Week #19: Memory and Storage

1. Reading

In this unit you will learn the differences between computer memory and computer storage. Memory and storage are important concepts to master in Information Technology. The two terms are often used interchangeably, so it is important to understand the key differences.

Computer memory needs to be quick. It is constantly feeding the CPU with data to process. Since nobody likes to wait for a computer, high-quality computers will have fast processors with lots of quick memory. This type of memory is commonly known as RAM. This type of memory is volatile which means that the actual data disappears when the computer loses power.

Because memory needs to be much faster than storage, it is rather more expensive than storage per GB. A typical desktop computer today (in 2016) has between 2GB and 32GB of memory running at speeds of anywhere from 1.2 GHZ to 3.2 GHZ. Speeds tend to go up about 10% every two years.

If you are a gamer, video editor, or physics geek, you may be aware of video memory. Video memory is special RAM which is even faster and more expensive than normal system RAM. This RAM is reserved only for the graphics and is thus kept separate from the main system RAM, which sits on the motherboard close to the CPU. A typical dedicated video card will have anywhere between 2GB and 12 GB of dedicated RAM.

But of course computers do not process all the data they have at once. They also need to save some data for long term use. This is where storage comes in. Think of all the video files, mp3s, photos, and documents on your PC. These files are not always being processed by the CPU. They are mostly just hanging around waiting to be used at some point. Storage does not need to be as quick as memory, but there does need to be a lot more of it. And storage of course needs to be non-volatile, meaning it will not get erased when you power off or restart your computer. These are the two key differences between memory and storage.... speed and volatility.

Storage today comes in many different types including semiconductor storage, magnetic storage, and optical storage. A typical computer today comes with anywhere between 128GB to 2TB of storage. Low end computers normally come with a magnetic hard disk drive which reads data at around 75 to 200 MB/sec. These devices use rotating, magnetically-charged platters to store data. Hard disk drives are still popular because they can store a lot of data with relatively quick access times very cheaply. Other examples of magnetic storage devices include the tape drive and diskette, both are which are obsolete. These dinosaurs of storage were painfully slow and prone to data loss with no warning. Ouch.

Another type of storage is network storage, typically referred to as a SAN. This storage is usually found in a datacenter. This type of storage goes by other names such as "cloud storage" or "network drive". It is of course highly limited by network speeds. If you are offline and need a file then you are out of luck. That is why it's always a good idea to get as much storage on your PC as you can afford.

In the future all magnetic storage types will become obsolete. They will soon all be replaced by SSDs using semiconductor technology. SSDs have 3 key advantages over magnetic storage devices: speed, lack of moving parts, and low power consumption. This makes them ideal for laptops where battery life and durability are huge issues. SSDs are fast as well, and can read data at around 200MB to 800 MB per second. Unfortunately SSDs are currently more expensive than magetic storage per GB, but this should change soon.

Optical storage is another technology which is quickly becoming legacy. Very popular in the 90's and early 2000's, optical storage works by a laser either burning or reading data off a plastic disc coated with various types of light sensitive materials. Due to reliability and speed limitations, optical storage is not used as a primary means of data storage. It is (or increasingly was) used mostly to affordably deliver large datasets like movies, games, and operating systems. In case you still don't understand what optical storage is, typical examples are DVD or Blu-Ray drives.

Wel, that about covers it for the current state of memory and storage. But there are some gray areas and exceptions as always, such as ROMs and EPROMs, which are somewhere in between memory and storage. Embedded systems, BIOS' and older video game machines used these for various reasons, mainly copy protection and cost.

What about the future? Expect a gradual convergence where there is no longer a need for both storage and memory in PCs. Some new technology such as quantum memory may arrive which has the advantages of both memory and storage. Until that time arrives, always buy a PC with the most memory and storage you can afford. Computer companies typically charge you a lot more for PCs with a decent amount of RAM and fast storage. Why? Because they know without it, your computer will be slow and completely full very quickly, forcing you to upgrade or buy into their cloud storage solutions like Apple's iCloud, and Microsoft's OneDrive.

Vocabulary

• In the long term, I want to change jobs.
• In the short term, I would like to invest in cryptocurrencies.

2. Speaking

Links 

• https://www.english4it.com/module/core/unit/16/reading

Week #18: Choosing an IT Career Path

1. Reading

Most people on English4IT.com are either studying for their first job in IT, or else trying to improve their current IT career. If this is the case with you, well then this unit should really help. Sometimes the hardest part of meeting a goal is to properly define what you are trying to accomplish in the first place. In this article we we will discuss the top IT job positions available around the world right now. So read the rest of the article, reflect on which career most suits your personality... and then go for it!

