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Data Mining, Without Big Brother
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Data Mining, Without Big Brother
According to Schrank and Zarate of “The New York Times” in their article “Data Mining, Without Big Brother”, the government seems to overlook the issue of privacy rights due to insecurity concern. The issue of national security has prompted the U.S government to try to ensure proper security without considering the issue of privacy. To the government, the most important thing is the security of its people but not civil liberty as a way of reducing terrorism. Programs such as T.F.T.P, Swift have been able to show private information about money transfers from one person or account to the other.
Swift together with the government later thought it wise to limit accessibility of data for privacy purposes. Information could only be released if it was of a security concern but not for any other reason different from this. The program has been very effective in many European countries and it is now considered as one of the best ways of curbing insecurity. Although the program is very vital, privacy and confidentiality issues must be properly addressed by the government.
Computer Purchase Experience
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TOC o “1-3” h z u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc88835560 h 2Factors Considered when Purchasing PAGEREF _Toc88835561 h 2Case PAGEREF _Toc88835562 h 2Type of Computer PAGEREF _Toc88835563 h 3Processor PAGEREF _Toc88835564 h 3RAM PAGEREF _Toc88835565 h 3Hard Drive PAGEREF _Toc88835566 h 3Keyboard PAGEREF _Toc88835567 h 4Graphics PAGEREF _Toc88835568 h 4Mouse PAGEREF _Toc88835569 h 4Touchpad PAGEREF _Toc88835570 h 4Ports/Connectivity PAGEREF _Toc88835571 h 5Protection of Investment PAGEREF _Toc88835572 h 5Purchase Decision PAGEREF _Toc88835573 h 5
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Computer Purchase Experience
IntroductionComputers have become very useful in almost every aspect of life, especially in academics. A computer is needed for studying, doing research as well as assignments. For a computer to complete the intended tasks efficiently, some factors and components need to be considered before one makes the purchase. This paper will present my computer purchase experience. Specifically, a detailed description of my computer components and an explanation of why I chose this computer will be presented. The paper is divided into two sections with the first part presenting the components and factors that I considered when purchasing the computer. The other section will discuss the features of the purchased computer.
Factors Considered when PurchasingCaseThere are three types of computers in this category, and they include tower, desktop, and laptop. Since the computer was intended to be used in academics, I settled for a laptop due to several reasons. Using a laptop has several advantages over the other categories since even though they can serve the same purpose, laptops are smaller as compared to the other computer categories, which are larger and have separate monitors. The small size of the laptop makes it portable, which makes it easier for me to carry it. Therefore, I am able to study and do my assignments even when I am not at home.
Type of ComputerIn this category, one has to select between Macintosh and PC. In this category, my choice was a PC due to the compatibility factor. This is because most of the software programs shared by the college are compatible with PC type of computer (“Mac Vs PC, n.d).
ProcessorThis was the essential factor when selecting a computer. Sometimes, the academic tasks can be a lot leading to a huge workload. I realized that I needed to choose a computer that has a powerful CPU and strong graphics processor, which would make my work experience better.
RAMThis is one of the essential components of a computer since it determines the performance of the system. It offers different applications a place to store and access data quickly (Manikandeshwar, 202). College assignments require a lot of research which means more tabs and more applications need to be open. Therefore, the ideal computer for me had to have more RAM for efficiency. Therefore, I required a computer with a minimum of 8GB RAM for maximum efficiency to be attained.
Hard DriveThis is basically what stores data in a computer. Currently, computers come with hard drives with spaces starting from 250GB. The plan was to use my computer while in college and to store personal files. Therefore, 500 GB storage was going to be enough for me. Even though my files may exceed this limit, I can use the cloud storage approach, which has become very important recently.
KeyboardThis is a very important feature since it allows the user to enter letters, symbols, and numbers. This is a crucial consideration for me when purchasing a computer, considering that college assignments need a lot of typing. In fact, this is the part of the computer that I use the most, which means I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible. Therefore, I was looking for a keyboard that is easy to use and which offers a satisfying feel.
GraphicsThis is the component whose main objective is to generate images on a computer (McConnell, 368). Most laptops have integrated graphics chipset; therefore, a separate graphics card is not needed. In academics, it is necessary to differentiate different features such as color or images, which requires the need for a computer to have a graphics chipset. Therefore, I needed a laptop with integrated graphic technologies, for instance, Intel HD graphics, AMD, and Nvidia.
