Module 4 teaches research skills for the internet.
Here are my results and observations for Module 4
Downloading tools / plug-ins Task
In your learning log record which programs you downloaded and note which (if any) facets you think might prove useful.
I downloaded Copernic, Bookmark Buddy and PageSucker. I don't think I will use PageSucker much, but if I was using a dialup connection I would. Bookmark Buddy allows me to manage my bookmarks outside of my browser, but it will probably not get much use. I will probably get a lot of use from Copernic. A meta searching program external to the browser appeals to me.
Searching the Web
search engine task
1. Choose your most commonly used internet search engine and do a search with words of your choosing.
- record the first hit and number of hits in your learning log
My brother needed to check his entitlements at work. He works as a printer. I ran a search at Yahoo7 for "Australian country print award".
I got "about 2,360,000" results. I checked the first 100 results - none were of any relevance.
The first hit was:
Urban wins top country music award | The Australian
www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19241711-1702,00.html
2. Using copernicus or similar, set it up to search at least three search engines (including one that will search the 'deep web') and repeat eactly the same search
- record the number of hits in your learning log, and compare to your first search. What differences did you notice? Why? Which search, on first glance gave you the most promising results?
I searched all available search engines on Copernic. I got 1499 results. The 18th result was the information I was looking for. I also noticed more of these results related, at least in general, to the printing industry.
3. save at least the first 5 hits of both searches.
Yahoo7
-
... been named top male vocalist for the second consecutive year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. ... award. Font Size: Decrease Increase. Print Page: Print ...www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19241711-1702,00.html - 39k - More from this site
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Cassar-Daley wins top country award. Font Size: Decrease Increase. Print Page: Print ... Country Music Association of Australia's annual Achiever Awards. ...www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20593569-1702,00.html - 39k - More from this site
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Carpentaria named as the winner of the 2007 Miles Franklin Literary Award. ... Gulf country's voice shines in Australian epic. Email. Print. Normal font. Large font " ...smh.com.au/news/books/.../2007/06/21/1182019285824.html - 51k - More from this site
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... the 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, when ... Absent Urban fields country award. Email. Print. Normal font. Large font ...theage.com.au/news/music/.../2006/11/07/1162661685198.html - 43k - More from this site
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... lives sailing to find a future for their children in another country. ... two Australian Writers' Guild Awards for this film and for his community theatre. ...www.australianoftheyear.gov.au/pages/page129.asp - 11k - Cached - More from this site
Copernic
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Boolean searching task
Taking the same key words of your last search, think about how you would best search for the following:
- the biggest number of hits relating to these key words
- information most relevant to what you ACTUALLY wanted to look for!
- information coming only from university sources
- Discuss your strategies with the class and record the exact search terms you used in your learning log
I searched Yahoo7 with the same key words, but added "NOT music". The site I was looking for was the 10th result. Without the Boolean operator, I would not have found this site through Yahoo7.
I was only able to find one site that was of any use to me. The other results were either of no relation to the topic, or applied to awards for excellence in the industry.
Well, I have not been able to do any work for the past week and a bit due to the dreaded gastro virus infecting my whole family! Firstly my 1 year old son got sick, it was very hard to watch him while he was sick cause there is nothing you can do for them. He was so crook, but took it in his stride and was over it in about 4 days. I, on the other hand, was crook for the whole week and was even hospitalised for 2 nights. I was hooked up to a drip and constantly pumped with anti-nausea medication. Such fond memories! Then mid way through the week, hubby got sick. But he took it like a man and complained the whole time like he was going to die!! We are now all finally over it and getting back to normal, so I decided it would be a good time to do some more Uni work. Hopefully I will be able to compose some more results from module 2 soon.
Yeah, germ free!!!
: - )
I really enjoyed this module. I have been wanting to learn HTML, but I was having trouble finding a good source to learn from. I have had a look at HTML instructional pages before, but was having trouble absorbing the information. Now I finally have the hang of it. I just need to commit all the codes to memory. HTML is not as hard as it once seemed!!
Here are my results and observations for Module 3:
HTML tags
I had no problems completing the HTML task.
Optional ‘standards’ task:
Make a summary of what you believe are the 5 most important ‘rules’ for writing online. Think about any differences between the articles: for example, is the advice in Nielsen’s paper -- written in 1997 – still current?
- Record your summaries and comments in your learning log
I believe the 5 most important 'rules' for writing online are:
- Be concise
- Don't use 'marketese', or exaggeration
- Divide information into sections
- Keep ideas to one paragraph
- Present information in a user-friendly format - consider your target
Nielsen's paper is still relevant. People still read the same as they did in 1997, however they may now have a little more patience with websites. Horton's article has the similar information, but also explains the consequences of taking Nielsen's rules too far. I have had difficulty accessing Jerz's writing. I keep timing out when I try.
Optional ‘standards’ task 2:
Test your web page according to the W3C standards by going to their ‘validator’ page. If your page does not conform (it probably won’t!) record in your learning log why you think this is: try and identify the particular tags or code that are causing trouble. Are the problems related mostly to display, usability, or accessibility?
I performed a markup validation and my page failed for many reasons. Some were easy to understand, like failing to close things, or forgetting a character. Others were confusing, such as "No Character Encoding Found! Falling back to UTF-8.", and " No DOCTYPE found! Attempting validation with HTML 4.01 Transitional". I read the FAQs but I still don't understand them.
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OK, with some info from W3C and from Benjamin in the discussions, I have fixed the major problems I mentioned above. I am left with a number of small errors. The following message seems to explain it all:
One common cause for this error is the use of XHTML syntax in HTML documents. Due to HTML's rules of implicitly closed elements, this error can create cascading effects.
It seems that if I use an HTML doctype rather than XHTML, the instructions I have written will make full sense. I will have to look further into this.
I'm glad I chose to complete this optional task. I have learned heaps from it, and still have more to learn.
ftp
Try uploading your web page (or your draft info bank or learning log) to your student web space in Oasis or your own web space provided by your ISP if you have one using ftp.
First, make sure you still have your ftp client from module 1.
Read any instructions provided about using ftp to upload a page (rather than downloading as we did in module 1).
You will also need to read the instructions in the Oasis ‘help’ section on ‘using ftp’.
Once you are ready, upload either your test page, or your finished assignment.
- Record the url of your uploaded page in your weblog
I had no luck using ftp to upload my page. Instead I uploaded it to the presentations section in WebCT. It can be found at : http://webct.curtin.edu.au/305033_b/student_pres/Group59/index.html
For this task in Module One I was required to Traceroute from a website, (I chose http://network-tools.com/) to curtin.edu.au then cut and paste my list of 'hops'. It took 18 hops, as can been seen in the picture below, at a speed of 245ms. The IP Number for Curtin was 134.7.134.47.
For the second part of this task we were required to ping Curtin from our own computer using an internet tools client downloaded from the Internet. Instead of downloading an internet tools client I decided to use my trusty Command Line Prompt! After turing off ALL of our Firewalls, I typed 'ping curtin.edu.au' and hit enter. It only took 76ms compared to 245ms through the website.
The reason I think it took longer on the web based task is because http://network-tools.com/ is not an Australian site so it had to search from overseas. It also had to deal with other general internet traffic which would slow thr process down. The Command Line Prompt I used from my computer was shorter as it had less distance to travel.
I enjoyed this task because I was able to turn off the firewalls to stop the creation of anyproblems, but also because I got to use the Command Line which I do enjoy using.
Well I would like to say "THANK YOU EVERYONE" for all their help with this FTP madness I have had to endure. After doing almost everything everyone suggested to me, someone from my Internet Provider was actually able to help. It turned out that my not so IT smart husband had 4 firewalls activited on our home computer. After turning them all off I was able to complete the task.
I downloaded Filezilla, which I found very easy to use, typed in the ftp address recall.curtin.edu.au and didn't both with a username or password and hit enter. I found the MSC folder which I double clicked on, then looked for the README file and dragged into one of my folders (which I had previously selected) on the left hand side of the screen. Then I saw that sweet message in green "Download Complete".
My Filezilla accomplishment!!!
And here is a screen dump of the README.txt file I was able to download onto my computer.
The answer to the question ("according to the readme file, '_______ MATTERS') for this task is: CAPITALIZATION
I must say that I was extremely frustrated and angry that I could not work out this problem, I was even tempted to give up and go onto the next task and come back to it later. I am so proud that I was finally able to complete this task (with the help of tech support from my Internet Provider), and once again I would like to thank everyone who offered advice when I needed it.
