Google voice?

searrrrrching..



Google Voice is the Internet based phone forwarding service by Google. It was previously known as GrandCentral. Google Voice is free except for international calls.

Google Voice gives you a separate phone number which you can give out as if it is your regular phone number. You can then change your settings to have calls forward to any of your phones.

You can forward to one group of phones during the day and another at night. You can have calls from certain numbers forward differently than calls to other numbers. You can block spamming callers and send some calls straight to voice mail.

You can send yourself an SMS message or an email whenever you get a voice mail message, and you can check your voice mail from the Web or from your phone.

FEATURES:

• voicemail transcriptions
• SMS managing

BUSINESS IMPACTS

SOCIAL IMPACTS

for more info :]

http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

Group Project [2]

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We have been working on the IPT tools: Gantt chart, context diagram, data flow diagram, and requirements report.

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Group Project

For the past weeks me, jessica, and alex have been working separately on the Catherine McAuley Leadership website. We have completed the website itself: (navigation bar): home, details, application, nominees, FAQ, contact us and vote links.

Initially, we brainstormed the purpose, processes, and the users that were going to be involved in this project. We gathered the information needed such as the leadership roles, contact details of the facility of the school, etc. We then searched and tried different html codes that are compatible and relevant to the applications and processes in the project.

What I have been working on was the Contact Us, FAQs and some of the Leadership Positions. I edited the html codes for each on notepad.

We should be able to finish on time

Working with macros in iMac

Today, as suppose to, I am trying to finalize my mark book prototype. But at home all of our computers are Apple, or Macs. And I can't do my task accordingly because the command buttons, visual basic, and the excel itself is too complicated when you're using iMac. So now, even if I'm trying so much finish my project, I can't! I'm almost done with the construction and all but I can't assign the macros properly. Thus, I'm pissed off. PRAY THAT EITHER I FIND TIME TO DO THE TASK ELSEWHERE OR I SOMEHOW WORK THIS OUT. 

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I found a site that could help, i think.. 

http://support.microsoft.com/ph/2513/en-us 

I think i found something useful

I think these could be very useful if you're looking for a macro that suits your interest.
Comment me what you think :)

Macro Commands
http://bersoft.com/hmhtml/help/macros.htm
Individual Macro Commands
http://rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/more-docs/commands.html
Recording a Macro
http://ulearnoffice.com/excel/macro.htm

Today I researched supplementary macros for my developing markbook. In my markbook I've done class samples and I've added the basic macro on the sheet 1. I hope to finish the prototype by tomorrow so I could work on finalizing the whole task including the project tools. Hopefully i get it done on time. 

 

In my Mark Book prototype

In my mark book prototype I'm planning to have the users to be able to create their classes linking to their attendance roll and their task reports.

Gantt Chart

I found a site for basic procedures in creating a Gantt chart

Click here for simple steps in creating a Gantt chart

Wait a minute, what is a MARKBOOK?

What does a markbook do? What is it for? Who uses it? Who makes it? How does it work?

In Mariel's dictionary this is a markbook;

...A Markbook is a software tool that is used for managing systematic rosters purposed for school and employment participants. 

The possible participants could be teachers, students, employers and employees, and more others for different industries.

Still not sure what it is?...

...Well so am I :[

But here are some more information that i feel that i think that i know it's right and reliable :D

• it uses macros
• it would be very useful if it can be shared with other colleagues and/or participants
• it may be configured to suit applications and software
• some uses multiple applications (?)
• it may be upgraded

Further research is needed  

eMarkbook and Level Markbook

Examples of Teachers Markbooks

The eMarkbook and Level Markbook manages both individual classes or multiple classes of a common subject. 

eMarkbook

Latest version: 6.14
Released: 23 November 2004

Current features in latest version:
  • Minimal knowledge of MS Excel needed
  • Unlimited students in any number of classes
  • Up to 66 assessments per markbook
  • Apply individual weightings to each assessment
  • Automatic calculation of percentage scores
  • Automatic calculation of summary statistics
  • Automatic grading using your preset grade cutoffs
  • Rank students as whole or by class
  • View grade distribution of whole group
  • Up to ten grade cutoff points
  • Print whole group or individual classes
  • Print raw scores, percentages or both
  • Estimate marks for absent students
  • Easy sort and delete options
  • Scale assessments to required levels/statistics *
  • Scale final results to desired statistics *
  • Multilinear mapping of mark distributions *
  • Print blank registers/mark sheets for any class
  • Print individual student summaries at any time *
  • Easy email of results to students *
  • User worksheet for your own use
  • Import / upgrade from older eMarkbooks
  • Import student data from other applications
  • Export data and results to other applications *
    * New or improved feature!

Level Markbook

Latest version: 2.40
Released: 7 August 2003

Current features in latest version:
  • Minimal knowledge of MS Access needed
  • Unlimited students per markbook
  • Unlimited tasks per markbook
  • Option to break tasks into subtasks
  • Automatic calculation of levels and grades
  • Print whole class or individual results
  • Print blank registers/mark sheets for class
  • Print individual student summaries at any time
  • One-click email of assessment results to students
  • Import standard tasks and outcomes for all courses
  • Import student data from other applications
  • Export student results to other applications

                 

For more information, click here.

