Who Needs Mailboxes

Email: Its Good and Bad

Emails have now been familiar in the technological society for quite some time now. Starting back in the 1980's companies used Email to send data and info to one another electronically for faster and more reliable transportation. It has spread quite quickly to everyone, with so many different Email providers now, many of which are on the Internet, such as Yahoo Gmail and AIM Mail. But how great is this new medium of stationery? I will go through some of my good and bad experiences of using Email and how it affects my life.

First with the bad. The obvious nuisance to Emails is spam. With all the spam blockers and filters out there, you think that the problem of unnecessary advertisements and badgering money hounds would be solved. Overall, yes, I can say the problem is generally gone. But sometimes, it blocks too much. I remember numerous occasions where I have had Emails from family and friends that get blocked because it met some criteria for spam, and that person or persons wonder why I wasn't getting any of their Emails. I never truly lost any of their Emails, but it was hard to go through all the crap I was giving as "spam" and find what I was suppose to get. Another problem is receiving too many chain letters, either in the form of support for God or the soldiers fighting wars, to the "If you don't send this to 100 people in three seconds your family is going to be murdered by little demon children!!!!" I like the effort but it really gets old fast. Another thing that puts Email at a disadvantage to the postal service is packaging items or gifts. No matter how advanced our computers get, they will never be able to send matter through the airwaves....Sorry.

Now for the happy good things! One thing I love about Email is you don't have to remember anything about anyone you know again! You simply put down ANY information about the person in question (AIM screen name, phone numbers, addresses, schedule for school, likes/dislikes, when they sleep and wake....just kidding, etc)when you first put them into your Email's convenient address book and away you go! Another thing I like is getting funny chain letters. I get jokes from long chains of Emails from friends and family and they are quick and easy to look at and send. Having the Email system helps to at least send pictures. Those are either cute or hilarious to get sent to you, like the baby pictures or some picture of a redneck bike made of shoes. The process itself is definitely better than having to buy stamps and lick the back of some envelope.

Overall, the Email system has helped keep people informed and connected with each other longer and faster, and the system will continue to improve as technology advantages. I mean they already have Email accessible on phones now....think of where they'll be in 20 years!

Matlab VIII

If You Were to Read This Article...

Hello everyone, how are we all doing this evening? If you answer good, then I would have to output a "I'm glad" statement. Else if you were to answer bad, then I would probably output a "That's really too bad" statement. My else would just be "Try again". Yes yes, I did just write that opening with poor, incomprehensible English. But I was speaking in terms of Matlab language. This week on Matlab Tutorial, I was going to focus on talking about If, Elseif, and Else commands while working on Matlab programs.

The basic function of an If, Elseif, or Else statement chain of commands is to give the program some options of what exactly it will be computing. Based on what is inputted and what certain variable values are, the if statements help filter and sort these values based on parameters that you set within the code so that the program runs through different choices of computations. Basically if you want the program to do a certain calculation when an arbitrary variable has a certain value, then you write an if statement there along with what the program does when it meets those needs specified.

For example: Lets say you have the user input (back from Matlab II) a value for the variable X. You then have a line of code squaring the value of X. Now you want to have two separate chain of commands depending on what the new value Y (X^2) is. Write the "if" command on the first line followed by a condition. For this example, the condition will be when Y = 4. You must use double equal signs when writing conditional arguments. So now if Y does indeed fit the statement it will do whatever follows that code. So this example will then have Y be divided by 2 to equal the variable Z. Now that is one option. If you finish the if statement with an "end", then you have a simply if statement. But you usually want an if statement to have outputs for every possibility. So you can either write the "else" syntax after your first computation followed by a line telling it to simply make Y = Z, or I will take it one step further and add the "elseif" statement in this example program. After the if statement and the equation for Z, a line of code should start with an "elseif", telling Matlab, "if Y didn't equal 4, see if it equals this". Let's just say if Y = 5. If this is true then our next line with ask the program to multiply Y by 2 to get Z. If Y doesn't equal either, then Y will just equal Z. End your if statements with the end command and output Z. Whew, that was a little rough. Lets see this example in the correct syntax:

