THE advances in the Internet and World Wide Web have given a wide range of vocabulary to its users. The new terms and their definitions basically mean that all dictionaries related to IT and Internet have to be consistently updated as terms are invented and turned into the routine language of avid net users.
One such word which has become a rage among those who live the online life is “wiki.” Is there such a word in the dictionary? But if you Google it up and you’ll discover that the word is very much there in the Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary of English along with the American Heritage Dictionary.
Both dictionaries have defined wiki as any website whose content can be edited by whoever is visiting it. In effect, it basically means that it is not just the owner or webmaster of the website who has controls over the content of the website. It is the user, who can add or delete any content from the website – if it is a wiki.
There are certainly many different websites on the Internet which make use of the concept of wiki. Probably the most popular ones include a wide range of websites with the prefix “wiki” and are collectively managed by the Wikimedia Foundation (http:// www.wikimedia.org). Most of the people are familiar only with the encyclopaedia found at Wikimedia Foundation – Wikipedia (http:// www.wikipedia.org) which is the most popular source for copy/pasting material for assignments. But there is much, much more to wikis than Wikipedia. Following are some of the websites of Wikimedia Foundation.
There are loads of quotations stored at Wikiquote (http://www. wikiquote.org) where you can enter a search phrase like “life” or “humour” and get loads of quotations from different notable personalities. Each personality is linked to their page in Wikipedia. Then there is Wiktionary (http:// www.wiktionary.org/) where you can enter any word and find out its meaning.
Also, there is Wikibooks (http:// www.wikibooks.org) having the complete text of quite a few books. You can follow the “Featured Books” link to find out the books there for you without charge. Wikinews (http://www.wikinews.org) is of course the news site where you can read current affairs around the world. News here are categorised very thoroughly into health, education, disasters, culture, crime, science, sports, politics and many others.
Wikispecies (http://species.wikimedia.org/) is dedicated to the diversity of life which exists around us and details on how living and survival. This essentially means you can find out everything you ever needed to know about any specific plant, animal or micro-organism.
On a more academic front, Wikiversity (http://www.wikiversity.org) is the educational portal, where you can get material on various subjects. Moreover, there are classes online which you can sign up to participate in the courses that are offered.
As you can see from the brief descriptions above, wikis have a far greater range than just Wikipedia. This ensures that everyone has something to gain from having some basic knowledge of wikis. That’s the common factor among the website mentioned above. They are not just websites, they are wikis, and you can add anything you want.
For instance, if you know of some worthy event going on in your country which has not been given any coverage on Wikinews, you can create your own news article and post it. And if you know of a book which is available online for free without any copyright issues, you can go to Wikibooks and upload it there.
Wikis are always there so that you can correct the inaccuracies which have been made. For instance, if you spot a mistake, you can easily click ‘edit’ and correct it. In this context, wikis can said to have eliminated the complaint of most people that the Internet is misleading or misinforming people. It is the wikis which enable an average Internet user to actually eliminate misinformation. If there is a mistake, correct it rather than complain about it.
Of course there are people at the helm of affairs who overlook the entire operation of wikis. They make sure that the articles posted up are authentic, that they contain correct information and that no one attempts to abuse their right to edit the content. They also check the grammar, spelling and punctuation of the content. Plus, it is their job to make sure that the content is posted in the right category so that it is easier for Internet surfers to find the content they are looking for.
But, just as it happens with all websites, wikis are also vulnerable to abuse. They can be used to eliminate misinformation; and can also be used to spread it. Before someone finds out, the material is posted. And there is no limit to the number of people who read the incorrect information before it is edited out.
Then, there is the problem of people who never want to accept mistakes. Suppose Person “A” puts up an article where he writes an incorrect date. Person “B” goes and corrects it. But Person “A” refuses to accept his error hence he undoes the edit. The incorrect date is on display for all to see. Of course if Person “B” is persistent enough, he can actually have a war of edits. But then it is authenticity which is the causality.
And of course, one must bear in mind that Wikipedia has restricted the edit of certain articles after they were repeatedly filled with gross misinformation. On such articles, people with a registered account of Wikipedia can edit, but they have a history of making reliable edits. This ensures that the editing part is not open to everyone but of course it destroys the basic purpose of wikis – to have content which can be edited by everyone.
