Sohal Blog!

I'm Back!!

2009-01-29T02:38:00.001-08:00

Hey! Just to let you know that I am back in the country. It has been 1 year now since I have been away in Canada. But I can comfortably say that I am now refreshed and ready to complete this term and this year.

Read all about it Global M8s!!

2008-02-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

After making some time I have finally given you a chance to have a look at my social networking website. This is merely a print screen view, but soon you can see the real thing.

Feel free to make comments on design etc....

PHP???

2008-01-17T03:34:00.000-08:00

Today I have learnt what a PHP is and how it influences the internet/server.

What is PHP?
- PHP stands for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
- PHP is a server-side scripting language, like ASP
- PHP scripts are executed on the server
- PHP supports many databases (MySQL, Informix, Oracle, Sybase, Solid, PostgreSQL, Generic ODBC, etc.)
- PHP is an open source software (OSS)
- PHP is free to download and use

What is a PHP File?
- PHP files may contain text, HTML tags and scripts
- PHP files are returned to the browser as plain HTML
- PHP files have a file extension of ".php", ".php3", or ".phtml"

Exercise - Phidgets

2008-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

www.nike.com/jumpman23

Review Week Presentation

2008-01-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Overall, I think the review session went very well. But had a few suggestions that could be improved or looked at in depth. Here below are few of the points mention in the review session that could help me improve my multimedia portfolio.

- Look at different websites by crictically analysing them to improve knowledge on design approach (www.thefwa.com, www.netdriver.net & many more...........)
- To get a chance to create my own website for personal/business purpose
- To look at jobs/work placements related to multimedia web design/programmer etc....
- Also to create a multimedia CV

These would be taken seriously and hopefully improve me not only as a student, but a multimedia practioner.

The New Year 2008!!!

2008-01-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

I actually didn't get a chance to go down london to celebrate the new year but had the familt around me which made it even special. Then after watching firework display me and the boys went out to casino. But the firework display was really good and really had to be there to experience the real thing.

I Am Legend.....

2007-12-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

I have seen this film and wanted to share this with you, I really thought that this film was directed and edited very well making the audience at the edge of there seats. Giving the audience the 3d angle and making some scenes life like. Please check out this trailer and give me your views....

Xmas Holidays!!!

2007-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Over the xmas holidays I have just been working and haven't really had the time to relate to multimedia or even flash. But hopefully by next terms break I will be more up to date and have more knowledge on flash and other multimedia applications.

Flash Banner Conclusion......

2007-12-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Overall, I have had a great time doing this assignment and personally think I have done my utmost best in this, because coming from a background of hardly any knowledge of Flash CS3. I have produced two banner adverts that I think could be ready to be launched on www.yahoo.co.uk. In addition to this I have learnt some new things on Flash CS3 like countdown timer and how to increase the snow amount and the velocity it travels. If I had the chance I would do it all over again but making one thing clear and that is time. Time is very important and by giving me 4 weeks for this I found it wasn’t enough. Therefore for future reference time is the key essential in making a good banner advert in Flash CS3.

Flash Banner!!

2007-12-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Finally! I have finished the flash banner and just wanted you people to check it out. Well here goes.

Seasonal Flash Banner

Country Flash Banner

Networking/Servers/Topologies etc.......

2007-11-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

One can think of a topology as a network's virtual shape or structure. This shape does not necessarily correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices on the network. For example, the computers on a home LAN may be arranged in a circle in a family room, but it would be highly unlikely to find an actual ring topology there.

Bus Topology
Bus networks (not to be confused with the system bus of a computer) use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the backbone functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector. A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message.

Ring Topology
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes. All messages travel through a ring in the same direction (either "clockwise" or "counterclockwise"). A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network.

Star Topology
Many home networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection point called a "hub" that may be a hub, switch or router. Devices typically connect to the hub with Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet.

Tree Topology
Tree topologies integrate multiple star topologies together onto a bus. In its simplest form, only hub devices connect directly to the tree bus, and each hub functions as the "root" of a tree of devices. This bus/star hybrid approach supports future expandability of the network much better than a bus (limited in the number of devices due to the broadcast traffic it generates) or a star (limited by the number of hub connection points) alone.

Mesh Topology
Mesh topologies involve the concept of routes. Unlike each of the previous topologies, messages sent on a mesh network can take any of several possible paths from source to destination. (Recall that even in a ring, although two cable paths exist, messages can only travel in one direction.) Some WANs, most notably the Internet, employ mesh routing.

A mesh network in which every device connects to every other is called a full mesh. As shown in the illustration below, partial mesh networks also exist in which some devices connect only indirectly to others.

Summary
Topologies remain an important part of network design theory. You can probably build a home or small business network without understanding the difference between a bus design and a star design, but understanding the concepts behind these gives you a deeper understanding of important elements like hubs, broadcasts, and routes.

Reading Book List!!

2007-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of books and websites that I have been refering to on and off. This has helped me with many of my assignments and also any problems that have been recurring in software application like Flash, Dreamweaver and occasional in photoshop these applications were all CS3 based.