Macros

Macros offer a powerful and flexible way to extend the features of certain applications such as MS Excel. They allow the automation of formatting, charting and other often-used spreadsheet tasks. More advanced macros can display custom forms (with command buttons, text boxes, drop-down lists, etc.) and interact with other applications; these macros typically involve the writing and editing of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) program code.

Creating a simple macro...

If you frequently need to format individual cells in a particular way (for example, currency style in red Arial bold 12-point font), a simple recorded macro will do the trick. Use the following steps to create it:

1. Select Tools, Macro, Record New Macro to display the Record Macro dialog box.
2. In the Record Macro dialog box, type a descriptive Macro name (such as "RedCurrency"). By default, the macro will be stored and available only in the current workbook; if appropriate, open the Store macro in drop-down list and select either New Workbook (to store and use the macro only in a new empty workbook) or Personal Macro Workbook (to make the macro available in allworkbooks). If desired, edit the text in Description. When done, click the OK button to begin recording.
3. The word "Recording" will appear on the status bar at the bottom of the Excel window to remind you that all keystrokes and mouse actions are now being recorded. Depending on how your system is configured, a Stop Recording toolbar may also appear in the window. If you make a mistake, simply correct it as you normally would and continue; both the mistake and its correction will become part of the macro, and may be edited out later if desired.
4. Perform the actions necessary to complete the task. For this example, the actions are:
1. Select Format, Cells to display the Format Cells dialog box, click the Number tab, select Currency in the Category list, and click the OK button; as an alternative, you may simply click the $ button on the Formatting toolbar.
2. Select Format, Cells to display the Format Cells dialog box, click the Font tab and then:
1. open the Color drop-down list and select the desired color;
2. select Arial from the Font list;
3. select Bold from the Font style list;
4. select 12 from the Size list; and
5. click the OK button.
5. If the Stop Recording toolbar is visible, click its Stop Recording button; if the toolbar is not visible, select Tools, Macro, Stop Recording.

 For more information and advanced processes about macros click here.

MySpace : Social and Ethical Issues

THE ROLE OF PEOPLE DEVELOPING SYSTEMS AND SYSTEM COMPLEXITY

MySpace System Programmers:
...plays an integral role in the analysis, development, and maintenance of the information systems.

• Creates and manages strategic marketing and promotional campaigns both online and offline - promotes MySpace on the World Wide Web and out of the digital world (posters, campaigns, announcements)
• Breaks new marketing ground to galvanise communities of fans aound musical artists
• Designs new applications - creates applications that interact with MySpace users, members and their social data
• Plans the implementation of messaging and communication services such as e-mail, news, blogs, announcements and instant messaging
• Installs, upgrades and customizes MySpace software applications
• Plans capacity and population
• Provides a rich social environment while protecting the users from spammers and hackers
• Provides greater flexibility for an expanded user experience

Microsoft Office Live

{Definition}

The main advantage of Microsoft Office Live is to be able to access your documents at any place with almost any computer with a web browser. Your account and files would be password-protected and you would be the one in control the publicity of you docouments (who views and edits your work). You can save Microsoft Office documents over 1,000 in one online place. It is also possible to synchronise data such as your contacts, events, and tasks on your outlook.

{Impacts}

Microsoft Office Live can be used for home, school, and work.

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Save up to 5 gigabytes (GB) of documents and files in one place. Access and preview them from almost any computer, whether or not it has Office installed. All you need is Web access and a compatible browser. Open files from your poolside laptop or your home office.

Share a single document or entire workspace in a few simple steps. All you need is a person’s email address to start sharing documents with them. By storing and sharing documents online, you can be sure everyone will be working with the most current version of the document. No more missed email documents and multiple versions that could delay or disrupt an important project.

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It works with the programs you already know – like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Open and save files and documents directly from Microsoft Office XP, 2003, or 2007. Synchronize Contact, Tasks, and Event lists with Outlook 2003 and 2007. Export any workspace list to Excel.

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You can maintain the file structure you already use for your online document storage. Group documents by project, subject, client, family member, or any other method that makes sense to you.

MySpace: Social and Ethical Issues

COPYRIGHT LAWS

MySpace have had issues with copyright laws regarding to music and videos. Some MySpace music users were found that they have been uploading copyrighted songs, either with intent or otherwise.

Universal Music Group sued MySpace in 2006 due to this issue of copyright infringements. In their statement they had said:

"Businesses that seek to trade off on our content, and the hard work of our artists and songwriters, shouldn't be free to do so without permission and without fairly compensating the content creators.”
“The foundation of MySpace is its so-called 'user-generated content. However, much of that content is not 'user-generated' at all. Rather, it is the 'user-stolen' intellectual property of others, and MySpace is a willing partner in that theft."

