#2

I found chapter 3 to be extremely redundant and full of information that I already knew. While I did learn about a couple of new things, such as voice recognition software and notetaking software, the rest seemed rather pointless. All this chapter basically did was specifically categorize information that I already knew, and gave examples of how it can be applied. For instance, it said that application software can be categorized into five different categories, productivity/business, school activities, graphics and multimedia projects, home and personal, and communications. Then, they gave examples of each of these categories, like Instant Messaging, E-Mail, and Blogging for communication. It also reviewed various vocabulary words having to do with software, such as menu, icon, commands, window, formatting, cut/paste, etc. The chapter also discussed productivity software, which it stated makes peoples lives more efficient. This includes things like spreadsheets, search/find features, clip art, “Wizard”, and much more. The third type of software that this chapter went over was graphics and multimedia software. This software includes desktop publishing, paint and image editing, video and audio editing, web page authoring, and more.
As I said, this chapter seemed pretty repetitive and I didn’t acquire too much new information except about voice recognition software and notetaking software. I actually find these two things to be pretty interesting though. I like the idea of being able to take notes directly onto a laptop, and/or directly onto a document and to be able to save it, but still have it be in my own handwriting. Voice recognition software is interesting too, it’s a pretty crazy thought to just be able to say something to your computer and have it complete the task perfectly. These are both things I could see myself using in the future, and things that would make my life and experience with computers a little bit easier.
Let’s see, what to say about me and/or technology in general. Well, in addition to this course, I’m also taking CGS2060, where I’m learning even MORE about computers. I actually just spent close to five hours on my first project for that course, but it did teach me a lot about the resources that are on my computer that I’m not even using, resources that can not only make my life easier, but can also make the work I do look more professional and polished.