United States

Open Marriages Online

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The internet has been an important part of leveling society’s perception of minority groups. Online communication has made people more apt to seek out like minded people and allowed previously closeted groups to meet and express themselves.

This is perhaps best expressed in the growth of legal recognition for homosexuals. Although gains had been made prior to the advent of the internet, the free and open communication provided online provided gay communities with the opportunity to meet and press their issues. Gay marriage and open acceptance of homosexuals in the military appear as political possibilities. While the social progress made by gays seems to be part of the influence of the internet on society, it is hardly the only group that now has a voice.

The internet seems to have established a new sexual revolution that challenges long standing societal norms. While the majority of adults in the United States still chose to get married prominent websites have challenged the notion of monogamous unions. Sites like craigslist.com have provided people with the means to discretely meet others for flings. One website famously promotes the notion that a healthy marriage does not have to include staying faithful to a spouse. The website Ashley Madison uses the tagline, “life is short, have an affair.”

After the rescue of the Chilean miners from a collapsed mind the media witnessed a reunion between a miner and his mistress. Ashley Madison took the occasion to offer the miner a $100,000 reward to act as a spokesman for the site. While this behavior seems taboo now, websites like Ashley Madison are spreading the message that affairs are not a question of morality but a manner of personal preference. While open marriages might never become the majority, the internet has provided both the means for people to find new sexual partners and examples that justify the behavior as normal.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Ashley Madison, Chile, Gay Lesbian and Bisexual, Homosexuality, Marriage, Relationships, Tiger Woods, United States

Sisyphus Has a Blackberry

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French philosopher and writer Albert Camus compared the human existence to the fate of Sisyphus. In Greek mythology Sisyphus had the thankless task of pushing a rock up a hill only to see it slip down again one he had pushed to rock to its apex. Sisyphus would then have to start again pushing the rock back up the hill.

The 40-hour work week might feel that way for many people as the rock are bills that always need to be paid but never seem to shrink. Complicating the problem and perhaps causing the sentence of modern day Sisyphus workers to become even more miserable has been the growing trend of being available at all hours via Blackberries.

Workers in modern economies do not just have to worry about their 8 to 5 shifts in the office but also the inevitable crashes of websites or other components of 24-hour a day commerce. While the prospect of working from home seems appealing in concept, the practice often requires that a person remained chained to their laptops and cell phones to respond to whatever perceived fire has to be put out.

Automation and electronics were created to improve make life easier for people. The telegraph allowed information that could take weeks or even months to travel across nations or oceans to arrive in minutes. Now people in industrialized nations have personal telegraph machines that can transmit messages in seconds. While the method of sending information has been simplified the unintended consequence is that people have been turned into slaves to their machines. Work used to end when the sun went down, but the sun never goes down on the global economy. When the American stock market is closed, markets in Europe or Asia are moving. Modern workers might not have to push boulders uphill, but sending off messages on Blackberries seems to be a different form of the same thankless fate.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Albert Camus, Arts, Asia, French philosophy, Greek mythology, Literature, Sisyphus, United States

Tall Tales Persist Despite Internet

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Urban legends have been part of the culture of every society. In ancient civilizations legend often became fact and part of the religion or political structure of a society. In ancient societies scientists did not have the means to answer question about the dynamics of the earth and the universe. So the people made up stories to explain the phenomena that could not be understood.

In ancient Greece the gods took on human forms. Lightening could not be understood so Zeus was created as a humanized embodiment of the natural wonder. The urban legends became such an important part of societies that it took generations for people to change their minds. The gods of ancient Greece took Roman form after the decline of the Greek city states.

Legends continue into modern times even though the means to discover the truth now exist. Silly urban legends are easy to dismiss. Ghost stories of tales of monsters such as the “Jersey Devil” can easily be checked on websites such as Snopes.com. One of the most popular legends in modern times is of a guest at a hotel bar who wakes up in a bath tub filled with ice. Something is written on a mirror to tell him to call 911 because his kidneys have been taken by a ring that traffics in human organs. This legend has continued to fester even though Snopes and other websites have debunked it as just a story.

Some urban legends continued to spread because of the internet such as the lie that President Barrack Obama is a Muslim. Chain e-mails continue to spread rumors of this even though there is no evidence to back it up. Legends seem to be part of the fabric of nations. Urban legends continue to surround the founding fathers of the United States, such as George Washington’s truth telling. Even with the means to disprove tall tales a portion of the population holds onto fables.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Barack Obama, Folklore, George Washington, Literature, Snopes.com, United States, Urban legend, Zeus

Computing Power the Ultimate Game Changer

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Inspiration or perspiration? According to inventor Thomas Edison the latter was far more important than the former. While Edison might have had a tremendous work ethic much of the perspiration the expired to create inventions such as the phonograph was sweated through teams of thankless engineers. The engineers in Edison’s labs were poorly paid wage slaves who spent hours testing out theories that would lead to modern electricity and musical recording devices.

The calculations in the days of Edison were done on pencil and paper or using ancient methods for calculation. The task was slow and required countless hours of detail work. The names of many of the engineers employed by Edison have been forgotten by history, but their innovations remain starting points for science to push human progress forward. If electricity begat innovations such as computers then Edison’s engineers can take credit for helping to create their replacements.

