My chance to use an OLPC XO!

I was pleasantly surprised when I finally had the opportunity to use this little laptop, as its toy-like frame actually holds quite a few complex programs. Once I got the XO running, I clicked through every one of these programs, including those of "TurtleArt," (a rather complicated art design program), "Memorize," (a program resembling the famous card matching game), "Calculate," (a well-designed calculator for solving all types of equations including those of complex mathematics), "Record," (a program that makes use of the XO's built-in camera and microphone),"Pippy," (a compilation of several basic programming codes which can be run and observed), "Paint," (a program similar to the Window's Paint Program), "Write" (a simpler version of a Microsoft Word type program), and the Internet Browser.

I really could not find very much to complain about regarding this machine, considering its original purpose. The children in third-world countries who are given an XO for themselves will certainly benefit substantially from the varied programs offered within it. Unlike those in my class who have used the XO before me, I did not experience any problems with "freezing" programs, or the necessity of restarting the laptop itself. Although some applications did take a while to start-up, the waiting period was not unbearably long. The children who get to use these laptops will not be too distraught by this waiting time either, so it is only a minimal distraction. The only disappointment I faced with the XO was being unable to successfully connect it to my wireless Internet connection. I know it is possible, but even through the various routes I took in trying to get the connection up and running, I still remained unsuccessful.

Even though I was not able to get the Internet running properly, I was still able to access the World Factbook Maps that were available in the Browser. These would certainly be very educational for any child learning about our world's geography. Another program which I found to be quite entertaining was the "TamTam" application. It was quite fun creating songs with various instruments/voices and having them play back.

The overall functionality of the XO laptop is very well designed, with the "home" screen being very easy to navigate, and the buttons on the keyboard conveniently directing the user to various menu screens (including one to connect to various Internet network connections and to see any other XO laptops in the area). The keyboard itself is understandably quite tiny, but once the user gets used to it, typing is hardly slowed. As I regularly work on a laptop with a touchpad instead of a mouse, the XO's set up, in a similar manner, is to my liking. The user also has the option of rotating the actual screen position 360 degrees around, as well, although I'm not sure how much one would use this specific function.

OLPC's XO laptop is an amazing and innovative creation, from which any child in a third-world country can benefit. This program has certainly done a lot to help those who are most in need, with educational opportunities that will set them on the path towards a brighter future.

To find out more about OLPC visit http://laptop.org/.

I've included some various photos of my use of the XO laptop below. Take a glance if you like!

"TamTamEdit" Program
















"Home" Screen

















"TurtleArt" Program















































"Memorize" Program


















"Calculate" Program (with the screen position rotated)

"Record" Program




















World Factbook Maps Available in the "Browser"





















"Pippy" Program

Various "Hello, World" Programs

Each time we start to learn a new programming language in our ICT class, we are required to design a "Hello, World" program as our first assignment. I have placed some examples of various "Hello, World" programs I have created with Turbo Pascal, Visual Basic, Python, Visual C++, and JAVA below. These examples can be useful if you're simply looking to compare the finished output of these different programs. Click on each screen capture for a larger view.


Turbo Pascal:












Visual Basic:




















Python:













Visual C++:

JAVA:

On to the Next Language...

After working with several computer programming languages including Turbo Pascal, Python, and Visual Basic, our ICT class will now be moving on to Visual C++. Hmmm...I wonder how many different languages we'll know by the end of the year?

Computer Disassembly Project

At the end of December 2007, our ICT 12 class had the opportunity to disassemble a retired Compaq DeskPro computer in order to learn more about how computers, in general, function. After removing the top of the computer’s casing, one of my classmates and I observed the computer components in their respective places before beginning the required disassembly. Using various computer tools, we carefully removed each component and recorded their removal on the checklist. We started off removing all of the data and power cables which connected various components together, and then carefully removed the various cards and boards, and RAM as they became unobstructed. The most difficult component for us to remove was the CPU as it was fastened in very tightly, but we were eventually able to unfasten it with some force. One set of components which I found particularly interesting were the CPU cooling fins, simply because I never expected to find something of that appearance within the computer, and they are actually quite innovative in their removal of accumulated heat.
After completely removing all computer parts we began to reassemble everything we took apart. Although it seemed like a daunting task at first, we were slowly able to correctly replace all of the components. After securing the motherboard, various cards, and drives in place, as well as replacing the front panel, we began to attach the data and power cables. Determining where these cables belonged took some time, as there were several extra power cables, but eventually we were able to figure out which ones needed to be connected. After our reassembly was complete, we did not attach our computer to a power source for testing, but according to our teacher everything was secured properly in its respective place.

OLPC and Microsoft

It has been suggested that OLPC and Microsoft will be working together to develop a version of Windows for XO laptops. Read through this article, at http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9847295-37.html?tag=nefd.top, if you're interested in learning a little more about this partnership.

OLPC Laptops in Peru

Are you wondering how well the OLPC XO Laptops are being put to use? Check out this article at http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/12/25/onelaptop.onevillage.ap/index.html, and read though a wonderful account of their distribution in a small, Peruvian village.

Computer Clean-Up

If you're looking to clean up or simply rearrange your computer files, www.download.com offers many free and effective programs that can make this an easy task for you.

Three very highly ranked programs which can be found at www.download.com are WinDirStat, CCleaner, and Auslogics Disk Defrag. From my experience with them, I've found that they really do work well, so make sure to check them out!