However, the abuse of wikis by some Internet users should not really deter people from making use of this concept. As a matter of fact there aren’t many websites around where you can have your own say about the content. Wikis should also be the answer to all those of you have complain endlessly that websites are spreading misinformation because it is wikis in the end which give you a chance to do something about it. The routine websites will always be there of course and you can’t really help them if they are inaccurate. But as long as they are wikis, get moving!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Webwatch
Sizing up
http://www.rense.com/general72/size.htm
When it comes to planets, most of you have a pretty good idea about their relative sizes, for example, Jupiter is the largest. This website will definitely clear all your concepts with respect to the size of different planets. The advantage here is that you won’t need to read through large chunks of text. The website simply uses illustrations to make the point. Pluto lovers can breathe a sigh of relief for Pluto is still part of the planet family on this website.
http://www.rense.com/general72/size.htm
When it comes to planets, most of you have a pretty good idea about their relative sizes, for example, Jupiter is the largest. This website will definitely clear all your concepts with respect to the size of different planets. The advantage here is that you won’t need to read through large chunks of text. The website simply uses illustrations to make the point. Pluto lovers can breathe a sigh of relief for Pluto is still part of the planet family on this website.
Puffing away
http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/F7BA2A19-1936-4CD2-B08C-48D0B97889D5/
Smoking unfortunately is the one thing still thought to be “cool” in spite of the health and environmental risks it poses. This website has detailed some of the nasty facts about cigarettes and their implications on our environment. Find out how cigarette smoke contributes to litter and water pollution and what you can do to make a difference. So for those of you who think smoking is “in”, this website is certainly going to change your mind, given the kind of information it contains.
Naming challenges
http://www.actionbioscience.org/
There are many global issues confronting us when it comes to science. This website looks at the top seven issues some of which include “Why preserve life’s variety?” and “What does the genome reveal?” Each section has links to loads of articles featuring diverse opinions on the subject. You can do an in-depth study of these issues and see for yourself how they affect your life.
Just for fun
http://buggies.builtforfun.co.uk/index.php
There’s no reason why science can’t be used for a little bit of fun. This website features neat vehicles like scooters and tricycles which have been made using do-it-yourself designs. This essentially means you can try them out, too, as the designs have been explained in detail, including tools, illustrations and components. Movie clips of the designing phase are also available.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Webwatch
Bug’s life
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/
There are some people who simply cannot stand creepy crawlies. And there are others who can’t get enough, are ready to dare among others simply by frightening them with creepiness. For those of you who fall into latter category, website will be an absolute haven. It basically contains information on any and every type of insect that exists from aphids to beetles and from wasps to centipedes. With loads of illustrations , you are sure to get anything but bored.
Another alert
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-12/nsfc-nrr120606.php
Global warming is a phrase most of you will be very familiar with. However, its implications are still vague considering that there is very little effort to be environment-friendly at the grassroots level. The news item featured here should be a cause for concern as it states that global warming will reduce the supply of food for marine life and, hence, will cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Read through the entire report to find out how serious the problem is.
Periodic table
http://www.touchspin.com/chem/DisplayTable.html
The periodic table will be familiar to anyone who has ever studied chemistry. This website features the very same table in a unique way for learning purposes. Hence, if you are a student, you can use this website to further your understanding of how the periodic table functions and how its elements are placed. If you’re a teacher, you can use it to help explain various concepts related to it.
Small world indeed
http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/MITtecRvwSmlWrld/article.html
Most of you say this phrase quite often — it’s a small world. But how many times do you use it to refer to nanotechnology? This website features basic information regarding nanotechnology which you can easily read up on and find out how this technology works, what its uses are and the implications of its use on our daily lives. This is mainly a text-based website for those who are interested in the subject.
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/
There are some people who simply cannot stand creepy crawlies. And there are others who can’t get enough, are ready to dare among others simply by frightening them with creepiness. For those of you who fall into latter category, website will be an absolute haven. It basically contains information on any and every type of insect that exists from aphids to beetles and from wasps to centipedes. With loads of illustrations , you are sure to get anything but bored.
