Final Project Web 2.0

Web 2.0 can be described as the next generation of the Internet as a social network. Web 1.0 has allowed users to get information by going directly to the source, such as, Microsoft.com for Windows issues and CNN.com for news. (Web 2.0 for Designers, 2008) However, as times have changed and the number of web users has increased, more people started writing their own content in addition to reading information on the web. To keep up with the demands, Web 2.0 was created to provide a new set of tools to combine and remix micro content in new and useful ways.

According to Wikipedia, “Web 2.0 is a trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users.” These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies (collaborative tagging, social classification, social indexing, and social tagging). (Web 2.0, 2008)

After the first Tim O’Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference held in 2004, Web 2.0 became notable. “The concept of "Web 2.0" began with a conference brainstorming session between O'Reilly and MediaLive International Dale Dougherty, web pioneer and O'Reilly VP, noted that far from having "crashed", the web was more important than ever, with exciting new applications and sites popping up with surprising regularity.” (O’Reilly, 2008) Web 2.0 changes the ways software developers and end-users use the web. For more information on O’Reilly’s article, What is Web 2.0 Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software, visit the site http://www.oreillynet.com/lpt/a/6228 .

Web 2.0 allows easy access and display of information such as blogs, pictures, and newsgroups. Users can share and publish content, communicate with others and select a specific group to communicate through a variety of online applications. Here are examples of Web 2.0 applications, which I have described utilizing eleven verbs, such as access, collaborate, communicate, create, edit, explore, insert, organize, receive, search and share.

Web 2.0 allows us to:

• Access information, such as scholarly articles, media clips, or photos from the World Wide Web by using a search engine, such as Google.com. Here is the link to Google.com visit http://www.google.com/
  
• Collaborate with a group on a project by using http://documents.google.com/ . For more information on Google Doc visit: Google Doc in Plain English at http://youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA
  
• Communicate with a group on specific topics, such as health or healthy recipes on the World Wide Web by visiting different sites such as http://www.groups.google.com/ or communicate with others by visiting different web sites and blogs, which is a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas.
  
• Create a web site or web page by using tools such as Microsoft Popfly Mashup (a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool) to display your ideas in a creative way or create a Myspace.com or Facebook.com webpage to keep in touch with friends and network with others. Here is an example of my Microsoft Popfly Mashup called Shakira: http://tinyurl.com/5qc9hr For more information on Mashup visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashup_(web_application_hybrid) Visit my MySpace site AngelMaribella: http://www.myspace.com/angelmaribella and my Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1189977401 . To communicate with others on Facebook, create an account by visiting http://www.facebook.com/ or create a blog to share your ideas or views on a topic by creating an account at http://www.blogspot.com/ .
  
• Edit information in a Wiki page or create a Wiki page by visiting http://www.wikipage.com/
  
• Explore the Virtual World and enter into Second Life by visiting http://www.secondlife.com/ , change your name, appearance, and visit other people (avatars) from other countries, interests, educational purposes or businesses. Here is a link that describes my experience: http://tinyurl.com/5t5b4a
  
• Insert your photos or tag photos from others online using a tool application named Flickr and display and share with others. Click here to visit my Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelmaribella
  
• Organize information received from others within your group to edit, track and make changes keeping group project/document centralized for your group to access and provide comments by using Google doc visit http://documents.google.com/ .
  
• Receive updated information on topics that interest you by subscribing to web sites by using Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Visit my RSS blog for more information on What is RSS: http://tinyurl.com/4zl7b3 .
  
• Search for educational articles or information by using a search engine such as Google or ASU Ref Works to organize and save articles, journals and other information to complete research papers or to share with your colleagues. Also, search for video clips on different topics, such as educational topics by visiting http://www.youtube.com/ .
  
• Share your project or photos by creating and designing your webpage at http://www.googlepages.com/ . Here is my link titled: “Pugs and Kisses” I hope you enjoy http://angelmaribella.googlepages.com/home .
  

