1. What specific concerns do people have about the Diebold voting machines? Why are they not considered secure?
When Diebold was first offered the job to create voting machines, they had to make them within 5 months according to the Kennedy article. Futhermore, there was a concern the makers were altering the software in certain counties. As shown in the film, Diebold is a private company that wanted to keep its inner working in secrecy. They claimed that their information was stolen, but it was only that their system was not safe. As a result, this formed the concern that their system could be hacked. A major concern with the voting machines was that peopel would be able to go into the machines and add or subtract votes before the voting actually began and this was proven so. The machines are said to be unreliable and rigged to change votes. Many people in the film that voted were shown that the votes were being changed immediately. When trying to make a choice, the machine would automatically switch it. According to the article, the machines also provided "no paper trail, making it impossible to do a recount is something was to come out wrong."
These machines are not considered secure because they have been tested by hackers and found to be easily broken. Votes were easily changed, despite them being on a memory card and seeming normal. Diebold claimed to have fixed the problem, but it was still hackable. The machines were able to be broken into by an averae citizen which can easily skew votes in an important election.
2. If you were placed in charge of monitoring elections in California, what would you recommend to ensure a fair process?
If I were in charge, the fairest way seems to be the old-fashioned hand counting. While this is tedious, it does prove to, for the most part, work. I would put all votes into a machine that counts each vote one by one. The machines would be monitored by only the highest level security. If the votes have to be recounted, it also seems reasonable to have a selection of people do it, similar to a jury selection process.
Honestly, there is not easy way to make sure voting is fair because machines can malfunction and people are bias. It only seems reasonable to count and count again even if it takes a week. I do think it is necessary that voting be monitored more closely and private companies, like Diebold, not have such a big responsibility of America's power in their hands.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
File Sharing
1.While this does seem wrong, I do believe it is acceptable. Although many artists do not make money through their songs, but rather, endorsements, downloading one song from an artist would not seem to cause detriment to their career. Furthermore, if only one person wanted one song instead of the whole album, they should not have to pay that much to listen to it.
2. It is is acceptable to download a song from a struggling independent artist. One should not have to pay so much for one song. I also believe that a struggling independent artist would not be so widespread to be downloaded.
3. I think it is acceptable to copy a song one already owns. If you have it, you should not have to buy it again. It would not be different if one was to rp a song from a CD they own.
4. It is not acceptable to shoplift a CD from a store. To steal a CD is morally wrong and there seems like there is a higher risk to get into trouble. People know to shoplift is wrong, but to download, people unconsciously do, wihtout realizing the consequences.
5. It would be more reasonable to find a sample of a song or watch it on TV, rather than download to "try it out." One will know if they like the song or not by a sample. There are alternatives to trying songs out, such as the radio, TV and free samples.
6. This is acceptable because the CD has already been paid for; there is no need to buy it again. Some people may rip a CD to have it as a backup in case the CD gets messed up or lost in the future and the artists has still gotten paid.
7. This is acceptable. There are many websites that allow pepel to put music on their webpage's like MySpace, and friends are able to copy the songs. It is easily accessible, so it should be acceptable.
8. I am not sure how to do this, but looking at users who use Lime Wire, it seems like kit is more towards self pleasure. I would agree that if poeple are able to use these tools, they should be able to use the contants they download however they would like.
9. It is appropriate to give out mix CDs. They are created to have a custom sound for whoever is listening. If mixes were sold seperately, it would seem likely that people would buy them.
10. Similar to the above response, I do think it is acceptable to give a mix out, but to make money off songs that the artists are not making money, is not acceptable. It is like stealing money from the artists.
2. It is is acceptable to download a song from a struggling independent artist. One should not have to pay so much for one song. I also believe that a struggling independent artist would not be so widespread to be downloaded.
3. I think it is acceptable to copy a song one already owns. If you have it, you should not have to buy it again. It would not be different if one was to rp a song from a CD they own.
