Although technology is present in all of our daily lives, many of us are still unfamiliar with the terms associated with it. Fortunately, we’re here to clear up some of the confusion. Keep reading for an explanation of four common technology-related terms.
Cookies
Cookies allow websites to identify you when you revisit them. By enabling cookies, you are letting your browser store your information, such as username, password and preferences, and provide it for the site you are visiting. They are a time-saver that can be very useful for avid Internet users.
Although cookies are incredibly convenient, some view them as a privacy issue. They store your information and track your activity, which can make it easier for others to access your information. Most experts agree, however, that limiting the amount of cookies you use is sufficient for protecting your online identity.
URL
A URL, which is short for uniform resource letter, is essentially the web address of a website. It is what you type into the address bar of a browser when you would like to be directed to a web page.
Cloud
Cloud is one of the tech terms that is most common right now. Everybody is talking about the cloud. The cloud is the term for services that are based over the Internet and don’t require additional hardware or software, like Facebook or Google Apps.
Flash
Flash is an Adobe-owned platform that lets you view certain things on your computer. Many people install Flash players or plug-ins so that they can watch videos or animation or see dynamic displays on websites. Although Flash has been the longtime leader in its field, HTML5 is rapidly catching up with it.
Understanding the basics of tech terminology is a great way to better understand the technology we interact with.
For more tech terms and their meanings, check out this glossary.
Monday, May 30, 2011
4 technology terms and what they mean
How you can use a workflow chart | Expert Data Labs Blog
You might not realize how many processes you have memorized for your everyday routine and there are probably a lot. Those processes typically include a lot of intricate steps, which can make explaining or recreating that process challenging at times. Luckily, workflow charts are here to make it easier.
What are they?
A flowchart is fundamentally a diagram that outlines processes with differently shaped boxes (steps in the process are usually square while decisions are usually indicated with a diamond) and arrows that link those boxes. They are great tools when it comes to managing or outlining processes. For an example of a flowchart, click here.
Pros
- Very straightforward way of conveying a process as the symbols are generally universally understood
- Once it has been made, the process will often take less time than before
- Helps users understand how each step impacts an entire process
Cons
- Can be difficult to create, especially when the processes are more complicated
- If you don’t have the proper software, this can be a very long process
How to create one
Creating a workflow chart is not as complex as it looks. Thanks to computer software that guides you through the process, it can really be much less painful that you may think.
Workflow software enables you to choose the type of box you’d like to use (to indicate a step or a decision) and then you fill in the information and connect the boxes as you see fit. If a certain step has multiple courses of action, you should indicate those with multiple arrows leading to those options. To see what different flowchart icons mean, take a look at this eHow article.
Workflow charts are a great way to help break down a process and better understand all of the steps that go into it.
If you would like more information on how to create a workflow chart, check out this eHow article.
I was just reading this weekend where work flow / process maps were one of the things that separated the opportunity seeker from the strategic entrepreneur.