just a quick comment on newsgroups.....
Over the years I've probably posted hundreds of threads on Adobe Newsgroups (formally Macromedia) relating to programming (HTML, Coldfusion, Java).
I've found Newsgroups to be the best tool a programmer can have. I've been stumped for hours relating to a programming issues, then jumped on a newsgroup and had a solution within minutes. It's quite amazing how willing people are to help. Usually someone has always experienced the same issue and a problem is usually solved within hours of posting.
I couldn't be where I am today professionally without the use of Newsgroups! Highly recommend it for anyone working with code.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Module 2 - Email Lists
- What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?
- Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other
Discussion boards I think are better designed for open ended topics or problem solving. People can engage by posting their ideas, solutions and the thread can be discussed in detail, with a full thread history.
Module 2 - Email Task
1) What information about a user's email, the origin of a message, and the path it took, can you glean from an email message?
Naturally the senders address, Subject, time and other CC recipients can be determined instantly by viewing an email. Most email clients also indicate visually if there is an attachment and the urgency of the email can be represented by a visual icon.
Be delving deeper into the email via my Lotus Notes options tab, delivery and routing information can be retrieved. This can be useful for trouble shooting emails and network problems. See below.
27/12/2008 11:42AM Sent
27/12/2008 11:43AM Delivered
-------- Routing Information ------
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NASMTP03/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NASMTP03/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NAHUB01/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server APHUB01/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server APMAIL01/SVR/BRCe
2) In what cases would you find it useful to use the 'cc', 'bcc' and 'reply all functions of email?
The short answer to this is you can't. Unless you are 100% sure what versions of software a recipient has and what platform they use, problems always pop up. On a weekly basis I still have issues between certain MAC and PC files, versions of software, and file extensions. It's hard to believe that in 2008 I can still have problems opening a jpg from a MAC. Usually there are simple solutions to the problem however the fact is incompatibilities still occur despite you email clients best attempts to encode files and attachments.
4. What sorts of filters or rules do you have set up, and for what purpose?
I don't have many rules/filters set up other than out of office agents when I'm on holidays. My main filters are anti-virus based filters implemented by my employee. certain messages are blocked due to questionable content or to reduce the risk of a virus. Our business also runs anti-spam services designed to block junk mail. The parameters of these settings are quite detailed.
5) How have you organised the folder structure of your email and why?
I have a simple folder structure within my email client. Basically emails are sorted into folders depending on their content. That is multiple projects will be running simultaneously and once an email that i define is important to keep, the email will be moved to its respective project folder. Naturally I have a couple of personal folders as well.
To reduce clutter I also have a personal rule for my inbox. I don't allow more than "1 screen " worth of emails fill my inbox. Whenever i get close to my limit I know some sorting or deleting needs to take place. Quite a Nazi regime I've got going!
Naturally the senders address, Subject, time and other CC recipients can be determined instantly by viewing an email. Most email clients also indicate visually if there is an attachment and the urgency of the email can be represented by a visual icon.
Be delving deeper into the email via my Lotus Notes options tab, delivery and routing information can be retrieved. This can be useful for trouble shooting emails and network problems. See below.
27/12/2008 11:42AM Sent
27/12/2008 11:43AM Delivered
-------- Routing Information ------
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NASMTP03/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NASMTP03/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server NAHUB01/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server APHUB01/SVR/BRC
27/12/2008 11:43AM - 27/12/2008 11:43AM at server APMAIL01/SVR/BRCe
2) In what cases would you find it useful to use the 'cc', 'bcc' and 'reply all functions of email?
CC should only be used if the person receiving the email as a copy will understand the context in which the copied email has been sent. CC can leave people wondering if they need to respond or act on the email and therefore should be avoided where possible if not in a close-knit environment such as a work group or Manager/employee correspondence.
In a work environment I find CC very useful. Sometimes I'm unsure if people can actually "Add input" to an issue. By adding them as a CC receiver I believe this gives them the option to comment should they have some information on the topic, yet they may not be the primary contact that you are sending to.BCC should be used when sending email to a group that is not necessarily familiar with one another, as it will effectively “hide” the email addresses of your recipients from one another.
Particular useful for serial pests who tend to use the "Reply All" option too frequently.
Reply All should only be utilised when you wish for every person that was sent the original message to see your reply.
It is a rarity I use the Reply All option, only when I need to announce to all recipients my comments.