4. It is not acceptable to shoplift a CD from a store. To steal a CD is morally wrong and there seems like there is a higher risk to get into trouble. People know to shoplift is wrong, but to download, people unconsciously do, wihtout realizing the consequences.
5. It would be more reasonable to find a sample of a song or watch it on TV, rather than download to "try it out." One will know if they like the song or not by a sample. There are alternatives to trying songs out, such as the radio, TV and free samples.
6. This is acceptable because the CD has already been paid for; there is no need to buy it again. Some people may rip a CD to have it as a backup in case the CD gets messed up or lost in the future and the artists has still gotten paid.
7. This is acceptable. There are many websites that allow pepel to put music on their webpage's like MySpace, and friends are able to copy the songs. It is easily accessible, so it should be acceptable.
8. I am not sure how to do this, but looking at users who use Lime Wire, it seems like kit is more towards self pleasure. I would agree that if poeple are able to use these tools, they should be able to use the contants they download however they would like.
9. It is appropriate to give out mix CDs. They are created to have a custom sound for whoever is listening. If mixes were sold seperately, it would seem likely that people would buy them.
10. Similar to the above response, I do think it is acceptable to give a mix out, but to make money off songs that the artists are not making money, is not acceptable. It is like stealing money from the artists.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Math Conversions
Convert the following binary numbers to both hexadecimal (base-16) and decimal (base-10)
a. 1011= 8+2+1 1011(base-2) = 8+2+1
= 11(base-10) = 11(base-16) = B
b. 10101= 0001 0101 10101= 0001 0101
= 1+5 = 1, 5
=6 (base-10) = 15 (base-16)
c. 10010110= 1001 0110 10010110= 1001 0110
= 9+6 = 9, 6
=15 (base-10) = 96 (base-16)
d. 1111111= 0111 1111 1111111= 0111 1111
= 7 + 15 = 7, 15
= 22 (base-10) = 7F(base-16)
Convert the following decimal numbers to both binary (base-2) and hexadecimal (base-16)
a. 8 = 1000(base-2) Hex: 1000= 8(base-16)
b. 63: 63-32=31 111111= 0011 1111
31-16=15 = 3F(base-16)
15-8= 7
7-4= 3
3-2= 1
=111111(base-2)
c. 113: 113-64= 49 1110001= 0111 0001
49-32= 17 = 7, 1
17-16= 1 = 71(base-16)
=1110001
d. 97: 97-64= 33 1100001= 0110 0001
33-32= 1 = 6, 1
=1100001 =61(base-16)
Suppose that we want to download a 200 MB file. How long will it take on each of the following connections?
a. A modem that can download at 56 kilobits/second
2^20bytes/megabyte * 2^3 bytes/bit = 2^23 bits/MB
2^23 bits/MB / 2^10 bits/kilobit = 2^13 kilobits/MB
2^13 * 200 = 1,638,400kilobits
1,638,400 / 56= 29,257secs= 487mins= 8.12hours
b. A DSL connection that can download at 5 Megabits/second
2^23 bits/MB / 2^10 bits/kilobit = 2^13 kilobits/MB
2^13 kilobits/MB / 2^10 kilobits/megabit = 2^3 megabits/MB
2^3 * 200= 1600megabits =200MB
1600/ 5 = 320secs = 5.33mins
c. A high-speed connection that can download 10 Megabits/second
1600megabits / 10megabits/second = 160secs = 2.66mins
If we have an Internet connection that can upload 3 Megabits/second, and an MP3 is 60 Megabytes, how many MP3s can we upload in an hour? In a month (given a reliable connection)?