For more information on Web 2.0 visit Web 2.0 for dummies visit http://codeclimber.net.nz/archive/2007/04/02/Web-2.0-for-dummies.aspx

Works Cited

MacManus, R. and Porter, J. May 4, 2005. Digital Web Magazine: Web 2.0 for Designers. Retrieved April 24, 2008 from http://www.digital-web.com/articles/web_2_for_designers

O’Reilly, T. September 30, 2005. What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software. Retrieved April 24, 2008, from http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html

“Web 2.0 for dummies” Retrieved April 24, 2008 from http://codeclimber.net.nz/archive/2007/04/02/Web-2.0-for-dummies.aspx

Web 2.0. (2008) Wikipedia. Retrieved on April 24, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2

What is Really Simple Syndication?

"What interests me about Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is the ability to begin to monitor the flow of new information on the net. We all know what sites exist; what we really want to know is how often sites generate new information…” (Webreference, 2003)

According to Webreference, RSS is a lightweight XML (general format, a set of HTML-like tags) format designed for sharing headlines and other Web content. (Webreference, 2003) Really Simple Syndication or also known as Rich Summary Site (RSS), is basically a mini database that contains headlines and descriptions of what is new on your favorite websites and is a great tool for managing additional traffic to your site from repeat visitors. In addition, RSS is a useful tool to gather and distribute news. (Webreference, 2003) RSS can also be the basis for additional content distribution services. (Webreference, 2003) RSS has evolved into a popular means of sharing content between sites, such as CNN, Forbes and more. Since March 1999, RSS formats have continued to evolve. In 2005/2006, the RSS icon below first gained widespread use. (RSS, 2008)

Today, there are many more icons that identify RSS content. Some examples are listed below. Also, for a concise guide about RSS, including what it is all about, the numerous RSS icons, and how it works, visit: http://www.miniguidez.com/rss/about/index.html . This guide is for beginners who are not familiar with RSS and want to learn more about it. (About RSS Guide, 2008)

By using RSS you save time from having to search the Internet on topics or items that may be of interest to you. For example, you can receive news updates, updates on music for iTunes, get notified on items that you are waiting for on E-bay, track your favorite football team (Go Steelers!) and much more. In addition, RSS data can flow into other products and services, such as PDA's, cell phones, email ticklers and even voice updates. Even Email newsletters can easily be automated with RSS. (Webreference, 2003)

There are new ways to use RSS feeds almost everyday and in most cases goes beyond blogs and news. (Rubel, 2006) Steve Rubel from Micro Persuasion shares 35 Ways You Can Use RSS Today, to view go to: http://www.micropersuasion.com/2006/06/35_ways_you_can.html (Rubel, 2006) After visiting this site, I was surprised to learn how many topics were out there on RSS.

One useful tool when using RSS is an aggregator. According to Wikipedia, an aggregator reduces the time and effort needed to regularly check websites for updates, creating a unique information space or "personal newspaper." (Aggregator, 2008) Also, an aggregator is able to check for new content determined by the user, and retrieve the update, once a user is subscribed to a feed. This example is sometimes described as being "pulled" to the subscriber, as opposed to "pushed” with email or Instant Message (IM). Compare to recipients of some "pushed" information, the great function for the aggregator user is that one can easily unsubscribe from a feed, which allows the use of RSS to be a pleasant experience. (Wikipedia, 2008) In general, a web syndication refers to making webfeeds available from a site in order to provide other people with a summary of the website's recently added content, such as the latest news or forum posts.

For helpful tips on RSS, Youtube has a sketchcasting video by Richard Ziade called RSS for the Masses, that provides extensive detailed information on RSS visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhI06Tb0FSo&feature=related . (Ziade, 2007) Or for a short explanation video with the basic introduction on RSS, visit RSS in Plain English by Lee LeFever from Common Craft at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU . (LeFever, 2007)

After completing my research, I was ready to explore RSS. First, I selected a reader, I chose to use Google as my aggregator (feed reader), since I have a Gmail account with ASU, it was convenient. Second, I decided to set up my connection by subscribing to favorite sites by using the RSS icon. For some of my favorite sites, I subscribed to a feed by entering the feed's link into a reader or by clicking an RSS icon in the browser that initiated the subscription process. I subscribed for discounts on scrap booking supplies, latest information on health and all about pugs. Third, I checked my emails for my favorite articles to arrive. The process was not difficult, as I thought it would be in the beginning. RSS is a great concept. I wished I knew about it sooner. It’s simple, basically sign up for a reader and subscribe to your favorite sites to utilize RSS. The videos above were very helpful and provided me with information step-by-step on how to setup a Google reader account. To set up a Google reader account, visit www.google.com/reader