The short answer to this is you can't. Unless you are 100% sure what versions of software a recipient has and what platform they use, problems always pop up. On a weekly basis I still have issues between certain MAC and PC files, versions of software, and file extensions. It's hard to believe that in 2008 I can still have problems opening a jpg from a MAC. Usually there are simple solutions to the problem however the fact is incompatibilities still occur despite you email clients best attempts to encode files and attachments.
4. What sorts of filters or rules do you have set up, and for what purpose?
I don't have many rules/filters set up other than out of office agents when I'm on holidays. My main filters are anti-virus based filters implemented by my employee. certain messages are blocked due to questionable content or to reduce the risk of a virus. Our business also runs anti-spam services designed to block junk mail. The parameters of these settings are quite detailed.
5) How have you organised the folder structure of your email and why?
I have a simple folder structure within my email client. Basically emails are sorted into folders depending on their content. That is multiple projects will be running simultaneously and once an email that i define is important to keep, the email will be moved to its respective project folder. Naturally I have a couple of personal folders as well.
To reduce clutter I also have a personal rule for my inbox. I don't allow more than "1 screen " worth of emails fill my inbox. Whenever i get close to my limit I know some sorting or deleting needs to take place. Quite a Nazi regime I've got going!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Module 1 - Internet Tools Task
There seems to be 21 hops to the Curtin server. Amongst the class on the Curtin discussion forum and on the Internet there is some uncertainty in regards to hops with the * * * value. Some sources define it a s a time out or a "packet-filtering" technique.
The hops are pasted below.
Tracing route to curtin.edu.au [134.7.177.136]...
| hop | rtt | rtt | rtt | ip address | domain name |
| 1 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 70.84.211.97 | 61.d3.5446.static.theplanet.com |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70.87.254.5 | 5.fe.5746.static.theplanet.com |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70.85.127.109 | po52.dsr02.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70.87.253.21 | et3-1.ibr03.dllstx3.theplanet.com |
| 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 157.238.225.5 | xe-4-4.r03.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 129.250.2.173 | ae-2.r21.dllstx09.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 7 | 65 | 44 | 45 | 129.250.4.25 | as-3.r21.snjsca04.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 8 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 129.250.4.118 | ae-0.r20.plalca01.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 9 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 129.250.4.242 | xe-4-4.r04.plalca01.us.bb.gin.ntt.net |
| 10 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 140.174.28.138 |
| 11 | 204 | 204 | 204 | 202.158.194.173 | so-3-3-1.bb1.a.syd.aarnet.net.au |
| 12 | 205 | 201 | 201 | 202.158.194.198 | ge-0-0-0.bb1.b.syd.aarnet.net.au |
| 13 | 216 | 216 | 216 | 202.158.194.33 | so-2-0-0.bb1.a.mel.aarnet.net.au |
| 14 | 225 | 225 | 225 | 202.158.194.17 | so-2-0-0.bb1.a.adl.aarnet.net.au |
| 15 | 252 | 252 | 252 | 202.158.194.5 | so-0-1-0.bb1.a.per.aarnet.net.au |
| 16 | 252 | 252 | 252 | 202.158.198.178 | gigabitethernet0.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
| 17 | 252 | 252 | 253 | 202.158.198.186 | gw1.er1.curtin.cpe.aarnet.net.au |
| 18 | * | * | * |
| 19 | * | * | * |
| 20 | * | * | * |
| 21 | * | * | * |
Trace aborted
-- end --IP address of Curtin.edu.au = 134.7.177.136
Pinging the address curtin.edu.au returns a value of 254ms as the average time take to reach the address.
Found it somewhat interesting to run these tests from a networking administrator angle. As a web developer I'm often analysing the size of web pages and how long they take to load. If pages are too "heavy" I reduce them to load quicker. Never really analyse the network and hops though, which is something I should probably be looking at from time to time.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Module 1 - Telnet Task
eeeewwww, good old Telnet.
I think i done this exact same exercise in my first TAFE course over 10 years. This time around things seemed to work better.
Although a graphic interface is always nice I cant deny the efficiency of a simple text/option screen. The exercise I think demonstrates some of the networking foundations the World Wide Web is based around.
