Website Design for Living Our Lives!

After long nights of craftmanship, I have completed the website for the last project in MIS 320. I created a nonprofit organization, Living Our Lives, and a website advertising its services, purpose and recent updates.

Check it out!
 http://lolives.weebly.com/index.html

Purpose for Viewing Source Code

Webmasters, web developers, or every day internet users can view the source code by right clicking the mouse and selecting, "View Source." Users may also view the source by going to the "View" tab if Internet Explorer is the browser. By viewing the source, the user might view the elements that composes the website. If the developer wishes to make changes to the website, the code can be altered. The view source option can be used to edit the font, style format, greeting message, etc. The source option allows the user to view content in programming style.

DRH

MIS 320

HTML Notes from BC's Website

Hypertext.  This is simply text, not far off from what I am writing now.  The difference is, when viewed via a Web Browser, it exhibits certain behaviors.  Here is an example:

<a>Google.com</a>

 

Markup.  That’s what we just did.  We took some text: “Click here to Search!” and marked it up so it will now act as a link.  HTML does many things, yet is essentially a way to format your text: make it big, bold, green, add an image, place a video on the right side of a page, or many other things.

Language. HTML is not a programming language, it is a markup language.  What is the difference? Programming languages tend to be able to perform logical tasks, numerical and text manipulation, error handling, etc.  HTML primarily is a formatting language.  There are some variations:

DHTML.  This is a dynamic HTML. It is a way to make pages more interactive and animated; however, it does this by adding using other languages in addition to HTML.

XHTML.  Extensible HTML. Okay...let’s start with XML, eXtensible Markup Language.  XML is a machine-friendly way to code for a web page.  Think about an e-tail web page that displays products for sale.  Each has a description, price, weight, reviews, number/code, images, and so forth.  If I make my page only using HTML, it is very difficult for me to take all that data and put it into any other application: a database, another web page, a spreadsheet.  To do this, I might screen scrape, and either write a bunch of custom code to try and extract the data and reformat it, or I might even just write it all down by hand.

Whereas HTML is concerned with the format, that is, how things look on a page, XML describes what is on a page.  Both languages can be used together, but using XML which has stricter rules and many industries share common standards about which XML tags to use...my web page now becomes readily shared between computers.  The data are described on a page, therefore, I can pretty easily take the data on my page and consume it on another page, put it in a database, or any other application. 

Think about RSS (real simple syndication) feeds. When I subscribe to a web page, I can read all the new posts and articles without ever going to that page.  For example, using Google’s RSS reader, I can subscribe to all my favorite web sites and read them all in one place.  The display and format are up to me and my reader, I’m just taking the data and displaying it on my own terms.

Another outcome are mash ups, where data from two websites can be put together to make something new.  Think of taking the weather, or traffic, or crime reports and overlaying them on a Google Map.

HTML5. This is the newest standard for HTML.  It is more robust than previous versions, adding many tags and elements that are better suited for mobile and tablet and social.  It’s an upgrade to respond to the trends of how people use the web.  The point is, if you adhere to HTML5 standards, then you can rest assured that most of the popular web browsers and devices (e.g. a tablet or smart phone) will render your web page correctly.  Standards are optional, and sometimes a browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox will disagree with the standard and have slight variations.  


Think of it like this.  The English language and grammar rules are a standard; yet how closely are they followed in all of our writing or on the web?  Not very, but close enough to get the point across.  With HTML5 or any other web standard, it is the same: the more you adhere to it, the more universal you message will be received. 

CSS. Cascading Style Sheets.  These are another big deal and together with HTML are where you need to start to learn how to code.  CSS are just HTML, but contain all the style elements.  For example, if I want all of my links to be a certain size, font, or color, I can make a style tag that will set all links on all my pages to adhere to that.  This saves me much time instead of coding all of those individual links, and if I want to change it ever, it is all in one place.  I can also choose just to make a subset of links or any other element on my page adopt a certain style.  