By completing this assignment, I learned what an RSS reader or an aggregator (feed reader) can be used to populate some of my desired content sites and not just for news. Many types of information can be formatted and syndicated through an RSS. The option to make any changes or stop subscription at any time is available. In addition, I learned to identify the common icons used for RSS. Since there are so many demands on my time (work, family and school assignments), I discovered that RSS can be a new way to save time while receiving my favorite updates on topics that interest me.

Works Cited

About RSS Guide. (2008) A MiniGuide by Zeldersº. Retrieved on April 12, 2008, from http://www.miniguidez.com/rss/about/index.html

Aggregator. (2008, April) Wikipedia. Retrieved on April 11, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aggregator

LeFever, Lee. (2007, April) Youtube. RSS in Plain English. Retrieved on April 10, 2008, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU

Introduction to RSS. (2003, April) Webreference. Retrieved on April 11, 2008, from http://www.webreference.com/authoring/languages/xml/rss/intro/

Rubel, Steve. (2006, June) Micro Persuasion. 35 Ways You Can Use RSS Today. Retrieved on April 11, 2008, from http://www.micropersuasion.com/2006/06/35_ways_you_can.html

RSS icon. (2008) Data Mouse.Biz. Retrieved on April 11, 2008, from http://www.datamouse.biz/

RSS. (2008, April) Wikipedia. Retrieved on April 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss

Ziade, Richard. (2007, October) Youtube. RSS for the Masses. Retrieved on April 11, 2008, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhI06Tb0FSo&feature=related

A Second Life

AngelMaribella Joles

My avatar’s name is AngelMaribella Joles. I created my avatar in Second Life (SL). An avatar, according to Wikipedia, is defined as a computer user's representation of himself or herself, whether in the form of a three-dimensional model used in computer games, a two-dimensional icon (picture) used on Internet forums and other communities…It is an ‘object’ representing the embodiment of the user. The term ‘avatar’ can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user. (Avatar, 2008)

SL is a virtual world experience in 3D, created by its residents (people), who can use it for virtual entertainment, experiences, and opportunity. (Linden Lab, 2008). In SL, people are able to use the Second Life Grid, which serves as a platform for the SL world to reside and offers tools for business, educators, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to develop a virtual experience. Organizations can create their own space for communication, collaboration and community engagement.

Phillip Rosedale, who founded Linden Lab in 1999, had a vision, a mission to create a revolutionary new form of shared experience by allowing each person to utilize their imagination to achieve some of the impossible things they cannot experience in real life. If you would like to learn more about the origin of SL and its reaction to real life, view the video by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t1XR-LrgyM (Rosedale, 2007)

Linden Lab has over 200 employees in distributed network offices worldwide. (Linden Lab, 2008) The senior management team consists of experts in the field of physics, 3D graphics, and networking. It was interesting to discover that the team members for the company have previously worked at Electronic Arts, Apple, Midway, Disney, THQ, Acclaim, Hasbro, Mattel (all entertainment, gaming and technology companies), as well as many Web 2.0 companies. (Linden Lab, 2008)

Mr. Rosedale believes that innovative success stems from self-directed creation, collaboration, and openness. These are the company’s guiding principles, which steers the employees in their mission to help people realize their full potential by connecting them to a revolutionary virtual universe. (Linden Lab, 2008) Mr. Rosedale’s belief is included in Linden Lab’s mission statement, which reads: “It's our mission to connect us all to an online world that advances the human condition.” (Linden Lab, 2008) His belief along with his imagination has led him to create a virtual world in SL for many individuals to experience opportunities that are out of their reach in the “real world."