This helped me when designing a flash banner/advert in Flash CS3, it helped at times when I had to create a countdown timer using some actionscript code.

This booked helped me on the planning stages of flash advert and generally brainstorming ideas.

http://www.tutorialized.com/
http://www.jhuskisson.com/discussion/rip-tutorialized

Family/Friends at Wollaton Park!!!

2007-11-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here below is a picture of the family friends, just thought I should share this with you lol.

Theatre Royal Nottingham - Diwali Dance!!

2007-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

This is a traditional indian dance that where performed by the younger generation of my family, two of which are my brothers. This dance was constructed and directed by me and another family member. Please take a look at the dance as alot of time was spent with them day in, dayout to make this day a memorable one.

Apple vs IDEO vs Sony

2007-10-17T02:58:00.000-07:00

I have been given a task which involves browsing through websites of the following 3 brands/companies:

- Apple
- IDEO
- Sony

By doing this I would need to look and comment on the design approach of each website, and how they help the user to browse or gain knowledge of the product/item. This is merely done by the layout and structure of the website.

Apple has a very good image and look, it gives the user full control on browsing and reading through each page. The apple website is very self explanatory, which enable the user to glide through each page with its easy hyperlinks and image links. Each product that Apple talks about is in great detail the plus side of this is it helps the user know what features each product holds. This is shown by using text and images, once again the content is organised according to function i.e ipod nano, would appear under the music section. Meanwhile the iphone would appear under phones. Also prices are shown on products which gives the user an idea when browsing similiar websites related to ipods.

IDEO has a compact look by this I mean, the text and images on web page/screen are very small and are not that visable by first glance. By having this problem it makes the user browse through this website very slowly by this I mean it makes it difficult for the user to browse freely through different web pages. Also the content on the site is relavant to an extent where they talk about media. The web site is not organised in any order, but has been published according to design.

Sony has used neutral colours, white background with bold colours for headers i.e red, blue and grey. The website is easy to use showly cleary where the headers are situated on the left site of the web page i.e tv/camcorders/laptops. The content that is within the website is relevant to description of each product shown also giving the user the option to add extras/accessories to the item i.e carry case/tripod etc..... Like mention before the user can not get lost the way the web page/site has been laid out. The website lacks in technical information which could help the user decide on his/her final purchase item.

Overall, Looking at all 3 websites I would prefer using and browsing Apple like mention above very clear, easy to use, self explanatory & also giving the user what they need to know.

2nd Year - First Entry!!

2007-10-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

The good news is that the 1st year is done and dusted. Now in my 2nd year I am looking forward to see whats in store ahead. I have chosen the web pathway module which consists of the following areas:

- Web Design
- Web Application
- Interaction Design

I have another module which is Successful Practice 2, this is a standard module done by all student throughout the 2nd year.

I am aiming for a 2:1 this year, fingers cross that I should get it.

Identites - Logo & Slogan

2007-03-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

There were many logos and slogans that influence my design, but i thought I must have a log that gives a neutrual feel/look and by this i mean that there wouldn't be many colours. Also giving those who are impaired an opportunity to read the logo/slogan easily.

Below you can see a final logo with slogan that has been put forward nd will be used for the web site and leaflet.

Identites - Design Board Presentation Feedback

2007-02-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

I received feedback on my presentation, the feedback was given to me in a form of an email this was sent to me a few days after the presentation took place. the following points were mentioned;

•Logo is good
•Costing shown is very good clear understanding of all costs
•Discussion about how the process undertaken to finalise ideas will be done
•Web design to show how the layout would look like some example

Overall very good presentation, but please take this points in consideration.

Identities - Pre scheduled Action Plan

2007-02-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

Here below you can see an action that would be followed and show all major tasks and completion dates these dates have also been given time for machine failure software problems etc....

Identites - Design Board Presentation

2007-02-13T04:20:00.000-08:00

This identities module required us to deliver a presentation that informs the listener about the intended design of the package, the methods that will be used to produce it and an understanding of the schedule required fir its completion. The student should prepared to answer questions that demostarte their knowledge of the subject and justify the choices that they have made. These justifications should be accompanied by some working files/footage example of initial production elements (test files), not merely designs.

Above you can the first three slides of nthe presentation this shows on what method I will be choosing to design the identity package, in the case I have choosen leaflet and website design.

SPP1 - Laura Knight

2007-02-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

We were set a task by dominic shaw who want us to get in to group of fives and present a live presentation of the life of Laura Knight this famous person had some interaction with art/designs and was established in Nottingham.

Dame Laura Knight (nee Johnson) (1877-1970) attended Nottingham School of Art in 1880. She is best known for her coastal scenes and later her circus paintings. During World War II she served as an official war artist and she also traveled to Nuremberg in 1946 to record the War Criminals’ Trial. Knight was made a Dame in 1929 for her services to art and in 1936 became the first woman to be elected to the Royal Academy.

After getting into groups we then arrange on how we are goin to make this presentation exciting and give the audience some interaction with the presentation. We all did our own research and had meeting days where we would show what we have done and how we could expand. Once these days were completed we then start to construct on how the presntation is going to be set and how it would be captured by the audience.