MouseI was planning to use a mouse before purchasing the computer. I needed to select a mouse that suited my need which was a travel mouse. I needed a compact wireless mouse that I could carry with my laptop. A compact mouse was the ideal choice due to its capability to fit in a laptop bag.
TouchpadEven though I prefer using a mouse, I understood that sometimes I would have to depend on the touchpad to get things done. Therefore, an easy-to-use and the comfortable touchpad was essential. Therefore, I had to consider the size of the touchpad and its placement before making the purchase. My preference was a large pad with separate right and left clicks for comfortability.
Ports/ConnectivityPorts were an important factor to me since I needed to connect the laptop with different devices such as my phone and camera. Therefore, my ideal laptop needed to have USB ports even though most of the devices could connect wirelessly to the computer.
Protection of InvestmentAny computer that connects to the internet becomes susceptible to threats such as viruses, ransomware, and malware. Therefore, I had to protect the computer against such threats. To achieve that, I purchased an anti-virus program. Antivirus programs have the capability to identify, prevent and remove these threats from the computer. The ideal antivirus for me was Kaspersky antivirus.
Most of the web-connected programs need login credentials from the user. Therefore, to secure my credentials, Therefore, I was going to use different passwords for different sites such as the college website, bank, and others. This meant I needed a password manager application to save these passwords.
Purchase DecisionBased on the above-listed factors, I purchased a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 (14”). This computer fits most of the above-listed factors, and up to now, this computer has performed the intended tasks efficiently. One of the fascinating features of this computer is its processor, which is 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8565U. This feature makes the device great at multitasking. Therefore, I am able to open as many tabs as possible when doing my assignments. The computer has also proven to be very fast in terms of performance due to its 16 GB RAM and processor speed of 1.80 GHz.
Another attribute that makes this computer ideal is the keyboard. The keyboard is high level and has keys that provide an enjoyable typing feel. The touchpad design of the computer is wider as desired, and the pad has a smooth surface with an integrated click mechanism. Additionally, the computer has USB ports and HDMI which are the features I was looking for before the purchase. I am now able to connect my computer to other external devices via these ports.
The battery performance of the laptop is also quite good, but it also varies with the settings. It has an average battery life of eight hours and 45 minutes which is fair. Another great advantage of purchasing this computer is its warranty. The laptop has 36 months warranty which will safeguard my investment.
Furthermore, I bought the Logitech M535 mouse, which was released in 2015. This mouse is ideal due to its portability, performance, and fair price. Additionally, it is a Bluetooth-only mouse which means I do not have to worry about connecting it via the USB port.
Works Cited
Mac Vs PC – Difference And Comparison | Diffen”. Diffen.Com, https://www.diffen.com/difference/Mac_vs_PC.Manikandeshwar, M. “Computer Hardware – An Overview”. International Journal Of Science And Research, 2013, pp. 200-203., https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v4i10/SUB158622.pdf.
McConnell, Jeffrey J. Computer graphics: theory into practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2005.
Data is vital for any company
Data is vital for any company that seeks to effectively identify challenges, make timely decisions, and capitalize on opportunities. Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) refers to the process of using data to drive decisions. Google has been a pioneer in using DDDM and is arguably the best example of its success as a company.
In this post, we will explore how Google utilizes Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) and how it benefits its business practices. Here’s what you need to know about DDDM:
It is a management philosophy based on the idea that data should not just be input for decisions but should be the prime consideration in all decisions.
The rationale behind DDDM is that since data never lies, making decisions based solely on data will always lead to better performance and success.
Google is one of the companies that has embraced this process, applying it at both personal and organizational levels.
We will take a look at the data Google uses to make decisions, and we will also discuss the methods they use to measure its performance.
A quick word before we proceed: at the beginning, I mentioned that we would be exploring Google’s use of DDDM. This means that I am referring to a particular philosophy and practice. In other words, this is not describing a specific product or service.
As you can see from these two paragraphs, I have already implied how DDDM is not a product or service because it does not exist in any single entity in which one can buy it or consume it in some way.
Every decision at Google, from which algorithms to use to how hiring should be done to which products should be developed, is rooted in data and evidence with rigorous analysis. Whether testing new features for improved user experience or experimenting with possible price points for an upcoming app release, DDDM gives Google the insights needed to stay competitive in today’s dynamic digital landscape.
