Week 1 Blog

Being a state employee, I decided that I would approach how the Internet has helped the government. The Internet has allowed citizens to access parts of local and federal government that were once only available in the library, in hard copy. You can now view the state budget as soon as it is released. Also, different branches of the government have embraced the Internet and technology to allow people easier access to their services. For example, you can renew your car registration and your license on the RMV website. Granted you can only renew your license once every 10 years online because they require a new picture every 10 years but there is less time now spent in line at the RMV. The website for my agency allows Assistant District Attorneys to view and download case files, view an expert witness database as well as view and download forms that were previously unavailable to them. I discovered that in the past if they wanted these forms, they were mailed out. Also, on the Federal level you can fill out a passport form and print it out before you go to the post office. You still have to pay for it at the post office but there are now fewer steps involved. Granted there have been issues with access or a server going down but for the most part the Internet has allowed citizens to view the government in a way that they couldn’t before. There is now an ease of access that did not exist previously.

Interesting Article

I was reading this article form Network World during my lunch hour at work.  I found it very interesting and amazing that the Egyptian government would go to such lengths just to stop civil uprising.  Imagine if this were ever to play out in the US?!

Not only was it interesting to read, I thought it was appropriate to blog about it in our Internet class.  There is also a link to the history of the Internet under the heading "History Lesson."

Here is the link for it Egypt Cuts Links to the Internet

Logging into my blog using the URL

I was able to view my blog by entering my blog url http://tprendy2187.blogspot.com into the address bar.  I can also sign in and out from account that way as well.

Singing into and out of my blog

It's easy to log in and out of my blog!

I went to blogger.com and signed in and out using my user credentials.  Piece of cake!!

Expectations

I would like to really learn a lot more about the internet. I've used the internet for as long as I can remember.  I use it to shop, check emails and read up on the latest local and sports news. I also use the Internet regularly as a search tool in work.  I don't know where I would be without Google or Bing.  I've solved more problems by searching it!  I know the Internet has much more to it and I'm hoping to learn more in depth what it's about.  This is also my first exposure to creating pages using HTML so I'm very interested in that as well.

This is the first blog that I've ever created for myself.  I usually read hockey, hunting and fishing blogs; but mostly for information, I have never contributed to one. The most presence I have online is probably an email address, a Facebook page and the sites that I shop at.  I'm also one of those people on Facebook that is only friends with people I know.  I know it sounds funny but I don't have 1,000 friends like my nieces do.  I like to keep my information close and I really don't update my page at all.  I use it more for keeping in touch with friends and family.  I use the email option of Facebook more than the comment section.  I actually stay in touch with family and friends by phone as well.  I'm one of those old fashioned people that values the technology we have but I also like to hear a human voice once in a while.   

So, I'm looking forward to learn more about the internet and what it has to offer that I don't really don't know about.  I'm sure it has many more layers that I'm not aware of.

Adding Images to my Post

This image is taken from a lake in Canada.  I think that it's a great representation of ice hockey's roots.  The game was born outside in the ice and snow.  What better way to enjoy it!  You and a group of your friends playing hockey outside.  I would do it for hours when I was a kid, I still play hockey outside at a rink near my house.  I enjoy playing and watching the game but nothing beats playing the game you love in it's original environment.  Every time I skate outside, I still feel like I'm 8 years old.  It's amazing!!

I got the image here.

More Links to Other Sites

Here is a list of a couple of links that I would like to share.  These sites are just a few of the many that I visit for news, information, shopping, etc...


Click here to visit the National Hockey League website.

Tech Republic is a site that I use very often to get IT news and information; it also provides a laugh or two.  Click here to take a look.

I use the website for Bass Pro Shops for most of my outfitting for outdoor activities.  I love going to the store in Foxboro at Patriot Place, I can spend hours in there!!

Link to Other Sites

I'm starting to create links to other sites!

Click here to go to my neighbor's blog.  This is a link to Kevin's blog.


Here's a hyperlink to annunziato.org; which is where I learned to create them

Tom's Intro

Hello everyone,

My name is Tom, and I'm halfway through with my BS in IT here at UML! It's hard to believe how fast the time is going but I'm enjoying it.  I expect to graduate in the Spring of 2012.

I live in Belmont, MA (about 10 miles west of Boston) with my wife Jillian. I work currently as a Systems Engineer for the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. We provide training and business technology to the 11 District Attorney Offices. During my off time I enjoy the outdoors. Those activities range from fishing, hunting, hiking, and golf. I am also a hockey fanatic!! The Boston Bruins are my favorite team.  It's been a little crazy juggling work and school.  But, I'm having fun and I can't wait to feel the relief when I graduate!

I think I know my way around the Internet pretty well, I use it daily as a tool for work, but this will be my first experience with creating HTML documents. I'm looking forward to it and I think this is going to be fun! I look forward to meeting everyone and interacting with all of you.