For example, researchers from the University of Texas in Dallas are using SL technology to help people with autism. (Tatton, 2008) This technology is allowing them to teach autistic children social interaction in a virtual world. SL allows individuals with autism to create a version of themselves, by selecting an avatar, which allows them to simulate themselves and learn how to behave in a unique 3D world. (Tatton, 2008)

The center for brain health uses SL with its patients, teaching them how to deal with social situations. (Tatton, 2008) Adults learn how to interact with others and how to speak and act. Also, children learn how to interact in the playground and lunch room and learn who to deal with, who to sit with and even how to deal with bullying. Abbi Tatton, a reporter from CNN, explains how second life is helping people with autism interact in social situations, to view video, go to: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/autism-in-a-virtual-world/3721463751?icid=acvsv2

SL is also being utilized in universities to enhance education, help students to interact with their professors, and teach students courses. Students can take courses, such as humanities or art, and have the ability to upload images or textures or even experience a virtual simulation of an ancient culture. To view a brief introduction of the world of SL by Juana Manuel, Librarian at the Texas State University, and how powerful SL is and has enhance education, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6D9I36zsec&feature=related

In the picture above, my avatar is standing in Solaris, listening to music, interacting with others and exploring the land. I visited many places, such as Marbella Spain and experienced a fashion show. I went to the Oxygen Club and interacted with others. While dancing there, I by accident, landed in a sex orientation setting and got out quickly, and went to another place.

At first, my experience entering SL was uncertain. I spent about 30 minutes trying to download the software and figure out how to get started. When I began on the orientation island, I encountered a friendly avatar. His name was SL French Mentor Imagine John. He provided some tips, including how to modify my appearance and how to use Instant Message (IM). I learned how to use gestures, communicate with others, walk, sit, fly, dance and much more.

I discovered I was not able to drive a car and could not purchase items without Linden $ (SL currency). In SL, you can actually purchase land, fashion apparel, alcoholic beverages and much more with Linden $. In Business Week, Inside the World of Second Life, the article describes how SL residents can own their own creations and buy and sell them free with virtual currency. There are more than $5 million worth of transactions, in real US dollars, that are conducted each month among the 165,000 participants. (My Virtual Life, 2006) There is a real economy that has developed in SL, according to Business Week, several thousand of people run real businesses inside SL, some making enough to earn a real-world living. (My Virtual Life, 2006)

At this time, Wells Fargo has built its own branded island inside SL to teach young people how to be financially responsible. Other stores such as Wal-mart and American Express and Intel are considering using SL for their corporate training. (Newitz, 2006)

I met several male avatars, some were cordial, others flirted, and one was totally out of line. SL French Mentor Imagine John told him to escape from SL because he was abusing me. Being abused by an avatar unexpectedly scared me. However, that awful experience will not prevent me from visiting SL. My experience in SL was quite interesting. I was able to express myself and visit places I have not been able to see in real life. SL is more like an animated version of real life, enhanced with the ability to fly.

I found my experience quite incredible and entertaining. I am not someone who would normally play a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). My only previous experience was watching my brother play a MMORPG that had warriors and karate, watching heads fly off with blood. That was not a game for me. I actually lost track of time when I entered SL. I alleviated some of my stress. My focus was on adventure. I enjoyed visiting other places, making friendships, and the company of SL French Mentor Imagine John. Each individual can use SL for their own purpose whether to buy, sell, interact socially, learn new things, entertain themselves and others (even sexually!) and more. SL is a social network environment which, just as real life, each person has choices to make and places to experience. I believe that SL will not only entertain people, but also help businesses training employees, universities to educate students and even help those with disabilities to learn skills they can use in the real world.

As I completed my research, I discovered the most important thing about the SL world is that it is constantly changing and growing. I hope to see you in the SL.

For a list of free wallpaper and avatars click here to view, http://avatardom.net/avatars/Fantasies/ (Avatar, 2008)


Works Cited

Avatar. Wikipedia. Retrieved April 3, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_(virtual_reality) [external link] http://avatardom.net/avatars/Fantasies/

Tatton, Abbi. (2008, April 4) Autism in a virtual world. CNN. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/autism-in-a-virtual-world/3721463751?icid=acvsv2

Linden Lab. (2008). Retrieved April 2, 2008, from: http://lindenlab.com/

Manuel, Juana. (2007, September) Youtube. A brief introduction to Second Life. Retrieved April 5, 2008, from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6D9I36zsec&feature=related

My Virtual Life. (2006, May 6). Business Week. Retrieved April 2, 2008, from: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_18/b3982001.h.

