OpenOffice.....

I like the idea of Open Source software because it doesn’t cost $150.00 and free versions of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. I consider using Open Source software at home, if I get a new computer or laptop. For sure I will save lot money; I think about two hundred dollars. I will suggest the idea of installing this software to businesses, big or small; they can save a lot of money. With the money save they can use it for other supplies for the business or build another building in another country or state. After, reading Open Source software in wikipedia there are some more programs that are for free. And examples are Open Source culture, Open Source government, Open Source journalism, and etc. Reading the article about President Obama’s administration is considering using Open Source for government computers is a really interesting subject. The title of the article got my mind to try why would he want this? Maybe, because U.S is in a huge debt it will be wise to save some several million of dollars. That’s what I think because how the economy is bad. Anyway, I was right after all because U.S is in debt, here is the amount wasted " $400billion dollars and up! “

articles

New York Times-

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/15/opinion/15robb.html
Chicago Tribute-
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-microsoft-woes-jan23,0,7443830.story

E-Waste In Under- Developing Countries

I have never heard of E-waste (Electronic Waste) until my teacher told us about it. I was amaze how third world countries are getting worst because old technology is being thrown away. That isn’t fair for anyone living a bad condition. The old computers have bad toxins that are harmful for humans of any age. When my old technology isn’t working anymore I will try to take it to get fixed. If the fixing doesn’t work, I just throw it away. I have heard of recycling places for old technology, but I have never got inside of a technology recycling place. I think E-waste shouldn’t exist in poor countries; there should be special factories and tools for people who want or needs a job. And also have special type of masks, gloves, and clothing to protect the individual from harm. From now on, I will try to prevent to buy too much technology that I don’t need. And using the technology with care and not over do the usage. After, reading the articles, the E-waste isn’t good for anyone. To prevent harm on us and the environment surrounding us, there should be a special kind of programs. These programs will be responsible of taking care of old technology being taking apart in a fair manner. Like I said before, it isn’t fair that the poor countries are getting worst, when maybe they want to improve their condition of living. Countries sending the old technology are getting richer and strong. While, poor countries are receiving crap and becoming weaker.

Articles:
1) USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/environment/2008-07-06-ewaste-recycling_N.htm

2) "60 Minutes" - Video and Article
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10092317-54.html

3) National Geographic News
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/11/1108_051108_electronic_waste.html

Video Games Can Help Release Stress

My opinion about this topic is that I think it is true that video games do help reduce stress. It depends what type of games you are into; action, arcade, shooting, puzzles, etc, you name it. When I have a very hard day…I feel like playing music. I do play various instruments but I wish I can play many of my favorite songs. But reality is some of them are really hard that I try and try. I still don’t get it. That when Guitar Hero 1-3 or/and RockBand 1-2 comes in….I can play for hours by myself or a group of friends. My stress does all come out by jamming through the songs because I am having too much fun I don’t remember how I become stress out. I tried to play other video games that looks fun or sounds fun…but after trying to play I start to get so frustrated that I want kill the game for being so hard or boring. I am horrible in shooting and racing games, it looks fun and easy, but I tried me either dying in the shooting game or being three place in the racing games. I really don’t play too many games because I think is a bad habit, I only play when I feel like I really want too. But most of my time I manage to do other things that isn’t a video game, I find myself reading a book to release my stress by imaging the whole story in my head like is a movie I can only see. But I do agree that video games does some stress release.

TERRIOSTS ON MYSPACE

The fact is that many of us do have an account in Facebook,MySpace,Buzznet,or Twitter…etc. It’s a very easy way to connect with family and friends, if they live near or far way. After reading and hearing the problem that terrorists are using these accounts to inform each other or others who wants to enjoy what is the plan! But is it a fact that, is it really terrorists using these websites or is some group trying to scare people. Actually I don’t know if I should be concerned because it can always be a joke from some group trying to be funny or just want a nation to be scared. I remember reading the privacy policy before accepting what are the rules for account(s). It warns the individual that any form of THREATS TO OTHERS, THEIR ACCOUNT WOULD GET DELETED FROM _____CHOOSE YOUR ACCOUNT(s) NAME___________________! I feel safe on these accounts because I never put my real information and my friends are people that I really know in my life. I guess a person should be really worried if their really information is out there for every single person can see. My account is private; my pictures are private (only for friends) and etc. My advice is that don’t worry about terrorists being on MySpace because in reality it just can be a sick joke from some group who wants desperate attention. Also, remember don’t give your real information to anyone you don’t know in any of the account(s) you have!