Thus, because of threats of legal action to MySpace, they have been attempting to introduce applications that would prevent copyright infringements from occurring. One of which is a new feature called “Take down stay down” which is a content protection measure based on Audible Magic technology.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Due to the advancements in technology of the modernized world, not only that new software applications and programs are introduced, it is as well that invasions of privacy are becoming less complicated for hackers, and abusive menaces are being easily trusted by people unconsciously. Social networks, like MySpace, encounter dangers such as this largely by young adults.

It is common to young adults because of some factors, namely:

• MySpace users are predominantly under the age of 18
  
• They intend to heedlessly trust strangers and give them their personal details
  
• They likely to add more and more friends for popularity or irrational reasons
  
• They post information that are should not be seen publicly (exact address, contact details, inappropriate photos, and schedules and agendas)
  
• They sometimes post false information about their identity (age, gender, etc.)
  
• They are innocent and oblivious in their actions and what it could cause

Possible risks that could happen if not being careful:

• Stolen personal details may be used for phishing and hacking bank accounts and online accounts (instant messaging, social networking, email).
  - Could lead to loss of information and money in bank (theft); changes in accounts and
• would lose ability to log in; imitation of the victim (could affect friends, relatives, criminal cases of the suspect)
  
• Kidnap
  
• Verbal and sexual abuse
  
• Endangering one’s image (uploaded photos may be used in unknown web pages or videos or impersonation)
  
• Jeopardizing oneself if mentioned false identity (persecution by authorities)
  

Safety precautions to avoid these endangering probabilities:

• Don’t post personally identifiable information (address, contact numbers)
  
• Don’t trust strangers you only met on MySpace or online
  
• If any form of harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour had been expressed, react. Report it to MySpace or any trusted adult
  
• Suspicious MySpace communications should be immediately reported to the authorities. Save the message for evidence and so to be able to trace the sender if necessary
  
• Mindfully think about what you post up on MySpace. Don’t put up any photos and information that you think would cause you trouble or embarrassment
  
• Don’t mislead people with your age or gender
  

IPT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
An information system is a collection of methods, practices, algorithms and methodologies that transforms data into information and knowledge desired by, and useful for, individual and group users in organizations and other entities. This system can involve a combination of work practices, information, people, and technologies organized to accomplish goals in an organization.

It is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, processing, and communicating information. Business firms, other organizations, and individuals in contemporary society rely on information systems to manage their operations, compete in the marketplace, supply services, and augment personal lives. For instance, modern corporations rely on computerized information systems to process financial accounts and manage human resources; municipal governments rely on information systems to provide basic services to its citizens; and individuals use information systems to study, shop, bank, and invest.

As information systems have enabled more diverse human activities, they have exerted a profound influence over society. These systems have quickened the pace of daily activities, affected the structure and mix of organizations, changed the type of products bought, and influenced the nature of work. Information and knowledge have become vital economic resources. Yet, along with opportunities, information systems have exposed new threats.

The main kinds of information systems in business are described briefly below:

• Executive Support Systems
  An Executive Support System ("ESS") is designed to help senior management make strategic decisions. It gathers, analyses and summarises the key internal and external information used in the business.
  A good way to think about an ESS is to imagine the senior management team in an aircraft cockpit - with the instrument panel showing them the status of all the key business activities. ESS typically involve lots of data analysis and modelling tools such as "what-if" analysis to help strategic decision-making.

• Management Information Systems
  A management information system ("MIS") is mainly concerned with internal sources of information. MIS usually take data from the transaction processing systems (see below) and summarise it into a series of management reports.
  MIS reports tend to be used by middle management and operational supervisors.
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  Decision-Support Systems
  Decision-support systems ("DSS") are specifically designed to help management make decisions in situations where there is uncertainty about the possible outcomes of those decisions. DSS comprise tools and techniques to help gather relevant information and analyse the options and alternatives. DSS often involves use of complex spreadsheet and databases to create "what-if" models.
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  Knowledge Management Systems
  Knowledge Management Systems ("KMS") exist to help businesses create and share information. These are typically used in a business where employees create new knowledge and expertise - which can then be shared by other people in the organisation to create further commercial opportunities. Good examples include firms of lawyers, accountants and management consultants.
  KMS are built around systems which allow efficient categorisation and distribution of knowledge. For example, the knowledge itself might be contained in word processing documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations. internet pages or whatever. To share the knowledge, a KMS would use group collaboration systems such as an intranet.
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  Transaction Processing Systems
  As the name implies, Transaction Processing Systems ("TPS") are designed to process routine transactions efficiently and accurately. A business will have several (sometimes many) TPS; for example:
  - Billing systems to send invoices to customers- Systems to calculate the weekly and monthly payroll and tax payments- Production and purchasing systems to calculate raw material requirements- Stock control systems to process all movements into, within and out of the business
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  Office Automation Systems
  Office Automation Systems are systems that try to improve the productivity of employees who need to process data and information. Perhaps the best example is the wide range of software systems that exist to improve the productivity of employees working in an office (e.g. Microsoft Office XP) or systems that allow employees to work from home or whilst on the move.