1 Hour:
8megabits * 60megabits = 480megabits
1 MP3 = 480/3 = 160secs
60mins * 60sec = 3600secs
3600 / 160 = 22.5MP3s
1 Month:
= 30days * 24hrs * 60mins * 60secs = 2,592,000secs
2,592,000 / 160secs = 16,200MP3s
a. 1011= 8+2+1 1011(base-2) = 8+2+1
= 11(base-10) = 11(base-16) = B
b. 10101= 0001 0101 10101= 0001 0101
= 1+5 = 1, 5
=6 (base-10) = 15 (base-16)
c. 10010110= 1001 0110 10010110= 1001 0110
= 9+6 = 9, 6
=15 (base-10) = 96 (base-16)
d. 1111111= 0111 1111 1111111= 0111 1111
= 7 + 15 = 7, 15
= 22 (base-10) = 7F(base-16)
Convert the following decimal numbers to both binary (base-2) and hexadecimal (base-16)
a. 8 = 1000(base-2) Hex: 1000= 8(base-16)
b. 63: 63-32=31 111111= 0011 1111
31-16=15 = 3F(base-16)
15-8= 7
7-4= 3
3-2= 1
=111111(base-2)
c. 113: 113-64= 49 1110001= 0111 0001
49-32= 17 = 7, 1
17-16= 1 = 71(base-16)
=1110001
d. 97: 97-64= 33 1100001= 0110 0001
33-32= 1 = 6, 1
=1100001 =61(base-16)
Suppose that we want to download a 200 MB file. How long will it take on each of the following connections?
a. A modem that can download at 56 kilobits/second
2^20bytes/megabyte * 2^3 bytes/bit = 2^23 bits/MB
2^23 bits/MB / 2^10 bits/kilobit = 2^13 kilobits/MB
2^13 * 200 = 1,638,400kilobits
1,638,400 / 56= 29,257secs= 487mins= 8.12hours
b. A DSL connection that can download at 5 Megabits/second
2^23 bits/MB / 2^10 bits/kilobit = 2^13 kilobits/MB
2^13 kilobits/MB / 2^10 kilobits/megabit = 2^3 megabits/MB
2^3 * 200= 1600megabits =200MB
1600/ 5 = 320secs = 5.33mins
c. A high-speed connection that can download 10 Megabits/second
1600megabits / 10megabits/second = 160secs = 2.66mins
If we have an Internet connection that can upload 3 Megabits/second, and an MP3 is 60 Megabytes, how many MP3s can we upload in an hour? In a month (given a reliable connection)?
1 Hour:
8megabits * 60megabits = 480megabits
1 MP3 = 480/3 = 160secs
60mins * 60sec = 3600secs
3600 / 160 = 22.5MP3s
1 Month:
= 30days * 24hrs * 60mins * 60secs = 2,592,000secs
2,592,000 / 160secs = 16,200MP3s
Monday, September 28, 2009
Net Neutrality
1. What is the fundamental issue underlying the net neutrality debate?
Net neutrality is a network design that argues that broadband network providers are completely detached from what information is sent over their networks. It argues that no information should be prioritized over another. In regards to the internet, the users must be able to access all of the same information. For example, if the Verizon network and the University of San Francisco network are on the internet under net neutrality, both networks would pay their fees and the information from both networks would get to the users in the same manner (i.e. the same road blocks). If net neutrality were not upheld, the Verizon network could pay more to be separated from the USF network. Verizon would pay more for faster speed and better quality for its users. The USF would be stuck with the same quality and road blocks as before.
The issue with net neutrality is the idea of separating networks. For a network to be separated would mean more money for the network, in turn, more money for the user. This money would go towards the better quality. The problem with this is only the people paying for the services would be able to utilize them. The internet is made to be an open system and if all of its resources are not available that lacks the purpose of why it is there. Not having net neutrality would only allow for the prioritization of certain content, therefore, making the rest unavailable. The debate lies in whether this should be allowed or not and is it fair for all.
2. List two groups, organizations, or individuals in favor of net neutrality. Fairly describe their arguments in favor of net neutrality.
