Web & Mobile Applications and Information Technology Fundamentals

Introduction

For the last five weeks I have been enrolled in the course TEC101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy at the University of Arizona Global Campus. My knowledge of information technology has expanded greatly since starting the course. Throughout the last five weeks I have learned about several topics including the programming languages, database management, and network management and security. This blog post will reflect on how the things that I have learned in the last five weeks connect to the tech topic that I chose during week three, which was web/mobile applications. The basic fundamental concepts learned over the last five weeks are computer operations, hardware components and functions, programming languages, application software, database management, network architecture, and network management and security.

Web Application

Any software that is hosted on a web server is considered a web application. “It is accessible through a web browser and can be used by anyone with an internet connection (Team. A, 2022).” Web applications are typically used for social networking, shopping online, and web-based production tools such as, email. The main advantages of a web applications are that they can be used anywhere as long as the user has a connection to the internet, and they can be accessed by anyone that has access to a web browser.

Mobile Application

A mobile application is a computer program that is intended to run on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. “Mobile apps are typically designed with a specific purpose or function in mind, such as allowing users to book a hotel room, track a fitness goal, or play a mobile game (Team. A, 2022).” The main advantages of mobile applications are that they give the business behind the app more control over how the user experiences the application, and the application can be used without internet connection.

Web & Mobile Apps - Computer History

“A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data (GCFGlobal, 2021).” For centuries humans have used devices to manipulate information or data but experiments and development of what would evolve into the modern-day computer did not begin until the 1930s. Since than the rate at which computers have advanced has been steady and significant. As computers allowed user to do more applications begin to develop to make using and processing information easier. The most well-known first applications were developed in the late 1970s and they were VisiCalc and Applewriter. Visicalc was used for spreadsheets and Applewriter was used for word processing. Since the development of those applications the development of apps has only grown as computer technology has grown. Today apps are not only used to make using and processing information easier, but they are also used for gaming, shopping, fitness, etc.

Web & Mobile Apps – Hardware Components – Computer Systems

A computer system “is a collection of entities (hardware, software, and liveware) that are designed to receive, process, manage, and present information in a meaningful format (The Computer System).” The computer system is important to the development of web and mobile applications because it will determine how the application stores, processes, and puts out data. Understanding the computer system on which an application will run is critical. The developer of the application must also ensure that the app is compatible with the majority of computer systems.

Computer hardware includes external and internal components. The external components, or input devices, include items like the scanner, mouse, and keyboard. The internal components include items like the hard drive, motherboard, and RAM. When developing any application, the designer has to take into account how the user will use it. If it is a web application the designer must consider things like where it will be stored on the computer, will it be able to run properly if the computer does not have a certain amount of RAM, and if it will be used via keyboard functions, a mouse, or both. If it is a mobile application the same things must be considered except for the keyboard and mouse functions. Storage and capacity to run are important but, when it comes to mobile devices the developer must consider how if the app will be used on a touch screen or an older model phone without a touch screen, or if it is compatible with Bluetooth pens or listening devices.  

In order to build any application, the user should understand how a computer operates and have a understanding of the hardware. Understanding how a computer operates allows the user to use the device effectively, and understanding the hardware allows the user understand how fast the computer can run and if it has the capacity to build/design the intended application.

Web & Mobile Apps – Programming Language

The three types of programming language are machine, assembly, and high-level. Machine language only uses ones and zeros to program software. Assembly language uses letters and numbers to program software. Machine and assembly languages are machine languages. This means that they are dependent on the type of machine it is running on. High-level language uses compiled and interpreted language. A compiled language is a source code that is converted to machine language so that a processor can execute it. “An interpreted language is a language in which the implementations execute instructions directly without earlier compiling a program into machine language (Admin, 2022).” This makes high-level language independent of the type of machine it is running on.

When it comes to programming language the connection is very simple. If the user does not have a basic understanding of programming language, they will not be able to determine how to write the code for the application, or which programming language will work best for their design. The developer must determine which language will be best for the application. Today, high-level language is used more often than machine and assembly languages.

Web & Mobile Apps – Application Software

Application software is simply a computer program designed to do a certain task outside of a computer’s operation. The main purpose of application software is to assist the user with certain tasks. Examples of application software include Microsoft Excel, Firefox Web Browser, and Candy Crush. Without an understanding of application software an application cannot be built, and if it is built it may not function as intended. The developer must understand the task they would like for the application to asset the user with.