There are several things to keep in mind when determining what field of IT to go into. Keep an eye on job web sites such as DICE.com or Monster.com to see which jobs are most in-demand. Keep in mind that for many jobs described below, there are several levels of positions available. For instance there are "junior", "senior", and "lead" software developer positions available. You probably can't start out you career as a lead developer. You have to know your own limits.

Be honest with yourself. If you don't have previous experience, good contacts, or a good degree from a well-known university, you will be more successful in getting a lower-level job. Also, find out what the job you are applying for typically pays in your area. If you are young, living in a financially depressed area, or really need a job, keep your salary expectations a bit lower than the average. This will make your chances much higher than normal to get hired. Once you have "job experience" then you will be in a good position to ask for more money. Sometimes the best way to get more money is to quit your job and work for another similar company. This may sound cruel or thankless, but that is how business works in the real world.

Everyone who works hard deserves a raise every year. How do you show your IT manager that you are a good performer? Easy. Show up on time, be dependable, be active in the meetings, and always do a little bit more than is asked of you. Also equally important is to be well-liked by members of your team. Read on for more details.....

Learn something new every day

IT is an area where people are judged largely by how much they know. If money and a high job position are important to you, you can quickly raise your level by telling your manager that you want harder tasks and more responsibility. IT Managers normally love it when employees ask for more responsibility. When you meet with your manager, set goals for yourself and meet or exceed those goals. Here are some things you can do to increase your worth to your company:

1. Learn a new programming language
2. Take a certification such a Microsoft, Linux Professional Institute, or Cisco
3. Study to be a ScrumMaster or another type of project manager.

Meeting set goals can have beneficial results when it's time to renegotiate salaries, survive a round of layoffs, or get a promotion.

Appearance and attitude is very important!

Take an active interest in things outside IT: such as sports, politics, music, and film. This will make socializing at company events easier for you. If you are disliked in the company then you will not get promotions or important projects.

Be courteous, helpful, and respectful to others

In my own career, I have been in some good IT departments and some bad ones. In a good IT department, the engineers are known for sharing knowledge and helping each other. In bad IT departments, the engineers are secretive and hide knowledge. How can everyone get better if some people are selfish with what they know? Information wants to be free. You must set it free. Despite the fact that I have been to several universities, graduate school, and have collected many IT certifications, I have still learned much more about IT from my fellow engineers than from all my higher education combined. So my advice is to be kind and respect your fellow IT staff. They are your family for eight hours every day, forty hours every week!

When you start a new job, realize how some people are nice to you and some people ignore you. Which kind of person do you want to be? When you get a new junior team member, try to help them and include them in decisions. Make sure they have someone to eat lunch with. If you party after work with your co-workers, invite new employees with you. Being nice to new people can have many rewards, both emotionally and financially.

Back in the 90's we used to have a saying, "Think globally, act locally." What this means is that just by being nice and pleasant yourself, you can make the whole world a more nice and pleasant place as well.

Have your own mind and your own opinions

State your opinions in meetings and give good reasons and facts to back up your opinions. But don't be stubborn or insistent if things don't go your way. And whatever you do, please don't be passive-aggressive! Passive-aggressive behavior is when you think something bad about a person or an idea, and then you talk badly behind someone's back (when that person is not around). This is very destructive behavior to both yourself and your IT department.

Okay, now we are ready now to investigate some popular IT job positions. I will rate the following jobs based on the following criteria: respect, qualities, salary, dress, and fun factor. I will also include some notes. These are subjective opinions. Some are even intentionally funny. If you disagree with me, please feel free to flame me.

CTO (Chief Technical Officer), CIO (Chief Information Officer)
Respect: Very High
Qualities: Business savvy, technical mindset, good people skills
Average Salary: $150,000
Dress: Business suit and very clean
Fun Factor: Only fun if you are a workaholic or on a power trip.
Notes: These jobs are highly competitive and usually political, so your chances are low. Sorry.

Enterprise Architect
Respect: High
Qualities: Good technical, business, and design skills
Salary: $100,000
Dress: Clean and presentable with collared shirt and pants
Fun Factor: Fun job because you get to talk to all other departments
Notes: Responsible for all solutions that work; not responsible for ones that don't work

IT Manager
Respect: Medium-High
Qualities: Detail oriented, punctual, critical, supportive
Salary: $70,000
Dress: Business Casual
Fun Factor: Can be fun but often very stressed
Notes: They always seem to be working

Technical Writer
Respect: Medium
Qualities: Excellent writing skills, good technical mind
Salary: $50,000
Dress: Business Casual
Fun Factor: Writers are often good at telling stories

Graphic Designer
Respect: Low-Medium
Qualities: Excellent drawing and illustration skills, good color matching and artistic qualities
Salary: $50,000
Dress: Casual
Fun Factor: Generally fun people and sometimes a bit moody
Notes: Not as 'square' as the rest of the IT department. All good designers seem to have tattoos, piercings, and a fashion sense.

