Web 2.0 101

Andrea Benites

Unleashing Web 2.0: From Concepts to Creativity

By: Gottfried Vossen & Stephan Hagemann

Published: 2007

Pages: 368

            Today, the term “internet” is an understatement. However, we first begin with the device itself, the computer. Over these past decades the computer has evolved from a tiny fat portable block. Back then these computers just read in black and white for general purposes, as in sending short messages and emails to others. Unlike then, computers today have transformed drastically and not by the way they look alone. From frequently updating programs to creating new software, computers as a whole seem to reinvent themselves on a daily basis. However, its not just simply about this device we call a computer/laptop that’s changed the way we communicate, its what the computer has to offer. The World Wide Web has opened countless doors and opportunities too just about anything the world is willing to show and share, which means just about everything.

Unleashing Web 2.0: From Concepts to Creativity begins with the earliest stages of the web. This book is great for people who want to know the entire biography of the Internet itself. Mosaic was the earliest browser developed by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois in the United States. I personally have heard of Mosaic but never knew that the only thing that has not changed is that the computer began on a client/server principle idea. The client requests services and the servers are the ones providing them. That idea might sound like common sense yet I find it really interesting that there is still one true characteristic that the Internet posses from its beginning stages. For those who are interested in the technology, as in the hardware, the way a network works, and the steps the client/server take in order to function, this book is definitely for you.

However for those who enjoy more of the social media and interactive aspect, this book touches just a brief amount of it. I would not suggest this book for someone who specifically knows what part of a web application he or she prefers interacting with. For instance, chapter 13.1 speaks about blogs and wikis. It informs you what exactly it is, how its used, and what it does and can do for you. If you prefer to know more in-depth about blogging and wikis, seven pages of information won’t be enough for your craving. Online social networking is what caught my attention in this book. I really enjoy, sometimes too much, going online and logging into my personal account and interact with others through the infamous Facebook. However, this book only speaks about Myspace. Which I found really mind blowing due to the fact that it was published in 2007 and Facebook was definitely, in my opinion, over coming Myspace before then. Although Facebook was not spoken about, Myspace still has the same characteristics as in communicating with only your close friends or with the hundreds of friends you wish too have. It can do a lot of wonders with branching out your business, meeting new people, reconnect with old friends, or keep in contact with all family members.

After the social media chapter, the book goes back and continues what script writing is and how it will impact the world within the next couple years. It does not matter whether you are computer literate or not, most people know how to access the Internet and use it to their advantage. If you are one of those people who enjoy diving right into new applications and mastering them on your own, then this book is not for you. This book targets and should be more directed towards those who will be using computers as their degree. I am very glad I read this book cause my degree is Computing Information and Technology; it has benefited me for my future. I have taken classes before that touch base of some of the topics here, yet it was much more easy to understand and put in perspective with this book. Programming, networking, and the technology a computer needs and uses in order for the Internet and World Wide Web to function is what I need to know. There are copious amounts of interesting and amusing websites throughout the entire Internet but underneath the surface is what I must aquire my knowledge, and this book did just that.

To be or not to be

I found these images nothing glamourous, jaw dropping, or exciting really. What I find in these images is creativity and cleverness. This is an ad by Mint Vinteu Bookstore photographed by Cyclopes-Photo.com. The fact that this was directed for a book store comes perfectly through the photos and even the text/one liner. I'm not much of a book worm but looking at these images makes me want to become one. I want to get lost in something, whether my own life or a completely fictional one. Preferably a fictional one but then again, I'd rather make my life just as interesting.

Flickr mi Flickr

I took these photos back when I was taking my first photography classes. I was still new and unsure how to use my Canon camera and all it's different settings. Some photo shoots were made for assignments but most were created just for fun. I like having different tones and ideas for a shoot. I like each to be completely different and have its own sense of theme. I love photographing people because people can portray so many different things. Each shoot was made with its own theme and these were some of my favorite shots of each one. Not that they mean something to me specifically but I really enjoyed the way these specifically came out. As a beginner back then, I still feel my stuff is pretty amateur, which it is. I have not done photography in a while which upsets me but I know once I get back in the swing of things it should come back naturally and new ideas will come in mind. I feel like I have progressed since then, well I hope to at least. Here is my sideshow of some photo shoots that I have done in the past. Enjoy!

Hiding out

I have definitely lost the track of time with updating this recently. I have had a lot on my plate with getting a new job as well as keeping my recent job and with my other classes in general. However, I would like to share photos of my friend Olivia that I took back in November for my intermediate photography class. This assignment was a high key light project. White background, light colored clothing, however with you own concept. The feel I wanted to get out of this shoot was it looking light and comfortable. There nothing but a little foundation make up on the face, my aviator sunglasses, and my long sleeve jean button up shirt I bought for three dollars at Wal-Mart couldn't do! The sunglasses added the touch it needed as well as a glare that I know should be photoshopped out, yet for some reason, I like it more there than not. In other words, I wouldn't mind this being compared to some sort of GAP ad. Jeans equal GAP I guess.

the darker days

This had to be one of my most recent favorite shoots that I have done. Again, no color. I had the option to keep the low saturated colors on these images but I did not think it did it's justice as black and white would do. I took these within the month of November and have not done a shoot since then. I want to get back into photography and get some shoots going. My concept was not just to have a pretty girl looking pretty. I find perfect boring, unless you are going over the top and have 10 people working on your make up only. I wanted something creepy and dark, not just a pretty picture. 

black gray & white

I have a pretty small obsession with black and white photography. Who knew that no saturated photos could have much more of a hold than a bright and poppy colored image? Black and white images have a more subtle approach but much more depth. It's hard to explain, however, Mariano Vivanco has no problem showing you what I'm trying to explain. This image captured my eye out of the few couple other images with low saturation. Still I have yet to know whether this man is completely tatted, has a few real tattoos with a good help of some artists drawing, or just  100% drawings on him. Either way, it has such beauty from something you wouldn't see as beauty from the beginning. 

Home sweet home

Colorado was definitely a nice change. The fresh air, open space, and the endless amount of green trees were very uplifting. However, Las Vegas will always be my home but I will be posting the photos from Colorado soon! On another note, I am a flickr user but have not uploading anything within the past couple months since school started this semester and work. One flickr account that I have bookmarked is L.J's. He does not no me at all but I am secretly a fan of his work. His photos are amazing. Who knew flaws could be so flawless.

www.flickr.com/photos/16536699@N07/