Web & Mobile Application – Database Management

Database is defined as “a collection of data organized to enable efficient information retrieval (Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Wheatland, N.,2019).” Database management refers to the manipulation and control of data by a business or entity. It allows the business or entity to create, delete, update, and read the information on the database. An understanding of data base management allows the designer of the app to understand how the application will be stored, retrieved, and run.

Web & Mobile Applications – Network Architecture

Network architecture is the network’s rational and operational layout. It is how network devices are connected, and the rules of the transference of data between networks. Network architecture is not the same as network design. Network design focuses more on how the application looks and appeals to users. Network architecture focuses more on the fundamental concepts that underlie the operation and design of the actual network. Understanding network architecture allows developers of apps to determine how the app will connect to the network and if it is following all of the transference rules.

Web & Mobile Applications – Network Management & Security

Network Management “is the process of administering, managing, and operating a data network, using a network management system (Cisco, 2023).” Network security is “the protection of the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft (Cisco, 2023).” Network management and security are very important to the development and use of an application. Without network management the developers of the application would not be able to maintain the app. Without network security applications would be susceptible to viruses, malware, and ransomware. Security also keeps attackers from using coed to exploit or gather data from the user.

Conclusion

The fundamental concepts of information technology tie closely to web and mobile applications. Without the fundamental concepts of information technology applications would not be able to be developed, run as intended, and they would be susceptible to hackers. This course has furthered my knowledge on the fundamental concepts, and how I can use those concepts to further my goal of bringing information on how to protect children from the things on networks to their parents and loved ones.

 

References

Admin. (2022, November 9). Difference between compiled and interpreted language. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/gate/difference-between-compiled-and-interpreted-language/#:~:text=A%20compiled%20language%20is%20converted,a%20program%20into%20machine%20language.&text=The%20compiled%20programs%20run%20faster%20than%20interpreted%20programs.

Cisco. (2023, September 11). What is network management?. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/what-is-network-management.html

Computer Applications. INC.com. (2021, January 5). https://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/computer-applications.html

The computer system. Peda.net. (n.d.). https://peda.net/kenya/ass/subjects2/computer-studies/form-1/the-computer-system#:~:text=A%20computer%20system%20is%20a,Storage%2C%20Output%20and%20Communication%20devices.

GCFGlobal Learning. (2021). Computer basics: What is a computer?. GCFGlobal.org. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/what-is-a-computer/1/

Team, A. (2022, August 3). What are the differences between web apps and mobile apps?. Altcademy Blog. https://www.altcademy.com/blog/what-are-the-differences-between-mobile-apps-and-web-apps/

Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Wheatland, N. (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy. Zyante Inc (zyBooks.com).

Web applications. webapps. (n.d.). https://cs.lmu.edu/~ray/notes/webapps/

Computers in the Workplace

Computers and computer systems have grown at a rapid pace over the last few years. They have increased in speed, graphic abilities, and the transference of data. Basic knowledge on how to use computers has become very valuable in the workplace because most work places use a computer in someway to conduct business. Things like book keeping, employee schedules, drafting and design, and diagnostics of systems, like HVAC, are all diagnosed by computers. A basic understanding of how computers function and how to use them is important in today's world. 

As an example of how important they are I will discuss the architecture industry. Architecture is the art or science of designing and developing construction documents for things like buildings, landscapes, and furniture, just to name a few. For this discussion I will be focusing on built architecture. Architecture has evolved from drawing by hand. Today software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Rhino are used to help architects designed. If the architect is an architect of record, they not only use the software to design but to also develop construction documents. I have zero experience in the architecture field but my wife is an architect and she talks about it all of the time. Without software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam it would take 4 times longer to develop documents for design and/or construction.

AutoCAD, Rhino, and Revit have all been described to me as software that aids in design. They require the user to understand how to input commands to get the outcome that they desire. They also have several plugins and codes must be used. For example, on my wife’s home computer she uses Rhino, and it has a plugin called Grasshopper 3D. That software was described to me as a parametric modeling tool. Basically, it helps her to create crazy shapes and designs which I find super cool. I don’t know how her mind comes up with some of that stuff. She opens the software and creates a code and then she maps it, I think, to her model or the shape that she wants and it becomes a cool sculpture or building.

