Maya

Maya
Cyber Defender & Databank Supervisor

Because of her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Maya started out as a librarian. While she loved her job, she wanted to do more to help protect people.

Since Cyber Villains such as Ms. Information and Elvirus can corrupt websites and the information on them, Maya teaches people to protect themselves by using caution when visiting websites and avoiding sites that are not trustworthy.

Favorite Quote:

Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime
- Chinese Proverb

Favorite Food:

Anything chocolate

Interests:

Browsing bookstores, baking

November 22 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is a Buffer?

Have you ever started watching a video online only to have it stall out in the middle? Usually, this is because the video isn’t getting data fast enough. A way to help prevent this is something called buffering. A computer buffer allows for data to be downloaded while the program plays part of the file that’s already been downloaded.

Wow. That came out more complicated than I meant. OK, let’s put it this way. While the program you’re using is receiving information, it is also playing the information that it has already received. This way, you’re able to watch your video without skips and jumps.

That might’ve been tough to understand too. Hmmm. Here’s a weird way to think about it that might help you understand what I mean. Say you want to eat a whole pizza. You start with just one slice. While you’re eating that slice, a second slice is put on your plate. When you’re done with the first slice and start eating the second slice, a third slice is put on your plate. This way, you never have to stop and wait for a new slice while you’re eating! Streaming pizza!

I hope that last example helps. Now if you’ll excuse me, all this explaining has made me hungry.

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

October 20 2009

Using the Web: Mechanics

Have you ever thrown a toaster out of a window? Neither have I, but yesterday I came close! No matter what setting I turn it to, my toast always comes out blacker than Elvirus’ wardrobe! Luckily, I calmed myself down enough to realize that I knew a few Web sites that might help me fix my broken toaster. Here are a few great sources to use for all your mechanical problems.

posted by Maya
topic: Using the Web

October 13 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is RSS?

RSS, or real simple syndication, is a great way to stay up-to-date with any Web sites you like. It works by scanning the Web site for any changes. If it finds any, it alerts you with an email or text message. The email or text will have a link to the Web site if you want to see the new content.

In order to use RSS, you’ll need to use a newsreader or aggregator. There are several of these programs on the Internet, so search for one you like the best. Once you find one that works best for you, you’ll start noticing that many Web sites, especially social networking sites and news sites, have RSS buttons on them. By clicking on the button, you subscribe to the Web site’s RSS feed and will begin getting updates right away.

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

September 17 2009

Using the Web: Insects and Animals

Imagine my horror when I opened my favorite book this week only to find it filled with silverfish! What’s a silverfish, you ask? Why don’t you tell me! Here are some great Web sites with information about animals and insects:

posted by Maya
topic: Using the Web

September 9 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is an IP Packet?

Greetings Cadets! My, it’s certainly been a while since my last post. I suppose what they say is true; time flies when your cataloging reference documents! Recently, several Cadets have been requesting information about IP packets. I think it would benefit everyone if I used this opportunity to discuss what they are. Whenever you sign on to the Internet, you are given an Internet protocol (IP) address – a series of numbers specific to your computer. This number is very important for transmitting and receiving information. For example, when you go to a Web site, you are basically asking for information to be sent to your IP address. This information is broken down into small pieces called IP packets and sent to your IP address. Once they arrive, your computer puts all the information together and WHAM! You’ve got your information!

Ahem.

Forgive me; the idea of unlimited information at my fingertips makes me a bit excitable. At any rate, that’s the basics of IP packets. If you have any more questions, send me an email and I’ll be happy to help you learn!

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

June 23 2009

Cyber Terminology: What is an Ethernet?

An ethernet is one of the most common communication methods for local area networks, or LANs. Ethernet networks are a very inexpensive way for people to easily share data and devices like printers in a building.

A basic ethernet LAN includes two or more computers with a network interface card installed, a networking hub that sends and relays data to and from the machines on the network, and an ethernet cable to connect each computer to the hub. Each network interface card (also called an ethernet card) has a unique address that identifies that computer on the network.

The name ethernet comes from the concept of “ether.” Scientists used to think that there was an invisible substance in the atmosphere called “ether” that would carry light waves from one place to the other.

posted by Maya
topic: Cyber Terminology

June 9 2009

Using the Web: Science & Nature

The Internet is just full of wonderful science and nature Web sites, where you can learn about anything, from outer space to what’s in your own backyard. I especially like these ones:

posted by Maya
topic: Using the Web