Hardware and Software

In order to save space, power and money Intel is working on cloud-based architectures that enable federated, automated, and client-aware cloud services that are built with an open approach. Intel is driving an Open Data Center initiative in order to allow more secure, efficient and simplified cloud data centers. Intel is driving an Open Data Center initiative to enable more secure, efficient, and simplified cloud data centers that preserve IT flexibility and choice (1). Cloud computing will permit businesses more space to store information and make the system easier to use. In a public cloud, and in some private clouds, your data is on a server controlled by someone else, increasing the need for security of information (1). The cloud makes it safer for businesses to protect their data “by enabling increased isolation and safer migration of virtual machines, faster data encryption/decryption, and hardware-assisted protection against launch-time attacks, making the cloud work for you” (1).

The iPad offers many business apps that help people get things done on the go. The iPad is a great device because it is small and easy to travel with. One useful app is GoodReader, which is a note-taking app. It lets you view and annotate all major document types: Doc, PDF, iWork, Txt and HTML. It allows you to add notes, drawings, arrows etc., so your colleagues can be informed when changes are made (2). This is a useful app for anyone who needs to view and edit documents on the go. Print and Share is another convenient app that allows you to print documents from your iPad on almost any wifi enable printer. This is very convenient because you can print remotely to your home or office printer over 3G. If you need to stay home from work one day you can work from home and still print your documents in the office.

Similar to the iPad is the first Android-based tablet the Galaxy Tab. It is a convenient tablet that is ultra portable. It is smaller than the iPad with a 7-inch diagonal screen compared to the iPad's 9.7 inches (3). The size makes it easier to carry than the iPad and it can fit in a bag or jacket pocket easily. The android marketplace offers great apps, many of which you cannot find through the apple app store. It has a camera unlike the iPad, which can be very useful to businesses. It also has a removable microSD card slot. Tablets offer portability and simplicity and they are becoming more popular than laptops. They are great for travel and the many apps allow you to get things done that you wouldn’t be able to do on a laptop.

1. http://www.intel.com/itcenter/index.htm

2. http://www.businessinsider.com/ipad-apps-business-2010-12#print-n-share-lets-you-print-anything-from-anywhere-10

3.http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/12/31/ten.gadgets.wired/index.html

Systems theory

Systems theory is the transdisciplinary study of systems in general, with the goal of elucidating principles that can be applied to all types of systems in all fields of research (1). Systems theory studies a variety of different systems in order to more clearly explain how other systems from all fields work. Thus, all systems are interconnected and applied to one another to help better understand how they work. This is similar to the idea of systems investigation and analysis in chapter 1. Systems investigation involves determining a clear understanding of the problem and deciding whether or not it is worth solving. There are many steps involved that are all interconnected that help improve systems by studying the impact of the problem and solution. Also it is similar to value chains which is a series of activities that helps organizations add value to their services. Systems theory can be applied to a plethora of fields since many ideas in different fields are interconnected with one another.

“Cybernetics focuses on how anything (digital, mechanical or biological) processes information, reacts to information, and changes or can be changed to better accomplish the first two tasks” (1). It is similar to systems theory and also systems investigation and analysis. The goal of cybernetics is to explain complex systems that are all linked to one another in order to understand their interactions. Cybernetics is very similar to systems theory and the terms are often used as synonyms.

Biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy developed systems theory in the 1940’s in order to restore the unity of science. “He emphasized that real systems are open to, and interact with, their environments, and that they can acquire qualitatively new properties through emergence, resulting in continual evolution” (2). Rather than separating an entity into individual parts systems theory focuses on how the organization and relationship between the parts are holistically connected. Systems theory combines mathematical theories, philosophy, engineering, ecology, management, family psychotherapy and other various fields to aid in understanding all systems as a whole. Different parts of information from different systems allows systems theory to explore all possible explanations to the problems that occur in various systems.


Systems theory helps businesses understand the organization of systems better by looking at organizations from a broader perspective. Managers are better able to recognize the various parts of the organization and how they are connected to one another. This makes solving problems easier and more efficiently. They can determine what causes the problems and work towards a solution rather than just reacting to the problems as done in the past. This provides them with a better understanding of the interconnectedness of the organizations. Systems theory allows businesses to manage their departments to their advantage once organizations are understood (3).

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory

2. http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/systheor.html

3. http://www.managementhelp.org/org_thry/org_sytm.htm

Student Info

Do you work anywhere now (where if yes, and what do you do there)?
I babysit 2 children in Swedesboro, NJ everday after school.

Your desirable occupation
High school English teacher or writer

When do you graduate?
Spring 2011

What benefits do you see for yourself in a distance learning format?
It allows me the time I need to get tasks done and is flexible with my schedule. Also, I will be graduating from Rowan University in the spring and I needed a few more credits however Rowan does not offer online winter courses. It is very convenient that Ramapo had a course I could take online although I live right down the street in Oakland.

What are your hobbies or what do you like to do outside of school and work activities?
I like to go hiking at the Ramapo Reservation, I play tennis, I like playing video games and I love to read. Also I just went skydiving for the first time this summer, which was awesome and I plan on doing it again.

1. What is your major?
English

2. What operating system do you have on your computer?
Mac

3. Do you have a right to upgrade the software on your computer?
Yes

4. What Internet and computer related courses have you already taken and what are your usual activities on the Internet (Facebook, email, chats, etc.)?
This is my first online course. I regularly use e-mail and facebook.

5. Have you taken online courses before?
No.

6. Do you have MS Office on your computer? If yes, which version?
Ye, 2004.

7. Add anything you want about your computer-related interests, skills, job projects, etc. that might help the instructor and students understand your computer/Internet skills and interests better.

I am pretty good with the computer, mostly I use Microsoft word to write papers. I know how to use powerpoint but I am not too familiar with excel. I am hoping to learn more about it.