Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Reflective Blogging Assignment #3

"Nothing is really secure, GET OVER IT!"

For this weeks blog post, I will discuss the idea that, "Nothing is really secure, GET OVER IT!"

The fact that someone can even make this statement frustrates and scares me.  For many people, almost everything is done on some-soft of computer and unfortunately, if not handled properly, can be dangerous.  In the past decade, identity theft has become significantly popular, and with the growth of online EVERYTHING, identity theft has become an even bigger problem.  Online shopping is growing rapidly, and this may be one of the biggest causes for identity theft.  People are giving away their credit card information to the businesses online.  I personally am a big fan of online shopping, and especially on Amazon.  I make sure to buy from reliable seller's, however I am always a bit suspicious of who I am buying from.  

Another problem that we discussed earlier in class, is the idea of webcam hacking.  This can be extremely dangerous because webcams can pick up both images and sound.  If someone is discussing important information over the phone, this information could potentially be hacked.  As we talked about in class, having a sliding bar that covers the webcam is a nice feature.  It would also be nice if this could block sound.

And for the quote, get over it, I completely disagree and will not get over it.  The fact that these problems are happening so often is absurd.  In order to prevent this, people need to be much safer with giving out their information.  Also, individuals who are doing the hacking need to be punished with strict consequences.  It would be nice to see these problems decrease, however as stated earlier, with the increase in technology use and information given, this may be a hard task.  Therefore, individuals need to be extra safe with their information and valuables.     

--Shane Leadholm

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Reflective Blogging Assignment #2

In this blog I will discuss what I think is meant by, "While the price of acquiring a cell phone and associated service is going down, the cost of using a cell phone and associated service is going up."

When cell phones first came out, they were incredibly expensive.  This was the first technology of its kind to allow someone to communicate on a mobile device.  For this reason, cell phone companies could market the product at a relatively high price.  And as time goes on, I can see cell phones becoming even cheaper. However, as cell phones have become more popular, the price of cell phones and their service charges have changed significantly.

First, I feel that one main reason cell phones are now much cheaper is because everyone has one.  The technology isn't as rare as it once was.  Another reason the price has gone down is because the price of the service has gone up.  When cell phones first came out, there sole purpose was to make a phone call.  Today, cell phones are now smartphones, and are used for making calls, connecting to the internet, sending emails, playing games, and much more.  With these abilities comes a price.  As users we pay much more for the service because we are not only paying for service to make a call, but also to connect to the internet.  As time goes on, I would not be surprised one bit if the price of these services continues to rise.

The invention of cell phones was huge for our society, but I feel that the progression to smartphones is an even bigger accomplishment.  Overall I agree with the statement that the price of cell phones is going down, and the service is going up; and I feel that this will be continued to be proven true in the future.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Reflective Blogging Assignment #1

Technology to "stay in touch"

In today's tech savy world, it is important to stay up to date with technology in order to keep in touch with news, friends, family, and communication.  If people don't use technology systems to communicate, they may then fall behind the times with the growth of technology.  In the past 10 years, communication has grown from simply using a telephone to the expanded forms we use today.  In today's society we use Smartphones, laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartwatches to communicate.

The main forms of technology I use to stay in touch include my Smartphone (Samsung), Laptop (Mac), PS3 and Xbox.  More specifically, to stay in touch I text, skype, use FaceBook/Twitter, Blog, and email.  My most common device I use is my Smartphone, but I also use my Laptop constantly throughout the day.  Unfortunately, my smartphone is extremely slow so I am somewhat reluctant to download tons of apps because it is almost more of a pain to use them because to the lack of speed.  I plan on getting an iPhone 5 in May.  It will be extremely nice to have an Apple phone and laptop so I will be able to synch all of my stuff together.  

Recently, my PS3 broke down, so now I am looking for a plan for the future.  The PS4 and XBox 720 will probably be out in the next year and I am excited to see the growth of these video game systems.  I have read some blogs and heard that the PS4 may contain recyclable materials, 3D features, and will synch with other Sony devices.  (Similar to Apple's synching feature).

I look forward to seeing where things will go in the future.  (I hope to buy a smart-watch in the next year).


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Travel...its an addiction

Traveling has become one of my most favorite hobbies in the past few years.  When I was younger I somewhat took it for granted, but as I am growing up I am enjoying it more and more.

Some of my favorite places I have visited have been Italy, Switzerland, Panama City Beach, Chicago, Mexico, and Door County.










Here are a few links to interesting travel blogs:
  • http://www.camelsandchocolate.com/
  • http://www.gadling.com/

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Interests


Some of my main interests other than school consist of sports, fitness, traveling, and friends & family.  I also enjoy:
  • Sports:
    • Basketball
    • Golf
    • Football 
    • Fantasy Football (blogs underneath)
  • Traveling
    • I enjoy traveling around the U.S., particicularly to warm weather
    • I visited Europe my Junior year of HS, and hope to go back in the near future
  • Enjoying living in the city of Madison

Introduction

My name is Shane Leadholm and I am a Junior here at Edgewood College.  I am a Business Education major and hope to someday teach Business and Computer Science.  This is my blog for the class CS 220.