X = input('Value for X= ')
Y = X^2
if Y == 4
Z = Y/2
elseif Y == 5
Z = Y * 2
else
Z = Y
end
Z

As you can see, the syntax and the process of the if statement is simpler to that of a loop. the only difference is that an if statement won't loop around multiple times. It will only go through the statements once. Unless of course it is nested in a for loop! Not only does it go through once, but understand that it goes through in sequential order. So make sure that the more important arguments and decisions you want the program to make be the first if statements in your chain of commands. Slowly but surely we are putting all the pieces together.....Good luck and stay tune for more exciting adventures of BATMAN AND -...oops, I mean MATLAB TUTORIAL!

Ok, I'm done.....

Resources: While Loop Help with Cyclismo, HTML Tags at Web Source

Mainstream Cellular Phones

So who remembers what a "telephone" is? Not just that wireless thing hanging from your kitchen wall. I'm talking old school turn dial phones. Well, I would understand for the kids of today to have little or no recollection of such a futile tool. It was the thing of the past. Who needs those when everyone is carrying around a cell phone. It is personal, light, and useful for more than just calls anymore. So how much has the telephone evolved since the old turn dials? Let us look at just a few of the advancements that phones have had over the years.

One the greatest differences that can be made about cell phones and telephones is the literal fact that telephones run via telephone wiring and now fiber-optics along cable lines. Cell phones are run via satellites sending signals from one phone to the other. The use of satellites over cable and phone lines is the fact that it travels faster and without any cords of wires. It can get reception from just about anywhere and can be used at any time. As far as fiber optics has come for sending information, it doesn't beat the waves used in cell phones.

Another large difference in the old home phone and the cell phones is the portability. Before, when you had to talk gossip with your best friend on the phone, you would have to take the phone cord, pull it all the way to the bathroom and lock yourself in to keep from others to listen. With cell phones, you can take it outside, upstairs, in the car, in a tree, etc. Also, even when they created portable phones in the 80's, they were large and clunky. Now they are sleek enough to fit in a wallet.

The cell phones have come up with other numerous ways to just simply communicate. Not only can you just talk into the phone, but you can have speaker phone, walkie-talkie mode (where everything is voice activated), text messages, AIM connections, etc. If you thought saying words was hard, there are now other ways of "speaking".

With the advancement of memory, cell phones have features never dreamed of by older phones: Cameras, music, games, AIM, Internet, and other fun little bells and whistles. The phones started putting in the little things like the planner with calendar, the calculator, the stop watch, etc into its entourage. Then they slowly added innovations like music downloads, an Internet connection, and music that takes their importance and shoots it through the roof. Now there is no need for any other electronic, it is all on your paper thin 1 by 2 inch phone. You don't need anything else.

One last thing I can mention that makes cell phones so great is the fact that they are cheap! I mean whne I can see a hobo on the greyhound buses using a cell phone, then you know that it is accessable to anyone and everyone. In which it should....except not to hobos....

Resources: RazorTurn Dial Phone

Photos Gone Digital and Portable

So I was just sitting on my futon today, watching some TV when a unique commercial came on that I had never seen before. It was advertising this little device called Wallet Pix. I found the product kind of silly and pointless, but then I thought to what are English teacher asked us in this blog, “How does technology make life easier?...” His question really didn’t directly spark my idea for this blog and its connection to this Wallet Pix, but just from recalling what I know and looking around on the internet, I have found a lot of these little photo albums that are purely digital. The evolution of the photo in terms of technology has really taken many forms.

I find that more and more products are adding picture storage as a feature. First it was the phone, which is one of the most used products used in today’s world, added the quick pic to their bells and whistles, storing and taking pictures to save and send at will. Now they are in I-pods, computers obviously, gaming systems, and many other random items, including these weird Wallet Pix, where the photos are solely the use of the merchandise.