Conclusion

Without a basic understand on computers and how they work I don’t think a person pursuing a career in architecture would make it. The field depends heavily on different types of software to develop not only buildings but also furniture, consult with mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineers, and design things like light fixtures. I think that computers will only evolve to become faster, have better graphic cards, and increase storage. They will be able to move a speeds unheard of today.

References

https://www.cardinus.com/us/insights/ergonomics/managing-workplace-ergonomics-how-to-make-it-easy/

Ping & Trace

Ping

A ping is a tool for that internet that lets a user test and verify if the targeted IP address is accessible. It also accepts request in the network administration. 

Traceroute

A traceroute is a tool for the internet that traces packets from the computer that it is sent from to the host/IP address. A packet is a large amount of data that is broken down into smaller quantities in order for the information to reach its destination. When it reaches its destination, the smaller packets are reassembled. When a trace route is done it will provide the number of hops, or transfers through different routers, taken for the packet to reach its destination. 

How to Use Ping & Traceroute Command Using Windows System

1. Locate the start menu. Once located right click and select run.
2. When the screen appears type the command cmd into textbox.
3. Click ok.
4. When the command prompt appears type ping.
5. Hit the spacebar once and then type in the name of the website (IP Address) you would like to run.
6. Press enter.

To run a traceroute the steps are all the same until step four is reach. When running a traceroute instead of typing the command ping, the command tracert is used instead. 

How to Use Ping & Traceroute Command Using MAC System

1. Locate the applications folder.
2. Select utilities.
3. Select network utilities.
4. Select ping.
5. Type the name of the website (IP Address).
6. Press enter.

To run a traceroute the steps are all the same until step four is reach. Once step four is reach instead of selecting ping, traceroute is selected. 

Ping & Traceroute Activity

The first site that was pinged was icloud. I typed in the website address/domain. The first thing that showed up once the ping begin was the websites IP Address. The ping sent four packets and each packet consisted of 32 bytes of data. The ending result was four packets were received and no packets were lost. This means that the ping was successful. The average time for the packet to leave its location and reach its destination was 35 milliseconds. A traceroute was done for the same site and again the first thing that appears when the traceroute begins is the IP Address. There was a max of 30 hops. There were 13 hops total, but the request timed out at hops 11 and 12. Although there was a timeout the trace was complete at hop 13.

 

The second site that was pinged was a website for London government. The web address used was www.london.gov.ukLinks to an external site.. Again, the websites IP Address came up first. The ping sent four packets and each packet consisted of 32 bytes of data. Four packets were received and no packets were lost. The average time for the packet to leave its location and reach its destination was 7 milliseconds. A traceroute was done for the same site and again the first thing that appears when the traceroute begins is the IP Address. There was a max of 30 hops. There were 11 hops total, but the request timed out at hops 6 and 7. Although there was a timeout the trace was complete at hop 11.

 

A traceroute was also done for google and again the first thing that appears when the traceroute begins is the IP Address. There was a max of 30 hops. There were 17 hops total and no timeouts. The traceroute was completed successfully.

Timeout

A ping command can timeout due to network problems or if the users network adapter settings are corrupt. A traceroute command can timeout due to network congestion or firewall issues.

Reflection

“The packets get routed to their destination by various networking devices such as routers and switches. When the packets arrive at their destination, the receiving device reassembles the packets in order and can then use or display the data (How the Internet Works)”.  Because of the way in which packets are sent from the source to the destination no one connection can control the network. Because a ping tests the reachability a device has on a network when a ping command is used a user is able to see if a host is reachable or not. A traceroute command literally traces the path taken by the pack to reach a destination. Because the user is able to see the path that the packet takes it can help the user determine connection issues.

Reference

How does the internet work?. Cloud Flare. (n.d.). https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/how-does-the-internet-work/

Word Processing-Excel-PowerPoint

 

This post will assess word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. The applications used were Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It will briefly compare the functions of each, explain the advantages and disadvantages, state which application is most appropriate for the journaling assignment and why, and describe scenarios where each application would be most useful.