DDDM at Google:
A culture of evidence-based decision-making is present in every aspect of decision-making. At Google, all critical decisions have an evidence base supporting them. Data is used to either confirm a decision, challenge the status quo, or spur innovation.
Affirms the power of data to improve decision quality and help pinpoint areas for improvement. It drives decisions at all levels, from strategic planning to new feature testing to day-to-day product improvements. It’s a culture where people are empowered to test their assumptions with data rather than rely on gut instinct alone.
Places strong emphasis on experimentation and testing. This allows for a systematic approach to finding the optimal solution for problems and performance challenges. Since hypotheses are tested through rigorous experiments rather than hunches, the problems Google faces can be quickly analyzed and resolved.
It requires a data-informed culture throughout the entire organization. To make the most of DDDM, everyone should be prepared to embrace its principles, from top management to entry-level employees. It’s essential that all employees have a data mindset and access to data related to their work. All Google employees have access to hundreds of internal dashboards and reports that they can use to perform their daily tasks.
The modern business landscape is becoming increasingly data-dependent. Data has become a central strategy for improving any business’ performance due to its ability to improve decision-making and enable strategic planning. It can optimize operations, identify new business opportunities, personalize services, and create new products. For example, at Google, a significant proportion of its revenues are derived from the AdWords advertising platform. The platform uses keyword analysis and other data to determine which websites and advertisements are most effective in improving Google’s search results. As a result, Google has developed a data-driven decision-making process that is central to its company’s organizational culture.
In pursuit of exploration of how the use of data for decision-making at Google has shaped its culture, business strategy, and products. We find ourselves describing how utilizing Data-Driven Decision-Making is different from traditional managerial approaches using conventional predictive analytics, which other companies used before this new approach.
DDDM enables companies to make the most of their data assets. It is handy for organizations that generate a high volume of data because it focuses on extracting insights from existing data rather than requiring the development of costly new systems: “Data-driven decision making means leveraging insights from your organization’s data to make every aspect of your business more efficient and effective. This article focuses on Google’s Algorithm & Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) for all personnel, particularly the technical and other key decision-makers who need to continuously assess their data and make better decisions based on it.
A business can keep track of its data asset using various tools such as database management systems (DBMS), data warehouse systems, artificial intelligence engines, web portals, etc. These have enabled organizations to monitor their daily activities by monitoring transactions, creating reports, and internal transactions across a company. Most of these software tools are designed for large businesses to be more effective and efficient at handling large volumes of data (Technology, 2022).
According to Kaufman., Graham, Picciano, Popham, & Wiley, 2014), “Data-driven decision making (DDDM) involves taking steps to ensure the reliability and value of the organization’s diverse data assets and information sources, by carefully selecting those that can be used to create predictive models and making these available for others in the organization.
Google is the most extensive search provider in the world, built on data-driven decision-making. This article discusses the journey from an information system perspective regarding how Google used data analytics to create a competitive edge over other search providers.
To begin, it is necessary to look at every stage of Google’s development and its significance. A brief discussion will be made on each step, why it came into being, and what it was used for. Then, a review of research in Google will be given along with suggestions on some of the critical methods used by Google, which are still followed today.
In conclusion, Data-Driven Decision-Making is a proven approach for extracting insights from Google’s historical data in order to make better business decisions. However, it is not a traditional predictive analytics approach used by other companies. It has also successfully ensured the continued growth of Google’s business and its use of data assets.
References
Kaufman, T. E., Graham, C. R., Picciano, A. G., Popham, J. A., & Wiley, D. (2014). Data-driven decision making in the K-12 classroom. In Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (pp. 337-346). Springer, New York, NY.
Data Driven Decision Making – See Tips To Break Your Biases. (2021). Retrieved 11 July 2022, from https://www.datapine.com/blog/data-driven-decision-making-in-businesses/
Three Examples of How Companies Make Data-Driven Decisions | Utica University. (2019). Retrieved 11 July 2022, from https://programs.online.utica.edu/resources/article/data-driven-decisions
Technology, T. (2022). Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM): How To Make It A Success?. Retrieved 11 July 2022, from https://www.tpptechnology.com/en/blog/data-driven-decision-making-dddm-how-to-make-it-a-success/
Analytics at Google: Great Example of Data-Driven Decision-Making. (2012). Retrieved 11 July 2022, from https://www.smartdatacollective.com/analytics-google-great-example-data-driven-decision-making/