Web Browser. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and many more.  Did you know that you can make a web page by just editing a simple text file (e.g. Notepad) and choosing to “Save As” or renaming the file and typing in the file extension: .html or .htm.  It will then pull up as a web page.  

InfoSec: Security and Technology's True Intent

Is technology our best friend or our worst enemy? Technology makes our lives as humans much easier. It allows us to effectively communicate and presents knowledge within a click of a button. Of course, too much of anything is never good. The utilization of technology presents us with vast security vulnerabilities.

Mikko Hypponen presents us with videos that discusses how virsuses originated. Hypponen also discusses how the government can track consumer's by the dots printed on their documents. This method can be traced back to typewriters. The government has several avenues to monitor consumer information and can use this information against us. We make information readily available for exploitation on the internet by hackers and government agencies.

Mikko suggest we should voice our opinion about this silent crime. We these issues are occuring but we are refraining from voicing our opinions to create a public cry. Technology can be both, our best friend and our worst enemy; dependent upon the methods of usage. However, no matter how we use technology, hackers can use technology to obtain consumer information to generate wealth.

Target's Collection & Retention of Consumer Information. Is it ethical?

In February, Dr.Cumbie posted a link to an article from the New York Times Magazine; Predictive Analytics, Informed Consent, & Privacy: The Case of Target. The article exposed Target’s usage of internal and external consumer information to better market their products and services through predictive analytics. The predictive analytics allows Target to create a profile of a consumer to determine what products are favored by the guest. This article surprised me because I am a team leader at Target. I was under the impression that Target kept all of the information obtained from our guest as a secret. We strive to make the guest the number one priority by providing a great shopping experience that will create brand loyalty and drive guest frequency.

The usage of the predictive analytics is just another method to provide the great guest service. In professional selling, studies have proven that the more a firm knows about the consumer; the better a firm can satisfy a consumer’s need.

There are people who believe this is unethical which is understandable. The trading of consumer information can place consumer at risk of identity theft or spam. The consumer should be provided with the right to agree or decline to become subjects of predictive analysis.

Evolution of the Internet

This is the history of the internet. A timeline is created in this video to closely monitor the evolution of the internet.

Become Knowledgeable. Click Timeline to Watch this video.

Darryl(iNet assignment)

Another Perception on the birth of WWW.

Was the internet create in the launch of the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik?

Click the picture to form your opinion.

Darryl

iNet Assignment

Programming Screenshot: Progression

You Need to Learn How to Program

You Need To Learn Programming Summary
Make a free weekly coding lesson for your New Year’s resolution

This article is composed of benefits that accompany the acquisition of knowledge of programming. Instead of changing your diet or establishing a savings account, learn programming as your New Year’s Resolution, for free. Zach Sims and Ryan Bubinski, the founders of Codeacademy, believe programming is becoming equally important as reading and writing by participating in a five hour weekly training module. Due to the rapid emergence of technology, it is helpful for one to learn computer programming to increase their marketability; becoming less susceptible to lay-off in a sporadic economy. Technology is designed to assist in making life’s tasks easier. What happens when technology replace humans on the job? Everyone can operate technology, but understanding the processes that it took to design the product makes you become divergent by thinking more algorithmically; executing our natural born ability to think in code.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2012/01/learn_to_program_make_a_free_weekly_coding_lesson_your_new_year_s_resolution_.html?wpisrc=slate_river

-Darryl H.

The Story of the Internet

The Story of the Internet

Who Invented the Internet?