Newitz, Analee. (2006, September 1). Your Second Life is Ready. Popular Science. Retrieved April 2, 2008, from: http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2006-09/your-second-life-ready?page=1

Rosedale, Phillip. (2007, April 6). Youtube. The Orgin of Second Life and its Relation to Real Life. Retrieved April 5, 2008, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t1XR-LrgyM

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 can be described as the next generation of the Internet as a social network. Web 1.0 has allowed users to get information by going directly to the source, such as, Microsoft.com for Windows issues and CNN.com for news. (Web 2.0 for Designers, 2008) However, as time changed and the number of users increased, more people started writing their own content in addition to reading information on the web. To keep up with the demands, Web 2.0 was created to provide a new set of tools to combine and remix micro content in new and useful ways.

Web 2.0 allows easy access and display of information such as blogs, pictures, and newsgroup for others to view. Users can share and publish content, communicate with others and select a specific group to communicate through a variety of online applications, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. In his article, O’Reilly provides clarification by listing the differences between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 and includes a map of the Web as a platform, to explain the concept of Web 2.0. Click here to view http://tinyurl.com/y3uhod

Some users may already have experience using some of these Web 2.0 web sites, such as Flickr, and are not aware of it. (What is Web 2.0?, 2008) According to MacManus and Porter from Digital Web Magazine, Flickr’s is one of the most intuitive and beloved interface available. They also mentioned that Del.icio.us offers personal and social functionality, and reaches far beyond its own site. Interfaces like these are changing the way we store, access and share information. (Web 2.0 Designers)

The following sources that were helpful to me to clarify Web 2.0 were O’Reilly’s article, What is Web 2.0? http://tinyurl.com/y3uhod, and the YouTube videos at the Web site “Web 2.0 for dummies” http://tinyurl.com/3y5u7p

Of all the web tools that were provided for the week 7 assignment that I explored, there were several I enjoyed, such as Flickr, many eyes and YouTube. I decided to use Flickr, which is now one of my favorite ways to use the web to share my photos with others. I captured several moments with my pugs, Ozzie and Chico. Flickr was easy to download and it was simple to learn how to upload my photos, so I could share with others. If you need a good laugh, click here http://tinyurl.com/2jr5jv to see what Ozzie and Chico are up to.


Works Cited

O’Reilly, T. September 30, 2005. What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html

“Web 2.0 for dummies” Retrieved February 29, 2008 from http://codeclimber.net.nz/archive/2007/04/02/Web-2.0-for-dummies.aspx

MacManus, R. and Porter, J. May 4, 2005. Digital Web Magazine: Web 2.0 for Designers. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from http://www.digital-web.com/articles/web_2_for _designers/

USENET’s Benefits and Downsides

According to Livinginternet.com, “Usenet newsgroups are thousands of virtual bulletin boards on a wide range of different subjects available around the world.” (The Usenet Newsgroups, 2008) Anyone who has access to the Internet can post messages on the Usenet, and communicate with many people from around the world. “Usenet offers people around the world a vast wealth of free resources. It is a place where everyone can offer their experience and knowledge to others and benefit from others.” (USENET Services, 2008)

After completing my assignment for week 6, I realized some benefits and downsides from using the Usenet. For example, I joined a Misc.fitness.weights group on the Usenet and enjoyed the discussion. I received many responses from other users, with helpful tips that were beneficial and reliable after verifying with other sources. To see the group discussion that resulted from my questions, please click the link
http://tinyurl.com/yugqcz

I learned that Usenet is a place where people can communicate and exchange their ideas with no cost. We can search for answers to our questions on many topics, such as fashion, food, health, news, etc. However, it was discomforting to think about some of the possible downsides of using the Usenet. For example, some of the advice given on the Usenet may be incorrect and should be reviewed critically before accepting. (Why you should not ask for E-mail responses on Usenet, 2008). A good rule of thumb would be consulting reliable sources of information. Fortunately, since the responses are public, others can comment on the postings.

