Software Alternatives

Some people may not realize that they can have access to a wide variety of software, as opposed to what comes standard or that which is simply used more often and by more people.  In many cases, there is a reason why something is used as often and widespread as it is; in some of those cases, the program may simply be the best, or, if associated with a particular industry, may be the standard and accepted industry program [eg Illustrator for graphics editing (14 free & open source)].

The first article was very short and details a website called alternativeto.net that allows you to search using a variety of different filters for alternatives to various software.

The second article reviews some of the most popular software genres and pits the most often used programs against each other, recommending one or the other depending on certain circumstances.  It covers everything from web browsers and email programs to, as mentioned above, image editing and antivirus programs.

 AlternativeTo: Find Alternative Software & Web Apps. (n.d.). Retrieved February 29, 2016, from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/alternativeto-find-alternative-software/

14 Free & Open Source Alternatives For Paid Software. (n.d.). Retrieved February 29, 2016, from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/14-free-open-source-alternatives-for-paid-software/ 

What did you find?

In general, I do not think it very advisable to have a widespread online presence, unless you are already a celebrity of sorts and are actually trying to market yourself.  Otherwise, you leave yourself open to potential employers digging in to your personal life, and possibly even getting the wrong impression, or simply not like or share your insights or values, which may hurt your chances at getting hired.

For the few social media sites that I utilize online (mainly facebook, just barely instagram and twitter), I have made myself unsearchable unless we already know each other.  Therefore, the information that I found is not really about me, but other people who share my name.  When using Google, I discovered that "I" am a famous dancer.  "I" have danced on the stage live, for film and TV, and "I" even teach dance.  I also used Yahoo to search, where I found a company that bears my name, with Bespoke Homes added on.  It would appear that they are based in the United Kingdom, and construct homes.

As I already mentioned, I myself am difficult to search for on social media, and so I looked for a different "me" to write about on facebook.  It would appear that "my" cover photo is piano keys: something we would seem to have in common, as I play the piano, as well.  Finally, I looked on instagram, where it would appear that I enjoy mountain climbing, skateboarding, and skiing, and was rather cute as a baby.

X-ray technology advancements

As recently as my own professors' early careers, the x-ray technology used was not yet digital.  Images had to be developed every time, a variety of added devices were utilized to achieve the desired resolution, and even then, images were simply not as good as they now that the use of digital technology is widespread.  Today's digital technology allows for lower patient dose of radiation and greater control over the image itself.  As if this weren't enough, scientists aim to improve the technology further.  Some targeted issues that they wish to improve are covered in the article I read, titled "Developing radically new technologies for X-ray systems".  They hope to be able to develop x-rays that will require less electricity and cooling power, while still boosting image resolution, even to the point of being able to identify various soft tissue without the use of contrast, to which approximately ten percent of patients are allergic.  Certain exams as they are currently performed could not take advantage of conventional x-ray tubes, because they are susceptible to magnetic fields; the new technology that they are developing would not be subject to this hindrance.  Few are the areas in the medical field where technology's advances are so evident, and its benefits so tantalizingly close.

Developing radically new technologies for X-ray systems. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://phys.org/news/2015-02-radically-technologies-x-ray.html