Factors to consider when buying a PC/Laptop suitable for an applied psychology student in IADT

This is another assignment for ICT class but I think it's also relevant to my blog because it's steps on what to consider when buying a laptop or PC for the IADT psychology course. I got my information from the knowledge I learned in ICT, from the internet, and from talking to workers in a electronic store.

• How much money can you set aside to pay for a computer or laptop?
  Most students no matter what course, or college have limited funds so the most important thing is to decide how much money you have to spend which wont leave your pockets dry. So decide on a budget and work from there. For this psychology course a basic computer is all that is required, just a basic application like word for typing assignments, access to the web, and one that can support photoshop.

• Then you need to write a list of programs you want your computer or laptop to have.
  What are you going to be using your laptop or computer for? You will need it to support photoshop, be able to create presentations, have a word processor.., etc. You may also want to use the computer for recreation purposes, itunes, calender, or skype.., etc. It is vital you do this as it means you will get the right computer for yourself and your course, without paying mega money for applications your wont use.
  

• Research warranties, different brands and their reputations. With this information decide how long you intend on having your laptop or computer for.
  Check online discussion boards, and do your research before you talk with a sales person. However once you have your list and a strong idea in what you are looking for, talking with a trained sales person can be very useful. With all this information researched and noted, roughly decide how long you plan on keeping your laptop or PC. If you plan on having it for a long time you'd want to get one which is capable to download expansions, or add ons i.e., a modem, or printer.

• Finally, once you have decided on a computer model discuss RAM, and anti virus software.
  Memory is vital for a computer and laptop to run, as it is needed to store and modify data, the more RAM the better. Discuss with the sales clerk a deal on high RAM and a strong anti virus protection. Usually computers come without anti virus software downloaded, however, a variety or companies sell anti virus software which can be sold in a package deal with a laptop/PC. You can also download anti virus software for free from the internet, just make sure it is from a safe and secure website.
  

That is pretty much everything you need to consider and know before purchasing a laptop and computer.

School Girls start huge Police search by creating a fake facebook suicide victim

This is my second article summary for ICT class, it's about how facebook hoxes can get out of hand.

Resource site:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361693/Jaydon-Rothwell-fake-Facebook-suicide-Schoolgirls-triggered-police-search-questioned.html

Summery:
This article appeared in the 'Daily Mail' on March 1st 2011. Two 15 year old girls created a fake profile for 'Jaydon Rothwell', then made a tribute page declaring he had killed himself. The page went viral very quickly and shortly the police were receiving calls from concerned locals. This resulted in a massive police search.
Their hoax page stated he died of a drink and drug overdose, (vodka mixed with mephedrone) which caught a lot of attention with more than 2000 people logging on with hundreds of sympathy comments.
This was brought to the attention of the Lancashire police who sent out patrols to find the boy.
Eventually the police traced the site to the girls computers. The girls confessed, and now wait to see if the officers are going to press charges on grounds of wasting police time, or a public order offense.
The girls stated they originally made the facebook page to befriend one of their friends, and talk to her as 'Jaydon'. The girls then took it a step further declaring his death- their friend was devastated to hear he had 'died'.
News of the 'death' then spread throughout Blackburn with well-wishers - all of who were strangers - posting messages of condolence on the site.
Not only were the police getting phone calls, but officers on the street were being stopped and questioned about the boy, as well and phone calls the the local coroner.
The true identity of the person the girls claimed was 'Jaydon Rothwell' in the Facebook profile picture was not known.


Opinions:
In my opinion this is a case which holds more wrongs then just the obvious.
Not only did the girls pretend to be someone else on facebook , but they did this to trick another girl into building a relationship with 'him' and then pretended he died. The girls were doing this at the other girls expense, this alone is a case of cyberbullying and should be taken very seriously.
I don't however believe they knew how public the profile would get. I think this is a perfect example of how parents should be monitoring their children's use of the internet.
I think the girls should have to publicly apologise for any harm caused and be banned from using social networks in future.

Woman Faces 18 months in prison for creating a fake facbook account of an ex boyfriend

For part of an ICT assignment we were asked to research articles relating to technology and write a summery and our thoughts on it. I wanted mine to fit in with the media theme in my blog so I thought of looking into social networking, how it's being perceived in the media and how it's effects on people.

resource link:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2054381/Woman-faces-18-months-prison-creating-fake-Facebook-profile-ex-boyfriend.html

summery:
This article appeared in the 'Daily Mail' on the 28th of October 2011, it discusses how Dana Thornton, a 41 year old woman from New Jersey faces 18 months in prison after a prank went wrong. The woman set up a fake facebook account of her ex boyfriend “to get back at him”, and now faces identity theft charges, as the prosecutors claim her actions harmed her ex-boyfriend's reputation.
Authorities say she created the facebook account after her relationship with Mr Lasalandra had ended. However it was created as if it was written by her former boyfriend, as it included his name, date of birth, and photos.
The Postings Mrs Thornton wrote included poor remarks about his lifestyle choices and career.
Although Mrs Thornton never denied creating the facebook account her lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case, as there is no law against creating a profile of anyone online.

“Under the New Jersey statute, there is no plain wording, commentary, memorandum or any evidence of legislative intent to show that impersonating someone online or by electronic means is a crime.”

However the prosecution reminded the court that impersonating or assuming false identity is a crime.

“Certainly it would damage his good name, standing or reputation if false comments and assertions were made.”
Thornton was charged after the web page's IP address from which the profile was made was traced back to her home computer.
A hearing is scheduled for November 2nd.

Opinion:
I believe Dana Thornton took advantage of her use of social networks, and when the hearing is done, her privileges will be revoked. If the state of New Jersey don't make a point out of this case, cyberbullying and anonymous sexual haunting will increase rather than decrease. Due to Thornton's age she should have known better and I believe a stand has to be taken against her to defend future cases like this, which my involve more vulnerable members of society.

Miley Cyrus drug video leaked

Today I was flicking through my collection of old magazines in hopes of inspiration for my college multimedia project and I stumbled upon an old story about Miley Cyrus. This story was defending the videos leaked on youtube showing Miley smoking the drug salvia with her friends. The writer explored how what she was doing wasn't illegal and no worse then most rap music and music videos. Rather then being inspired for multimedia I thought I'd blog about it. Rap music is aimed at a completely different audience then The Hannah Montana star does. Miley Cyrus is a disney star and her main fan base are you pre teen girls. These girls idolise Miley Cyrus and this leads them to think it is ok or even cool to do drugs... if their idol Miley is doing it what's to say they shouldn't?
Then to think they pick up a magazine to find an article defending her actions... This makes me wonder does Miley face the same path as her fellow disney star Britney Spears? These teen stars need to realise so many young girls look at them as role models and they should act accordingly

Lady GaGa

This is a general post on Lady GaGa. Lady GaGa is constantly been scrutinised in the media, and for what?
If anything Lady GaGa delivers a positive message to her fans and young people today. She celebrates individuality and creativity. Lady GaGa has been named 'vulger' and 'immodist' in various magazines and online blogs. However is this entirely true? She preaches safe sexual practices to her fans and supports all races and sexual orientation. In a world of rampent discrimination and hate, I believe GaGa is a breath of fresh air..