President Ronald Reagan was responsible for the invasion of Granada by the U.S. in 1983 which showcased networked systems

Operation Urgent Fury: The emergence of data systems and remote terminals

AT&T was granted to be a natural monopoly, the nation was built by lowest bidders

Navy marines had different networks for different departments

Stovepipe: Teams, organizations that do not communicate with other part of a unit

Dropbox: Uses TCP/ IP to share files and information over the internet which gives everyone access

W3 Consortia:

Internet Protocol: RUles we play by

Internet: Networks of networks that share information with each other

Every device with Internet accessibility has an IP address

-Covers how information is shared over the internet

The strength of the internet is decentralized

Information takes alternate routes when some parts of the internet is disabled

Internet Exchange: place companies come together to interconnect technology, such as: broadcasters, social sites)

Connecting in one place drives lower cost and higher efficiency

One connection: Shared platform for many peers; peering makes the internet faster and cheaper

Internet is not a cloud system; Internet is a wire buried in the ground

Servers have IP addresses; helps find each other

Client Computers are used by everyday citizens

Information is dissected and reorganized when it reaches its destination

HTML Quiz Screenshot

Results: 20 out of 20 (100 percent on the HTML Quiz)

Showrooming or Demon Shoppers

Article from Wall Street Journal on Target and customers using Target as a "Showroom". Relates to E-Commerce Topic.

Target Corp. is tired of being used.In one of the starkest signs yet that chain stores fear a new twist in shopping, Target is asking suppliers for help in thwarting "showrooming"—that is, when shoppers come into a store to see a product in person, only to buy it from a rival online, frequently at a lower price.WSJ's Ann Zimmerman has details of Target stores making efforts to deter shoppers from 'showrooming', the act of viewing a product in the store and then purchasing it online from another retailer. AP Photo/The Telegraph, John BadmanLast week, in an urgent letter to vendors, the Minneapolis-based chain suggested that suppliers create special products that would set it apart from competitors and shield it from the price comparisons that have become so easy for shoppers to perform on their computers and smartphones. Where special products aren't possible, Target asked the suppliers to help it match rivals' prices. It also said it might create a subscription service that would give shoppers a discount on regularly purchased merchandise.Enlarge ImageCloseReutersVendors are likely to have little choice but to play ball with Target because of its clout as the second-largest discount chain. "What we aren't willing to do is let online-only retailers use our brick-and-mortar stores as a showroom for their products and undercut our prices without making investments, as we do, to proudly display your brands," according to the letter, which was signed by Target Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel and Kathee Tesija, Target's executive vice president of merchandising.Showrooming is an increasing problem for chains ranging from Best Buy Co. to Barnes & Noble Inc., at the same time that it's a boon for Amazon.com Inc. and other online retailers. This year store sales overall edged up 4.1% during the holiday shopping season, while online sales jumped 15%. And while online sales represent only 8% of total sales, that is up from just 2% in 2000.Other retailers also are likely to take steps similar to Target's plan, according to Deborah Weinswig, Citigroup retail analyst, who mentioned the letter in a research note Friday and said it was likely to have gone to suppliers of consumer electronics, health and beauty products and food.Vendors are likely to have little choice but to play ball with Target because of its clout as the second-largest discount chain. Major suppliers, including Kraft Inc., TV maker Vizio and Procter & Gamble Inc., either wouldn't confirm they received the letter or didn't return calls seeking comment.Target declined to comment other than to issue a statement saying that it "has long prided itself on having truly collaborative vendor partnerships and we continually work with our vendors to remain competitive in the ever-evolving retail environment."Some analysts said Target's new tactics are unlikely to reverse the showrooming trend, because they fail to address the root problems traditional retailers face. Online-only retailers have significantly lower labor costs and, at least, for the time being don't collect sales tax in most states.More important, the growing competition from Amazon is based on a different business model entirely: Amazon can sell products so cheaply because it uses its other profitable units—such as cloud data storage and fees it charges others to sell on its website — to subsidize the rest of its business."The traditional retailers are still doing business the old way while Amazon has reinvented the model," says Sucharita Mulpuru, retail analyst at Forrester Research. "Wal-Mart and Target are willing to sell a few things at a loss. Amazon's whole business is a loss leader."Consumer preferences are also moving to online. "That is where we're heading," said Adrianne Shapira, retail analyst at Goldman Sachs. "You can try and dance around it, but it's a fact."Retailers like Target and industry giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have a lot of catching up to do, as analysts estimate their websites account for only 1% to 2% of their annual sales.Target had a tough Christmas season, with sales at stores open at least a year rising just 1.7%, about half of what the company expected. As a result, Target recently lowered its fourth-quarter earnings per share range to between $1.35 and $1.43 from $1.43 to $1.53.The company said sales were particularly disappointing in electronics, movies, books and music—products whose sales have migrated most significantly to the Internet. Those products accounted for 20% of Target's annual sales of $65 billion in 2010, down from 22% in the prior year.This fall Target relaunched and upgraded its website, which had been operated by Amazon for the last decade. But the site crashed several times, most notably when shoppers rushed to buy a special line of items made by Italian fashion house Missoni.Target has a long tradition of getting suppliers to provide exclusive products. It has teamed up for years with fashion designers to offer time-limited discount clothing collections, and it recently announced it will open a series of temporary boutiques featuring clothes, food and home furnishings from popular regional stores.These programs set Target apart from less fashionable rivals such as Wal-Mart, but "they are completely immaterial" to the company's bottom line, said Colin McGranahan, retail analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204624204577177242516227440.html