Another alert
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-12/nsfc-nrr120606.php
Global warming is a phrase most of you will be very familiar with. However, its implications are still vague considering that there is very little effort to be environment-friendly at the grassroots level. The news item featured here should be a cause for concern as it states that global warming will reduce the supply of food for marine life and, hence, will cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Read through the entire report to find out how serious the problem is.
Periodic table
http://www.touchspin.com/chem/DisplayTable.html
The periodic table will be familiar to anyone who has ever studied chemistry. This website features the very same table in a unique way for learning purposes. Hence, if you are a student, you can use this website to further your understanding of how the periodic table functions and how its elements are placed. If you’re a teacher, you can use it to help explain various concepts related to it.
Small world indeed
http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/MITtecRvwSmlWrld/article.html
Most of you say this phrase quite often — it’s a small world. But how many times do you use it to refer to nanotechnology? This website features basic information regarding nanotechnology which you can easily read up on and find out how this technology works, what its uses are and the implications of its use on our daily lives. This is mainly a text-based website for those who are interested in the subject.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
More scrapping business
IT has been more than three months since “The Scrapping Business” was published on this very page. Basically the idea put forward was that one’s scrapbook on the popular social networking website, Orkut (http://www.orkut.com) contains enough information for someone to glean in their leisure and gain an infinite amount of knowledge about one’s friends, attitudes, beliefs and workplace.
For such personal information to be at the disposal of all and sundry is extremely scary. The solution that was suggested was to delete all personal scraps after reading and replying to them.
However, the mere idea that a person’s scrapbook compromises his privacy to a large extent ruffled quite a few feathers. Scraps and emails by the dozen found their way into my inbox, some loudly refuting my claims and others admitting that the article at least made them think. Of course the idea always was to make you think about these things rather than take them for granted and assume that your scrapbook is the most private place to discuss your schedule and routine.
There were some people who agreed with this notion. “Those who think people have no time to go through others’ scrapbooks are so wrong. Even I am guilty of scanning my friends’ scrapbooks from time to time to see what they are up to. One’s scrapbook speaks louder than one’s profile,” expressed Sarah Arman, a student of computer sciences at a private university.
“Orkut has to do something regarding privacy,” said Hira Arshad, another student. “There is no privacy on Orkut at all. Where do we hide our personal messages or personal information?”
Zainub Razvi, a student of dentistry took a more pro-active stance on that front. She wrote out a long email and sent it to the Orkut staff, where she detailed all the problems with privacy matters and how to deal with them. Here is an excerpt from her letter:
“I scrap my friends often just to catch up with them, but some times, I also scrap them in order to schedule get-togethers, discuss family matters and other such things which I clearly do no wish for every member of Orkut to see.”
“A closer look at people’s scrapbooks and especially scraps exchanged between friends can easily give anyone an idea (a brief, discreet one may it be) of what that person might be up to, what are his or her plans for this weekend, so on and so forth. I think this greatly compromises at least my sense of privacy. I don’t know if I’m just being hyper paranoid about this but I’m just not comfortable with the idea that a perfect stranger can have unchecked access my communications with my acquaintances.”
“That is why I have been deleting all the scraps that I receive and have now even started telling my friends whom I scrap to delete the scraps I send them after they’ve read them. Though I have to admit their responses have not been encouraging since most of them it would seem do not share my concerns of loss of privacy.”
“So I was hoping if you could consider the idea of allowing Orkut members the option of making their scrapbooks either completely or selectively private, so that they can choose who can have access to their scrapbook. This could well be similar to the option you have for various fields of the Profile page by which you can restrict what aspects of your profile your friends, friends’ friend and everyone else can see. Any thing like that would be very beneficial for the more privacy sensitive members like me.”
Of course, where there were people who agreed with the idea, there were quite a few who found it plain ridiculous.
“It’s just plain far-fetched,” declared an avid Orkut user. “I mean who in the name of God has time nowadays to track down a person through their Orkut scrapbook? Also, I object to your point of view about relating one’s number of scraps to their popularity. That would be generalising the situation. Maybe, majority of people on Orkut want to increase their scraps for the sake of appearing in demand, but there is a minority group like me who are just plain lazy to delete all those scraps every time they use Orkut!”
