Human Cognition and System Design Essays

Human Cognition and System Design Essays Human Cognition and System Design Essay Human Cognition and System Design Essay Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Human Cognition and System Design Introduction This paper will serve to analyze the Linux software application from a human information processing perspective. Primarily, the Linux software application is a computer operating system with a Unix-like design assembled from the open source and free software distribution and development. Originally developed to perform as an operating system for personal Intel x86 based computers (Dibris, 5). The software application has been ported to a wider variety of computer hardware platforms. The development of the Linux design is considered the most prominent example of open and free source collaboration of software. In this regard, this paper will hence focus the Linux software design and its consideration on human information processing capabilities, memory, perception, attention and learning. Memory The memory concept in this case implies the various ways through the user of the Linux software can interact or otherwise communicate with the computer system. Recognition is considered an easier strategy to use compared to recall when using the Linux software application. Regarding recognition, Linux offers the users with appropriate recognition stimuli. However, the application has been programmed with limited information as too much would divert the attention of the user or confuse them. The software application implements the use of programmed intelligence to provide appropriate stimuli for tackling the task presented by the user (Dibris, 7). The Linux software application is both a command line interface and a graphical user interface. The hard way of learning commands is through remembering them. Keying in commands the user had already typed on the previous or current console amounts to tedious or unnecessary effort. Instead of retyping a previous command, the software application offers a variety of options that save time for the user when remembering older commands used in current or earlier sessions. For example, the first option involves keying in the control key plus R prior to issuing the command. This acts by initiating the command re-caller through backward mode. This occurs with the most recent command being presented as the first. The user can now type part or the whole characters of the command he or she is searching. Once the command is found, the user is expected to hit the enter button and the command will be initiated. The Linux visual representation includes a pearl script that is capable of reading the traffic counters of the computer’s routers, and a fast program that creates presentable graphs representing the monitored network connection. In addition to its detailed view, the Linux software application is capable of creating traffic visual representations visited in the previous seven days, five weeks, or three months. This made possible from its ability to keep a log of the entire data from the router. Additionally, since the Linux software application of graphical user interface nature, it therefore represents programs, directions, and files through spatial relations and pictures. In the graphical user interface, the user has a simpler choice of choosing commands by manipulating or activating pictures –for example, dragging an icon or clicking on a button with the mouse device. The graphical user interface is intended to make the computer easier to use by simplifying decisions and tasks, and creating visual representations that the user can easily relate. A significant aspect of the Linux software application revolves around its ability of raising the user efficiency in user memory as well as usage over interfaces with text bases. The Linux software program not only utilizes chunking and encodes information; it also offers streamlined ways of finishing tasks taking into account the expectations and needs of the user. However, it is prudent to understand that the Linux software program fails to support its user’s in remembering how to use it in certain ways. This is manifested through its shortcut ability to identify previous or currently used commands. This is thought to induce a lazy culture to the user since he or she does not have to remember the main components of a command. The main challenge is however realized when entering a new command. Attention Computer systems using the Linux software application output their signals through actuators. With these displays, the system acts or reacts to the environment. Developments in software creation have enabled the user to process information from their auditory and visual senses. The Linux software application uses graphical programming language for the execution of many processing functions, sound generation and processing, and video. The timing of this software is versatile and can be communicated to other computers through a network. The graphical nature prompts the incorporation of visual user interface. Though it is good with its timing, its quality of being timeline based becomes a hindrance when the user is considering interactive structures (Hives, 8). Other authoring tools are also incorporated within the Linux software program. A high level for programming languages has a speeding effect on the development process and is a tradeoff in terms of flexibility. If the user deems that an application needs maximum flexibility, he or she can use low-level programming. The Linux software program is also user computer interface of high nature that involves multiple sense interactions, real time interaction and simulation, including visual, auditory and tactile. In addition, there are certain Linux software programs that use multimodal user interfaces that combine two or more human senses in their interaction with other computers (Hives, 14). The design of this program was achieved based on the needs of blind computer users. This was to enable them to control and perceive information in an effective and efficient way. However, research maintains that the audio user interface is not a particularly efficient interaction solution even it is the most used with blind computer users. The efficiency of the tactile user interface in accomplishing certain tasks is considered similar to the interface for audio senses. Perception The Linux interface helps its users understand the sensory information they receive in a number of ways. The Linux software program possesses a lot of information related to how it runs. The memory and hardware of the system, current processes and the user’s latest activity information is made available by the system. In many cases, the user can view the system information through specified commands (Z?agar, 25). A number of these commands are specifically written to give information. The rests of these commands are intended to alter the system to include ways of viewing the current state of the system. In certain cases, the user can understand the received sensory information through configuration files and system information. Majority of these files are in the form of plain text. This enables the user to view the basic commands that output the content of a file to the command line. Among the simplest commands designed for reading the information system is ‘arch’. This command gives back the computer’s architecture. A different set of commands give the user information relating to processes running within the system. One commonly used command process is ‘top’. This gives the user a continuous update on the process responsible for consuming the most memory space of the computer system. ‘Pstree’ is a command that gives the user a highlight of parent and child processes- meaning processes that start others. Ultimately, the Linux interface utilizes previous knowledge to enable the user understand the sensory information they receive. Among this is the collection of logs from experiences. Majority of these logs can be read using standard reading commands, but this is dependent on the distribution (Welsh, 18). In this case, some logs may be in the form of a specialized format and hence require reading with a special command. However, the Linux software program at times fails to support the perspective of perception. In this regard, the interface does not provide information on certain processes or the information itself is too complicated for the user to understand. Learning Linux interface has been designed to be user friendly and includes tips intended to help the user learn how to use the application. Similar to Microsoft windows, the Linux system files are arranged in a structure resembling the hierarchical directory format. Linux gives the user a graphical interface that gives them an easy time in understanding how to use it, and still allows those with the knowledge to change settings to a different user. Primarily, the interface allows the user to understand that everything in the system will henceforth be treated as a file (Welsh, 24). The user uses this file to make a drawing or write a text. The system lets the user understand that the written texts or drawings made will have to sorted and stored for easy location. Behind every configured option, there lie simplified readable text files the user can edit to their best suit. The current versions of the Linux interface are incorporated with graphical user interface to guide the user through the program. There is another option where the user can choose to gain full control of the program through manual adjustment of the configuration files. The design of the Linux interface is based on the premise that every person gaining access to the system has their personal username and password (Welsh, 45). Every single file has a source group and user and possesses certain attributes. In addition, the program provides the user with an opportunity of feeding it with a command to attain certain information. This enables the user to learn on a variety of processes associated with the interface. Conclusion The intensity of using Linux on laptops and standard desktop computers has been under constant rise in the recent past. The current versions include a graphical user environment. With regard to the objective of this paper, the major findings gave rise to the conclusion that Linux software program has been designed in the form of a user-friendly interface. In terms of human cognition to the design of the software, the paper was able to establish a positive view regarding the memory, attention, perception, and learning perspectives of the software program. However, one cannot overlook the hindrances associated with the shortcomings of the interface. Dibris, Dora. â€Å"Introduction to Linux Programming.† 2004 Tripoli Library Association. Greenspan Hotel, Tripoli. 29 March 2004. Hives, John G., Brian G. Brestan, and Ruth A. Dale. â€Å"Linux Software Program.† Human Cognitive Review 26.1 (2007): 1-16. Print. Michal, Pierce G., and Sarah Orsworth. â€Å"Technology and Human Cognitive Behavior: Review by a Group of Experts.† System Design 7.2 (2004): 121-30. Web. 11 Sep. 2012. Welsh, Matt, Matthias K. Dalheimer, and Lar Kaufman. Running Linux. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly, 2009. Print. Z?agar, Klemen, Janez Golob, and Anz?e Z?agar. â€Å"Efficient Access to Timing System’s Time in Linux User Mode.† Control Sheet. 9 (2010). Print.