Now grant it, they still have newer and better digital cameras coming out, but I find it more convenient to go buy something else that has a camera on it because the new cameras are expensive, but I am bias because I am not a photographer or even take pictures for sport. But then again most professional photographers still use film as oppose to digital memory and editing software, referencing my uncle who happens to take professional photos for weddings and other such occasions.

Anyways, to stay on track, there is a clear argument that photos are being stored as digital memory everywhere. It is certainly helpful and easier to whip out a small handheld photo album then going up to the attic to get grandma’s 20 lbs album with photos of her wedding and her children’s baby pictures. The help of digital photo editors help create better quality pictures and a place to properly sort and store pictures. That’s all I have to say about this, sorry for the improper writing and lack of a point, just thought you would want to hear about the Wallet Pix!

References: Google search on wallet pix

Matlab Tutorial IV

More Fun with Graphs

So if you read the last issue of Matlab Tutorial, Matlab Tutorial III , then you remember the skill of making graphs. We covered the basic two variable plot, titles, labels for the axes, and even the hold on and hold off graphs. Well in this issue we will cover how to distinguish each graph with different visual designs and options.

If you do any kind of customizing for your graphs, at least if you plan on changing the line design, color, and symbol used to represent a line or points, then you must input any of the syntax within the plot command. The two inputs that can be added to the end of your plot command is a letter for a certain color and a symbol for the point marker type.

Different colors that can be selected, at least from the source I found not limited to, are yellow (y), magenta (m), cyan (c), red (r), green (g), blue (b), white (w), and black (k). This syntax comes before the point marker type syntax. Adding color makes it much easier to tell the difference between multiple graphs, especially when they are on the same plot graph.

The different point marker types vary in design and type. Some can be used for a set of points, and some can be used for continuous functions. A few to pick from are point (.), circle (o), X-mark (x), plus (+), solid (-), star (*), dotted (:), dashed-dot (-.), and just dashed (--). Not only does this further individualize each graph you make, but it looks cool too, especially the stars!

So using the above symbols for graph syntax you, write them in the plot function inside their own set of single quotes after the second variable followed by a comma: plot (X, Y, 'r:') This example would give you a plot of red dotted lines.

Well that's all I have to contribute to the Matlab Tutorial, everyone have fun at making their graphs. Stay tune for the next issue and program on!

Resources : CTM: Plotting in Matlab

Technological Concerns of Today

Technology is growing at an exponential rate, and everyone is benefiting from its expansion. But technology is a double edged sword. Here are a few concerns that many businesses have about the growth of technology in the corporate world.

One main problem that companies are worried about is the security of their information. As technology allows for more data and personal information to be stored on large wireless databases and held in large mainframes, the information is in threat of being stolen from unwanted hackers or internal traitors. Some of the solution are intrusion protection and awareness, firewalls, wireless security systems and strategies, password management, and data encryption.

Another issue that is surrounding new technologies is training and technological competency. Technology is growing a such a fast rate, even the skills you learned 5 to 10 years ago can become outdated. Even if you are up to speed on new methods used to solve problems, you will need to continue to be trained for what is to come out next.

Businesses are also concerned with the issue of disaster planning. If a company were to undergo any kind of theft, virus corruption, accidents, natural disasters, or destruction, they would want to be able to keep their business running. This is why a continual plan is made to keep the company running even when it is down.

Similar to security, privacy is a main concern for big business. More and more credit card, social security, addresses, and cell and home phone numbers are being stored electronically. A company must insure their employees that their information is not being viewed without their permission and is not being accessed by unwanted users.

Authentication Technologies fall into the same concern category as the latter point made. Corporations want to make sure that only their employees are using their systems and databases, and that someone isn't stealing employee' identities. New technologies to prevent such a problem are biometrics, bar codes, magnetic strips, digital certificates and authorization.

Another concern is trying to convert all paper documents into digital files and data. It is easier to store, edit, copy, move, and work with files if they are kept on electronics.

Spyware has been advancing just as fast as the spyware detectors. But the fight to make a faster and more efficient spyware detector and remover is always a challenge but important goal for companies.