It is true that many people found the reasons for deleting scraps too far-fetched. The common opinion was that deleting scraps is too much of a hassle, and what’s the point anyway? No one has the time to go through any scraps. But then, assuming no one has time to read scraps – maybe they do and you never know because the profile view is turned off. There are after all, many people who admitted to snooping on others’ profiles and the writer also happens to be an occasional snooper too.
One reader also pointed out that, maybe putting aside all the reasons concerning others, the major reason can be your own self. They are your scraps. They constitute a communication between you and the person you know. Why should a third person come in between and not only read that communication, but also quote it out of context or form any opinion about it? In real life, we do get really annoyed when someone breaks into our conversation and sometimes, we stop discussing it completely. So why do we assume that things are any different online? Plus, you have to keep in mind that the terms and conditions of Orkut itself allow it to store and distribute all information that is there on your profile – this effectively includes your scrapbook too.
Although public opinion still seems quite sceptical, there are people who have actually built software upon the idea of scrapbook snooping. Also particular software which you can use to monitor the scraps of whom so ever you want, without actually logging onto Orkut at all. For privacy’s sake, the software will remain unnamed here. However, the way it works it this - you simply select whoever you want to keep track of and whenever those people get a new scrap, you get a pop-up window similar to the one you would get when someone sends you a message over MSN Messenger. To date, this software has been downloaded eighty thousand times – a whopping figure, no doubt! And this should ideally give all those people a reality check, who thinks Orkut users have no time to snoop on people’s scrapbooks.
Having said that, it is heartening to note that there are many people who have started taking this issue as a serious privacy matter. There are increasing instances of profiles around Orkut which feature no scraps at all. It does seem that there is more of a conscious effort to keep private communication away from the snooping and the non-snooping eyes and that indeed is a step in the right direction.
Some names have been changed.
For such personal information to be at the disposal of all and sundry is extremely scary. The solution that was suggested was to delete all personal scraps after reading and replying to them.
However, the mere idea that a person’s scrapbook compromises his privacy to a large extent ruffled quite a few feathers. Scraps and emails by the dozen found their way into my inbox, some loudly refuting my claims and others admitting that the article at least made them think. Of course the idea always was to make you think about these things rather than take them for granted and assume that your scrapbook is the most private place to discuss your schedule and routine.
There were some people who agreed with this notion. “Those who think people have no time to go through others’ scrapbooks are so wrong. Even I am guilty of scanning my friends’ scrapbooks from time to time to see what they are up to. One’s scrapbook speaks louder than one’s profile,” expressed Sarah Arman, a student of computer sciences at a private university.
“Orkut has to do something regarding privacy,” said Hira Arshad, another student. “There is no privacy on Orkut at all. Where do we hide our personal messages or personal information?”
Zainub Razvi, a student of dentistry took a more pro-active stance on that front. She wrote out a long email and sent it to the Orkut staff, where she detailed all the problems with privacy matters and how to deal with them. Here is an excerpt from her letter:
“I scrap my friends often just to catch up with them, but some times, I also scrap them in order to schedule get-togethers, discuss family matters and other such things which I clearly do no wish for every member of Orkut to see.”
“A closer look at people’s scrapbooks and especially scraps exchanged between friends can easily give anyone an idea (a brief, discreet one may it be) of what that person might be up to, what are his or her plans for this weekend, so on and so forth. I think this greatly compromises at least my sense of privacy. I don’t know if I’m just being hyper paranoid about this but I’m just not comfortable with the idea that a perfect stranger can have unchecked access my communications with my acquaintances.”
“That is why I have been deleting all the scraps that I receive and have now even started telling my friends whom I scrap to delete the scraps I send them after they’ve read them. Though I have to admit their responses have not been encouraging since most of them it would seem do not share my concerns of loss of privacy.”
“So I was hoping if you could consider the idea of allowing Orkut members the option of making their scrapbooks either completely or selectively private, so that they can choose who can have access to their scrapbook. This could well be similar to the option you have for various fields of the Profile page by which you can restrict what aspects of your profile your friends, friends’ friend and everyone else can see. Any thing like that would be very beneficial for the more privacy sensitive members like me.”
