Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the Microsoft Windows operating systems: Windows 98, Windows, Windows CE, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and the Open Source operating system Linux. It describes the key features of each, the system requirements, installation requirements, history, and hardware/software supported.

From the Paper
"Operating systems are the backbone of each and every computer system and the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. webopedia.com). "

Tags:2000, 98, ce, linux, microsoft, nt, operating, system, windows

Abstract
This paper discusses performance benchmarking as it is applied in the Lenity Hospital for Advanced Care (LHAC) in an online simulation. LHAC has experienced several difficulties that can be addressed through benchmarking best practices and its executive management has acquired a consultant on staff to address these strategic solutions. One of the conclusions is the functional strategy of an organization should be based on business level strategies.

From the Paper
"LHAC has experienced an increased rate of nosocomial infections that is simply not sustainable both from a quality perspective and from a liability perspective. The identified root cause was determined to be inefficient equipment practices within the hospital. Because hospital equipment is exposed to an enormous amount and variety of diseases and environmental pollutants within the context of a medical facility, proper maintenance and procedural care for equipment is essential. Failure to adequately address these concerns not only exposes the hospital or healthcare facility to a greater degree of legal and regulatory consequences but, most importantly, exposes patients, staff, and visitors to unnecessary levels of contaminants. The general conclusion from this particular circumstance was determined to be a lack of a proper tracking system for hospital equipment."

Tags:simulation, benchmarking, hospital

Abstract
The following paper analyzes the process of adding binary numbers by making reference to an addition algorithm as an example of this process. Background information to binaries is included.

From the paper:

"The binary number system was based on the decimal system, but uses only two digits, 1 and 0, instead of the 10 digits used by the decimal system. The system was developed for computer systems because they are more economical and precise when writing code. All digital computers use binary as their primary code. Each binary digit represents either "on" or "off" to the computer."

Tags:combinations, numbers, circuits, code, decimal, system, computer, systems, hexadecimal, conversion, chart

Abstract
This paper examines what hacking is and what kind of people become hackers. It discusses the laws that exist regarding this issue and stresses the need for harsher laws to stop this types of computer crime. It gives several definitions and examples for the word "hacker". The paper goes on to give a brief historical overview of hacking and how it got started. It discusses the media's part in this growing phenomenon. It gives examples of different types of hacking attacks and studies the differences and motives behind them. Finally, it examines the law enforcement of these crimes and gives recommendations on how to solve this problem.

From the Paper
"We've all heard of it. Their crimes are almost as common as rapists and robbers. Although their crimes are often quieter and sometimes go unnoticed, hackers can cause as just as much harm as any other kind of criminal. Computer hacking and the crimes that define this type of criminal, make hacking difficult to define. According to Carter (2002), "Computer hacking always involves some degree of infringement on the privacy of others or damage to computer-based property such as files, web pages or software."
Computer hacking can range from the placing of pornographic pictures on a website to cracking a code that puts the security of millions of Americans at risk. Sometimes it involves stolen identities; other times it's just the ripping off of DVD movies and other media. Hackers themselves also come in as many forms as their crimes do. They range from bored college students to wealthy business men. Hackers are the criminals of today's technological world. This paper will attempt to illustrate just what a hacker is, what this criminal does, and how the laws need to become steeper in order to stop these types of computer crimes for causing the damage they do. "

Tags:computer, hacking, crimes, privacy, property, crack, technological, world

Abstract
This paper examines how SQL is designed to work with relational databases and contends that it is essential to understand the nature of relational databases to understand both the way in which SQLs work and why there is a need for SQLs to begin with.

From the paper:

"It should be noted that there are related variations on SQL statements. For example, instead of using an SQL statement, it is possible to represent queries in tabular form; this is also known as the query-by-example (or QBE) and it creates a display that is in empty tabular form, which then requires the searcher to enter the search specifications into appropriate columns. The program then constructs an SQL-like query from the table and executes it (http://cloud.al.ru)."

Tags:databases, company, algorithms, accuracy, processing, system

Abstract
This report discusses how artificial intelligence approaches and solves problems, presenting a superficial introduction to the following areas of problem solving: (1) search spaces and possibilities; (2) ways artificial intelligence solves simple problems; and (3) how artificial intelligence deals with problems having infinite number of possible solutions.

From the Paper
"Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, is the branch of computer science that is concerned with the design of computer systems which exhibit human intelligence. One of the major categories of artificial intelligence is problem solving. The way AI solves a problem is by first defining the initial state and the ending state. Once this is done, it chooses one of two ways to approach the problem. The first way consists of changing the initial state into a second state, which is closer to the solution. The second stage is changed into a third stage and so on until the goal is finally reached. The second way to solve a problem is called problem reduction. This is a method in which a goal is subdivided into a set of subgoals that are easier to achieve. AI then solves these subgoals until the solution is reached. However, while solving problems, AI faces a serious impediment. This impediment is the search space it has to deal with. Many problems have an infinite number of possible solutions, and it will take a computer forever to search all possibilities before choosing the best one. To overcome this obstacle, AI selects only a subset of possible solutions. Once this is done, it then searches through these possibilities until it finds the solution."

Tags:AI, computer, final, possibilities, problems, processing, search, solution, space, state

Abstract
The paper points out that gaming is used also in the army, education, transportation, and many other industries to realistically simulate training situations although the biggest use is for entertainment. The author states that, as the games have become more realistic and more violent, the ethical issues around gaming have increased.

This paper includes colored scene captures of games.

Table of Contents
The Nature of the Innovation
The Role and Importance of the Innovation
The Factors Underlying Success of the Innovation
Ethical Issues in Relation to the Innovation
The Impact of the Innovation on Australian Society

From the Paper
"Violence has been an issue with video games since their birth, but not with out due reason. Although some games only have little if any violence, at the other end of the spectrum there is games like Grand Theft Auto, Soldier of Fortune, and Hitman1&2. In Grand Theft Auto (GTA) players are rewarded for the theft of cars, the killing of innocent bystanders by either running them over in a car or shooting them with a weapon. While in the original version of GTA, which had a birds-eye view perspective, and unrealistic graphics, by the release of GTA3 it is a third-person view, with realistic graphics and highly realistic driving physics (it was originally banned in Australia)."

Tags:simulate, training, realistic, violent, innovation, ethical

Abstract
This paper talks about how to develop and maintain quality management systems. Also talks about the tools that can be used in these situations. Includes diagrams.

From the Paper
"Quality management systems are part of TQM (Total Quality Management). TQM is an approach by an organisation to provide total customer satisfaction involving all appropriate stakeholders (eg. customers, management, suppliers, employees and owners). For the most part, it is common sense. The basic concept is that you must rely on facts rather than intuition. It is generally a combination of quality and management tools aimed at increasing business and reducing losses."

Tags:supply, demand, customer, satisfaction

Abstract
This paper compares these two operating systems, looking at the history of their development and what each system is able to offer. It defines what an operating system is and how the computer user can benefit from these programs.

From the Paper
"Analysts believe one operating system has a slight chance to be a success story and that system is Linux, a version of Bell Lab's Unix Operating system written for personal computer (Simnacher, 1F). Linux has a strong base and a grass roots movement, with users into the millions worldwide. The reason some industry observers think it may hurt the Windows family even though IBM could not, comes from the input and support of Linux users around the world (Simnacher, 1F)."

Tags:computer, system, user, software, application

Abstract
This paper investigates the role of formal methods (such as Z, Object-Z, VDM, B) within the software process and compares these to less formal methods such as natural language specifications and semi-formal methods like UML/Fusion. The complexities of formal methods are weighed against the software quality benefits often achieved through their use. Overall cost-effectiveness of both methods are discussed, as well as situations where formal methods may not be required (non-critical applications, rapid prototyping).

From the Paper
"While it is clear that both formal and informal methods have their own inherent benefits and shortfalls, it seems as though formal methods are the best option if software quality and overall cost-effectiveness are to be maximized. With increased tool support and method standardization, barring personal preference, there are few reasons why a formal approach should not be implemented. Increased acceptance of formal methods would most likely lead to higher quality software due to the more complete and precise specification that mathematical notations allow. While the initial costs experienced in the early stages of the development process may be high, these become less important as the benefits trickle their way through the software development process."

Tags:automated, design, development, formal, method, object, requirement, specification, testing, vdm, verification, vienna