Topic 4 Reflection

The discussion now turns to programs that we download from the net. Key examples of programs that I download regularly (along with each format) are: Adobe, Java runtime environment, Spybot S&D, Avast Antivirus, Quick time alternative, Real Alternative… the list goes on. All of these programs are available either in free version or unlimited trial version. Several of the program like Quick and Real alternative have been written by independent programmers to replace the horrid programs: Quicktime and Realplayer. These programs come bundled with a huge amount of rubbish / useless features or advertising making them unfriendly to my computer (or vice versa). This is a key example of the advantages brought by a ‘free’ world wide web as opposed to a monopolized one. Arguably such programs cut down revenues of the company producing the original product and may limit research and development but I would argue the opposite as people are obviously motivated enough to make alternatives when there becomes a need.

Pdf:
This format was released in its first form by adobe in 1993 as a OS independent file form for transferring files. It had a slow uptake due to size of pdf files being larger than normal text files. However pdf has now gained widespread acceptance and recognition and is a commonly used format providing some features over text files such as allowing the file to be ‘locked’ preventing copying.
Flash/Shockwave

More recently flash has allowed users to not only view complicated moving images (such as gifs) but also interact with them. On my travels on the web I have even found a ‘world of warcraft’ flash game which allows the player to complete a mission in exactly the same manner as they would playing WOW. Flash and shockwave animations have greatly increased peoples experiences on the web by immersing them in interactive content.

Java
This was originally developed for purposes other than the internet but soon became very popular. It allows programmers to write in one code (java) that functions across platforms. Other advantages of java are that it is small and freely available due to it being ‘open source’. It is quite secure and can be configured for additional security making it very popular among program coders.

Video:
As mentioned previously I far prefer quicktime and real alternative. These are small efficient programs that run in media player classic (also free with windows) and free from advertising and rubbish. However these are by no means sufficient for video formats encountered on the web. Three other notable formats I would mention are: Divx, Xvid, and Matroska. These are called ‘codecs’ meaning: ‘compressor-decompressor’. Alternate definitions have been put forward. However they have essentially the same meaning with slightly different wording. A codec allows video to be compressed into an encoded file that is smaller than the original file. However this compressed file needs a codec to decompress it again for viewing. The whole point of this exercise is simply to create smaller files for transfer between computers or a website and a computer.

DivX: This codec was rapidly popularized from 1998 to 2003 by dvd ripping and movie sharing making it one of the most popular codecs available (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divx). Later Divx players (divx format compatible dvd players) were released increasing its popularity.

Xvid: A more recent competitor which is now the primary competitor to the Divx codec. Xvid is however freely available under GNU general public license making it more popular than Divx.

Matroska: The most recent codec (that I’m discussing) it started development in 2002. Acceptance was slow with it first gaining foothold in the anime industry due to its ability to ‘hold’ multiple language and subtitle tracks. It is open source software that is currently becoming ever more popular for audio and video files.

The Deep web
This speaks of information that cannot be found from the usual search engines such as yahoo, google etc. It is also called the invisible web, or the hidden web as ‘its’ information is not accessible via search engines. This information is typically found on websites that aren’t registered with a search engine or is kept in a database that the search engine cant ‘see’. This may be due to either the type of document the information is contained on (for example in the middle of a table or spreadsheet) or it may be behind a security barrier such as password protection. It is estimated that there is approximately 7500 terabytes of this hidden data (wikipedia 2008).

Evaluating data
This is one of the most crucial skills necessary on the internet. While there is much data available on the net there is much less that could be associated with a reputable source. For example, when I argue a topic on shoutwire or write a editorial it is crucial to use reputable sources. Basing your opinion on somebody else’s opinion will result in you being torn to shreds in seconds as others criticize your unfounded writing. Naturally this also applies to university where a higher standard of sources is expected to back up a opinion. The first step I always do when evaluating data is to look at the web address. If the address reads: www.microsoft.com it is a safe assumption that the website is actually Microsoft and that the opinions stated are those of the Microsoft corporation or author affiliated with it. If the address says something like www.blogspot.microsft.com then this immediately should raise suspicions as to its authenticity. Another point is to check the ending three letters of a URL. Common endings include:

.edu (educational such as school or university however may also contain student pages)
.gov (government)
.com (commercial)
.net (commercial)
.org (organization)

The country it is registered in is often also visible using two letters such as: .au (Australia) .de (Germany) .at (Austria) etc.
Following the basic address check I examine who the website is associated with. Often I have found ‘student resources’ on websites (mostly unreputable) but sometimes on examination of the website you will discover that it is funded by a major government organization. In this case it may well be reputable and present valid ideas and information./p