Ben Scott, Policy Director of the free press, is in favor of net neutrality in efforts to save the internet. He states that it is important to be able to reach out to consumers because many of the consumers will be dealing with the issue in the future. Furthermore, he believes the more attention needs to be focused on the issue so that consumers can be aware. If consumers are not aware, they will end up not gaining the amount of quality, or different services that big networks do not provide.
President Obama is also in support of keeping a free and open internet and keeping the internet free from “corporate control.” Obama expresses concern for the consumer and with a free and open internet; the consumer is able to express their innovation. Obama recognizes the internet is a stepping stone to many opportunities and every person should be afforded those opportunities without having to pay for them.
3. List two groups, organizations, or individuals opposed to net neutrality. Fairly describe their arguments against net neutrality.
Representatives Ed Markey and Anna Eschoo are against net neutrality and mad some proposals to senate about giving corporations the freedom to run their own network. Markey and Eschoo agree with adding to limitations to the open internet in order to benefit the economy. If corporations are able to charge consumers for getting faster and better quality internet, then their financial gain would help the economy. In reality, this will only lead to big corporations gaining more users and smaller ones, losing their consumers because the lack of speed and quality.
4. What is your opinion on the subject?
I am in favor of net neutrality because I believe everyone should have the same access to the amount of information held on the internet. Upholding net neutrality will make sure that all consumers can reach the information of the open internet. They will also be presented with more opportunities. If corporations are allowed to charge for their networks, then those who cannot afford it will not be on the same playing field as those who can. This country was built on the statement “all men are created equal” so everyone should have the same access to what is supposed to be a “free and open” internet.
Net neutrality is a network design that argues that broadband network providers are completely detached from what information is sent over their networks. It argues that no information should be prioritized over another. In regards to the internet, the users must be able to access all of the same information. For example, if the Verizon network and the University of San Francisco network are on the internet under net neutrality, both networks would pay their fees and the information from both networks would get to the users in the same manner (i.e. the same road blocks). If net neutrality were not upheld, the Verizon network could pay more to be separated from the USF network. Verizon would pay more for faster speed and better quality for its users. The USF would be stuck with the same quality and road blocks as before.
The issue with net neutrality is the idea of separating networks. For a network to be separated would mean more money for the network, in turn, more money for the user. This money would go towards the better quality. The problem with this is only the people paying for the services would be able to utilize them. The internet is made to be an open system and if all of its resources are not available that lacks the purpose of why it is there. Not having net neutrality would only allow for the prioritization of certain content, therefore, making the rest unavailable. The debate lies in whether this should be allowed or not and is it fair for all.
2. List two groups, organizations, or individuals in favor of net neutrality. Fairly describe their arguments in favor of net neutrality.
Ben Scott, Policy Director of the free press, is in favor of net neutrality in efforts to save the internet. He states that it is important to be able to reach out to consumers because many of the consumers will be dealing with the issue in the future. Furthermore, he believes the more attention needs to be focused on the issue so that consumers can be aware. If consumers are not aware, they will end up not gaining the amount of quality, or different services that big networks do not provide.
President Obama is also in support of keeping a free and open internet and keeping the internet free from “corporate control.” Obama expresses concern for the consumer and with a free and open internet; the consumer is able to express their innovation. Obama recognizes the internet is a stepping stone to many opportunities and every person should be afforded those opportunities without having to pay for them.
3. List two groups, organizations, or individuals opposed to net neutrality. Fairly describe their arguments against net neutrality.
Representatives Ed Markey and Anna Eschoo are against net neutrality and mad some proposals to senate about giving corporations the freedom to run their own network. Markey and Eschoo agree with adding to limitations to the open internet in order to benefit the economy. If corporations are able to charge consumers for getting faster and better quality internet, then their financial gain would help the economy. In reality, this will only lead to big corporations gaining more users and smaller ones, losing their consumers because the lack of speed and quality.