E-Commerce Podcast(Pt. 2)

Keywords:

1)Information Assymetry: Someone in the transaction has better information than the other party

2) Dynamic pricing

3) Disintermidation: Internet remove an intermidary, direct consumer sales

Follow a period of reintermidation

4)Digital Marketplace: Ease, marginal cost is low

5)Portals: Yahoo!, Google, Bing!

6)E-Retailer: Amazon

7) Sales Revenue Model

8)Free-meum: Free for standard, have to pay to get premium service

9) Transaction fee revenue

10) Affiliate Revenue

11) Niche Marketing: Little data points spreaded out

12)E-Commerce Marketing: Can appeal to mass Market

13) Razor Blade Strategy: Give away razor but charge high prices for blades

Create a platform and charge high prices for accesories and services

A Few Myths About E-Commerce

1)Setting up business on internet is less costly[easy to start, hard to manage]

2) Making money on the web is easy

3) If you launch a site, customer will come to it

4) Privacy is not important on the web

6)Most important part of E-Commerce is the technology

8) Flash plug-ins makes a website better[Flash should not be incorporated on website]

10) E-Commerce will cause brick and mortart companies to disappear

12) Too late to get on the web

E-Commerce Podcast Notes(Pt.1)

E-Commerce is anything dealing with the electronic purchasing of an item

Keywords:
1)Netscape: First online navigator. Considered the father of Mozilla Firefox
2) Social Media
3) Apps: The development of apps is similar to the emerging of the Internet in the 1990's
4) Contemporary E-Commerce
5) Channel Integration
6)Ubiguity: the state of being everywhere at once.
Ubiguity reduces searching costs for consumers
7) Global Reach vs Traditional Commerce: Place is local or regional
8)Demon Shopper: Use a retailer as showroom and buys product at another store
9) Brick and mortar: A company that has a physical location

E-Commerce Facts
The internet makes Black Friday and CyberMonday hassle free when someone wants to shop.

In 2006, E-Commerce revenue growing fast in retail international trade

E-Commerce is technology dependent

Online consumer sells grew by $309 billion increased by 14% over 2010

Content is King, it attracts people to websites
Example: YouTube & Facebook users drives content. Crowdsourcing

Zappos use reverse logistics and focus on customer service

Number of people that own an e-reader doubled from last year

Mobile E-Commerce consisted of purchasing ringtones

B2G
B2E
G2C
G2E
G2G
B2B
B2C
C2C

Target E-Commerce Utilization

I chose Target.com because this is the company that I am currently employed by as a Guest Service Team Lead. Target uses the internet to make our guests' lives a breeze. From pre-ordering of Twilight to the credit/debit card sign-up, everything is included on-line.

