Megan Delawder
September 3rd 2013
Week 3 assignment 2
Computer literacy

How is searching in a specific database, such as Ashford’s library, different from searching in Bing, Google, or Yahoo?
There is a huge difference when it comes to searching through a specific trusted database versus using internet search engines such as Yahoo, Bing, Google, etc. When searching a specific database such as Ashford’s library you are able to view peer reviewed journal articles, books, and more. You are able to narrow your search down to the particulars you are looking for. When you use a search engine such as Bing, Google, or Yahoo, you are not always getting factual information. Some of what you are viewing is opinions on subjects. The best way to get fact based information when doing research is to use a specific database such as Ashford’s library. When using a specific database like this, you know you can trust the information you are getting is correct. I myself like to use peer reviewed information. I know that all the information I am going to use will be based on facts. I can properly reference my information, and allows other to check the references.

The founder of Wikipedia has a noble mission – to share all the world’s information with everyone everywhere, anytime. In what ways has this mission been successful? In what ways has it not been successful?
I think it’s wonderful that the owner of Wikipedia has a noble mission to share all the worlds’ information with everyone, everywhere, anytime. In some ways he has been successful. In some ways he has not. When writing a research paper for college, Wikipedia is not a credible source. The problem with using Wikipedia as a credible source is that anyone, anywhere, at any time can put information on the website. Yes, some of the information is credible and based on facts. While some of the information is based on opinions or what people think. Another thing that has been done is that Wikipedia focuses mostly on Americans. I’m sure people around the world would be interested in subjects in their countries as well. One reason that Wikipedia has done so great, is because it based on the Encyclopedia and that is something others are familiar with.

Social networks allow people to connect for a variety of reasons in a digital environment. You might join LinkedIn to meet business contacts, MySpace to find a band member, or Facebook to see pictures