wow!

Here we are in the final week of instruction in my class, and I can't believe how much more I understand about how some of the computer programs that I use everyday function. I had a good idea of how things worked prior to this course, but now I have a new appreciation for what our in-house programmers do at work. My knowledge of the components of the LAMP server is somewhat superficial, and while I don't think I could just walk up to a computer and make things work, I do think that I can converse more intelligently with programmers, do some simple programming, and, more importantly be able to do some minor troubleshooting and make intelligent suggestions.

I had heard about SQL, but now I know how it works. I still can't believe that I have been able to do so much in so little time!

this weeks' readings

The readings I found the most helpful were the readings from the PMBOK & OCLC Systems and Services - specifically "Standard methodology in digital library project management" (Cervone). Also, the article I picked for this week's dropbox assignment was a "lucky find" and very relevant to my newest project at work.



As I mentioned in the discussion area for the class, I have been working on a new project where we are working on organizing and storing images that we create for in-house and patron use. All of the readings were particularly relevant to this new project and I am looking forward to applying the readings to this project (carefully so I don't step on the project manager's toes!). It is really exciting to see how much this program is already contributing to my work.

I will probably purchase PMBOK to have as a reference - the readings in this book were wonderful and I look forward to reading more.

Another eventful week - more network problems

Well, this week my adventures in network problems continue. Apparently, the software for our cell modem is corrupt and doesn't assign IP addresses effectively. My ISP is working on it, but it could up be up to 5 days before it is resolved. So, I am now writing from a Chick-fil-A restaurant in beautiful Central Virginia! :-)

Adventures in SQL

This week we tackled SQL. While it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, it does take a keen eye for detail and incredible patience to figure out why things are not going quite as you expect them to. The number of times I typed in '.' instead of '_' and '/' instead of '\' are too many to count.

At this point, though, I think the most confusing thing is that I kept trying to use linux commands while in >mysql. I need to get a better grasp of how to move around within the program using the command line and also need to remember to put the ';' at the end of each command.

Using the other interfaces to create tables and input data (webadmin, text files) were useful as well - and probably what I will use if I have the chance. I don't live at the command prompt am more inclined to use the graphic user interface of webadmin and the simpler structure of the text file to create tables and enter data.

I can't believe we've already progressed this far in the class and am amazed that I am able to do the things that I have. Now, in addition to the assignments for the next couple of weeks, I will need to work on my final project and begin reviewing material from the beginning of the course so I will be prepared for the exam.