: )
Module 2 is all about email. As basic internet users we should all know how to send email. This topic covers all aspects of email - basics, style, attachments, management, lists, newsgroups, and chat & messenging.
Before starting this module I felt I was quite knowledgeable regarding email. However, it turned out this was not true. I learned a great deal from this module. Many of the terms and concepts were new to me. Those that weren't were explained further.
Here are my answers and observations for Module 2:
Email tasks
1. What information about a user's email, the origin of a message, and the path it took, can you glean from an email message?
An email contains a great deal of information. A friend forwarded me an email. From this message I can see who else the message was forwarded to. I can also see who originally sent the email, and who else they sent it to. I can see the date and time when the email was originally sent to my friend, and also when she forwarded the email.
2. In what cases would you find it useful to use the 'cc', 'bcc' and 'reply all functions of email?
Cc is used to send to multiple recipients. Bcc is used to send to multiple recipients without letting each other know who else recieved it. Reply all is used to reply to all recipients of the original email.
3. In what ways can you ensure that an attachment you send will be easily opened by the receiver?
Ensure the attachment can be opened by the recipient's computer. If unsure send in plain text format. Include the file name in the body of the email.
4. What sorts of filters or rules do you have set up, and for what purpose?
I have a few blocked addresses. These are spam addresses.
5. How have you organised the folder structure of your email and why?
I added one folder for usernames and passwords. I needed somewhere else to keep these emails as they were not convenient in my inbox.
- What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?
- Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?
- Record your conclusions in your learning log
Lists
Overall I prefer discussion boards. I like being able to sort through and only access posts that are of interest to me. With the email list I subscribe to, I find many messages messages are irrelevant to me. Although I share one point of interest with these people, there are many topics covered that don't concern me. On a discussion board I can just skip over these, instead of having to delete these emails.
On the other hand, email lists are convenient as the messages are sent directly to your email inbox. Discussion boards require you to access and login to a website.
I don't think that email list is more suitable than discussion board for any purpose. They both have their merits, but I feel discussion boards are most user friendly.
Newsgroups
Follow your chosen newsgroup for a couple of days, and then post a message to the group. You should be able to see that message shortly thereafter. Now cut and paste a copy of the entire message, including the header information.
- Record the message in your learning log
I subscribed to alt.music.ween. Here is my first post:
From: "td81" <tldavey81@yahoo.com>
Subject: Aus tour?
Date: Sunday, 3 June 2007 11:47 PM
Does anyone know if there are any plans for an Australian tour? I would kill
to see them.
Optional task: Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
Think about the following question: how does IRC differ from other chat or messaging such as ICQ, MSN or AIM? Which system do you prefer?
- Record your answer in your learning log
IRC is an older version of these programs. I used to use IRC in high school to chat to my friends. I now use MSN and Yahoo Messenger. I prefer these to IRC as they are easier to use and much nicer to look at. I also like the fun aspects of these newer programs. I can add sounds and animations to the text.
I really don't mind Telnet! It reminded me of the old days when I used to use the old DOS prompt all the time. Here I am talking as if I am in my sixties. I found that I was very comfortable with this task once I got it going! Lets just say there were some rather angry and unmentionable words said to my computer for not doing as it was asked.
To get Telnet up and going I clicked on my Windows "Start" button and selected "Search". Once this Window was open I typed telnet://library.deakin.edu.au into the address bar and while my fingers were crossed and my eyes were shut the computer started doin it's thing. When I was brave enough to open my eyes I was confronted with the first screen for the Deakin Uni Library database!!!
Once Telnet was up and going it was a breeze to use. I was able to select the option to search for books by using the name of the author.
I then typed in the suranme of the author: Bennahum and came up with the following results.
After completing the search on the above named author I checked out towel.blinkenlights.nl and found this:
I can only imagine the time this would have taken to make. It makes you appreciate the time and effort that people go into to create these types of sites for everyones enjoyment. I hope the following tasks are just as easy to do!!!
I have not done anything like this before!! I have not really even used a computer since I left school, but I thought that now was as good a time as any. I have left the creation of my blog until Saturday the 2nd of June 2007, as I knew I would have the time to sit down and do it properly.
