Excel Project

For the Excel project that I had to complete three worksheets. I had over 500 pieces of data to work with and it got a little confusing at times. During the project I was required to adjust pre-existing formats such as changing the text position, making it bold, italic, changing the size, and changing the font. I had to create new columns and sheets and rename them as they are made. One of the simplest part of the projects was creating the formulas. I was required to create simple formulas for adding and subtracting, and also some formulas for calculating percentages. After watching the short videos and with my past excel experience the formulas were extremely easy to configure and place. 

The hardest part of the assigned project was learning how to make a pivot table. I spent hours watching videos, using google to search "pivot tables" online and reading through the chapters in the book. It was especially hard to figure out to me because I am new to Mac Office and all my previous experience is in regular Microsoft excel. Not to mention the fact that the lectures are all in Microsoft excel so they were of almost no help. Finally, it came to me and I realized what I was doing wrong by trying to adjust my columns in rows to much instead of just entering the data. After completing the first pivot table, creating the second pivot table was a breeze and only took me minutes to complete.The information once you learn it is extremely easy to catch onto.

I feel that learning both Microsoft excel and Mac's version of excel will be greatly beneficial in the future. I will not have to learn a new system now and will be able to transfer smoothly to whichever program my place of business prefers. Below I have provided a screen shot of my AvgIncrease pivot table. Learning to take screen shots on the Mac was also something new I learned from completing this project. I am really happy I jumped on this project far ahead of its due date because it definitely threw me through some loops.

Week 3: Clear

I felt like this week the most clear concept I learned about was Computer Ergonomics. I feel very passionate about this subject because I have been in a wreck that has rendered me incapable of sitting for long periods of time. I have to use absolutely perfect posture in order to maintain functionality. Computer Ergonomics is the correct posture and seating arrangement one must have in order to use a computer safely without inflicting bodily injury to oneself. It is the proper posture one must use while in a computing environment. The short video on how to seat yourself, set-up your work station and the health risks of poor ergonomic design helped me improve my ergonomics. I re-adjusted my posture and computer desk and it made my overall experience much more comfortable. I didn't feel tense, my back no longer hurt and my eyes did not lose focus once. Proper ergonomics can help to prevent health risks such as; carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fatigue, and even chronic colds and flu!!

I feel that the short course on computer ergonomics will stay with me for the rest of my life. I think that it should be taught in more computer classes to help prevent future back problems and slouching. It is extremely important to have exceptional ergonomic skills in the business world, because you are going to be putting in extremely long hours at your computer station and when a boss or superior arrives it is always beneficial to have great posture and look your best. Also, good ergonomics can lead to more productivity in the workplace. If people are more relaxed at their cubicles then they will be doing more work rather than taking breaks to stretch, eat or use the bathroom. 

The following links I have provided emphasize the correct computer desk set up to be ergonomically safe. Also, I have provided a link showing the health risks of bad ergonomics.

http://ergonomics.about.com/od/office/ss/computer_setup.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Risks-Of-A-Non-Ergonomic-Environment&id=667053

Week 2: Clear

Well this week in ISM the clearest topic I learned about was the CPU Storage section. As a avid gamer, I learned at a young age how to increase my computers performance through its storage. Upgrading and installing extra sticks of RAM (Random Access Memory) is extremely critical in improving your systems speed. It is also better to install more RAM rather than let the memory be stored on your hard drive (Virtual Memory) which can dramatically slow down your access time and increase your latency, which in game can cause you to lag (your game wont buffer as smoothly). 


Also, I learned about the importance of the Solid State Drive. Although it is more expensive than regular hard drives, the benefits accumulated from using this type of drive far surpass those of a normal hard drive. The durability of shock resistance, environmental efficiency, and the fact of it being cooler, quieter and faster all make the small increase in price worthwhile. Also, when entering the business environment the last thing you want to happen is to be doing a HUGE presentation to seal a deal, and your powerpoint freeze up or your computer crash because its running to many applications with not enough RAM. A lack of memory and a computer malfunction can be a deal breaker in the business world where time is money.


The lectures were very informational and once I printed out the slides the sections were a breeze. Although, I did take some additional notes, the basic topics were not confusing and the professor did an extraordinary job at explaining them. 


The following link helps to clarify why RAM is important in the business environment.


http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/build-pc/1278856

My Avatar

I created my first avatar this week on Doppelme.com. It was extremely easy to do and took all of ten minutes to complete. Also, after you create your avatar the website ask if you would like to join to get more choices and customizations for you avatar. It was actually quite fun going through all of the different looks and hairstyles.

Week 1: Muddy

During the first chaotic week of school things can easily become lost or forgotten. With classes being changed, a new online website to explore and memorize, and the back to school rush I became extremely confused with the blogging. I had no idea how to create, customize, or write a blog. I didn't even know what we were suppose to write about! I was on the verge of breaking my computer.


At first I could not find the blog website on my mac, and then once I got there I didn't have a clue what to do, I have never "blogged" in my life. So, after getting lost on the e-learning site multiple times and finally arriving in the blog instructions section, I found myself still completely disoriented. Eventually, once I read through the instructions and visited the complimentary blogging background websites I was a little more confident. However, if it wasn't for the help discussion board I would have never been successful.

It was comforting to know that I wasn't the only person stranded without any knowledge of what to do. The instructors quick reply post were also an important factor in clearing up the murky blogging conundrum. After the initial logging into the website, submitting my URL, and establishing my blog, running the website was a piece of cake.

My helpful tips for not getting lost blogging are:

• Always read the instructions first, print if you need.
• Head to the discussion board, your not the only one lost.
• If you get stressed, take a break and come back your probably overlooking something and being stressed isn't helping you find it.