4. What is your opinion on the subject?
I am in favor of net neutrality because I believe everyone should have the same access to the amount of information held on the internet. Upholding net neutrality will make sure that all consumers can reach the information of the open internet. They will also be presented with more opportunities. If corporations are allowed to charge for their networks, then those who cannot afford it will not be on the same playing field as those who can. This country was built on the statement “all men are created equal” so everyone should have the same access to what is supposed to be a “free and open” internet.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The World of Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is a type of computing in which a system, network or process is able to provide massive amounts of work and virtualized material over the internet. It takes computing resources, such as, processing and databases from somewhere other than what is in ones reach and allows them to store it on a central service and pay only for what they use. This allows consumers to use the services (servers, storage etc.) of these companies as long as they pay for it. There are three different types of cloud computing as addressed by Tim O’Rielly, Utility Computing, Platform as a Service, and Cloud-based end-user applications. A popular example of cloud computing is Facebook (Cloud-based end-user application) because software engineers develop applications to be used on the site.
The term Cloud is used as a metaphor for Internet because the abstraction of the internet and its complex communications. Through cloud computing, people are allowed to share or download music and videos, and use storage among many other things.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of cloud computing for an ordinary computer user?
Cloud Computing allows ordinary computer users to store information on a computing device and retrieve it from another. This is beneficial in case information is loss or erased on one device it will be available on another. By being able to store information on other servers, this saves consumers from having to invest in multiple machines to store data. Furthermore, cloud computing allows users to share music and videos in a simple manner. Cloud computing is said to be easier and more sufficient when it comes to storing data and it is becoming a great advancement in technology for its customers.
Cloud computing can be risky. Many people are worried that information that needs to be secure will not be because it is roaming around in the infrastructure if the cloud. While data is retrievable from sources other than home-base, this could be detrimental if important information is put into the wrong hands. Users are also putting the responsibility of holding information into the hands of the provider and if there is a massive break down in the system, all information will be loss. In addition to the loss of information, cloud computing is said to not give much freedom to the users of which applications and servers can be used. If a user is willing to invest in a service provider, they should be able to use whichever application or service they choose.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of cloud computing for a start-up company?
Cloud computing present’s major benefits for start-up companies. Because cloud computing relies on separate providers, companies do not have to invest in people to manage the storage of data and the machines it will take to manage the data; this action saves time and money it would take to have to hire an administration team. In addition, cloud computing brings a lot of business to the starter companies when they are allowed to put applications on major websites. As shown in the Animoto video, when the application was placed onto Facebook, the number of users drastically increased. This was good for Animoto because it word got out about the company and brought more business. The NY Times article stated that because the application was put on Facebook, “nearly 750,000 people signed up in 3 days.” The rapid amount of information was able to be managed by the service provider through cloud computing.
On-the-other-hand, as stated in the Tim O’Rielly piece people think of cloud computing as a chance for big businesses like Microsoft, Google and Amazon to monopolize the usage of cloud computing. The cost to use the services will also get expensive, meaning the major corporations are the only ones that can pay for it, as a result, start-up companies have to answer to the larger companies. It will take away some profit of their business because they will have to pay to use the services and store information on the servers that the big businesses own. Cloud computing is projected to be a multi-trillion dollar industry and it will be hard for a start-up company to get a piece of that without having to go through a major corporation.
What are the social dangers of cloud computing? That is, why might people be uneasy about the whole world's documents being stored on GoogleDocs instead of on local machines?
The social dangers of cloud computing reside in the amount of information received or put out. The idea of important information from an individual or big business being unsecure and available in other areas is risky. With the advancement in today’s technology, it would not be too difficult for someone to hack into a computer system and intercept data traveling through the cloud.
Also, this is a worldwide concept and different governments have different regulations. For example, Google opted to expand to China, but the Chinese governments’ limits certain information that is available to its citizens, so Google had to rearrange its characteristics to fit the expectations of the Chinese government. This lowered the usage of the Google search and put it in competition with a popular Chinese search engine Baidu.com. This is difficult when the advancement of cloud computing cannot be utilized due to government censorships and regulations.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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