Adobe Photoshop Christmas Card

I merged my pictures very well. I learned that to merge you must first mask the main picture or background picture then use the gradient to blend the second picture into the first picture. Afterwards merging the two pictures together it becomes one layer. This makes merging more layers much easier. I also chose a nice font for my merry Christmas message and organized the pictures in a nice design. Another thing that I did well was choosing the right pictures. I choose two Christmas trees, a bell ornament, scenery, and a picture of myself on a bike.

The things that I could have done better were to master merging pictures more quickly and using the gradient more effectively. Sometimes the gradient tool is not too accurate to use. With more practice I can more actively and quickly use the gradient tool. Another tool that I could have mastered better is the merging tool. At first I did not know that merging pictures together will make this project so much easier. However after I found out about this tool it worked so much better. There are many tips and skills that are available with adobe sketchup and with time I will master them.

Troubleshooting and repair

How can I tell if something is wrong with my computer?

Something is wrong with your computer when signs start to show up. Obvious signs such as not being able to turn on your computer or having a blank screens such as the "black screen of death" means that there is something seriously wrong with your computer. The black screen of death means that the system will no longer accept any more commands because it has failed to recover from an error. Constant error messages and very slow performance may also mean that your computer has encountered a problem.

How do I troubleshoot a hardware problem?

Troubleshooting may be a tedious task for the non expert. Remain calm and have hope because a broken computer is not life threatening. Write down your steps and research thoroughly on the user manual and online if possible. Run your antivirus software to check for viruses, spyware, and worms. Bringing up the task manager can also help by pressing the control, alt, and delete button. The task manager will end any unwanted programs. If rebooting your computer does not work then an computer expert might be needed.

What is a Safe Mode?

Safe mode is a limited version of windows that allows you to only use your mouse screen, and keyboard. When in safe mode you can still use the add/remove programs function at the control panel to delete any programs that might be causing the problem. Safe mode allows you to work under a "shield" to straighten some if not all the problems from the entanglement.

What if I can't solve the problem myself?

Technical support may be needed if the problem can not be solved by itself. A computer professional should have the skills to fix your problem. Just make sure that your warranty information, purchase date, serial number, brand, model, and operating system information is intact and present for the computer technician.

Computer Maintenance

Can I prevent hardware problems?

Computer defects may start from the manufacturing of the product. It may not even have anything to do with you. Preventive maintenance can protect you from some problems. Maintenance such as system cleanups, tuneups, and physical cleaning will help with some problems. Another important type of maintenance is virus scans and updates. Up to date computers that are frequently scanned will usually prevent software problems.

Should I be concerned about my computer's operating temperature?

A computers operating temperature can become dangerously hot from overuse of the cpu. High temperatures may cause the hardware to malfunction. Overheating computers can cause serious damage. To prevent this we can buy cooling pads and make sure that the room temperature is cool.

What is a good computer maintenance routine?

A good computer maintenance routine is to back up files , and defragment your computer regularly. You should also apply all computer and security updates and scan for viruses once a week. Regular maintenance can boost your computers speed, and life.

On Password Security

How serious is password theft?

Password theft is very serious because with a password comes power in different ways. Hackers can use a password to destroy a reputation, obtain confidential information, or steal money. Hackers a subject to fines by the law. Violation in password security can land you in prison or get you suspension in school.

How can hackers get my password?

Hackers can obtain a password by simply looking at the person while he or she is typing the password. Hackers can also use malicious software to intercept you online. Hackers can also trick you or use software to randomly guess your password. Everyone comes in contact with some sort of hacker during there lifetime. Even parents might be hackers by "hacking" into their children's accounts to obtain information.

How do I create a secure password?

Secure passwords are usually around 8 letters long. Do not use characters not found on the average keyboard. Foreign characters, and unusual signs and symbols are not the ideal password. They are a combination of uppercase and lower case letters. Using information that only you know or makes sense to you will also help create a secure password. Changing your password every once in a while will beef up your security even more.

How do I protect my password?

Passwords can be protected by simply not telling anyone or giving any hints. Passwords ca also be protected by using virus protection and using a secure virus protection. It is very useful to write down your passwords on a sheet of paper securely placed somewhere at home. Secure passwords are hard to hack and also hard to memorize. Perhaps having simple passwords such as "firetruck" for sites where no payment or personal information is involved and having secure passwords for those that include credit card information etc. is much more suitable.

Digital Society Blog 1

How does digital technology affect freedom and democracy?

The article tells of freedom of speech as being a vital part to democracy's success. However societies must limit both sides extremes such as racism, and hate speech. Technology today allows for information to be linked globally on a wide scale basis.

Has digital technology changed the way we view privacy?

Globalization allows the world to be up to date and expose the world in such a way that almost every person who has some sort of access to digital technology such as computers and cellphones knows the major events happening currently. Privacy on the web can be a hassle. However much of the privacy attacks are against celebrities rather than common people. The most dangerous privacy intrusion is the taking of personal information for illegal uses such as credit card scams. Digital privacy also takes a hit through the numerous viruses and spyware floating around online. Privacy attacks in general are a nuisance to society if nothing more.

How does digital technology affect intellectual property?

Intellectual property that is on the internet will take a hit. Some companies are even known to hire hackers to steal the ideas of rival companies. However on a more personal basis some of us commit the crime too. For example we download copyrighted music, movies, programs, and plagiarize illegally.

How does digital technology affect the economy?

Digital technology currently as a whole is positively affecting the economy. It has allowed people to view and buy products on the internet. It has also allowed stock brokers and investors to check there portfolios and investments online making the economy in a sense more accessible and updated.

Delicious

Delicious is the leading bookmarking service. It allows your bookmarks to be stored online in its data base and can be accessed anywhere with internet. This is helpful in the classroom because through this you can access your bookmarks on your home computer at school to save the hassle of typing in the http address. Whats more is that it is totally free with the only requirement of having a yahoo account. Enjoy Delicious!

Screenshot tool

By using the screenshot tool I created this image from wordle. I simple took a screenshot of the current screen and cropped it to the size that I wanted. This tool is useful for saving your screens without a camera and simply using your computer.

Wordle

Wordle is very helpful in class because it generates creative and powerful messages in an artistic. You can input your own words and it will generate a design for you. It puts the message in a very interesting and eye catching way!