I also noticed other group’s discussions on the Usenet that were outdated and some included postings from users who did not use netiquette guidelines when expressing their point of view. For example, someone in the group was using foul language to defend his position as to why Barack Obama was a better candidate for President than Hillary Clinton. In my opinion, Usenet users should follow netiquette when posting messages.

According to lycos.com, “Usenet is like the Internet-at-large; there is no single governing body or owner with absolute control, but there are recognized systems and groups who keep the whole thing almost organized.” (Usenet: Usenet Newsgroups, 2008) We can actually benefit from other people’s comment to someone’s answers. In addition, answers that are posted to the group can be criticized by others and discussed there.

I also learned that there is a difference between the Usenet and the Well. The Well is meant by its sponsor to be a special place online that offers literate information for some articulate and unpretentious thinkers and membership is not for everyone, partly because this group is non-anonymous. (The Well, 2008) As a member, you know the names of people who are talking to and they know you as opposed to most Usenet groups, where you can shield your identity. (The Well, 2008) Another difference is that to become a member of the Well you must pay a fee. (The Well, 2008) People who participate in The Well includes, noted authors, journalists, activists and other creative people who exchange information with one another in wide-ranging conversations. (The Well, 2008)

If I have time in the summer, I may explore the Usenet instead of The Well since there is no fee for the service. I see potential in discussions with others in the groups of their experiences and thoughts on health, fitness, fashion, movies and recipes. I would not use The Well since there is a fee and because I rather remain anonymous. For now, since I am limited on time, due to work and school, I prefer to rely on dependable sources at no cost and quickly accessible for my research.

Remember, the Usenet is a great place where everyone can offer their experience and knowledge to others and benefit from others; however, it is important to remember that just like other sources on the Internet, not all information is trustworthy and should be treated with caution. One must remember to confirm their information received on the Usenet with reliable sources. For more information on Usenet services visit http://www.usenetservices.com

Works Cited:

Usenet Services. Retrieved, February 22, 2008 from http://www.usenetservices.com

Usenet: Usenet Newsgroups. Retrieved, February 22, 2008 from http://www.lycos.com/info/usenet--usenet-newsgroup.html

The Usenet Newsgroups. Retrieved, February 22, 2008 from http://www.livinginternet.com/u/u.htm

Why you shouldn’t ask for E-mail responses on Usenet. Retrieved, February 22, 2008 from http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/usenet/mail-responses.html

The Well. Retrieved, February 17, 2008 from http://www.well.com/

Choose the Best Cookies

We have choices and options when it comes to selecting the best cookies. You probably have a favorite place to purchase cookies or a recipe. Perhaps, one of your favorite cookies may be chocolate chip, peanut butter, macadamia, oatmeal, chocolate fudge or other cookies. Selecting the best cookies allows you to enjoy the cookies.

In a sense, the same concept applies when selecting the best cookies while on the web to allow your experience to be enjoyable. Cookies can be both useful and annoying for the Internet user. The purpose of cookies is to acquire information for use in later communications between a user and a website, without asking for the same information. According to Park and Sandhu from Georgia University, “Web servers and browsers typically use cookies to capture information for subsequent communications, which provides continuity and state across HTTP connections.” (Park, J., & Sandhu, R., 2000) This means each time you visit websites, tidbits of information are stored on your computer. Some of this information you may not want your computer to store, like a password or user IDs.

Other cookies track your motions through a website, how much time you spend there, what links you click on, and other details usually for marketing purposes. (Park, J., & Sandhu, R., 2000) Cookies contain text character strings encoding relevant information about the user.

It is important to be aware of your options when dealing with cookies to protect your privacy online. The three types of security services offered by secure cookies are authentication, integrity and confidentiality. For example, authentication verifies the cookies’ owner, integrity protects against unauthorized modification of cookies and confidentiality protects against the cookies’ values being revealed to an unauthorized entity. (Park, J., & Sandhu, R., 2000)

The following video clip is a good example of what may happen if cookies are not secure. Please click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYCpiZKY30E

The Internet user can determine the extent of their cookie use. For instance, Internet Explorer allows the user to selectively enable or disable cookies on a site-by-site basis. It even allows cookies for a site generally, but deletes a specific cookie you are suspicious and do not trust. (McCandlish, S., 2002) You can also delete all of the cookies you acquire while browsing, along with any passwords you may have typed, and your browsing history.

