Friday, October 10, 2008

Unit 8 Reading Notes

The HTML tutorial explained the basics of using HTML to create a web page. I have to say that the page itself was cluttered and a little hard to read, with the main text being surrounded by so many boxes and ads. Their editor was a useful way for a user to make sure they understand the concepts and a quick and easy way to test out some HTML. I really liked that aspect of the site.

The HTML cheatsheet was just a listing and brief explanation of many basic HTML tags. Though I will say, I remember trying to learn HTML years ago and not being able to find a simple, organized cheatsheet like this one.

The CSS tutorial was on the same site as the HTML tutorial, and so it was also cluttered and a little hard to read. It was more distracting because I'm not as familiar with CSS. I've seen it used and I've had it explained to me, but I've never actually used it myself, so jumping right into reading a tutorial that didn't give any actual background for CSS was a little confusing at first. However, the tutorial seems pretty straightforward. CSS is more complicated than HTML, though. Of course, it also allows you to do more...

I should have read the Library Hi Tech article first, actually. I think it might have helped clear things up a little, since it discussed HTML and CSS use in libraries, with a major focus on CMS. Good CMS is so important, and I feel should be easy for pretty much anyone to use. This article discusses the use of CMS in libraries to develop a "collaborative publishing process" which connects librarians and web developers.

Muddiest Point

Do people still use HTML (frequently) to build web pages, or is it mostly CSS now? And how much HTML do you really need to know to use CSS-- is a basic familiarity enough?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Muddiest Point from 9/30 lecture

In class, the range of RFID was discussed, and it was said that the distance at which you can read it is maybe 10-20 feet. Is that on purpose, or could we create some which have a longer range?

Unit 7 Reading Notes

How Internet Infrastructure Works

This was a pretty good summary of how the internet works, and covered a lot of basic topics. (The parts where it discussed dial-up made me remember when that was all I had. I don't know how I managed without my high-speed access!) And I agree with this "One of the greatest things about the Internet is that nobody really owns it." Though I know some people are trying to. The site also gives a little bit of history, and I think it's interesting to read about people creating the frameworks for what we have today. I don't really have much else to say about this one, though.

Dismantling Integrated Library Systems

Discusses what is needed for an effective ILS. New technology and developments cost, but libraries can't or don't pay enough to keep updates and innovation moving well enough. New services may not integrate well with existing systems. It basically sounds like no one really knows where to go with ILS systems. Systems are changing, and it is getting more complex to integrate everything.

Inside the Google Machine

Cool visual representation of people using Google, by language.
Search patterns - you can see by country who is searching for things and can also compare interest levels on various topics this way.
Little activity in Africa so far
1 second representation of queries and traffic
Google Foundation and Google Grants - gives ad credit to charities
Googlette - small experimental/innovative project at Google (Google News) is used to keep innovations going. 20% of time can be used for anything.
I think Google is a fascinating company. The talk was pretty interesting.