During my education I have used many technological tools that have assisted me in many different ways in school. Some of these tools include the following: internet, web browsers, Skype, Tortoise SVN repository, and Dropbox. The tools mentioned have helped me personally as well as assisted in group work. The following paragraphs discuss how these tools work and how they have helped me accomplish tasks better.
The first couple tools I mentioned are the internet and web browsers. Without the internet and web browsers, I could not have accomplished as much as I have. The internet allows me to connect to various parts of the world using established protocols. The protocols permit me to connect to servers, transfer information to and from databases, email messages and documents to others, and transfer files. Through web browsers and for the typical user, all of these functions take place while using the web browser. Although I use stand alone programs that handle some of these functions, all of these functions can be accomplished using a web browser. I have taken many online classes that would not be available without the internet and web browsers. Online classes allow me to connect to the classroom, submit assignments, post discussions, and email the instructor from at home or from anywhere I can get an internet connection. Online classes have made going to school very flexible for people like me that have a family.
Skype is a tool used to call phone numbers from a device to a device. Many devices support Skype and have to be installed on the device in order to use the service. I have used Skype in a few different situations. My first time using Skype was for group work in a computer science class that involved documentation of a new software application. The group had decided on using Skype for a means of communication when the group was unable to meet face to face. I downloaded and installed the application onto my laptop, set up an account, and logged in to my account to establish contacts to call. When my group of four used Skype, each member of the group needed Skype to be installed on their own device. One of the group members was away from his computer and used a Skype app on his smart phone. I thought that being able to use Skype on multiple platforms is an awesome idea. All group members were able to communicate as though we were talking on the phone with a 4 way call. We were able to divide assignments, discuss issues, and communicate effectively all from different locations. The best parts of using the software are that it was free, relatively user friendly, connected our group together, and all I needed was an internet connection.
Tortoise SVN Repository is a program that helps software development individuals in a way that many people can work together on the same project. Tortoise SVN is a cloud based repository tool, but the information in the cloud is viewed on your personal computer. It is stored in a folder that has access to the repository and one must only update the folder in order to view what has been updated. Tortoise SVN creates a centralized location for files that developers create. When a developer creates a file and wants to share the file of computer code to the group, they add it to the repository file. If any developer wants to update the file, he can commit the change to the repository. Before committing the file to the repository, the developer can view the differences of the files. The developer can keep the old version of the file, line by line, or commit the new changes, line by line. If a developer wants to see who has written code, he or she can open up each file and view the authors. The file will open and the author of each line of code will be displayed along with the code itself. If the program stops working with the new change of the file, the file can be reverted back to the original. This tool has helped me and a group of developers to collaborate by being able to work any project, any file at the same time without worrying about integration of code and files.
Dropbox is a free, centralized folder that can be accessed by multiple users if the owner chooses to let others access the information. The makers of Dropbox give each user a courtesy two gigabyte storage space. The user can upgrade to expand the storage space, but will cost the user some money. The user can create folders and send requests to others by email to view the contents of the folder. This is a form of cloud based storage, because any user can access the cloud based information if he or she as rights to view the content. Dropbox is similar to Tortoise SVN; however, comparing and committing computer code is not a part of Dropbox. If I change or update a file in Dropbox, the people that are logged onto their computer will see a notification that the file has been changed. This has also helped me personally to collaborate effectively with team members.
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