Free Essays on Napster Debate

The Napster Debate The Napster software, launched early in 1999, allows internet users to share and download MP3 files directly from any computer connected to the Napster network. The software is used by downloading a client program from the Napster site and then connecting to the network through this software, which allows sharing (uploading and downloading) of MP3 files between all users connected to the network. While Napster does not condone copyright infringement, there is no opportunity in the software to stop this, or for royalties to be paid to artists whose songs are being duplicated for free. Unlike similar file-sharing applications (Gnutella, Freenet), Napster limits users to uploading/downloading of MP3 files only. These files are compressed wave (.wav) files. The advantage of MP3 files is that they are approximately one-tenth the size of the corresponding .wav file and can be close-to-CD-quality. It is for this reason that many artists, record labels and other music industry stakeholders are concerned by the MP3 file format and applications like Napster that simplify the sharing of copyrighted material. Other file formats in common use on the Internet are not as threatening to the recording industry; primarily due to the reduced quality of the recording. Real audio (.ra, .rm) files have reduced sound quality (comparable to radio) and are usually streamed over a different protocol, allowing people to listen to songs without having (or being able) to download the source files. Another 'music' file format common on the internet is the midi format. These files are of no threat to the music industry because the files are not actually a recording of the music; rather a set of instructions to the computer as to what sounds to play (and there is no way to duplicate vocal tracks). This file format is also becoming outdated and being used less and less. The reaction from recording artists, record labels and other music indus... Free Essays on Napster Debate Free Essays on Napster Debate The Napster Debate The Napster software, launched early in 1999, allows internet users to share and download MP3 files directly from any computer connected to the Napster network. The software is used by downloading a client program from the Napster site and then connecting to the network through this software, which allows sharing (uploading and downloading) of MP3 files between all users connected to the network. While Napster does not condone copyright infringement, there is no opportunity in the software to stop this, or for royalties to be paid to artists whose songs are being duplicated for free. Unlike similar file-sharing applications (Gnutella, Freenet), Napster limits users to uploading/downloading of MP3 files only. These files are compressed wave (.wav) files. The advantage of MP3 files is that they are approximately one-tenth the size of the corresponding .wav file and can be close-to-CD-quality. It is for this reason that many artists, record labels and other music industry stakeholders are concerned by the MP3 file format and applications like Napster that simplify the sharing of copyrighted material. Other file formats in common use on the Internet are not as threatening to the recording industry; primarily due to the reduced quality of the recording. Real audio (.ra, .rm) files have reduced sound quality (comparable to radio) and are usually streamed over a different protocol, allowing people to listen to songs without having (or being able) to download the source files. Another 'music' file format common on the internet is the midi format. These files are of no threat to the music industry because the files are not actually a recording of the music; rather a set of instructions to the computer as to what sounds to play (and there is no way to duplicate vocal tracks). This file format is also becoming outdated and being used less and less. The reaction from recording artists, record labels and other music indus...

Tips for Taking Good Notes in Class

Tips for Taking Good Notes in Class There are so many ways to take notes in class today: laptops, tablets, and other devices, recording apps, and the good old-fashioned pen and notebook. Which one should you use? Does it matter? Of course, the answer is personal. What works for one person wont work for another. But there are some compelling arguments for writing notes longhand, with a pen or pencil, including research by scientists Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer, who found that students who wrote notes by hand had a better conceptual grasp of the material taught. They understood more, had better recall, and tested better. Thats pretty hard to argue with. Two articles by leading organizations discuss the matter: Harvard Business Review: What You Miss When You Take Notes on Your LaptopScientific American: A Learning Secret: Don’t Take Notes with a Laptop Why? Partly because they listened better and were more engaged in the learning rather than trying to type word-for-word everything the teacher said. Clearly, we can type faster than we can write, unless you know the ancient art of shorthand. If you choose to use a laptop for your note taking, keep this study in mind and dont try to record every single thing said. Listen. Think. And type only the notes you would have written by hand. There are other things to keep in mind: Does your teacher allow laptops in the classroom for note taking?Is your laptop easy to carry and set up?Do you need to plug it in?Are there electrical outlets available in your classroom?Does your software load quickly?Do you have good habits for organizing your documents?Can you pay attention in class with your laptop open? If you can say yes to all or most of those questions, then taking notes on a laptop may be good time management for you. Benefits If you know you can type much faster than you can write, the benefits of using a laptop for notes may include: Paying better attention because you can type without looking at your handsEven when you make typing mistakes, your notes will still be legibleIts easy to organize your notes into folders.Once edited, you can copy notes and paste them into documents Drawbacks But there are drawbacks to using a laptop for note-taking: Make sure youre not trying to type a lecture word for word just because youre fast.There are some notes that cant be typed unless youre a wiz with software. Have paper and pen or pencil next to your laptop for anything you cant type, like a quick drawing of something.If you have to rush between classes, closing down and starting up a laptop takes time. Be careful not to be rude in the classroom by rummaging with your things when your teacher is speaking.Laptops can be expensive and fragile. If youre toting yours daily, make sure you have a sturdy one and that youre careful with it.Laptops can be stolen. If you lose it, youre in trouble.Laptops are also vulnerable to viruses and other maladies. You want to be sure youve got adequate protection and back up your data regularly so you dont lose it all the night before your assignment is due. More Tips Study skills and time management can be greatly improved by using a laptop with good sense. Heres a bit more advice: Whether or not you have access to the Internet in class, try to resist logging on. The temptation can be great to peek at social media, answer email, or anything else you do online. These are obvious distractions you dont need.Try to type big ideas, not every idea.Remember to look up and stay engaged with your teacher.