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September 26, 2005
Instant Messaging
What is instant messaging, and why should I care?Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication where two or more individuals take turns sending brief messages to one other over the Internet. Widespread use of the IM programs AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and MSN Messenger has propelled messaging into the mainstream, particularly among the young. In fact, a recent Pew Internet study (Adobe pdf format) shows that nearly two-thirds of all teenagers use Instant Messaging, and of that group, half use IM every day. It's not just for teenagers, though. Businesses rely on IM for employee communication between locations without the expense of long distance telephone calls. Libraries use IM to offer real-time reference service to patrons at home. Families dispersed across the country stay in touch with instant messaging. It's quickly becoming a significant part of the Internet culture.
How do I get started?
The first thing you'll need to do is download a client application from one of the major messaging systems like AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger or Yahoo! Messenger. The Resources section contains links to these IM programs, all of which are free.
Visit the IM site of your choice from the list and follow its download and installation instructions. Regardless of which one you pick, when you install an IM client, you'll need to sign up with a unique user name and password. After you've logged on with your new user name, use the integrated directory to find an IM partner or enter a friend's user name directly. Requesting an IM sesssion with another user is as easy as highlighting their name from a list and clicking a button. For more information on IM fundamentals, read the How Stuff Works article on Instant Messaging.
But what if you want to IM your friend on MSN Messenger and you only have AOL Instant Messenger? Sadly, it's not possible without additional software. But if you download a multi-system messaging program like Trillian or Gaim (see the Resources section for links) you can chat with your friends, regardless of the software they use.
I've started to IM my friends, but I can't understand half of what they are saying; what are these crazy abbreviations?
Much like e-mail, which can be pretty informal, IM takes a relaxed and streamlined approach to communication. Since the emphasis is on speed and brevity rather than adherence to formal rules of grammar, a sort of textual shorthand has emerged. Here are a few commonly used abbreviations and acronyms, but you can find many more via links in the resources section:
| IM speak | Translation |
| asl | what's your age, sex & location? |
| brb | be right back |
| afaik | as far as I know |
| gg | good game (the equivalent of "nice job") |
| rofl | rolling on the floor, laughing |
| imho | in my humble opinion |
| j/k | just kidding |
| cul8r | see you later |
In addition to acronyms and abbreviations, IM users rely on symbols called emoticons to express their emotions. The most common is the smiley face :) or :-), but others include <3 (love) and :O (surprise). For more help in translating these acronyms and symbols, visit the sites listed in the resources section. Of course, there's nothing to say that you must use IM slang and emoticons when chatting with your mom in Des Moines; don't let a language barrier stop you from trying
Are there downsides to this technology?
Aside from the lack of compatability between the major messaging systems, users won't find many negatives to this technology. However, employers who choose IM as a business tool may find that messaging unrelated to work becomes a problem.
Final Thoughts
IM is fast becoming de rigueur in certain segments of our society. It's not hard to see why, as it allows people stay connected across the globe without pesky long-distance phone bills. Interestingly, some recent versions of IM software have begun to offer audio and video chat. These features, which work best over broadband Internet connections, offer even more reason to give IM a chance.
Resources
IM Services
AOL Instant Messenger: http://www.aim.com/
MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com/
Yahoo! Messenger: http://messenger.yahoo.com/
IM Programs which will work with multiple services
Trillian Basic: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/learn/
Gaim: http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
Wikipedia: Comparison of Instant Messengers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_instant_messengers
IM language guides
Sharpened Glossary of E-mail and Chat Acronyms: http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/acronyms.php
Bronwen & Claire's Really Huge Emoticon Collection: http://www.angelfire.com/hi/hahakiam/emoticon.html
How Stuff Works: Instant Messaging http://www.howstuffworks.com/instant-messaging.htm
Posted by moetting at 2:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 1, 2005
Digital Cameras
What is a digital camera, and why should I care?
A digital camera records an image onto a light-sensitive computer chip instead of film. While prints from early digital cameras were not stellar, quality in recent years has increased dramatically. Perhaps not coincidentally, digital cameras began to outsell their film brethren in 2003.
Why would someone switch from film to digital?
- There are no ongoing costs for film and film processing with digital.
- You can review images on the computer before printing them. This allows you to be selective.
- Digital memory takes up less physical space than film. In fact, you can store a few hundred high-quality pictures on a memory card smaller than a matchbook.
- Unlike film, images on digital cameras cannot be harmed by airport scanners.
- It's more convenient to make reprints from a digital file than from a film negative. Literally thousands of images can be stored on your computer's hard drive, allowing you to print any of them at will.
What should I consider if I decide to buy a digital camera?
Resolution
Resolution in digital cameras is measured by how many million light sensitive dots (megapixels or MP) the camera's sensor contains. Generally speaking, higher megapixel cameras provide better images, but sometimes other factors, such as lens quality, make a bigger difference.
How many megapixels are enough? The answer has a lot to do with how big you intend to make your prints. Use this chart as a guide.
| # Megapixels | Largest Print Size |
|---|---|
| 2 MP | up to 5" x 7" |
| 3 MP | up to 8" x 10" |
| 4 MP | up to 8.5" x 11" |
| 5 MP | up to 9" x 13" |
| 6 MP | up to 10" x 14" |
| 7 MP | up to 11.5" x 15" |
Decide what things are most important to you in a camera
No single digital camera will be ideal for all users. By deciding which characteristics are most important to you, you can narrow your choices. For example, if you're an experienced amateur photographer, you'll probably want a camera with manual controls. Need a camera to take with you everywhere? Consider a pocket-sized model. If landscapes or architectural scenes are your passion, find a camera with a wide angle lens. If you need a general- purpose camera for snapshots, you'll probably be happy with a mid-range model in terms of price and size.
Memory card format
Digital cameras often use removable memory cards to store photos. If price is a concern, limit your search to cameras which use standard memory formats like Compact Flash (CF) rather than proprietary formats like Sony's Memory Stick. Proprietary cards can cost up to twice as much as standard cards for the same capacity. Check out the Wikipedia entry for memory cards for more information.
Camera reaction speed
Unfortunately, there is a frequently a small delay between the time you press the shutter button and when the digital camera actually takes a picture. This delay, called "shutter lag," isn't much of a factor in landscape shots, but can be a major burden in candid or action photography. If you think your shooting style might be affected by this delay, take a look at reviews on The Imaging Resource for shutter lag tests.
Research, research, research
Fortunately, there are many gear-obsessed photographers who test new equipment and report their results on the Internet. Their reviews have a wealth of product images, sample photos, reader reports and recommendations. Visit the Resources section for a list of these sites.
Are there downsides to this technology?
Digital cameras, despite recent price drops, are still more expensive than film cameras. In addition, digital cannot capture subtle gradations of color as well as film, but this is really only a problem for the most demanding of photographers.
Final thoughts
If you don't already have a digital camera, now is a great time to buy. Sales and special promotions abound as manufacturers vie for a share of this expanding market. You'll probably want to get an additional memory card too, as manufacturers are notoriously stingy with included memory.
Resources
Web Sites
Books
- Drafahl, Jack and Sue. Step-by-Step Digital Photography: A Guide for Beginners (778.3 DRA)
- Stone, M. David and Ron Gladis. Faster Smarter Digital Photography (778.3 STO)
- Sammons, Rick. Rick Sammons Complete Guide to Digital Photography (778.3 SAM)
- Ang, Tom. KISS Guide to Digital Photography (778.3 ANG)
Posted by moetting at 2:43 PM | Comments (1)