Release Core Code To Public(Assignment 3a)

During last class, the professor mentioned the usage of databases. I was very interested in it; therefore, I tried to search some websites online to gain some articles about databases.
There is an interesting one which states that PolyServe planed to release software to help companies consolidate their growing legions of SQL Servers. I think it is a very good idea, because this decision will make PolyServe’s software much stronger than before. More people and companies will welcome this decision because they would benefit directly from it.
For instance, Linux was a very professional operating system for some IT companies. Since Linux opened core code, IT enthusiasts started to work on Linux. Now, we are able to use Linux on regular or family computers as well. This contribution totally comes from the open core code.
However, there are some problems still existing. People and companies surely do not need to pay any charge for their software, but they need to be careful with their free software. Because it is free, they will lose a lot of service such as tech support. Once their databases have problems, they might have huge expenses.
Still, this article still is useful for some small companies and IT fans. They do need this kind of free software to offer them a new way to manage and discover.

Reference:
http://proquest.umi.com.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/pqdweb?index=2&did=1029214801&SrchMode=1&sid=9&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1191018250&clientId=8851
Author: John Fontana

How to set up LAN, and its benefits(Assignment 3b)

The most interesting things I learned from the last week in CIS class are local-area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN), because I can use this knowledge to build my personal LAN which is connected to a WAN. During our class, the professor mentioned that LAN connects computers in a short distance, and WAN connects computers in a long distance. I set my desktop up as a network server, and I directly connect it to my modem. Since I only have 3 computers, my modem satisfies my needs. I connect another 2 computers to the modem and give IPs to them. After I use PING to ensure I can reach other computers, I open share documents for every computer. Then the computers can use each others’ hard drive space and information. After setting up my LAN, I connect to the internet, the WAN. Then all my computers reach the internet through LAN. I easily and quickly build a nifty home network with Internet access and file-sharing capabilities.

Based on the 2003 Wireless LAN Benefits Study (see link below), LAN brings huge benefits, such as financial returns and greater accuracy, to people. In the business world, 1+1>2 is a reliable fact that supports my idea. Linking computers correctly not only helps managers maintain companies, but also make customers satisfied because of effective work among individuals.

Reference:

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAN

http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2003_NOP_WLAN_Benefits_Study.pdf

Wireless Network & Hotel (Assignment 2b)

Wireless networks play a very important role nowadays. How can a wireless network influence a hotel? Generally, wireless brings lots of benefits to hotels and guests in three ways. Wireless increases hotel revenue, improves a hotel’s image, and helps mangers keep hotels in good management.

First of all, wireless service will increase hotel revenue and save internet setting charges. Once a hotel has wireless service, occupancy rates will be higher than before because customers feel more comfortable to reside in this hotel. It also increases attendance in public areas in hotels such as restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores since residents would stay in the hotel grounds for their needs. For instance, people would set up a meeting in a restaurant since they would be able to access the wireless network. Moreover, wireless is easy to set up. In contrast with traditional cable, wireless saves lots of charges such as telephone lines and fitment fees.

Wireless service also distinguishes a hotel from its competitors. Easy access to check E-mail or having a convenient meeting in the hotel lounge can make customers’ satisfaction increase. As a result, the hotel’s image has been increased as well. For example, a hotel having a wireless network service can make people feel it has more advantages than a hotel does not have one.

Last, it helps managers to maintain their hotel. Keeping a hotel in a good management requires a manager to master emergencies quickly. Managers can get information anywhere through a wireless network. Managers also can give feedback or orders to their employees. For instance, when an emergency happens, but a manager is not at his or her office, the best way is that send a message to him or her is through a PDA. That way, the manager can react quickest.

However, wireless still has some disadvantages. For example, not all guests have laptops which have a Wi-Fi function. In this situation, guests still need wired network service. Also, some desktops do not have Wi-Fi function as well.

For installation of a wireless network, people need some appropriate equipment. Here is a list about necessary and optional equipments:

1. Access Point (necessary)

Access Points, Residential Gateways, DSL & Cable Products

2. Cellular Convergence (necessary)

Enable both Wi-Fi and cellular communications

3. Embedded Client (optional)

Notebooks, PDA, etc.

4. Ethernet Client Device (optional)

Wireless-to-Ethernet Station Adapters & Converters

5. External & Internal Card (optional)

PC Cards, PCMCIA Cards, CardBus & SD Cards MiniPCI Cards & PCI Cards

6. USB Client Device (optional)

Dongles & Adapters

Windows & Linux (Assignment 2a)

In our last class, our professor mostly discussed computer software and some hardware usage. I was very interesting in Windows Vista and Linux operation system because I recently bought a laptop which uses Windows Vista as its operation system, and I used to work at an I.T. company which offers VOD service from a Linux server. I searched for some articles about these two systems, and “Linux Will Get Buried” (Tom Yager, 4/9/06) is very interesting. It indicates that Linux will not be used like general operations systems such as Windows’s or Apple’s; however, Linux can thrive in embedded solutions because it has a very mature kernel.

I strongly agree with author’s opinion. He discloses the reason why Linux gets buried in a commercial situation, and the advantages of Linux. It is not that “friendly” because it is really hard to use if you are a beginning user. However, based on my working experience, I believe that Linux is a very stable and reliable system. People could resize it, and it could be embedded to computer hardware. In contrast, Windows systems have a very nice interface, but its kernel is not so stable. Lots of computer users have experienced windows system down. This article is very useful for Linux fans and Linux programmers.

Reference:

Article: Linux Will Get Buried

Author: Tom Yager

Date: 4/9/06

Source: EBSCOhost

Link: http://web.ebscohost.com.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=10&hid=3&sid=0c7f9d9a-f47c-40c3-9437-b6c587db9770%40sessionmgr9

iPhone and supply chain (Assignment 1)

In class this week, students discussed the 17-year-old young man who unlocked the iPhone, and they also discussed supply chain management. Unlocking the iPhone and supply chain management are subjects that interest me greatly. iPhone is the latest cell phone produced by Apple, which AT&T provides service for. Based on my brief research, I believe that the relationship between Apple and AT&T is a supply chain partnership, and iPhone only compacting with AT&T is an example of supply chain management. Once iPhone is unlocked by hackers, it can be used in any company’s wireless service such as T-mobile or Orange. An unlocked iPhone could be sold for more than $1,000. The market price of iPhone through signing a contract with AT&T is only $399. Who pays the price difference? AT&T. Therefore, unlocking iPhone hurts these both Apple and AT&T.

“Why Apple Can’t Stop iPhone Hackers?” is an article which discusses iPhone’s hacker and iPhone’s carrier. This article not only discloses that the sole authorized supplier of the iPhone is AT&T in the U.S., but also reveals the reason why the law is unclear regarding Apple and AT&T stopping iPhone hackers. I strongly agree with the author because a very similar example was when the U.S government stopped automakers from only allowing authorized radio channels in cars. I believe this article is very helpful for iPhone hackers, because it encourages them to break through.

Reference
Database: EBSCOhost
Title: Why Apple Can't Stop iPhone Hackers?
By: Kharif, Olga. Business Week Online, 8/29/2007, p17-17, 1p; (AN 26403857)
Link: http://web.ebscohost.com.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=6&sid=78731cd7-7867-475f-95d1-9ae800c47958%40sessionmgr2