No Medical Degree No Problem for These Five Healthcare Jobs

No Medical Degree No Problem for These Five Healthcare Jobs Healthcare is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, promising everything from high pay to job security to workers entering the field. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total employment in occupations related to healthcare is expected to skyrocket by 11 percent - a total of 15.6 million jobs - in the decade between 2012 and 2022. Let’s countdown five of the most promising healthcare jobs that don’t require a medical degree. 5. Pharmacy TechniciansMinimal educational requirements - a high school diploma or its equivalent - and a growth rate of 20 percent over a 10-year period earn pharmacy technicians a spot on this list.Working alongside pharmacists in pharmacies, grocery stores, drug stores and hospitals, pharmacy technicians help pharmacists with the dispensation of prescription medications.Most pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job training, although there are some secondary education programs. Some sta tes require that pharmacy techs complete a training program accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.4. Dispensing OpticiansWith a projected growth rate of 23 percent between 2012 and 2022, the number of jobs for workers in this field is predicted to rise by nearly 16,000 during that same period of time.Dispensing opticians work in stores that sell visual aids, including glasses, contact lenses and other optical goods. Based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists, dispensing opticians are responsible for fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assisting customers in deciding on the right products.The median annual salary for dispensing opticians is just over $22,300, although the top 10 percent may earn nearly $53,000. In addition to a high school diploma, on-the-job training is usually sufficient to obtain a position as a dispensing optician.3. Dental AssistantsA projected growth rate of 25 percent between 2012 and 2022 earns denta l assistants a spot on the list of fastest growing healthcare careers.Depending on where they work, dental assistants may be responsible for a wide range of tasks - from scheduling appointments to taking X-rays to providing patient care.While there’s no single path to becoming a dental assistant, some states do require graduation from an accredited program as well as the passing of a state exam. Additionally, many community colleges offer year-long certificate programs, as well as two-year programs which convey an associate’s degree. The typical dental assistant school curriculum include a mix of classroom, laboratory and clinical work.Dental assistants earn an average salary of $34,500, although top earners may bring home nearly $50,000.2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular TechnologistsWith a job outlook projected at 39 percent, these imaging experts are expected to be in great demand in the coming ye ars.Largely employed in hospital settings, diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are trained in the use of special equipment in order to create images and conduct tests used by physicians to diagnose medical conditions as well as to aid during surgical procedures.With an average pay of $60,350 per year, these professionals do require some formal education and qualifications, such as an associate’s degree and postsecondary certificate. Some diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians choose to pursue bachelor’s degree programs in sonography and in cardiovascular and vascular technology.1. Home Health AidesA projected growth rate of a staggering 48 percent between 2012 and 2022 earns home health aides the top spot on this list. Requiring less than a high school diploma and a short period of on-the-job training, home health aides can expect to enjoy unprecedented job security in the years ahea d.Working in a variety of settings, home health aides help people - from seniors to the disabled or cognitively impaired - who require assistance with basic daily activities.As more and more seniors make the choice to age in place, home health aides will become an increasingly vital part of the healthcare system. And while the current median salary is just under $21,000, the increased need for these workers is expected to drive pay upward.While doctors may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of healthcare professions, there are plenty of other career paths for aspiring members of the healthcare industry. Each of these five professions offers extraordinary job security, along with educational and training requirements far less strenuous than the ones imposed upon doctors. The result? Unprecedented opportunities for people looking to get a foot in the door of the in-demand healthcare industry.