I think that word processor, power point, and excel are all applications that allow a person to express the same idea in different ways. They all allow the user to express what the point they are trying to get across with words. The difference between them is that word processor mainly allows the user to express their point in words, power point allows the user to express their point with images and words as a presentation and excel allows the user to express their point with numbers, graphs, and charts.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Each program has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of Microsoft Word are that it is a very simple program and anyone with basic computer knowledge can use it. It automatically checks grammar and spelling for the user. The program also has auto save which will automatically save the users work. The main disadvantage of Word is the cost. To use Microsoft word a license for the software must be purchased or the user must have a subscription to Microsoft office. Although there are free word processing options out there Microsoft Word is the most preferred. The advantages of PowerPoint are it makes it very simple for the user to create presentations. It is set up in a way that allows for the easy addition and movement of images on slides. The user is also able to animate text and images. There are several templates that the user can choose from that will fit whatever presentation they are making, and if the user is unable to find a template that they like they can simply make their own. I think that one of the disadvantages of PowerPoint is that because it allows for so many things to be done it can take time for the user to find something that works visually. Meaning that the presentation isn’t cluttered with images and text and/or over animated. I think it also becomes time consuming determining which order the slides should flow in because there are so many visual elements. The advantage of Excel is that it is a great way to organize, calculate, and graph data points. It makes data points easy to visualize with charts and graphs. It also allows the user to use formulas which makes it simple to calculate large amounts of data. A disadvantage of excel is that if a user is not familiar with the software it can be complicated. It takes time to learn how to properly input formulas and the formulas, depending on what the user is doing. can be complicated. It also does not allow for the use of many visual aids outside of the charts and graphs. Images outside of the charts and graphs can be added but they are not easy to manipulate.

When it comes to making journal entries, I would recommend word processor. It allows for the user to simply express in words the events that occurred throughout their day. When talking about one’s day in a personal outlet like a journal most people that I know prefer to just write about the events that occurred and the feelings that they felt throughout the day. A presentation, in my opinion, would not be the best outlet because the user could get carried away with animations and images and not focus on the events or feelings of the day. A spreadsheet would not be the best outlet because it is more data driven. If the person was only looking to calculate how their time was spent throughout the day, then it would be the better option.

Best Scenarios

The best scenarios for using word processor would be documenting poems, book writing, typing up recipes, if the user is not concerned about images, and journaling. Basically, any scenario where the task that the user is trying to complete is more word heavy. The best scenario for using presentation is when the user is breaking down an idea and has several micro-topics to cover and want to incorporate images. For example, if the user wanted to pitch a new business idea to investors a presentation could be made that shows images of what they envision the business would be while still hitting on all the topics they want. The best scenarios for using a spreadsheet include calculating time, monthly bills, or saving funds for a certain event by a certain date.

In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages for each application. Each application provides benefits for specific use and reason. The applications are similar but also very different. It is up to the user to determine which application would be best for whatever they are doing.

 

References

Groenewald, S. (2022, December 14). 10 Undeniable Benefits of Microsoft 365. Micro Pro. https://micropro.com/blog/10-undeniable-benefits-of-microsoft-365/

Mahrra, L. (n.d.). The 7 Key Benefits of Using Office 365 for Business. Core Technology Systems. https://www.core.co.uk/blog/blog/the-7-undeniable-benefits-of-using-office-365-for-business

Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Wheatland, N. (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy. zyBook.

Shazam App Analysis

Shazam is an application that identifies music by using a music recognition algorithm. The British company Shazam Entertainment launched the app in 2002, although it was only released in the UK. In 2018 it was acquired by Apple Inc. Shazam can identify music by only hearing a short sample of whatever is being played into the microphone of any device in on which it is installed. As of 2023, Apple Inc. released data showing that the application had more than 300 million active users every month worldwide. Because users are able to hear a song that they enjoy and can find it easily using Shazam it has become extremely popular.

Usability

Because Shazam has minimal essential features and it’s interface is clean and organized it is very easy to navigate. Those features make the application very user friendly. “Shazam’s user flow is simple, intuitive, and effective, which makes it stand out from other music identification apps. (Tempesta)” The app’s goal is to minimize the cognitive load on the person using it which makes it easy for the user to locate exactly what they are hunting for.

Design

The design of the app is clean, simple, and bright. The layout of the application is also very clean and energizing. Although the colors are bright there is lots of empty space to make up for it. The illustrations used on the app fit seamlessly into the layout and add a lively touch to the general look and feel of the app.

Please disregard my screenshots concerning the design. They were taken on my phone and my phone was in night mood therefore all of the screenshots are dark.

Functionality

Shazam is a simple, user-friendly app and its main function is to identify music unknow to the user. There are only three other functions when it comes to the application. Those functions are findings new music that fits the user’s personal style, keeping a record of all Shazamed songs, and allowing the user to add music that has been found to the users personal Apple Music account or Spotify account. Remember the function of this app is solely to find music that is unfamiliar to the user therefore those three functions are truly all that it needs.

