QR Codes

This week's topic is about QR codes. QR code is short for Quick Response Code, and is used to store data using four standardized encoding modes: numeric, alphanumeric, byte, and kanji. It can be used to track products, identify items, track time, manage documents, and advertise. Many mobile devices now have applications that read QR codes, making QR codes increasingly popular for advertising use. QR codes can store URLs, making it widespread in businesses that want to give details about themselves, give coupons, or share any other types of information.

Here is a video that shows an example of how QR codes can be used on business cards: 

For my blog, I have created my own QR code, which is displayed below:

The easiest way to make QR codes is to go to online site such one of the following listed below:

·         www.qrstuff.com

·         www.the-qrcode-generator.com

·         qrcode.kaywa.com

·         goqr.me

You can also use Adobe InDesign to easily create a QR code. In InDesign, from the menu, select Object > Generate QR Code. You can have the QR code store URLs, text, text messages, emails, or business cards. You can then choose a color and frame for your QR code and QR code will be ready to use. You can print QR codes on your emails, posters, flyers, or business cards to promote your business and bring your marketing into the 21^st century.

Sources:

Lyne, Marc. "What Is A QR Code And Why Do You Need One?" Search Engine Land. N.p., 15 Oct. 2009. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://searchengineland.com/what-is-a-qr-code-and-why-do-you-need-one-27588>.

"Generate QR Codes | CC." InDesign Help. Adobe, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/generate-qr-code.html>.

Cyber Security

Growing up in a generation that is blessed with having the Internet, I was taught to be extremely cautious when downloading files, entering and sending personal information, and installing software. Of course, the lessons I have learned when using online technology were based on many mistakes made in the past. Clicking on seemingly harmless advertisements, downloading "free" movies or videos, and installing suspicious software has led me to download viruses that cause my system to crash or malfunction. We all know that these viruses lead to infinite headaches and frustration, and at a young age, I learned the safety precautions that prevent me from experiencing that frustration again. 

To protect ourselves when using the Internet, we must become knowledgeable in Cyber security. Cyber security is information protection for computers and networks. Cyber security is essential, especially in our generation which relies heavily on computers and trusts it with our personal information. While new technology has made communication and work life much easier and assessable, such as allowing us to keep track of banking and pay bills online, it has made the public more sustainable to be victims of fraud or identity theft. This is why it is important that cyber security is taken seriously and created reliably to protect the greater public.

The United States has created an organization called the Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) to help battle common cyber-attacks and to educate the public about cyber security. On their website, they have a list of tips for common, non-technical users to follow to protect their interests. For example, CERT discusses some common terms to be familiar with when it comes to online security:

• Hacker, attacker, or intruder – these are people that use software to attack people’s computer weaknesses for their own gain.
• Malicious code – this is also known as malware, and code that infects your computer.
• Vulnerability – when attackers take advantage of errors in your software.

There are many reliable and distinguished software programs that can help protect your computer from malicious content. Here is an example:

McAfee is one of the largest security technology companies in the world. For personal use, McAfee's products McAfee LiveSafe and McAfee All Access protects your data and identity on your devices. These products can be extremely useful to those who have limited computer literacy.

 A example of the McAfee LiveSafe software.

Once again, it is always important to protect your information and become knowledgeable in new technology. Many people underestimate how public the Internet really is and it is always essential to be aware of your surroundings—even if it is not physical.

Sources:

McDowell, Mindi, and Allen Householder. "Why Is Cyber Security a Problem?" US-CERT. US Department of Homeland Security, 6 May 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. <https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-001>.

Open Source

Most of the software products that I use, whether it is for school or for personal use, have been open source. Some of this software includes Android, Firefox, Open Office, and VLC Media Player, which I recommend everyone to use. Open source is a modern and efficient ideology that allows developers to create and improve their work.

Open source can be either free access to a product’s design or free distribution of that design. Open source products can be improved by anyone. Our modern day society is now abundant with open source software products. Open source encourages people to use a product and change it to fit their needs. People like open source software because they can control the software they use, it benefits them as programmers, and it can be updated and fixed quickly.

The open source software that I like best and I feel is most beneficial is Git. Git is an open source version control system that allows people to share and exchange projects. It is free software and has a repository that shows complete history and tracking capabilities. Personally, I use Git for projects for work and school and I find it is a professional and organized way of sharing projects with others. It helps with team work and is quick, reliable, and hassle-free. Many companies use Git because of its free usage and I feel that students should practice using it in their school projects so that they are prepared to use it when they enter the high-tech industry.

You can download Git and access Git’s source code through their website, http://git-scm.com/.