On the event day we actually did charge people to come and see the play we charged them 50p per person. We didn't really have any overheads as such but we did print off tickets and posters.

But overall, we all did well and got positive feedback and made the audience laugh. This gave me an opportunity to work with other people and learn about other peoples leearning outcomes and knowledge.

Interactive Narrative - Dreamweaver web design

2007-01-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

We were given a task to design/create a web site in dreamwaver that shows a anything you like within Nottingham, this programme used to design the website consists of programming.

I knew straight away what I will be doing and that is 'cricket', I am a very big fan of cricket and I thought this would be a good way of showing other people who have poor knowledge in this field by showing them what cricket is all about.

Now the main location has been set (cricket)the next step was the design process, what will appear on the website and how would it be user friendly.

There were many website that I took in consideration when designing the website but I went for the simple approach and effective navigation.

http://www.cricinfo.com

Below you can see the home page of the cricket website. This picture was taken live at the ground the colour settings are set to give the user that they are actually seeing the view.

By clicking on this page it would take you to the following shown below;

This page above is very interactive and the user can feel this by clicking on each door in the corridor and accessing each room individually. As soon as the mouse goes over the door a message would appear stating the purpose of each room.

This page above shows the store room clearing showing the contents they store. the user can click on the back buttom comfortably taking them back to the main page i.e corridor.

I really enjoyed this task and I have personally learned alot from this and how I could take this into the corporate world. This has given me enough understanding to create my own website. dreamweaver is alot easier to use than flash and designing a website in dreamweaver would be easier by far.

Broadway Cinema - View 2 Minute Stories

2006-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

We there was a premiere showing of all the narrative film that all groups have created and finally the time has come were they will be all viewed under one roof. there were many film seen and many caught my eye. There were alot of different views from the audience and the way they took the story. Also by looking at other peoples films I learnt different styles of filmiung and techiques this would help me again in future projects.

Narratives - Final Report

2006-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here below is the link to view my final narratives report, this shows on how I fount the module and what knowledge was gain from this.

Certain skills and knowedge were gained from this module the report would prove this also shows the final outcome and maybe if there was improvements. Inaddition to this using these improvements in future projects.modules.

click here

Narratives - 2 Minute Film (FAREWELL!)

2006-11-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

After many days and nights working on this film, it is finally completed and ready for viewing. The film was based on a bomb plot there were 4 locations used in nottingham town centre to the end of the fim we find out if the bomb goes off or not.

Narratives - YouTube Entry!

2006-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

We were given a task to look at a video on YouTube this video that we had searched had to have some interest to me i.e racing/ cricket. Then from this we had to reply back to the video my creating a 30 second video.

This was done by booking a mini DV camera on the VLP, from there I worked with a dear collegue called Sukhdeep Nanua he was in my group.

Both of us decided to use the theme 'cars/speeding in dubai' we looked at various videos on YouTube. We have choosen this video below this shows what people or night drivers get up to in Dubai.

Out task was to reply back to the video with our own comments, we did this by using a mini DV camera, we also took in consideration the technical side i.e making sure correct footage/sound and mic adjustments. Here below is the video we made as a reply.

Narratives - 'FAREWELL' Presentation

2006-11-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

We had to create a presentation to show the footage of where the film is going to be made and also what equipment is going to be used and how the whole film will be compiled on a DVD.

This first slide shows what the film is called and furthermore shows the topics mentioned above.

Flash Design Drawing

2006-11-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

This session was based on drawing lines within Macromedia Flash. This was achieved by having a pencilled image and setting it to layer 1, after that layer 2 was created and this was used to draw lines on. On the left is the original pencilled image and on the right is the line drawing image. A tutorial helps a lot when times were getting difficult. I must say that today’s session was very enjoyable and practical. Also I must say that I would use this method in future projects.

Image Meaning & Composition

2006-10-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

This object is important to me in the sense that I have the power to communicate with others using a wireless mobile phone. Instead of going to a phone box or even going home. Without this object I would feel lonely and insecured this is one of the object I would carry on a day to day basis. I would also say that mobiles are the way forward.

Short Film Analysis

2006-10-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is a hindi song that is taken from a well known hindi film, This song shows an example of a classical structure. The story also has a linear structure where it begins to show action immediately, then the middle would make the audience on the edge of there seats with different emotions, lastly the end would put the audience at ease once the killer is identified. This film shows a man called DON on a mission to solve a crime, which involves a killer.

Presention About Myself!

2006-10-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have completed a powerpoint presentation about myself, this was done on a 3 slides. This was then presented to my tutor group which they all learn abit more about me and my culture. I have used alot of graphics and bullet points this make the presentation simply and easy to follow. Also I think more animation and graphical images could of been used.

Handling Blogger!!

2006-10-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

I have now got the hang of using blog, at first it was hard but then I slowly got use to it. Well I have come to my second seminar and realised that it is a free slot therefore me going to go off with my narrative group and do some work. lol

My 1st Entry

2006-10-13T03:39:00.000-07:00

Hi there my name is Anup Sohal and I have just join the blog so stay tuned to see more action your way.