Areas for Improvement

Overall, in my opinion, Shazam is a great application and there are only a few things that I would change about it. I will only make two recommendations on how to improve the app. First, I would change that app to allow users without an Apple Music account or Spotify account to be able to save the music found to whatever music account they have. Although my second improvement for the app would be to allow for personalization of the background I have come to realize that that could in turn effect the app in a negative way. It could make the app not as clean and simple to use. For that reason I only have one improvement for the makers of Shazam

Conclusion

Overall Shazam is a very user friendly, well designed app. The way in which Shazam is able to easily find and recommend music based off of searches makes it a highly desirable application. Because it is very easy to use, well designed, and functions easily millions of people around the world turn to it whenever they want to know the name of a tune. In my opinion there is very little to improve upon and the overall user experience is awesome.

References

Dredge, S. (2023, December 6). Apple’s Shazam app now has more than 300m monthly active users. Music Ally. https://musically.com/2023/12/06/apples-shazam-app-now-has-more-than-300m-monthly-active-users/#:~:text=Apple%20has%20announced%20a%20significant,a%20figure%20for%20the%20app.

Jovanovic, J. (2015, February 2). How does Shazam work? music recognition algorithms, fingerprinting, and processing: Toptal®. Toptal Engineering Blog. https://www.toptal.com/algorithms/shazam-it-music-processing-fingerprinting-and-recognition#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20popular,song%20you%20are%20listening%20to.

Tempesta, M. (2023, April 30). Capturing the music around you: Understanding the user flow of Shazam. Medium. https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/capturing-the-music-around-you-understanding-the-user-flow-of-shazam-e13b9b9a9826

The simple-to-use Shazam app provides clean & colorful music identifications quickly and easily. DesignRush. (n.d.). https://www.designrush.com/best-designs/apps/the-simple-to-use-shazam-app-provides-clean-colorful-music-identifications-quickly-and-easily

Programming Language

 

This post will explain the different types of programming language. There are three types of programming language. Machine, assembly, and high-level language. The terms will be defined, and examples will be given for when they should be used. It will also provide information about how my interaction with the website scratch was.

Scratch.com

At first it was slightly overwhelming because I had never used it before and I have a lot of preconceived idea in my head about coding and how complicated it is. After watching the tutorials and playing around with it for a bit though I was no longer overwhelmed and able to enjoy it more. I did not really have any difficulties with Scratch. Once I watched the tutorials it was ok. After watching the tutorials there were no difficulties to overcome. I have come to learn that programming is not as hard, and doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. It can start out simple so that I am able to understand the process more and then grow into something more complex. For me it was much easier to figure out and use Scratch. Python is a little to complex for me right now.

Programming Language

There are three types of programming language. They are machine language, assembly language, and high-level language. Machine Language only uses the numbers 1 and 0. The ones and zeros are combined to provide instructions. Assembly Language uses text that humans can understand that represent the zeros and ones of machine language. High-Level Language lets the computer programmer develop any program that is independent of the kind of machine it is running on. I found assembly language to be the easiest to use. It’s very straightforward and easy to understand.

Because I needed more information that what was provided in the book about machine language, I had to look at other resources. If I had not looked at other resources, I probably would have said that there is no use for machine language. After some research though I have learned that machine language operates at the lowest level and because of that it allows for accurate control over hardware. So, I guess the best scenario for a programmer to use machine language would be when they are writing operating systems. Assembly language should be used when a programmer is developing a program that would manipulate hardware directly. High-level language should be used when a programmer wants a program to have automated memory management.            

Although I find assembly language the easiest and most straightforward to understand I would assume that the most popular programming language is high level language. I think that high level language is the most popular because it will allow for any program to be used on any device. If a program can be used on any device then it is more marketable.

Conclusion

In conclusion the three types of programming language are machine, assembly, and high-level language. They all build upon each other and they all serve different purposes when it comes to programming. It is up to the programmer to determine which language is best for the program being developed.

 

References

Gunnell, M. (2024, February 12). What is a high-level language (HLL). What is High-Level Language. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3925/high-level-language-hll

Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Wheatland, N. (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy. Zyante Inc (zyBooks.com).

 

 

Scratch.com Link

 

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/968493333