I have been looking through WebCT since the 28th May, I have also been reading all the messages on the discussions board and have really freaked myself out!! I started to doubt that I would be able to complete this course, but I have decided just to take everything 1 module at a time. So to those of you who are reading this from NET11, please perceiver with me and all of questions!!
Well as this is a learning log, I better log some things. I have never felt so helpless and lost as I did on my first couple of visits to my first subject NET11. I started to gain some confidence as I gradually worked through some of Module 1. Hopefully my confidence will build as I learn more, (fingers crossed) but I am sure I will have no problem seeking help from my other fellow students who all seem really friendly through messages on the discussions board.
Thanks - Alison
: )
Module 1 was really informative. I knew very little about the internet before I started. I have learned so much already in this first module. Many of the concepts addressed were new to me. Everything was explained so clearly and the tasks helped reinforce the information. I got through Module 1 quite quickly. I hope the other modules are longer. I found plenty of terms for my glossary. I will post that separately.
In my previous unit I didn't really get involved in the discussions. This time I got involved straight away, and have been enjoying it. Everyone seems really friendly.
Here are my answers and observations for Module 1
"according to the readme file, '_______ MATTERS' - what word goes in the blank?".
CAPITALIZATION
Tracing route to curtin.edu.au [134.7.134.47]...
|
hop |
rtt |
rtt |
rtt |
|
ip address |
domain name |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
70.84.211.97 |
61.d3.5446.static.theplanet.com |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
70.84.160.162 |
vl2.dsr02.dllstx5.theplanet.com |
|
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
70.85.127.109 |
po52.dsr02.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
|
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
70.87.253.17 |
et3-2.ibr03.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
|
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
157.238.225.5 |
xe-4-4.r03.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
|
6 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
|
129.250.4.37 |
ae-1.r20.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
|
7 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
129.250.5.26 |
p64-0-0-0.r21.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
|
8 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
129.250.3.159 |
p16-1-0-0.r02.lsanca03.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
|
9 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
198.172.90.102 |
p4-4-1-0.r02.lsanca03.us.ce.gin.ntt.net |
|
10 |
185 |
185 |
185 |
|
202.158.194.77 |
so-3-1-0.bb1.b.syd.aarnet.net.au |
|
11 |
197 |
197 |
197 |
|
202.158.194.33 |
so-2-0-0.bb1.a.mel.aarnet.net.au |
|
12 |
206 |
207 |
207 |
|
202.158.194.17 |
so-2-0-0.bb1.a.adl.aarnet.net.au |
|
13 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
202.158.194.5 |
so-0-1-0.bb1.a.per.aarnet.net.au |
|
14 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
202.158.198.178 |
gigabitethernet0.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
|
15 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
202.158.198.186 |
gw1.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
|
16 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
134.7.16.46 |
|
|
17 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
134.7.248.65 |
te1-1.b309-sr.net.curtin.edu.au |
|
18 |
234 |
234 |
234 |
|
134.7.134.47 |
prodweb2.curtin.edu.au |
Trace complete
-- end --
How many ‘hops’ are there?
18
What is the average time in milliseconds from the tools site to the curtin server?
234
- Record your answer in your learning log
Looking at these results, find out the IP NUMBER of the hostname curtin.edu.au
134.7.134.47
Ping the webct site and compare the time with the time taken to ping from the net tools site. Is it less or more than you expected?
Why?
- Record your observation in your learning log
1048596 ms
I did not expect it to take this long. 1048596 ms seems like a very long time.
Traceroute from your computer to curtin.edu.au: compare the number of hops with the earlier traceroute.
What sort of differences can you observe?
- Record your observation in your learning log
20 hops. Much faster average time. All happened very quickly. More hops.
I'm very new to this blogging thing. I have to create a blog for uni. I am studying NET11, The Internet - Communications. I am looking forward to getting in to this unit. I have a basic knowledge of the internet and would like to change that. I'm wishing I had added an Internet Design unit as well, but I can do it next time.
I will be keeping a learning log here as required for school. Answers and observations from the tasks will be up here, as well as personal reflections on the unit.
Thanks to Anthony for recommending this site. It is very easy to use.
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