Visit http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm or http://www.eff.org/promo/protectbook.html for tips and more information on safeguarding your privacy online. (Privacy on Cyberspace, 2008) By protecting your online privacy by securing cookies while on the web, may allow your experience to be enjoyable.

References

McCandlish, S. (2002). EFF’s top 12 ways to protect your online privacy. Version, 2, 29-12.

Park, J., & Sandhu, R. (2000). Secure cookies on the web. Internet Computing, IEEE, 4(4), 36-44.

Privacy in Cyberspace. Retrieved February 6, 2008 from http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs18-cyb.htm

Got Cookies? You Tube. Retrieved February 6, 2008 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYCpiZKY30E

A Reflection on Netiquette

What is Netiquette? The Study Guides and Strategies website describes, Netiquette as E-guides on social interaction and communicating electronically. (Study Guides and Strategies, 2008) As early as 1988, the term Netiquette has been in use. (Netiquette, 2008) According to Sutton, who is cited in the Wikipedia Netiquette article, Netiquette is simply classic rules of common etiquette, as taught, for example, by Miss Manners. (Netiquette, 2008) Sutton observed that the comparison between the 1922 etiquette rule by Post and a 1994 Netiquette rule by Virginia Shea, showed that while the words might have changed; the goal of the advice (“Know something before you speak.”) remains the same. (Netiquette, 2008) It is important to have guidelines for all types of electronic forums, such as, live chat, Internet forums and mail lists. The guidelines provide information on how to use appropriate language, behave and socially interact appropriately with others on electronic forums. Although it can be a challenge, communicating clearly on the internet without being misunderstood is possible.

For example, when we interact with someone face to face, we have the opportunity to provide facial expressions or body language to convey our message. However, when using an electronic forum, such as blogs, newsgroups, forums, websites and even a public chat session, information you post is now public. (Master the Basics: Netiquette, 2008) Your messages may be misunderstood if they are not developed to convey what we want them to say or mean. (Study Guides and Strategies, 2008) Also, consider the practice of adding emoticons also known as smileys, created from the characters on your keyboard. These few characters can add personality and humor to your messages. Below are a few of the popular standardized emoticons.


(Mastering the Basics: Netiquette, 2008)

By mastering the basics of Netiquette guidelines, we can communicate clearly electronically, use appropriate language, socially interact with others respectably and safely while making a good impression. Safety is a very important consideration to remember when posting on an electronic forum on the Internet. When information is posted online, even something common as posting pictures on sites such as, MySpace or FaceBook, it becomes available in the public domain and can be seen by anyone in the world, including friends, family, future employers and even criminals. (Study Guides and Strategies, 2008) Here is a clip that serves as a good example of why it is important to be careful on what we post on an electronic forum. Please click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r_hDpsVjkM to play clip. (Mastering the Basics: Netiquette, 2008)

In addition, the following is a list of some of the Netiquette guidelines from the Study Guides and Strategies website, to consider and that may be helpful the next time we think about posting information on an electronic forum.

• Be selective on what information is posted.
• Use appropriate Language and do not use all capital letters, it is equal to screaming or yelling.
• Do not respond to “flames” or personal attacks.
• Be brief with messages, people may be more inclined to read it.
• Make a good impression, a message or content represents the individual
• Cite others’ work that is used
• Do not send SPAM to others, it is electronic junk mail.
• Do not forward chain letters-delete them. (Study Guides and Strategies, 2008)

For a complete detailed list of Netiquette guidelines, please click on the links below:
www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette
(Study Guides and Strategies, 2008) (Netiquette, 2008)

Next time, when visiting an electronic forum, remember to have good manners. Follow the Netiquette guidelines and consider what is appropriate for you to post, keeping in mind that it will now be available in the public domain and can be seen by anyone in the world, even criminals.

Works Cited:
Study Guides and Strategies. Netiquette E-guides on Social Interaction and Communicating Electronically. Retrieved, January 31, 2008 from http://www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm

(No author annotated.) Netiquette. Retrieved January 29, 2008 from http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette

(No author annotated.) Master the Basics: Netiquette. Retrieved January 30, 2008 from http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm