Tech Nook: December Issue

Project H.E.A.R.T. stands for Humane, Exemplary, And Righteous Teachers. A seminar– workshop sponsored by  the Local City Government of Malabon headed by Hon. Mayor Antolin A. Oreta III, Division of Malabon City with training consultant Dr. Mauro C. De Gulan, our Asst. Schools Division Superintendent OIC & Global Peace Festival Foundation Philippines, Inc. with training manager Dr. Dinah F. Mindo, Chairman, Character-Based Education Program. With the theme “Culture of Heart” , last December 7-9, 2012 (1st Batch) & December 14-16, 2012 (2nd Batch)  at Hidden Sanctuary Hotel and Resort Camansi, Prenza 1, Marilao, Bulacan .The  event aims to help  public school teachers inculcate and develop a culture of  heart, with the general objectives of: to instill and heighten commitment and dedication to service among  educators. Of course it was attended by selected beautiful men & women of the T.L.E. Department carrying the heart to listen & the spirit to participate.

It was a joyful celebration of Christmas in MNHS, celebrated twice at the school covered ground. First stop on December 13, where all teachers & employees of Malabon Local Schools gathered for  Christmas gifts & surprises from our Dear Hon. Mayor Antolin A. Oreta III & of course our own school party on December 21, attended by the cheerful teachers of different departments showing their smiles for the Holiday Blessings. Sponsored by the faculty club of MNHS headed by Mr. Benjamin F. Cortez,. It was a bazaar of food, raffles & prizes, fun & games, singing & presentations

Winning Lists of Recycled Christmas Lantern Contest: 1st Place #9 Pink Lantern-Grade 7 under Mrs. D. Melindo, 2nd Place #4 Yakult-Grade 7 also under Mrs. D. Melindo, 3rd Place #22 Eggshells-Grade 7 Lily under Mrs. C. Gutierrez. Best Eco–Project Contest:1st  #3 Mirror-Mariel D. Sarmiento under Mrs. A. Berlandino, 2nd #40 Green Round Bag-Marielle Herrera under Mrs. D. Melindo, 3rd #35 Rose Flower-Hers Heyrate Boquiren under Mrs. A. Berlandino, 4th # 34 Softdrinks Straw Bag-Lara Mae Erojo under Mrs. S. Lim, 5th #17 Mouse Robot-John Lloyd Manalo also under Mrs. S. Lim. Rizal Mural Painting Contest at Longos: 2nd  Placer: Team of: Rc Camarines, Francis Asuncion & Bhong Pajuelas under Mr. C. Rivera & Mrs. J. Victorio  …..Congratulations!!

Easily identified by her charming laugh, & truly a motherly persona; Mrs. Edna R. Porras was born on March 13, 1959 at the City of Smile Iloilo. She  studied Practical Arts Major in Home Economics and graduated from Iloilo State College in 1980. She started her teaching career on June 15, 1990 and now at her 25th year in service, Ma’am Edna is still very much passionate in teaching. She is the loving wife of  Mr. Charlie Castro Porras & Proud Mother of four namely April Rose, Charles Bryan, Charles John & Christephen. Presently assigned as one of the pioneers in clothing & textile technology in MNHS handling 3rd year & 4th year students.

I received an e-mail link from Microsoft telling me to try the new Microsoft Office 13, trial run for about 60 days specifically it was called Office 365 and it’s just a consumer preview.It will be fully available in its final version in the 1st quarter of the year. The first noticeable difference on this new version is its monochromatic logo which is undoubtedly inspired by Metro UI of Windows 8 and a full integration of the   online services or cloud storage. The New Office is actually designed for tablets or touch screen devices or stylus powered surface. Overall in a month of use, with some crash experiences of course since it’s not yet the final version, I can assume that it would be the best replacement of the previous Office around. With an enjoyable neat color rendition of the application and the whole simplified set up and revamped office experience, Office 2013 provides a snappy and fully personalized environment.

These are some really general shortcuts in Windows operating system that we often use & sometimes forget, try these out: CTRL+C (Copy),CTRL+X (Cut),CTRL+V (Paste),CTRL+Z(Undo)Delete(Del),Shift+Delete (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin), CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item), CTRL+Shift while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item),F2 key (Rename the selected item),CTRL+A (Select all),F3 key (Search for a file or a folder),Alt+Enter (View the properties for the selected item),Alt+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program),Alt+Tab (Switch between the open items),Alt+Spacebar (Open the shortcut menu for the active window),Shift when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing),F5 key (Update the active window),for more power users shortcut visit  http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/100-keyboard-shortcuts-windows/

 In this Month’s Tech Dictionary: Storage—those precious content in your PC are stored in HDD boosting from 320 gigabytes to 1 terabytes of space for your hungry digital needs. HDD ( Hard Disk Drive) or simply hard disk  is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating discs (platters) coated with magnetic heads arranged on a moving actuator arm to read and write data to the surfaces. Trusted brands  are Western Digital, Seagate & Hitachi. Comes in Different form factor: for PC–3.5, for Laptops 2.5.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drive

Hey guys, another year passed by, ending the year 2012 with a job well done and welcoming this year, 2013 with positively good vibes. Let’s reflect on the things we’ve missed, failed to accomplished, unrightfully executed, erroneous stuff said and done. Let all these pave our path and serve as our guide to build new grounds in fulfilling our dreams and aspirations; walking forward and heading to a higher pedestal, making us stronger and wiser in facing challenges the world will give. Let us thank our Creator All Mighty God for the blessings that we  continue to embrace and share those blessing to the people we love the most, and the people who have less. Happy New Year Fellow Technologists!

Join me again for another  exciting New Year’s edition this month of January with bits of news and information MNHS has to offer.

Next Stop…..Soon I will be joining with some  talented  specialists in the TLE Department in providing Tech News and stuff in this Newsletter; sharing their thoughts and opinions to give cool Tech Info this 2013.

Tech Nook: November Issue

Green Month

 This month of November, T.L.E. Department will once again actively be part of the NEP (National Ecosaver Program) green project. In collaboration with the DepEd, DENR, MMDA, DILG, and non-government organization Galing Pook Foundation.

Green light for the green project launching of the regional Eco-Saver at the Arroceros Mini-Forest Park in Front of the Division of Manila attended by the different divisions across NCR both the elementary and high school level highlighting their eco products produced by their respective localities, students projects, city specialties and delicacies of their known products and eco saving items that are vital starting point in saving mother earth through the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act.

The launching program also featured an environmental exhibit, tree planting and tour of the Arroceros mini-forest; story-telling session by Ms. Earth candidates; agricultural demonstration sessions on hydrophonics, vermiculture, and mushroom culture; and an eco-savers bag contest.

The Event started early with the parade from Quirino Grand Stand to the Arroceros Park participated by DepEd Officials of Various Divisions, Teachers, Students and Volunteers.

Inside the Event Area are filled with bazaar of Foods & Stuff ready for exhibit, for sale, free taste & free trial, information dissemination & demonstration for solid waste management. Ending the launching is the wall signing of green freedom wall.   

Gulayan Sa Paaralan

 Also this month highlighted the start of the “ Gulayan sa Paaralan “ evaluation, as part of the Division of Malabon City commitment in promoting the value and significance of agriculture within the school.Gulayan sa Paaralan is a project implemented by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Department of Education.

Hardworking teachers leading the progress of this project are Mr. Catalino M. Sablad & Mrs Haide Pandoy.

T.L.E. Corner

 Much of the November month activities within the T.L.E. garden highlights environmental awareness.

But one event put a mark of T.L.E. on competition: Enter the world of Robotics.

Tagisang Robotics 2012, a highly anticipated School Competition sponsored by the Science Education Institute Department of Science and Technology with the competition themed; design, build, play and conquer the future.

Headed by T.L.E.’s finest Electronics and Electricity Specialist himself Mr. Mark Clement C.    Yandoc, as the head coach, trainor, mentor; name it, he’s the guy behind the success of the construction of “Hydrobot”, together with the select students in MNHS.

Held at Hall 2, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on November 21-23, 2012

After grueling months of preparations, this proves among other school within the division that Malabon National High School has what it takes in the next level of competition in Robotics.

My Points of View

 Ladies and Gents.. I decided to create my tiny space for my views and opinions of anything around everything.

Let me start by Introducing my self...at your service. Remember the name...Christian C. Rivera, Currently handling Drafting Subject and Visual Arts under Special Program in the Arts (S.P.A.), Also assigned as assistant moderator of MNHS Arts Club.

Fine tuned geek artist I may call myself. Open for any Computer related (hardware and software) concerns and assistant.

Follow me on twitter/Instagram/Tumblr @SirChrisRivera, Like my posts in Facebook rischniat@yahoo.com, add me to your circle at Google+ sir.christian.rivera@gmail.com, viber @09238600393, skype rischniat@yahoo.com, and view my albums at Flickr rischniat@yahoo.com.

See you at my next issue. =)

Featured Specialist of the Month

 This Month’s Featured Specialist is none other than our Beloved Acting Department Head Mrs. Lucy M. Roldan. Soon.. A legit TLE Dept. Head.

Born on August 21, 1965 Loving wife of our Division TLE/EPP Coordinator Mr. James A Roldan, Mother of smart son & daughter; Marri Jmelou & Jcy James.

She started seeding knowledge in MNHS as food technologist, original appointment on September 14, 1988 finished her degree in Food Technology at T.U.P. Manila in 1984; pursued her bachelors degree as educator in the same college taking up B.S.I.E. & graduated in 1987.

Currently, Ma’am Lucy is one of our Master Teacher in T.L.E. monitoring Y.E.C.S. and other food programs in MNHS. She loves to cook & has a lot of interest in the arts.

Tech Nook Quick Review: Windows 8

Microsoft unveils its new OS (operating system) in upgrade for its previous version - Windows 7 in which most of the pc’s are running right now. Forget Windows XP, updates and support in this OS is now ended. Welcome Windows 8.

Windows 8 is a refreshed look of its predecessor; heavily relies on a touch based interface thus mouse and track pad gesture is kinda frustrating in this version.

After three months of operation after my upgrade courtesy of discount provided to me by Microsoft; $14.99 to be exact, roughly 630 pesos, where in retail price it would be around 3,200 pesos  for the single language Windows 8 upgrade kit.

Update: Microsoft is so kind to send me license key for windows 8 pro with media center upgrade for free.

Playing around the O.S. gives you an impressive & smooth transitions across the system, from booting up (8 seconds) to shutting down (3 seconds) Visuals are heavily tweaked from logging on, lock screen to the welcome screen, To the desktop environment giving you a lot of personalization. One thing noticeable though – start menu is far gone!.

So let me know your Windows 8 experience.

PC Tips And Tricks

 This would be a short but very important PC tips one should mind.

1.Organize & manage your data-Creating Back up, deleting unwanted files & duplicates 2.Clean Up and Optimize Your System-cleanup temp files, cookies, and internet history, manage startup programs 3.Disinfect Your System-Installing anti virus application 4.Analyze and Reduce Your Disk Usage-removing unwanted apps in your system 5.Keep Windows and Software Up-to-Date-turning on windows update in control panel 6.Back Up Your Data, Software Keys, and Drivers-incase of system unexpected crash a handful of CD/DVD or USB data back up of your installer is a must, together with the product serial keys. 7.Physical (internal & external) Cleaning of your Device-keep it up in running & visually enticing to use & flaunt to your viewer colleagues

More on http://www.howtogeek.com

Tech Dict

This Corner helps fellow reader know most of the computer terminologies, acronyms and definitions.

RAM– Random-Access Memory

Found in every devices, responsible for handling temporary data storage,  used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is powered on, This is sometimes called Memory Module, where it has an integrated circuit memory chip which allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible. RAM also handles the multi tasking role, Upgrading / adding Memory card on your PC makes it runs smooth. Standard PC / Laptops even Smartphones must have at least 2 Gigabytes of RAM.

Common Brand known for the performance and durability is Kingston & Corsair.

MNHS TLE Tech Blog

Got Computer? of course,you should have!

     As a Teacher, student, net surfer, gamer or simply a “geek wannabe”, you, yes you should have at least one computer in your crib, maybe a desktop personal computer or portable devices such as netbook, laptops, ultra books, tablets and even smartphone which categorized as handheld computers.

      Technology brought us to the higher grounds in improving lives, in medicine, education, etc. it helps us ease & fast phased our daily routines & work, connecting people in a rapid manner that it bridge the gap of traditional communication & work related system.

      Computers helps us simplify work flow from writing, drawing, simple programming, editing, and many endless possibilities.

      For teachers like me, it saved a lot of time from writing down list of students, lesson plans, visual aides, grade sheets, forms, presentations etc. saving my God given pair of hands from endless hand stroke for pen, pencil and inked writing/drawing & coloring tools.

      For students, typing for researches, thesis, assignments, illustrative design for projects & presentations.

      In short it just makes our time now more fit, for much easier & productive use.

      Now the question is..

what fits you?, and how responsible are you? Handling & using these gizmos on the right place, right time and with the right person.

Buying One? Pick the right Stuff!

   Now maybe you have at least one PC right in your sweet home, or gadgets on your pockets or bags, for those haven't yet inclined to the beat of tech blitz, you should get one, yes right now!. Get your hard earned salary for tool that makes you more productive & even  to show up your personality in style. Don’t be left behind, & become a member of the pre-historic society. Be hip & funky in the tune of modern day technology.

   But before that, what to buy & not to buy? The right person to ask & the right person & stores to purchase. Flip the next page for the buyers guide & some pointers in choosing one. Have a nice day shopping.

Buying Computer that Fits You

     Whether it’s a laptop, netbook or Desktop & even handheld devices, picking-up  the right one that suits you & of course our budget is a tough one balancing your needs & wants.

Was it the color & size or the brand? The price, or the specification on hardware & software included or the freebies & discount your after?

     For me Brand & model matters a lot next to its specs sheet then the price, discounts & freebies, not to mention the service & the support for the products for future proofing. Trusted stores like PC Express, PC Gilmore, Villman, & chain of tech stores in Cyberzone is a nice choice given the warranty & wide comparison of products line in display. Also online shopping site like CMK, Lazada, Kimstore to name a few helps entice your tech cravings. Brands known for durability & reachable price like Asus, Acer, IBM now a Lenovo, HP  & Samsung are on top in the stats, for high end it should be Apple, Sony (vaio), Dell, Toshiba. For Hardcore gamers there's MSI, Alienware, Origin & Razer.

Its just a matter of quality versus quantity.

   

Responsible Techy User

     So you have your precious computing thingy, now using it is a no brainer, just ask for the right pips to operate for a start. Just be careful enough not to  click “yes” on top of the pop up message yet...read first before you delete something.

     Now on the internet world, sure enough after a tiring work on Word, Excel, & PowerPoint there's the peek on that little icon thingy called Chrome or Firefox. Ending up to Social Networking, the popular one? Yeah you tell me...yes Facebook. We spend much time when online with this, posting, back reading, uploading, downloading, watching etc.

     Before we sit & burn our eyes & butt on our chair, check our time. Time spending on the machine, & the responsible handling of that “click & type”. Like the tag line say’s. “Think before you click”, also check this link http://www.b4usurf.org/

About Cyber Crime Law

     The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or commonly known as Republic Act 10175 of the Philippines has become the hottest topic now nationwide. But before we go any further, it’s very important for each of us to know and understand carefully what does the law really is and how does it affects to our daily lives especially on the internet.

     The bill includes online threats and online defamation as cybercrime offenses. So aside from online intrusion, hacking or illegal use of network resources, online libel will also be part of this bill. For online defamation, the penalty is a minimum of Php500,000 (and a maximum of Php1 million) penalty plus a prison term. Check this link on your browser (copy of signed law).   http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/14302628#  credit to the owner of the picture.

ICT on MNHS

     ICT (Information Communications Technology) program of the Department of Education are greatly focused & integrated in our K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. ICT plays a very important role in administrative functions as well as in the teaching and learning process.

     ICT programs are highlighted in T.L.E. subject which includes PC operation, Word Processing, Spread sheet, Power point presentation, Photo Editing, Desktop Publishing, Internet & Email, Basic web page design, Basic programming, Basic data base management, Computer assembly, maintenance & trouble shooting, and Entrepreneurship.

     These programs aim to use multifaceted approach that will allow the student, the teacher, and the school to realize the full potential of ICT in education through skills improvement, mentoring, and community-building. Kudos to our K to 12 Curriculum.

Tech News and Tech Links

     Nowadays,  it’s a fast changing environment in the world of Technology. Things get a lot bigger, smaller, broader & less complex, things are replaced by modern digital stuff. The laptops gets even thinner, the storage get bigger in a small package, CD’s are replaced by Nano storage like micro SD's, ink & papers are replaced by digital content in tablets and handhelds, heavy book & library now in e-books,  news are posted online, updates & info’s are of easy reach, manual arts are replaced by digital arts, communications a far are linked like it was near you. Constant update through modern day method is a must, that is why these links keep you updated. Get your gadget s & bookmark these links. Some of my personal favorites. Gizmodo, Engadget, Yugatech, TechPinas, Unbox, PinoyTechBlog, http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2011/03/29/top-40-best-technology-websites-2011/ .Happy Surfing.

T.L.E. Corner

     This year, marks the important transitions in T.L.E. Department in Malabon National High School,

First Like. Our Beloved Previous Department Head Mr. James A. Roldan is promoted as Our Division EPP/ TLE Supervisor,

2nd  Like. followed by the movement of positions, His Lovely wife Mrs. Lucy M. Roldan is now our (OIC) Department Head,

3rd Like. Thanks to the new Building where our Computer Laboratory is situated on the third level,

4th Like.  A successful division demonstration teaching by  Mrs.  Sheree Ann C. Lim as part of the Division Series of Teaching Enhancement Program.   Congratulations!.

Next Stop….

     Christmas is just around the corner, do you have already your lists for giving away those wrapped gifts? Enveloped Cash?

     Have your to do’s ready, for that very important season; items for decorations, meals to cook, ingredients to fill, dress to wear, places to go, money to spend & of course that gadget you’ve been dying to have whether it’s a netbook, ultra book, laptop, Desktop, Tablet, Media players, & Smartphones waiting to burn those year end bonuses & 13th month pay.

     For that tough decision in choosing your status symbol gadgetry, let me help you with my next newsletter issue, for December Volume 1 Issue 2, I’ll be sharing some pointers in basic computer repair & basic trouble shooting, choosing computer parts & accessories, Software review, updated price guide & some technical stuff.

     Till then, thank you for reading.

     For computer repairs & trouble shooting, Software Installations, & Program Reformat, also Computer Sales (netbooks, laptops, desktop) parts & accessories, Cellular Phone Sales (iPhone, Windows phones, Android phones, BlackBerry), Tablets, Point & Shoot Camera, DSLR, & Headsets. Please Don’t hesitate to ask your resident Computer Geek, for price info & more details please send me an sms or call 09238600393.

Gadget Galore
pics by Gizmodo