 8:31 pm

5th week Exam Week

Week five was an exciting week as we studied and prepared for the test , I was a bit nervous to say the least , but reading and going over

the lessons and quizzes it was a big to tackle the test , didnt do as good as I thought I would , but , I learned quite a bit.