Introduction to computer literacy
Answer to questions
Searching for information on Google is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Is that true? Was the library of the 19th century more efficient? Explain.
It is true that searching information is difficult. Google allows access to any person thereby encouraging the diversity of information about any search (Eko et al, 2012). The individual searching about any term will have to open all the links related to search, in order to identify the most suitable. This takes a lot of time as compared to when an individual was to go straight to one search. The presentation of more result about a certain search also requires the person to be more careful when choosing since some search may be irrelevant to the needed information. There are no filters used in sorting the correct information (Eko et al, 2012).
In searching information, the library of the 19th century is more efficient compared to Google. The latter provide far more information to search through hence less orderly as compared to the former that offers a pleasant way of searching information. A Google search is always frustrating and tedious compared to the orderly manner of the 19th century library (Eko et al, 2012).
The specialized database is a proprietary database, only accessed through registration or subscription, while the latter are a public domain. Anyone can assess the public domain databases provided they have access to internet connection. The main difference between the two databases lies on the component of the two: while the former offers information on a subject (mostly the journals), the latter offers a wealth of information on a variety of subjects. For instance, only students and schools can assess the Ashford library, while there is no restriction on the access of Google. The public domain database is often susceptible to spam, while the specialized domain is responsible for the security of their contents. The subscription with the specialized database implies that the database will always be responsible for the information it offers hence it would offer all the required information about a certain subject. The public domain is susceptible to leaving out some information because there is no attachment to the researcher; it always offers generalized information.
Propriety software and open source applications are anything but similar. What are the pros and cons of buying Microsoft Office (proprietary) versus downloading and using Open Office (open) for free?
Pros of Microsoft office (cons of Open office)
An individual purchases the Microsoft office at a fee hence the user always has access to the entire feature presented by the Microsoft. This is different to the open version that is always free; consequently, there is a limitation to some essential features of the Office. There is no restriction to the duration that the users access the Microsoft office, because of the responsibility attached to the latter. In the open version, the individual is always a subject to trial period, which only allow him to use the software for a period (often 30-90 days) (Ruffín & Márquez, 2010). The Open Office also restricts on the usage of the software indifferent to the Microsoft office that allows the user to do everything relevant to the software usage.
Pros Open office (cons of Microsoft office)
The open office is free hence allowing access to an individual who does not have money for buying the Microsoft office (Ruffín & Márquez, 2010). Therefore, the latter allows users to save money that they could have spent on the software. It is fast and easy to access the open office provided the users have an internet connection. In Microsoft office, the users will have to follow a legal process of contacting the providers besides giving the relevant information about them.
Ruffín, C., & Márquez, P. C. (2010). Private utilities and poverty alleviation: Market initiatives
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Eko, L., Kumar, A., & Qingjiang, Y. (2012). To Google or Not To Google: The Google Digital
Books Initiative and The Exceptionalist Intellectual Property Law Regimes Of The
United States And France. Journal Of Internet Law, 15(7), 12-30.