Software Developer
Respect: Medium
Qualities: Creative, persistent, insatiable thirst for knowledge
Salary: $70,000
Dress: Casual Dress is normally the rule (t-shirt and jeans)
Fun Factor: If you don't have fun being a developer then you have the wrong job; other people might not understand your sense of humor though ;)
Notes: Companies have a lot of developers compared to other positions listed. Therefore your chances of becoming a developer are good if you have the skills and more importantly the desire.

Project Manager
Respect: Medium
Qualities: Cooperation, leadership, and organization skills
Salary: $60,000
Dress: Business Casual (collared shirt and nice jeans or pants)
Fun factor: This tends to be a high stress position with long hours. If that sounds fun then go for it!

Database Developer / Database Administrator
Respect: Medium-High
Qualities: Detail-oriented, high business knowledge
Salary: $80,000
Dress: Business Casual
Fun Factor: If processing giant data sets excite you, then this job is for you.

IT Security Manager
Respect: High
Qualities: Military outlook on life, defensive, pro-active
Salary: $70,000
Dress: Smart, clean dress is very important
Fun Factor: Are you kidding me? This guy is basically a cop!

System Administrator
Respect: Medium-High
Qualities: God complex, often eat fast food and drink a lot of soda
Salary: $75,000
Dress: If they were allowed to, they would probably dress as World of Warcraft characters!
Fun Factor: Sysadmins can be patronizing; but they can be fun as well, especially after they have a few beers. They are often eager to show others that they are just "normal people". But this is not usually true.
Notes: Never anger a sysadmin! Why? They have access to everything in the company.

Software Tester
Respect: Low-Medium
Qualities: Detail-oriented, persistent, curious
Salary: $40,000
Dress: Same as developers
Fun Factor: They are normally seen hanging out with developers, trying to talk about bugs.
Notes: Testers play a vital role in software development that cannot be understated. If you don't have a single tester on your team, you are probably in trouble.

IT Support Engineer
Respect: Low (except when someone needs help fixing their computer, then it's really high)
Qualities: Must be good at dealing with technically incompetent people
Salary: $35,000
Dress: Casual
Fun Factor: Often an endless source of funny stories about technically incompetent end-users
Notes: Do not kill the end-users!

2. Vocabulary 

1. Reflect: It’s important to reflect before making career decisions.
2. In-demand: Cybersecurity skills are highly in-demand right now.
3. Thankless: Managing servers can be a thankless task, but it’s crucial.
4. Raise: Asking for a raise requires confidence and good timing.
5. Well-liked: A well-liked manager can lead a more motivated team.
6. Worth: Gaining certifications can increase your worth in the job market.
7. Layoffs: The company announced layoffs due to budget cuts.
8. Fellow: Supporting your fellow colleagues builds a stronger work environment.
9. Realize: I didn’t realize how much I’d learned until I started applying it.
10. Rewards: Hard work and dedication often come with great rewards.

3. Speaking

Links

• https://www.english4it.com/module/core/unit/5

Week #17 Communicate effectively on Microsoft Teams

1. Reading

In today’s digital workplace, Microsoft Teams has become a central tool for communication and collaboration. To use it effectively, it’s important to understand the nuances of digital communication. This article will cover key aspects to help you improve your interactions on Microsoft Teams.

Initial Tips to Communicate on Microsoft Teams

First, it's essential to follow some basic guidelines. 

1) Do be concise and clear—long messages can overwhelm. For example, instead of writing:

“Hi team, I wanted to let you know that the project we are working on is due next week, and I was just wondering if everyone has completed their parts and if there’s anything that we need to discuss in our upcoming meeting.”

Consider saying:

“Hi team, a reminder that our project is due next week. Please confirm if your parts are complete. Let’s discuss any issues in our upcoming meeting.”

2) Use @mentions to direct your message to specific people, but don’t overuse them. For instance, use @JohnDoe if you need John’s input specifically but avoid tagging everyone unnecessarily.

3) Do organize your ideas in bullet points or numbered lists when needed. For example:

• Project deadline: Next Wednesday
• Review session: Monday at 10 AM
• Action items: Send me your updates by Friday

4) Don’t send too many individual messages for a single topic; instead, consolidate your points in one message.

Parts of a Microsoft Teams Message

An effective message should include three key parts: the greeting, the main content, and a closing.

Greeting: Start with a friendly greeting. For example, “Hello team,” or “Hi Sarah,”.

Main Content: Get straight to the point—be clear about the subject of your message and any necessary actions. For example:

“Hello team, please remember that our project is due next week. Make sure you submit your sections by Friday.”

Closing: A polite closing maintains professionalism and encourages replies. For example, “Thanks for your cooperation,” or “Looking forward to hearing from you.”

Tone and Style in Microsoft Teams Communication

When choosing your tone, consider the context and your relationship with the recipient. In formal settings, it's better to be direct yet respectful. Use polite language like "Could you please review this document?" or "Would you mind providing your feedback?"

Be cautious with humor—it can easily be misunderstood in written communication. For example, instead of saying, “I hope this doesn’t put you to sleep,” you might say, “I appreciate your attention to this matter.”

The tone should be professional, but you can adopt a more relaxed style with colleagues you know well. For instance, using “Hey everyone!” is appropriate in a casual team chat.

Choosing the Right Language for Microsoft Teams

Avoid passive voice; it can make your message unclear. Instead of saying:

“The report was completed by me,” use active voice: “I completed the report.”

Ensure that you use consistent terminology, especially if you’re communicating within teams or departments. For example, if your team refers to “weekly sync-ups,” consistently use that term instead of switching to “weekly meetings.”

Also, avoid using idiomatic expressions, as they can be confusing for non-native speakers. For example, instead of saying, “Let’s not beat around the bush,” you could say, “Let’s get straight to the point.”

Tips for Effective Microsoft Teams Interactions

Effective interactions on Microsoft Teams rely on etiquette. Respond to messages in a timely manner and acknowledge when you’ve seen a message. For instance, you can reply with “Got it, thanks!” even if you don’t have an immediate response.

Be mindful of tone, especially in fast-paced conversations. Use reactions (such as the thumbs-up) to show agreement or acknowledgment without cluttering the chat. For example, instead of writing “I agree,” simply react with a thumbs-up emoji.

Monthly Review #4: Lessons Learned

A continuación dejo algunas lecciones aprendidas en este mes:

• Más uso de la IA para potenciar mi aprendizaje de Inglés. El uso de ChatGPT para practicar conversaciones y el uso de ElevenLabs para generar voces humanas a partir de texto (para practicar shadowing) han sido de mucha utilidad para mantenerme constante con el aprendizaje del idioma.
• Al no disponer de muchas horas de estudio es recomendable acostumbrarme a consumir la mayor cantidad de contenido en inglés (podcasts, books, articles, music, magazines, movies, series, etc.) de cara a lograr una inmersión con el idioma. 
• Los momentos más productivos donde siento que estoy aprendiendo son aquellos relacionados con la producción del lenguaje (speaking and writing). Seguir practicando.

Links

• Input and output in second language acquisition

Week #16: Handle difficult situations in emails

1. Reading

Navigating tricky situations via email can be a challenge, especially in professional settings. Whether it's delivering feedback, saying no, or addressing an urgent issue, it’s essential to approach these situations with care. Here are five strategies to help you handle difficult situations in emails effectively.

Use the Right Tone in Work Emails

Tone is critical in written communication because emails lack the non-verbal cues of face-to-face conversations. To avoid misunderstandings, keep your tone polite and professional. Avoid sounding overly aggressive or too casual. Use neutral language and soften statements with phrases like "I understand your concern" or "I appreciate your input." This helps create a positive, collaborative atmosphere, even in challenging discussions.

Give Constructive Feedback Over Email

Giving feedback via email can be sensitive. To make it constructive, focus on the issue, not the person. Be specific about what needs improvement and offer suggestions for how they can make changes. It's helpful to use a "feedback sandwich" approach: start with a positive remark, deliver the constructive feedback, and end on a supportive note. For example: "You did an excellent job organizing the event. One area to work on might be time management, as we noticed some delays. I’m confident you’ll improve this in future projects."

Say No and Recommend Alternatives

Sometimes, it’s necessary to decline a request, and doing so tactfully is important. Instead of a blunt "no," offer an explanation and suggest alternatives if possible. For instance: "Unfortunately, I won’t be able to complete the report by Thursday due to other commitments. However, I can have it ready by Monday, or if it’s urgent, perhaps someone else from the team can assist." This shows that you're still trying to help, even if you can't meet the original request.