Of course, where there were people who agreed with the idea, there were quite a few who found it plain ridiculous.
“It’s just plain far-fetched,” declared an avid Orkut user. “I mean who in the name of God has time nowadays to track down a person through their Orkut scrapbook? Also, I object to your point of view about relating one’s number of scraps to their popularity. That would be generalising the situation. Maybe, majority of people on Orkut want to increase their scraps for the sake of appearing in demand, but there is a minority group like me who are just plain lazy to delete all those scraps every time they use Orkut!”
It is true that many people found the reasons for deleting scraps too far-fetched. The common opinion was that deleting scraps is too much of a hassle, and what’s the point anyway? No one has the time to go through any scraps. But then, assuming no one has time to read scraps – maybe they do and you never know because the profile view is turned off. There are after all, many people who admitted to snooping on others’ profiles and the writer also happens to be an occasional snooper too.
One reader also pointed out that, maybe putting aside all the reasons concerning others, the major reason can be your own self. They are your scraps. They constitute a communication between you and the person you know. Why should a third person come in between and not only read that communication, but also quote it out of context or form any opinion about it? In real life, we do get really annoyed when someone breaks into our conversation and sometimes, we stop discussing it completely. So why do we assume that things are any different online? Plus, you have to keep in mind that the terms and conditions of Orkut itself allow it to store and distribute all information that is there on your profile – this effectively includes your scrapbook too.
Although public opinion still seems quite sceptical, there are people who have actually built software upon the idea of scrapbook snooping. Also particular software which you can use to monitor the scraps of whom so ever you want, without actually logging onto Orkut at all. For privacy’s sake, the software will remain unnamed here. However, the way it works it this - you simply select whoever you want to keep track of and whenever those people get a new scrap, you get a pop-up window similar to the one you would get when someone sends you a message over MSN Messenger. To date, this software has been downloaded eighty thousand times – a whopping figure, no doubt! And this should ideally give all those people a reality check, who thinks Orkut users have no time to snoop on people’s scrapbooks.
Having said that, it is heartening to note that there are many people who have started taking this issue as a serious privacy matter. There are increasing instances of profiles around Orkut which feature no scraps at all. It does seem that there is more of a conscious effort to keep private communication away from the snooping and the non-snooping eyes and that indeed is a step in the right direction.
Some names have been changed.
Webwatch
Projects abound
http://www.dansworkshop.com/index.shtml
If you’re in the mood to view some really advanced applications of scientific principles, then the projects featured on this website will fascinates you. There are projects related to Lego steam engines, alternative energy and aluminium. The principles behind the working of each project are explained in great detail so if you happen to be a science geek, then going in-depth into this website is definitely a must.
Tracking tremors
http://earthquakes.tafoni.net/
Earthquakes unfortunately, have become too common a natural disaster all over the world. This website tracks down all those places which were struck by an earthquake in the week gone by. If you’re curious to know about the natural disasters in general and earthquakes in particular, then you’ll definitely be interested in checking out this website regularly. The distribution of seismic activity is also illustrated with the help of a world map.
No more bans
http://www.chrisbrunner.com/2006/09/21/banned-the-golden-book-of-chemistry-experiments/
There are some books which become all the more interesting to read simply because they are or have been banned by the higher authorities at some time or the other. The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments is one such book the website delves deep into the content offering possible explanations for the ban. If you’re too curious, you can download a free copy and read it for yourselves.
Around the world
http://atlas.freshlogicstudios.com/
This is a handy little website for geography students and teachers alike along with everyone who may need to use the atlas while online and thinks it is too much of a hassle to get up and refer to a hard copy. This is basically an online atlas where you can simply point and click to view whichever part of the world you want at a particular moment.
http://www.dansworkshop.com/index.shtml
If you’re in the mood to view some really advanced applications of scientific principles, then the projects featured on this website will fascinates you. There are projects related to Lego steam engines, alternative energy and aluminium. The principles behind the working of each project are explained in great detail so if you happen to be a science geek, then going in-depth into this website is definitely a must.