E-Commerce
Business Strategy

In Cathy Davidson’s podcast, The Myth of Mono-Tasking; she discussed several topics:
changing technology, multi-tasking and attention blindness, which dominated the
podcast. Attention blindness is people distorting what they see only to focus
on what they want to see. Cathy presented the listeners with research that
painted that demonstrated what attention blindness is. “Cars drove into an
airplane in the middle of the highway because they didn’t expect to see an
airplane; only cars,” says Cathy. Combining people’s perceptions will allow one
to see a lot more, which reduces attention blindness. Reducing attention
blindness and mono-tasking will increase productivity.

Monotasking is a person devoting their energy and focus on one task which is considered a
myth by Cathy. The brain spend majority of its time multi-tasking. When one
focus on a single task at a time, it over works the brain; causing reduced
productivity. “Many believe taking frequent breaks is counterproductive,” says
Cathy. Taking frequent breaks allows the brain to refresh itself, maximize
output and productivity. Due to the rapid change of technology, the world makes
it easier to take frequent breaks by logging into Facebook or Twitter. “When
someone is not focused is when the best ideas are generated,” says Cathy; “when
pressure is applied; creativity is eliminated.” It can become difficult to tune
the world out due to technological advances that can hinder one from completing
tasks.


Changing technology is inevitable. The world is rapidly evolving; multiple choice test were
designed to aid families strive during WWII, cell phones are used to e-mail,
etc. Change is often receiving a negative connotation due to the population’s
reluctance to evolve with technology. People tend to hold on to what they were
accustomed to as they were growing up.

The second podcast featured Misiek Piskorski and Anthony Bradley who discussed how
social media can be a useful tool in the business world. Social media tend to
receive a negative wrap because people tend to think it is not professional or
it conjures mess. Misiek and Anthony believe social media all people in various
communities to collaborate and divide the workload associated with a project.
Social media allows delegation of duties to become easier and assess the
marketplace in a dynamic way. Social media’s biggest uses are facilitating
relationships, the creation of new products and receive feedback from
consumers.

During the airing of the podcast, the listeners were provided with ways to convert
social media utilization into success: get younger employees to operate social
media due to their familiarity of the sites and buy-in from senior level
executives. Many companies are afraid of failure because there is a high
failure rate associated with social media. It has been said, “Bad things will
happen, but how you engage and interact with those in the situation will make
the relationship better or worse.” Social media doesn’t create conflict, it
exposes it.

If one was to reduce their attention blindness in the business world, one can
exploit more opportunities that were ignored by other competitors. Having a
broader perception will create avenues of newer products and innovation that
competitors haven’t developed or foreseen yet. Becoming technological advanced
will increase efficiency and possibly decrease human errors. If productivity
was increased, it will serve as a catalyst for growth and development in
companies.

Utilizing social media for business purposes is a great way to inform consumers of new
products and gain feedback. Social media speeds up the diffusion process. When
consumers are satisfied with a product, they tend to make post or updates about
them. Social media can be used to discover consumers’ needs and wants. Sites
like Twitter and Facebook can be used to find out what are the fads, styles and
trends. Social media can also make consumers aware of discounts and
sweepstakes. Strategic alliances are also made on social media networks which
can lead to co-branding or increased market share. In conclusion, paying more
attention to the environment will lead to greater opportunities which will
foster success. Reducing attention blindness and utilizing social media will
create a synergy; 1 + 1= 3 if used correctly.

I would create a research firm that will cater to those who experience attention
blindness. The goal is to unlock the hidden the potential of the brain and
teaching people how to maximize productivity. The research firm would develop
methods that place clients into uncomfortable situations that will cause them
to become accustomed a new perception. Lastly, I would create a small business
that targets the elderly to assist with the transition to the world of
technology. It would increase companies’ reach which will birth a smarter
planet.