Readings for 10-11 - 10-15

Computer Network - Wikipedia
Although I have heard the term "computer networks" many times, this was the first time that I actually read anything about them.  The Wikipedia article was very helpful in explaining what a computer network is, as well as defining different types of computer networks (LAN, PAN, HAN, WAN, MAN, etc.)  I think one of the most important aspects of the article was its discussion on purposes of computer networks.  The four basic purposes (facilitating communications, sharing hardware, sharing files, data, and information, and sharing software) really helped me understand why computer networks are important.  I typically find that the "why" of any subject is the most important piece of information in trying to understand new concepts.  The discussion of wired technologies and wireless technologies was also helpful in understanding how these computer networks actually work.  Overall, this article was helpful in explaining basic concepts about computer networks that I have never known before.

Local Area Network - Wikipedia
Local area networks (LAN) are devices that connect computers to small surrounding areas.  Places like one's home, school, or office buildings are good examples of places that utilize LANs.  Two great benefits that LANs offer are their higher data-transfer rates and no need for leased telecommunication lines.  Therefore, information can be transferred faster, which increases output, and people can save money by not having to pay for telephone lines.  The one major detraction of LANs is the fact that they only work in smaller geographical areas.  In this respect, a wide area network would be better for communication between larger geographical areas.  A final aspect that was helpful in this article is the fact that LANs can work with wired technologies or wireless technologies.  Overall, this article did a good job of explaining the basic characteristics of LANs for those who have little experience in this subject area.

Management of RFID in Libraries
This article helped me understand the basic concepts of "radio frequency identifiers" (RDIFs.)  From what I gathered from the reading, it seems that RDIFs can be used like barcodes, which help identifiy products in various aspects.  There potential use in libraries sounds intriguing, especially since they can store much more information about books and other mediums than traditional barcodes.  It also sounds like RFIDs can benefit librarians in that they can be tracked very easily within the library (whether it be in the stacks or in the return bin.)  RFIDs can even aid in user self-checkout methods, which can save librarians time and energy which they can devote to other projects within the library.  However, I have a problem with this because it would completely diminish the face-to-face communication between patrons and librarians.  I think that personal communication is a MUST in any service-based job.  Eliminating that communication can lead to many problems, as well as deteriorating social skills over time.  Call me a traditionalist, but that is just how I feel.

Common Types of Computer Networks - YouTube Video
This short video was a nice visual and audio aid in explaining the basic differences between different computer networks.  The man explaining the information was concise and to-the-point, which is always helpful when someone is learning about something new they have never encountered before.  Since I am, by no means, informed about various computer networks, his brief explanations on the differences between LANs, WANs, MANs, etc. was helpful.  Basically, LANs are very small in range (ex. a house or a building.)  WANs extend to a larger area (ex. a group of buildings.)  Finally, MANs can include an entire city or metropolitan area.  Overall, this video was helpful in further explaining the differences between computer networks that I learned about in the Wikipedia article.