The personal computer might provide users with entertainment and improvements on previous devices such as the typewriter, but the true power of the computer occurs in the laboratory. Computers have provided scientists with the means of putting perspiration on the machines. Rather than take hundreds of cracks at a problem through repeating experiments, modern engineers have the ability to create a program and let the computer hammer out the complex calculations. Computers can reduce the amount of time of experiments exponentially. Consider the ability of the average person versus the speed and effectiveness of a common calculator.

While the personal computer might have alter the manner in which people communicate the calculating power of super computers will prove to be create the greatest amount of societal change. The ability to create limitless tests and calculations for problems means that science will advance at rate that are previously unheard of throughout human history. The personal computer might change the world, but the calculations of supercomputers already have.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Biography, Engineering and Technology, History, Incandescent light bulb, Thomas Alva Edison, Thomas Edison, United States, West Orange New Jersey

Education Opportunities with Computer Networking

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Educational opportunities with computer networking are waiting for anyone who is computer savvy and has a desire to further their knowledge in computer networking. This area of computer network technology is making its way into the homes of many self-employed individuals.

Online colleges and universities are offering computer networking courses at an economical reasonable price. People can access the internet, set up their own networking system and manage a small at-home business using the knowledge they acquire from the educational opportunities that are available online. Students learn a variety of techniques that can help them in their career choice. They learn how to install wiring, and how to configure routers and switches. They also gain a better understanding of how to maintain and diagnose networking problems. There are several types of obtainable educational certifications.

Many students who want to be job-ready in one year or less go on to earn a certificate in computer networking. This certification covers all the basic instruction, training, and information a student needs to start work almost immediately after graduation. Many individuals who are already working in this area of technology pursue this certification for job advancements or self-gratification. Many students go on to acquire an associate’s degree in computer information technology, computer science, or computer engineering. Having one or more of these professional certifications opens the door for qualified students to compete in the field. This competition includes finding a job, obtaining clients and more.

Some students can pursue a job as a computer-networking specialist, using only a high school diploma. Many companies are requiring at least a bachelorâ€™s degree in any related computer technology field, even for some entry-level jobs. Even after graduation, specialists are still required to pursue continuing education classes. This is due to the rapid and evolving field of computer technology, and other related fields.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Associate's degree, Business, Colleges and Universities, Computer network, Distance education, Education, Information technology, United States

School’s On…Line

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While an increasing amount of people are pursuing degrees from college and universities, a growing number of them are doing so from home, with online classes offered by many schools. Online degrees are sought after for several reasons. One, they are cheaper than attending a university and actually going to class (think of professors’ salaries, housing costs, classroom/building maintenance costs that the student contributes to) and two, you can go to to class at two in the morning if you want. For folks who live busy lives, online classes are a godsend, where they can gain knowledge and earn credits on their time, instead of a university’s schedule. This allows them to keep their daytime job, look after their children, or attend another school at the same time. Many college-age kids supplement their day-time credits by taking additional credits online so they can finish school earlier.

With the improved technological capabilities of computers, accessing class information off a university’s network is a cinch, and a student can do their reading assignments, submit homework, and even take quizzes and tests over the Internet. Research and supplemental information, or research is right there online as well. Professors can share links from the assignment page, so a student can look it up right away instead of having to wait until later after class. Even Wal-Mart is getting into online schooling, and is offering work-related credits for their employees to take through a partner university.

There’s less communication between student and professor online, however,so online students need to be prepared to absorb 99% of their curriculum by reading. Also, it’s important to remember the deadline for the class. Universities give a lot of lee-way for online students, usually a year, but the due-date for class completion can creep up unsuspected sometimes.

The best part of school done over the Internet is the freedom that it offers a student. Personal motivation comes into play in a big way and the student can barrel though a class in three weeks if they want, or work on it a bit every day after work. The choice is up to them.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Colleges and Universities, Curriculum, Education, Professor, Research, Student, United States, Wal-Mart

The Sprint Coverage Map and Spidery Tendrils

The spidery tendrils of a network extend a very great distance. While the Sprint coverage map may only cover 99 percent of the continental United States, there are some networks in this world that make such a degree of coverage look like a joke. The idea that you could ever go “off the grid” is getting to be more and more ridiculous by the day. While you used to be able to get a little bit of peace and quiet if you just went a little ways off the beaten path, the world is getting to be a smaller and smaller place.

Technology connects people, and people connect technology. The modern consumer is not satisfied with having a bunch of disparate devices that each exist in their own little sphere of influence. Nowadays, you have a home video game system, a portable music player, a portable video game system, a desktop pc, a laptop and a watch that can all talk to each other. Half of them can also talk to your car, come to think of it. So it that whole “robot uprising” thing ever actually happens, no one can ever tell you that you couldn’t have seen it coming; you might be surrounded this very second by a cyber conspiracy force… and they have you lulled into feeling secure.