Tracking tremors
http://earthquakes.tafoni.net/
Earthquakes unfortunately, have become too common a natural disaster all over the world. This website tracks down all those places which were struck by an earthquake in the week gone by. If you’re curious to know about the natural disasters in general and earthquakes in particular, then you’ll definitely be interested in checking out this website regularly. The distribution of seismic activity is also illustrated with the help of a world map.
No more bans
http://www.chrisbrunner.com/2006/09/21/banned-the-golden-book-of-chemistry-experiments/
There are some books which become all the more interesting to read simply because they are or have been banned by the higher authorities at some time or the other. The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments is one such book the website delves deep into the content offering possible explanations for the ban. If you’re too curious, you can download a free copy and read it for yourselves.
Around the world
http://atlas.freshlogicstudios.com/
This is a handy little website for geography students and teachers alike along with everyone who may need to use the atlas while online and thinks it is too much of a hassle to get up and refer to a hard copy. This is basically an online atlas where you can simply point and click to view whichever part of the world you want at a particular moment.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Webwatch
Expertise your scientific papers
http://helios.hampshire.edu/~apmNS/design/RESOURCES/HOW_READ.html
How many times have you been stumped at the sight of a scientific research paper which was too long and too technical? Here is one website which will help you out in this regard. Featured here are some detailed guidelines that are easy to follow and to read a research paper efficiently as well as effectively. This will ensure that you get the best out of your reading. This site also features various questions by which you can answer to analyse the paper thoroughly and learn many thing in just few minutes.
Journey to the future
http://www.spaceexhibit.com/
If you’re a space buff, then this website will definitely interest you. It centres on the exhibits of space, and future visits to the various museums of the USA. The website mainly contains a variety of space resources for both teachers and students. In which students can solve the space whiz quiz and play related games, while teachers can download activity worksheets to use in the classroom. This site is very informative for space lovers to learn about universe, and will also have information about the meuseum’s space activities.
Physics interactive
http://www.leventsakar.com/
Rated as one of the top science websites, this one focuses on all-things physics. There are loads of physics projects inclusive of instructions and demonstrations. There are flash animations of different physics phenomenon. Probably the most hilarious section is that of songs, which are all related to physics, mainly to clear the complexities. There are also instructions for the teachers as how they can use those songs in their courses for easy comprehension.
Save the Earth
http://planetsave.com
The environmental concerns should have to be our concern in the entire year around. This website deals with the news and reports regarding environmental developments and hazards all around the world. You can use these reports to remain updated about what’s really happening. Plus, if you’re a student or a teacher the information can be used in your geography lessons as well.
http://helios.hampshire.edu/~apmNS/design/RESOURCES/HOW_READ.html
How many times have you been stumped at the sight of a scientific research paper which was too long and too technical? Here is one website which will help you out in this regard. Featured here are some detailed guidelines that are easy to follow and to read a research paper efficiently as well as effectively. This will ensure that you get the best out of your reading. This site also features various questions by which you can answer to analyse the paper thoroughly and learn many thing in just few minutes.
Journey to the future
http://www.spaceexhibit.com/
If you’re a space buff, then this website will definitely interest you. It centres on the exhibits of space, and future visits to the various museums of the USA. The website mainly contains a variety of space resources for both teachers and students. In which students can solve the space whiz quiz and play related games, while teachers can download activity worksheets to use in the classroom. This site is very informative for space lovers to learn about universe, and will also have information about the meuseum’s space activities.
Physics interactive
http://www.leventsakar.com/
Rated as one of the top science websites, this one focuses on all-things physics. There are loads of physics projects inclusive of instructions and demonstrations. There are flash animations of different physics phenomenon. Probably the most hilarious section is that of songs, which are all related to physics, mainly to clear the complexities. There are also instructions for the teachers as how they can use those songs in their courses for easy comprehension.
Save the Earth
http://planetsave.com
The environmental concerns should have to be our concern in the entire year around. This website deals with the news and reports regarding environmental developments and hazards all around the world. You can use these reports to remain updated about what’s really happening. Plus, if you’re a student or a teacher the information can be used in your geography lessons as well.
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