Facebook Addiction

         From what I've read in the article, there seems to be a lapse of judgement in both professionals and other types of users on the internet. People do not realize what a "picture of a person with its head lobotomized" means. In today's world, the internet not only exists to help keep medical files via an EMR, the internet also records stupidity. Since this picture was on Facebook, its really easy for anyone to spot the ignorant post especially potential employers.

       I think this also ties in to my previous post about the ignorance of younger users of the internet, I will repeat this in case any of those people are reading this, once you post something on the internet cloud, it is assumed that it is hard to get it out of the cloud. That means even when users put something on the internet and delete the post, in some server in the world it is possible that the post still exists.

Not only that, taking unwanted pictures of other people without their consent could be grounds for a lawsuit on a legal front, getting terminated for violating company policy and may sanction the perpetrator of the crime from working in the field they are in. It doesn't take rocket science to use the internet but it does take common sense to utilize the internet wisely.

Typical "childhood naivete" or unaware consumers

           So I just finished a paper from my English class where I focus on what companies do with consumers information when they are on the internet, how the government factors in and why the government shouldn't use information to make laws to censor the internet.

           In between the three week process the teacher gives us to prepare for our research essay, I got a pep talk (or rather the class got a pep talk) in internet ethics (did not use conversation in paper) which refers more to consumer awareness more than the companies .

            Nonetheless, the relevance was staggering because depending on how consumer use specific businesses (like Facebook, or Google) those companies give part or all of peoples information to 3rd party or affiliate companies. In turn, those companies give a portion of that information to the government. Now the government may not be given information directly if the information is not relevant to the information they want. The data the government gets most likely in my (naive honest) belief goes toward surveys and consensus. Some of the information however does get kept.

         With that being said, peoples information is being used, and if not by the government on a national level, then it is being used by companies on a corporate level which is a problem.

          So I did a survey/experiment/analysis/conversation with some classmates, I told two women about what the social network company, Google via Google+ does with their information and asked them to Google themselves and one of the classmates found pictures of a younger relative on Google image search. That relative's face was all it took for her to close down her account which says something and it is not just the fact that she felt virtually violated.

           The biggest problem is that younger adults use the internet without understanding how the internet works and are willing to display content to people across the world that they wouldn't show their parents. Teens and 20 somethings should be careful, when you post something on the cloud: 1) it is assumed you can't get it back and 2) you directly or indirectly say its OK for the internet to store and keep your information, uploads, data, accounts etc. This is usually due to emotional naivete or reckless disregard.

          I admit when I was a teen, I was unaware of how certain aspects of the internet worked, but a 17 when I did several types of odds and end jobs on the internet, I gave consent that companies used my information(especially since I got paid). Hell I used my information so much the companies did not want to give me credit since I did a similar job on their company's network. \

The point is consumers should be aware of what they are getting into when they use the internet and expose their information, because once it is out their it is pretty hard to get it out of the cloud. The government may or may not be able to protect consumers as hinted above.





        

A teacher's interview (cont'd)

              Here is the one page essay of the interview that I did with my tech teacher a few weeks ago:

Logbook #5 due 2/19

As per Logbook five, I asked one of my professor’s for a rather impromptu interview. I did not just ask him because of the assignment required me; I asked him because unbeknownst to myself, I had questions about my career and my future. I admit, I am still unsure about myself (typical) and where I fit in the spectrum of the Information Technology/Systems field. So, I asked my tech class professor, Mark Hammond, a few questions to defog a few unanswered questions and uncertainty I might have had. I must say even though on a few questions he only used a word or two, I could tell by how he responded that those phrases go a long way.

I asked him a series of ten questions, most of which were related to my field. I will only speak of the field related ones. One of the very first questions I asked was what got him interested in the field of Tech, and I was shocked to hear that his math teacher taught him programming. I wish my math teacher knew that. As a teacher himself, Mr. Hammond stated that the best part of his job is “His first job computer related was in fiber optics, a network technology type field: Network Technology is when computer related devices are connected together via a medium like wires, and routers. (Fiber wire is a tiny cable wire that is used for connecting devices, like TV’s, phones, internet, but usually computers and is faster than a typical Ethernet connection, fiber optics is the technology of using these wires to connect devices together).

To ease my nerves, Mr. Hammond told me that during the first six months he felt comfortable working with computers. Perhaps I will feel the same way once I have an IT job. He also gave me advice on being knowledgeable so that I can more confident in the workplace. Mr. Hammond did caution me to be open-minded and explore which is one of the bases (plural of basis) of his TECH 100 class. One of the most powerful questions I queried about was: Is there anything that he was surprised he should have known about having a career in Tech and he said no… (One of the most powerful words he said). When he said that, I was taken aback for a second and he continued that everything he knew was sufficient for his job. I immediately thought, that is what he meant when he said “knowledgeable.” Skill-wise future IT professionals need to have troubleshooting skills, to solve potential problems with hardware and software, get certification to further prove educational skills and be able to receive constructive criticism without resentment. Speaking of hardware, I asked how English and communication played a role in a technological society. He responded “If you cannot communicate, how can you fix anything. I also had to think about that, in this last week I was specifically told for an essay that I was too “technology forward” with potential readers and I need to specify information in a more “accessible” way to non-computer savvy people. Imagine if I was at a help desk, if I used the actual name of equipment instead of a simplified form. They would be lost faster than following an IKEA instruction manual. Lastly I was given advice about certifications, he stated that I should try to get a CCNA certification and then if I wanted to, I could get a bachelor degree.

I am very happy to have asked him these field-related questions as he had decades of experience, and he is very knowledgeable as far what to expect, the skills required for success and how what we learn today affects what we do tomorrow.

A teacher's interview

          So about 2 weeks ago for an English assignment I was required to ask a professor or an experienced professional in our field about what it takes to be successful in the field, does English play a major factor in the field etc. click read more to read the interview

The Money Biz...

I suppose, if you are reading this, you already know I was going to talk about this subject. Usually when I think of a job I prefer being comfortable with my job over money. But lets be honest, I do want to make a some money while I am working a job or my dream career. I figured the best way to do that is to list jobs in the industry and compare the potential salary of each

links: http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/choosing-a-major/popular-jobs-by-major/computer-science-and-math
http://computer-careers-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

Systems Analyst -System Analysts uses computer technology to assist businesses wants and needs by implementing IT into business practices. System Analyst's job is to make businesses more efficient and the work those businesses perform more modern and streamline. Median salary is $79,680


Network Architect- Also known as Network Engineers, Network Architects build, maintain and design infrastructure using routers, switches, servers etc. They are also in charge of troubleshooting hardware and software for businesses and clients. Median salary is around $90,000


Network Administrator- The job of a network administrator is to come up with how the networks are supposed to function, they also are in charge of making sure that the network is costly yet efficient, the network administrator also has the task translating instructions in layman's term to the public. Median salary is around $72,560


Tech Support- Tech support is...an entry level job for those who are interested in the computing and technology field. Its whole basis is to assist non-savvy computers and users with the setup, how-to, repairs, advice and help. Median salary is around $50,000


Security Specialist- Security specialist makes sure that computer systems are sufficiently protected from hacker and viruses. They are also charged with the task of securing a business's important information. Security specialists must keep up to date with new software lest they leave themselves open to attack. They are the first defense against hackers and maintaining people and businesses privacy. Median salary is around $86,000

These are not the only jobs I am interested in but  It did help me decide which jobs might be up my alley.