Class Presentation #2

World without secrets by Richard Hunter was actually presented by two groups which probably means i obtained the most information from this particular book out of all the other presentations. One of these two presentations i remember being particularly long which seemed to spark my interest less as the information flowed on and on.
The book goes in depth with the advancement of technology like telematics and WiFi (Wireless Fidelity). It also talks about privacy on the web, while lots of web users claim to care about their personal information, PPIs are still being posted. The book isn't just about privacy and protecting it, or not as the case may be, but also offers a look at how open source software like Linux has created true alternatives for Microsoft.

Much of these technological advances were exciting to hear about as this is what may come of our future and could be what we have to look forward to. In the book face scanning technology to find criminals in the crowd was used and cars are improving technology to become safer for the driver/ passengers. While driving one will be able to know what conditions lie ahead; like snow or animals. Also, a car could one day be pinpointed to know its exact location for the knowledge of a crash or be able to tell how severe the crash was. Face detection on cameras in public places could one day, according to World Without Secrets, be able to identify a criminal or certain information one would need to know about a person who is entering a business for safety reasons.

One of the most interesting technological advances mentioned in the book was technology within a house. Houses will simply be controlled with a universal remote control which could turn lights on and off, detect security cameras, even tell you what is in your fridge from a simple device. This reminded me of the Disney movie that was created about a house that cleaned itself, woke people up when they need to be somewhere, made them the dinner of their choice, even got kids ready for school. The movie was called Smart House and was probably made within the years 2000-2002. With actual technology being created to do these things is almost unbelievable yet astonishing when it seemed like a fairytale only 6 years ago.

So, if people can be identified through a camera with face detection and a house can cook a family dinner, i would say that technology is advancing and quickly. This book was published in 2002 and was probably written in 2001. If 7 years have gone by i would say this advancement in technology could be creeping up on us faster than we think.

Class Presentation #1

One of the books that caught my interest during presentations was titled: Steal This File Sharing Book: What They Wont Tell You About File Sharing by Wallace Wang. The book talked about file sharing networks such as Kazaa, Usenet and Morpheus and covered subjects relating to dangers of using file sharing networks including viruses, lawsuits, spyware and also explained how to avoid them. Through these file sharing networks users are able to share everything from music and video files to pornography and books. Worst of all it reveals how people use them to share secrets and censored information banned by their government. In the book industries are trying to stop the ongoing battle between software, video and music pirates.

The topics included in the book are of interest to me because many people my age use illegal tools to download free music such as limewire. it seems that if industries were so motivated to discontinue the ability to obtain pirated music, videos and software, it would have been done by now, limewire would no longer be available to download and many would have to convert back to buying songs on I tunes or purchasing CDs.

Reasons why songs or other downloads should be illegal to own without purchasing: The artist is not able to enjoy full royalties, such as a large number of their CDs sold each year; that statistic is now considered to be insufficient information. Also, stores that carry CDs depend on buyers to create profit.

Reasons why downloads should be legal to own without purchasing: Sampling songs from unpopular groups before buying which creates popularity for the group. If new music had to be purchased before sampling, nobody would buy the music because of fear of disappointment.

consequently, pirated music could be a good thing for the artist, as long as people continue to listen to their music. If i had to choose, using music through illegal file sharing networks should be legal. We didn't have to pay for our ears, so why have to pay for a song? I am aware that an artist receives profit through the selling of their music, but they still have concerts and T-shirts and other products contributing to their fame and fortune.