All in all, technology is a never ending battle for corporations to make the next best electronic system while trying to stay ahead of the viruses and hackers' technology as to not be overran and corrupted.

* This article was posted before it was completed, sorry for the confusion*



Sources: MSB Systems Inc

Matlab Tutorial III

Plotting Data on Graphs

So I have thought of a new topic to discuss on Matlab Tutorial, that can help everyone out there make a better visual representation of their data that they are working with on Matlab. I am going to teach everyone how to make graphs. Now graphs are pretty simple to make, but there are a lot of extra little features you can add to make your graphs more colorful and easier on the eyes.

First, to understand what exactly we can plot. So far the only thing I have perfected is plotting two variables on an X-Y axis. To do this, you most have two arrays or sets of data (both of the same size) that are defined in the program first. After you have the variables labeled and defined, then type plot (X,Y) , where X is the label of your independent variable vector or array.

Now that you have your beautiful graph, you should put some other features on it to add just a little more customization to your Matlab graph. One thing that you should do just as a rule of thumb is have a title for the graph. The title usually should be relevant to the axes or what the graph is showing, but virtually anything can be written. The syntax for this command is title ('Your Title!') . It is important to write the '' in your syntax, otherwise the text won't show up.

Another good thing to add to your graph for informational and entertainment-al purposes is to also label your X and Y axes. This can be done by writing xlabel ('Your X Label Here!') or ylabel ('Y Label Here!') in your syntax. Again, keep the '' in there and make the labels somewhat relevant to your graph. Usually it is best to write down the axes' variables and their units.

For the instances that you want to graph multiple graphs on one plot, you have to use the hold command to keep them together and not on seperate graphs. First you must plot the first graph using the previously learned plot command. The next command that should be used is the hold command which starts with hold on, the second plot, and then finally hold off. The hold on tells Matlab to keep the graph being used for the first graph to stay in place. Essentially, you could have as many graphs as you want on one plot, but that would get complex and messy, especially using multiple axis ranges and variables. The "hold off" is used to turn off the hold command for any other commands you use in the program to not be plotted in the same display.

After you master these simple things, I can show you ways to change the graphs colors and and legends and other cool things!!! OK honestly, it's not THAT cool, but it is nice to see something that you created on the screen. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. Well till the next exciting addition of Matlab Tutorial, you stay classy San Diego!

References: University of Florida Matlab page; University of Michigan Engineering Matlab page; MathWorks Resource Page

Jobs of Tomorrow

I just recently read the article that spoke of alternative fuel sources and finding a better way to create energy while balancing that energy with clean waste and low pollution. That is exactly what I want to do with my life. I am thinking of becoming an engineer of some kind, and I have always been intrigued to have a job that helped more than just my company. I have been wanting to help the world on a large scale. They have been tossing up the idea of global warming and the deterioration of the O-zone layer, and I would love to improve these problems, trying to help out more than just myself in life.

So what kind of engineer has this potential to safe the world? Which specific major would be best to go into? I find that there are multiple engineering disciplines that can somehow help improve the power plants we have today and create new methods to power our world.

Chemical engineers usually do a lot of research and data analysis. But I know that some chemical engineers try to find better filters for power plants to help reduce polluting waste that comes out of the smoke stacks. They also contribute to the advancement in fuel cell development in cars and other appliances.

Electrical engineers play a part in the role of power sources too. They find ways of optimizing power through circuits and create faster mediums in which power can be moved.

Mechanical engineers help in many ways. They try and create newer structures and processes for power to be created, improving old methods and finding easier ways to help power plants excel.

Environmental Engineers are the major contributor to finding alternative fuel sources. They are conscious of the environment and try to keep its cleanliness a number one priority. They look to finding more abundant sources of fuel that are cleaner and cheaper.

So which one to I pick? Is there one engineering field I didn't mention that is important in this concern of power and fuel sources? I hope to find out the right choice while here in school. Until then I will learn more of what engineers do and how they shape the world we live in.