Here's the email from the library
----------------------------------
Brett
You searched for the AUTHOR: Bennahum
2 AUTHORS found, with 2 entries; AUTHORS 1-2 are:
1 Bennahum David A 1936 ................................. 1 entry
2 Bennahum Ninotchka .................................... 1 entry
------------------------------
As for towel.blinkenlights.nl - someone has way to much time on their hands.... and that's coming from a massive Star Wars fan.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Module 1 - FTP Task
CAPITALIZATION MATTERS!
As a web developer over the years I've used several FTP programs to access files. Cute FTP, Bullet FTP, Filezilla and other main frame based FTP robots. All the programs usually do the job quite well, I've come to settle with the FTP program that is integrated in Dreamweaver. This has all the functionality I need and I like it's integration with Dreamweaver.
In my occupation (Web Manager) I find it hard to imagine our business without FTP. FTP within our business handles everything from transferring large graphic file between our design studios to replicating customer order history and stock levels to our web sites. FTP - An excellent and quite reliable protocol!
As a web developer over the years I've used several FTP programs to access files. Cute FTP, Bullet FTP, Filezilla and other main frame based FTP robots. All the programs usually do the job quite well, I've come to settle with the FTP program that is integrated in Dreamweaver. This has all the functionality I need and I like it's integration with Dreamweaver.
In my occupation (Web Manager) I find it hard to imagine our business without FTP. FTP within our business handles everything from transferring large graphic file between our design studios to replicating customer order history and stock levels to our web sites. FTP - An excellent and quite reliable protocol!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Top 5 Blog Tips
Ok here's my top 5 blog tips. Not that I've been involved in many Blogs or really read that many for that matter, but here you go anyway.
Tip 1 - Customise & Create A Blog Header
Try and get some graphics on your blog. A picture or a header goes a long way and gives a nice touch to any text heavy blog. You can check out one of my other blogs that uses the same template as this blog but has my own header designed in photoshop.
http://sydneybabble.blogspot.com/
If your inexperienced with photoshop yourself try and talk to someone who can create you a logo, image, font heading style or something similar.
Tip 2 - Offer Readers an Email Subscription
Allowing your readers to subscribe to your blog is probably one of the best ways to form a fan base or a group of readers. Most blogs allow you to add what they call javascript widgets that can handle email subscriptions. There are also third party services offered by websites like www.feedblitz.com that will do the job.
Tip 4 - Add your Blog URL Address To Google and Other Blog Directories
The whole idea of a Blog is for it to be read or accessible to the masses. Although there is a good chance of your blog being read by randoms trawling the web, the process is definitely helped along by adding blog URL's to search engines and other blog directories.
Tip 3 - Respond To Reader Comments
Responding to readers comments creates a dialogue between two or many people. If readers can see that a blogger author responds to comments they are more likely to post comments themselves. Even if you strongly disagree with comments try and make some type of response.
Tip 5 - Be Opinionated & Proud
I personally read a blog to hear someones views or ideas. A neutral-angled blog in my opinion is an oxymoron. If your content is in a social context don't shy away from telling your readers what you believe and don't hold back. Lets eradicate political correctness for good!
Tip 1 - Customise & Create A Blog Header
Try and get some graphics on your blog. A picture or a header goes a long way and gives a nice touch to any text heavy blog. You can check out one of my other blogs that uses the same template as this blog but has my own header designed in photoshop.
http://sydneybabble.blogspot.com/
If your inexperienced with photoshop yourself try and talk to someone who can create you a logo, image, font heading style or something similar.
Tip 2 - Offer Readers an Email Subscription
Allowing your readers to subscribe to your blog is probably one of the best ways to form a fan base or a group of readers. Most blogs allow you to add what they call javascript widgets that can handle email subscriptions. There are also third party services offered by websites like www.feedblitz.com that will do the job.
Tip 4 - Add your Blog URL Address To Google and Other Blog Directories
The whole idea of a Blog is for it to be read or accessible to the masses. Although there is a good chance of your blog being read by randoms trawling the web, the process is definitely helped along by adding blog URL's to search engines and other blog directories.
Tip 3 - Respond To Reader Comments
Responding to readers comments creates a dialogue between two or many people. If readers can see that a blogger author responds to comments they are more likely to post comments themselves. Even if you strongly disagree with comments try and make some type of response.
Tip 5 - Be Opinionated & Proud
I personally read a blog to hear someones views or ideas. A neutral-angled blog in my opinion is an oxymoron. If your content is in a social context don't shy away from telling your readers what you believe and don't hold back. Lets eradicate political correctness for good!
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