C++

Our class has recently installed Visual C++ Express Edition on our home computers. Recently we have coded programs including the standard "Hello World" test, calculation of area, calculation of gross and tax amounts, and conversion of human years to dog years. We have only covered the basics of this new coding language. There is still so much to learn!

Until next time!
--->ELIZA!

OLPC -- Update*

There has been an obvious delay in the delivery of the XO laptop we bought from the "Give One Get One" program. Our donation has already gone to the placement of a machine being delivered somewhere in the world. Here is a message explaining the updates on the delivery delay from Nicholas Negroponte:

Dear Peter,

Please accept my apologies for the delay in receiving your XO laptop. Give One Get One was such a phenomenal success that we over-taxed our order processing and payment systems. Demand exceeded supply. Additional XO laptops are being built now and will be delivered in 45 to 60 days. If you wish to reconsider your contribution in the face of this delay, we will issue a refund to you. We have set up a dedicated phone line for these requests. The number is 1-800-883-8102. In the meanwhile, please know that laptops are in the process of going to Mongolia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Rwanda and Haiti as part of the "give one" side of the equation. Fortunately, OLPC's mission of getting laptops to the children in these countries has not been delayed. In Mongolia, the children are already enjoying themselves and learning new things with their XO laptops. Please see: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Ulaanbaatar. Eliminating poverty through learning is gaining wider acceptance thanks to support like yours.


Sincerely,

Nicholas Negroponte
Chairman
OLPC Foundation

Computer Disassembly

At the start of our disassembly, we received a tool case of all the tools we would need to take apart the computer. We then received a used, yet functional computer and photographed the front and back of it with our team name label in the photograph as well.



We removed the lid and then began unscrewing and removing the various parts. First we detached the power cables as well as the data cables. Next, we removed the network card, and the sound card, hard drive, CD ROM drive, floppy drive, the RAM “sticks” the cooling fans, and the mother board. When we completely removed all the parts, our computer looked like this:

We then began to reassemble all the parts in their original location (cables, cards, motherboard, etc). Then we replaced the lid and hooked it up to a power source to test if the computer would run. At first, it did not run because the motherboard was not slid in properly. We double checked to make sure that everything was properly connected, and on our second try, we heard the whizzing noise of the computer running! At first, this task seemed impossible, but finally accomplishing it gave a great rewarding feeling.

Merry Christmas Everyone! ^___^

Until next time!
--->ELIZA!

Python

Recently, we've been working with the Python Programming Language. So far we've created a separate program for each of the following tasks: calculate the sum of 3 numbers, calculate average speed (user inputs distance and time,) calculate the area/volume of a sphere, a counter program (user inputs start/end values as well as the increment or decrement value).

Click here for more information on Python from the MyNDRS.com website!

Until Next time!
--->ELIZA!

Digital Cameras

Today we did an assignment involving a digital camera that we found interest in from the NDRS digital camera survey website. We created a word document containing a picture of the camera, where to find it at a local store, how much it is sold for, and a few of its features. I personally chose the Canon SD750, because I had just bought it about 2 weeks ago for a friend (more like paying for it and having them pay me back because they had a small limit on their debit card!!!).

I personally own a Sony Cybershot DSC-T5 that I got about a year and a few months ago (in silver out of the 4 available colours.) It may not be the top of the line at the present time, but I am still very happy with this camera! Click on the linked names of the cameras listed previously to see reviews and photos.

Until next time!
--->ELIZA!

NDRS Digi-Cam Survey Website Updated!

Hello everyone! Click here for a digital camera survey from our very own NDRS site (updated just yesterday!) Check it out for a wide variety of digital cameras that may be of interest to you.

Until next time!
--->ELIZA!