IS-230 2

We focused on charts in class this week. There are lots of practical uses of charts, but in my opinion there are a lot of frill that goes with them also. As long as the chart is formatted corrected and the data is viewable, I believe the chart is acceptable. I am also a big believer in keeping things simple as well.

Probably the single most important aspect with a chart is having the data formatted correctly. Making sure your chart supports the ideas that are trying to convey. This is done by having the correct information in the right location on the chart. No matter what method is used to create the chart, correct placement of the data is crucial to the successful effectiveness of the chart.

The next most important part (in my opinion) is the type of chart. Once we know the data is correct and put in the right place on the chart, we need an effective display of the information. For example, we wouldn’t use a Column Chart to display a percentage. A percentage is better displayed in a Pie or 100% Stacked Column Chart. Because charts are used as a visual, they need to be able to effectively display results.

Last and possibly least important are the visual effects and formatting. The reason I believe them to be the least important; is because without correct information in the right location on the right type of chart, visuals do nothing. Once the previous things are correct, the visual and formatting becomes important. Nobody wants to look at a boring chart. However, a colorful chart with the right setup can educate almost anyone.

IS 181 Journal 2

This week in class we talked about the simplest forms of security. Even though these steps may seem simple and even trivial, they are the foundation upon which good network security rests.

Some of the simple things we talked about were Windows Update and a good anti-virus program. Keeping these pieces of software up to date is probably the most single important step in keeping a secure network.

We also did an exercise that took us out to a website that scanned all the network ports that were open and gave it a security rating. The website was called Shields Up! Being that we were logged in on campus computers, all the ports seemed to be secure.

Another tool we used was the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. This is an interesting tool that helps solve issues that could be potential security risks. For example, it showed us that the school computers were not up to date with Microsoft updates. It is tools like these that we can utilize to help aid us in search for a more secure digital world. Until next time.

IS 181 and 230 Journal 1

This is my first post for my IS classes. From what it sounds like, we will be using a blog to post all of our journals including our tech journals. This will be a new twist on homework for me. I am a huge techie but not much for sharing personal info on the web.

There is also a new teaching model that the school refers to as the Learning Model. This new model basically is loop (one eternal round). The three steps to the Learning Model include: Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder and Prove. This is a great way to incorporate the gospel into teaching.

I look forward to another semester with Bro. Wilkinson.