Monday, September 28, 2009

Computer Driving Tests

(original article)



The battle against malware is a losing one. Eventhough virus scans, internet security software, and operating systems are becoming more sophisticated, evil viruses, worms, and even rootkits are more prevalent than ever.

What is the solution?

This author suggests that, just like we are all required to pass a driving exam if we wish to drive, so must we pass a basic computer exam. Basic items include:
  • How to get to the command line
  • How to get to the command line and type ipconfig /all
  • How to start Task Manager and what it can tell them
  • How to browse a hard drive with Explorer and the command line
  • How to compress a file without WinZip
  • How to manually run Windows update from My Computer
  • How to Add Remove programs
  • The bandwidth ramifications of streaming videos/stock quotes/music/etc
  • Why and when not to close the error message dialog before calling for assistance
I think it's a great idea. Do you?

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Video Game Skewl?! Sign Meh Awp!11!!1

(original article)



New York has now updated its public school curriculum to include video games.
While most parents may get up in arms, grab their pitchforks and torches, and storm their nearest school administration office, this unit will not be a free-time "play games at school, oh mah gawd" scenario. Students at the Q2L school will still have to attend normal-sized classes, pass the same exams, and attend four 90-minute courses a day. The only difference now is that some classes will involve Adobe Flash and Maya 3D.

Thoughts?