Send Urgent Emails and Get More Responses

When an email is urgent, make sure to signal its importance clearly in the subject line and early in the message. Use phrases like "Action Required" or "Urgent Request" in the subject, and in the body, explain why the matter needs immediate attention. Be concise, but don’t sacrifice clarity. Additionally, consider following up with a brief call if the situation is truly time-sensitive.

Apologize in Emails

There may come a time when you need to apologize over email, whether for a mistake or a misunderstanding. In such cases, acknowledge the error directly, take responsibility, and offer a solution if applicable. Keep your apology sincere and avoid making excuses. For example: "I sincerely apologize for missing the deadline. It was due to an oversight on my part. I will ensure this doesn’t happen again and will deliver the completed work by tomorrow." Ending with a positive action reassures the recipient that the issue is being handled.

Week #15: Introduction to strong professional emails

I. Reading

Effective email communication is crucial in the business world. In this article, we’ll explore key elements that contribute to writing strong professional emails.

Template for Strong Business Emails

A well-structured email should be clear, concise, and polite. Start with a professional greeting, clearly state your message, and end with a call to action or polite closing. Here’s a basic template to guide you:

1. Greeting: Address the recipient formally.
2. Body: Keep your message focused on one topic.
3. Closing: Use a polite, action-oriented ending.

The Right Way to Start an Email

The beginning of your email sets the tone. Use formal greetings such as "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]" depending on your relationship. Avoid informal openers like "Hey" unless the context is casual.

Essential Phrases for a Clear Email Message

To ensure clarity, use phrases that are polite and direct. For requests, you can say: "Could you please…" or "I would appreciate it if…" To offer additional information, use: "Please find attached…" or "For your reference…"

Email Endings that Get Results

Your closing should be professional and encourage a response. Use statements like: "I look forward to your response" or "Thank you for your time." End with sign-offs like "Best regards" or "Sincerely" to maintain a polite tone.

Make Your Emails Easy to Read - Format and Subject Line

Formatting is key to readability. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear spacing to help the reader follow your message. The subject line should be concise and relevant, such as "Meeting Follow-Up" or "Project Update."

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to write strong, effective emails that communicate your message clearly and professionally.

Examples

Email 1: Sprint Planning Meeting Request

Subject: Sprint Planning Meeting Request for [Project Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I would like to schedule a meeting to plan the upcoming sprint for [Project Name]. Could you please confirm your availability for a 30-minute session on [Date]?
The goal of the meeting will be to finalize the tasks for the next sprint and allocate resources accordingly. If this time doesn't work for you, feel free to suggest an alternative.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Role]

Week #14: How to give a presentation showing data and figures

Reading

When giving a presentation that involves data and figures, the key is to present the information clearly and effectively. Start by understanding your audience. You need to tailor your content to their level of knowledge. Avoid technical jargon if they aren't familiar with it, and focus on the most important data points that matter to them.

Begin your presentation with an overview of what you're going to discuss. It's important to highlight why the data is relevant and how it ties into the overall objective. Keeping this purpose in mind will help you stay focused.

When you present data, always visualize it. Charts, graphs, and tables can make complex information easier to understand. Visuals are especially helpful for large sets of numbers because they allow your audience to quickly grasp the patterns and trends. However, be careful not to overload slides with too much information. Each slide should focus on one major point.

Another key aspect is to explain the context behind the data. Numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Help your audience understand what they mean and why they are important. For example, if you're presenting sales figures, explain how they compare to previous months or years and what factors influenced the results.

Pacing is also critical. Don't rush through the slides. Give your audience time to absorb the data, and pause between sections for questions or clarifications. It’s helpful to have a narrative that ties the data together, so it doesn’t just feel like a series of disconnected numbers.

Lastly, be prepared to answer questions. When presenting data, people often want more details or clarification. Make sure you understand your data well enough to provide deeper insights or explanations when needed.

Effective data presentation combines clarity, relevance, and context. By focusing on these elements, you'll help your audience not only understand the figures but also see their significance.

Vocabulary

1. Tailor: You need to tailor your presentation to suit the audience's knowledge level.
2. Jargon: Avoid technical jargon if your audience is not familiar with it.
3. Overview: Start with an overview of the key points you will discuss.
4. Visualize: Data is easier to understand when you visualize it with graphs or charts.
5. Patterns: Graphs help the audience quickly identify trends and patterns in the data.
6. Context: Always provide context to explain what the data means.
7. Absorb: Give your audience time to absorb the information you present.
8. Narrative: Create a narrative that connects the data points logically.
9. Insights: Be ready to offer deeper insights when asked for clarification.
10. Significance: Help the audience understand the significance of the figures presented.

Flaschards

Speaking

A presentation about Women in Tech