Reading notes- week 6

-Computer Networks: The first two readings this week, (and the video), were all about computer networks. Computer networks can vary in size from a personal computer and printer for one person, all they way to the internet, with every size in between. Smaller networks can be connected through Ethernet cables or wireless. The meaning of the word network in a group of interconnected computers. It thought it was very interesting to see that the biggest form of network is called an internet, which is where the Internet got its name. I also was surprised to learn that the Internet is the "back-bone" of the World Wide Web, but it is not the same thing (I always through these were the same thing, and that the words could be used interchangeably). The article about LAN gave a more detailed description about what a local area network is. This is a computer network confined to one building. These were originally created in the 1980's so computers at the same business could share disk space and laser printers, both of which were very expensive at the time, and it made a lot of sense to share these. The video from You-Tube reminded me of last week's class when using You-Tube as an education tool in a library was discussed. This was a very easy to understand video about networks, and it explained very well what different types of networks exist, and how they are classified by size.
-Karen Coyle, RFID: The last reading we had this week was about the RFID. This is a device that is similar to barcode, because it is used to identify things. It is very different from barcodes, because it is read by an electromagnetic field, not by a laser. RFID chips are used in many things, from highway toll systems to lost pet IDs. These are different from barcodes, because they don’t have to be visibly scanned to be read, they can be scanned in multiples, can they could be used as a security device for libraries. This system is not used readily in Libraries yet, but Coyle anticipates that there may come a day when they are the only book id device used in libraries. I am not sure if this would be a good or bad technology for libraries to adopt. Much of what the RFID can do seemed like it would be helpful, but there were also many negative things listed, such as privacy issues. Over all, I am not sure which system would be best for libraries, the old barcode system, or the new RFID system.