|
Where do I start? I guess it is easiest to bullet a degree, or a GPA or a even a University.
-James Madison University
-Bacholer of Science in Computer Science
-2.729
But that is only a numerical value or a characterization of the experience at JMU. It was a four
year degree. A type of goal that was set in stone and had to be completed. Along the way I was
presented with opportunities to learn more and to grow. I took classes that fueled my interest
as a student. I picked up campus jobs that gave me money and gave me a schedule to fulfull. I
know I made many mistakes along the way as I snowboarded, skateboarded, and took weekend trips home
for surf. It's a goal to stay happy. My focus was in Computers & Mathematics. And I definitely made
the right decisions. Globally, technology is fueled by these two things.
-Frank W. Cox High School
-Advanced Diploma
-3.33
Mathematics:
My imagination leads me to believe everything in space and in the universe can be decsribed by an equation.
It seems that all things can be mapped in a straight line, or even in a form of a curve. Even the
way are planet moves is in a relatively smooth, and predictable curve. In fact, the Mathemetician Tyco
Brahe describes are planetary motion as an elliptic curve, sort of like an oval. We imagine ourselves in a
2-Dimensional plane sort of orbiting on a disc. I believe there is a 360 degree orbit more like an atom,
but this would be more hard to describe because of our relative position. Models can be used to predict
the future, where we will be in two hours if we are driving at a certain speed. The simplest combination
of numbers and variables can give us the most clear results.
My idea of Calculus moprhed through many stages from a High School Student to a College Graduate.
I started as a student hardly understanding the idea of an integral (the area under a curve). I couldn't
grasp the meaning or the use. The applications seemed far-fetched and out of my league. As I moved into
college, taking Calculus I-II was not just a breeze, but an experience. I developed my ability to write
really, really small.
Exploring semester three and four of Calculus was with Dr. Marafino. He brought our class into the third
dimension with our integrals. We learned how to find the area of any shape that had an equation to define
it. This is where the applications exploded. His class was relaxed, and quick. We had a tight bunch of
students, and I made connections with study partners. I learned how to tackle problems, and work together.
We were like mad scientists somedays working for hours on a problem set. But it was all in line.
Maybe I learned the most out of the classroom, but my interest was sparked. I knew how to draw shapes now
that I could describe in numbers. I know how to calculate the flow of a fluid as it drains through a cone.
I gained the knowledge to teach others. I pushed myself in the direction past basic math. This
allows me to understand more simplified equations in Physics which explain the most basic occurrences
in life. Ex: gravity = 9.8m/sē. Meaning at all times I have to exert a force equal to or greater than
the force of gravity just to keep my body from flattening. Its like if at all times we were able to reverse
the force of gravity then we could fly. Right up into the sky like an airplane how it uses a high-powered
jet to propel itself using its wings to create a push in the upward direction acting against gravity's force.
CourseWork: * GART200: Learn to identify the strength of triangles, balance, and color in famous artwork. * TSC210: Study the structure of effective instructions and how to write technical documents using proper layout and balance. * ART349: Use Maya 7 to produce the best short animations possible. * CS347: Use web programming to create an interactive and graphical social networking site. * CS447: Create an interactive design that sells on the open market. * CS497: Independent Study to create a graphical interface using CSS. * CS460: Explore the world of radio waves related to networking, cell phones, bluetooth, GPS. Also Network Programming. * GSCI121: Newton's Three Laws of Physics and their discovery. Calculating Physics equations using data with sound waves, the speed of light, and harmonics. Discover the properties of light and the energy associated with it. * CS474: Create and maintain a relational database server using mySQL. * CS350: Simulate computer logic and circuitry with LogicWorks software. * CS228: Explore the relation between Computer Science logic and Mathematics. Develop a understanding of binary and hexadecimal number systems. Interpret encryption schemes and their complexities. * CS450: Complete basic C programming and Bash projects. Understand Operating Systems logic. * CS430: Develop programming language structure, grammar, and learning principles. Focus on several programming projects in BASH, Scheme, and PHP. * CS240: Learn how to create linked-data structure in the object-oriented programming language Eiffel. Semester long project to create a recursive cmd-line game called Boggle. * CS239: Learn the language Java and how to manipulate it: Inheritance, Exceptions, File Streams, Data Storage, Recursion. * CS139: Daily Java programming assignments that were problem solving developers. Many large programming assignments in conjunction with in-class work. * MATH235: Functions, Limits, Algebra, Differentiation. * MATH236: Integration, Trigonometric Functions, Coordinate Systems, Sequences. * MATH237: Vectors, Vector Calculus, Planetary Motion, Multiple Variables, Gradients, Differentials. * MATH337: Double and Triple Integrals, Manufacturing Applications, Line and Surface Integrals * MATH318: Calculating Statistics. * GGEOG200: Explore the world while creating a personal trip lesson and a community work project. * GEOL102: Study the Geologic timescale of Planet Earth. Realize the balance between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. Discover the formation continents and the adjustment of tectonic plates. * CS345: Software Development Lifecycle, Programming Case Studies, Methods of Communication. * GWRIT103: Classic Poems, Literature, and Creative Writing. * GHUM200: Study of Literature with a focus in Religion and the Bible. * GPHIL100: Study Philosophers. * CS227: Learn how to solve and write logical statements. Develop the use of various number systems. * GHTH100: Health-Risks, Exercise Training. * GKIN100: Physical Fitness Training and Practice. * CS110: Ethics with Computing. * GBUS160: Create a group product and present to audience. Learn the standards of business and regulations. * GCOM122: Presenting a speech to an audience and preparing a speech. * GSOCI240: Sociology * GHIST225: American History CPUs: I have been building my own computers. It has been a great experience. We bought a Compaq early on as a Home PC. Shortly thereafter my needs and interests increased. I started scouring the web for quality priced computer hardware. This is when I came across a great website Newegg. I have purchased five sets of parts for computers from Newegg, very reliable. Since 2005, I have not purchased a new desktop PC. Nor have I upgraded any particular part on my custom-built desltop. I guess this proves my initial guidance was good. My setup is as follows - Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9 - AMD Athlon XP 3000+ - 2 X 512KB PC 3200 184-Pin - 80GB WD HDD - nVidia 6600GT 128MB - The system has been a powerhouse for my minute gaming adventures. I really didn't know what I was getting into with hardware specifics. It seemed more as a lego set where I just had to screw the pieces together, connect the wires, and turn on the power. Which worked! And low and behold I would eventually become curious about overclocking. This is because as I now research the current day processors I am ready to unleash the power. Top of the line processors stopped being single-core in 2006. From then on most processors came in a new flavor. Since my physical experience is with AMD I decided to study Intel MicroProcessors when I hit the books. It turns out there are many different series of processors. Processors began coming out in dual and quad species for lack of a better term. Basically, these processors pack a processor with a GHz specification, and either one, two, or four of them on the chip. For example a E7400 which is a dual-core processor ranked at 2.8GHZ came out Oct 19, 2008. Following this model, two upgrades came the E7500 and the E7600 2.9Ghz and 3.1Ghz respectively. I have read many opinions from so called tech masters stating that as a model series updates itself over-time it will begin to outclass the low-end models of a higher-grade series. Such is the scale of technology. And at this point pricing and specification disparities become extremely minute. One chip can differ from another chip in very slight details, which can often create very little difference in recognized output. To become in complete control one should learn that you can modify the output of your CPU hardware. With the right motherboard and knowledge, it is a great idea to squeeze more juice into your CPU allowing more speed output. Interestingly, a low-end single core model can be overclocked to produce more speed calculations then a stock dual-core CPU model. From this learning I have decided to research models that seemed to really hit the market big. To find a CPU model that has a large following. Whether it be a Dual-Core or a Quad-Core, I will look for certain characteristics. The CPU will be well documented. I will be able to find enough people stating that they have been able to successfully alter the output and speed of the CPU. Once I have decided on a CPU that is adequate I will be sure to pursue a proper cooling system. Because from my experience a CPU that is being overclocked will become and hot, and you must take adequate precautions to keep it cool. Now that Core 2 has been phased out following the end of 2009. We will begin to see the new series of models following the names core i3, i5, i7. And don't expect them to be cheap. The lowest price I have seen was $189.00. Besides the just released core i3 which is running around $124.99 which is comprable to the e7400,7500,7600 area of dual core processors. I can only hope to watch these and find the right motherboard. Which is a well documented area to tackle! |