How many electronic items in your home do not talk to each other? How long do you really think it is going to be before your washer and dryer have a veritable sitcom going on with your heating system, your stove and your fridge? While a good comedy writer could certainly produce a good deal of interesting dialogue on that line, it is almost scary how well linked up everything is these days. We just need to make sure that the human connection stays stronger than everything else.

Filed Under: Internet, Networking Tagged With: Coverage map, United States, Video game

Running a Small Business on the Internet

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Today, almost anyone can run a business from his or her home through the power of the Internet. Whether they’re selling a good or a service, it’s possible to sell to people all across the country and the world. The ability to go global has helped small businesses stay afloat in an uncertain economy, and it’s allowed people who were laid off from their standard jobs to start their own businesses and do something to help support their families. With that in mind, make sure that you know what you’re doing when you start up a business on the Internet. How you’ll get paid, how you’ll ship everything if there are goods involved, what kind of guarantee you’ll offer, and how much you’ll charge are all considerations.

There are other issues to face, too, depending on what you’re selling and what kinds of requirements your state, county, and town have for operating a business in their jurisdiction. Even a business that’s strictly over the Internet generally has to be regulated to some degree – and you’ll need to pay taxes on all of your earnings, so keep careful track of how much you make and what you’re spending for your business. You’ll be able to take what you spent as a deduction, and you may also be able to deduct part of your household expenses. Using a good tax-preparation software or talking to an accountant is generally a good idea.

Do some research on how to save money when starting your business. Think about using free open source software like FileZilla and Open Office. If you’ve never operated your own business, you’ll want to learn all you can about it before you just jump right in. That’s not always a good idea and could lead you to have trouble that you could have otherwise avoided. It’s normal to be anxious when getting started and wanting to make some money, but poor choices in the beginning might lead you to see a lot lower profits than you would have if you took your time. Read about what you want to do. Check out your competition. Come up with pros and cons, as well as costs and benefits. Be prepared, and you’ll be more likely to be successful.

Filed Under: Business, Internet Tagged With: Accounting, Business, Business and Economy, Entrepreneur, Marketing, Small business, Tax, United States

Computers For Educational Attainment

Schooling is very important. Because of the changes to the economy in recent years, a lot more people have gone back to school so they could try to re-enter the workforce in a better position when the economy improved. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably found that you need a computer. It’s good for two things: taking classes online so you can be home with your family, and doing your homework to send or print out, so you’ll have it ready for the next class session. It would be difficult, today, to get a college education without a computer – and it’s essential for people who want to take classes online. They can go to the library and use the computer, but that defeats the purpose of taking online classes so they can stay home with children or other family members.

No matter what type of schooling you’re interested in, it’s important that you look into getting a computer. Decent, basic computers, both desktop and laptop models, can be purchased for three-hundred to five-hundred dollars now. If you buy a used one, you could pay even less than that. That puts computers into the realm of affordability for most people who want to go back to school today, and there are grants and loans available to help them get on the right path without worrying about making payments. Grants don’t have to be paid back, and loans usually have no payment due until six months after graduation. Paying ahead of time helps save interest charges, but it’s not required.

When you take classes online, you can get a diploma or degree in about the same time period as traditional classroom learning, but you won’t have the commute, the traffic, the expenses of gasoline and food, and other issues to deal with. It can make it much more convenient for people who need to be home with small children, people who are disabled, or those who don’t have a lot of money or a good vehicle to drive. Choose a good computer and school, and you’re on your way.

Filed Under: Computers Tagged With: Education, Higher education, United States

Real Life CSI

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Popular television shows depict crime scene forensic workers as miraculous heroes who are able to turn a single hair discovered at a crime scene into a conviction. While fictional characters on CSI seem to turn over cases in a manner of hours real crime scene work might require years of work and a little bit of luck before closing a case.

In Chicago justice for Marlaina "Niki" Reed did not occur until her dentist recognized a forensic computer generated image of her face. Reed had a tragic life. She was abandoned by her family and had become a ward of the state of Illinois. She was originally from the downstate town of Danville, which has been of the most economically depressed communities in the United States. Danville has made the news for its free falling home prices, and its surprisingly high crime rate for a city of its size.

Reed is another tale out tragedy out of Danville. Her body was discovered stuffed in a Casio keyboard box wrapped on the Northwest Side of Chicago’s Humbolt Park neighborhood in January 2007. It took awhile for police to identify the body as Reed’s, but once she was identified the case easily fell into place. Reed had met her killer, 46-year old William McIntosh in 2006. In December of 2006 McIntosh opened a DirectTv account using Reed’s Social Security number. Several days after police discovered Reed’s body McIntosh pawned a Casio keyboard, which was the same brand as the box her body was wrapped in.

The key pieces of evidence were discovered on the victim’s body. The name Evelyn was written in black marker on her leg. Evelyn was the name of McIntosh’s mother. While all of these details added up to a strong circumstantial case, the key piece of evidence was DNA discovered on denim used to bind Reed’s legs. The DNA matched McIntosh. The case took years to solve but science and computers caught a killer. Thanks to the technology like direct tv that help greatly in the investigations.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Networking Tagged With: Crime scene, CSI, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, DNA, Forensic science, Science in Society, United States, William McIntosh