ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata XIII)

Day 13
June 15, 2010

What I did today:

• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted in installing all-in-1 PC 
• Fetch and Deliver Peripherals
• Assisted in production of Media team
• Get PC Specifications
• Clerical Duties
• Industrial Chores
• Wrapped PC and Peripherals

Today was one of my special days. You want to know why? Because, it's my birthday!

Well, this birthday was not even ordinary nor very extravagant, it was just explicitly exciting and engaging. First off, I slept late but I woke up very early. Next, the "train" event. If Japan is to Bullet Train, then Philippines is Light Railway Transit (LRT) / Metro Railway Transit (MRT). For most Filipinos, these are the ways that they can hop into any place faster and hopefully safer. Now back to the "train" event. I went to the station just in time for the next train to arrive. But looking to my mobile phone, It was still too early. For the first time in history, I was so frustrated that I am very early! Nevertheless, I just waited for the next train, anyway the time is rush hour so I will not have any problems waiting for the next one. And Alas, a BETTER train arrived, and I got a prized seat at the middle.  

I thought I will go through the day without anyone knowing it's my day. Unfortunately, because of Social Media Networks and "Tsismis" here and there, They had blown my cover and I had to admit that its my birthday. Way to go!

With regards to my work, I was having a good time performing my duties and getting along with my officemates. But on the other hand, I was sad that i need to leave days later because I am not a regular employee. I had developed some good working relationships with them but unfortunately, some good things never last.

It feels like a normal day, but the impact of social media such as Facebook and others created less beeps and more pops and more posts in the digital world. I was happy though that I get to reconnect to my friends and to my loved ones. I was really hoping that they did not forget me, and it was true enough. I love you guys!

"Maraming Salamat sa lahat ng bumati at naki-saya, binuhay niyo ang katawang lupa ko! God bless!"

13 days down, only 1 more to go. 

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata XII)

Day 12

June 10, 2010

What I did today:

• Round-checked on all LCD Monitors
• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted in installing network printer
• Assisted in deploying PC
• Assist in production of Media team
• Set-upped PC
• Formatted PC
• Installed Software
• Clerical Duties
• Industrial Chores
• Wrapped Peripherals
• Installed Peripherals

What-a-day! I was still exhausted about everything that transpired. I want to sleep, and to rest. But I don't want to disappoint whoever my readers are. My unknown group of followers, Ah! what a dream! But, I am still working at everything and may be someday, I would be able to host my own site. DREAMS! 

The routine was very similar, I had to check this, set-up this, do this, or go to this area. Well, what I am experiencing is the same routine I will be doing months later. I remembered one of my mentors said that these activities are the same activities that I will be doing in case I am hired. I also have a slight feeling that this is actually a training ground for their prospective employee/s. Well, whether my feeling is true or not, I am really proud that I get to engage with the real world and experience what is to be an I.T personnel.

Today, I had more time doing our thesis, and indeed glad because they are not strict about it. I even had good laughs and some sharing with my mentors as well of my supervisor. However, something like a "reality check" happened in the late afternoon. I do not know what really happened but after I returned, "they" had suddenly realized their errors. 

Yes, it's true. It's not really good when you're pushed to the boundaries. But I know "they" learned their lesson.

The rain fell hard this afternoon, and that caused us eating at a nearby fast food chain. 

12 down, 2 to go.

Is Hacking a Computer Crime?

June 9, 2010

       This question is very controversial for there are ethical implications of the act itself. It had also been a favorite topic between bloggers and members of forums. Now, the question if the act was ethical depends upon how it was done. The question if the act was legal depends if it is authorized or not. The question if the act is a criminal activity depends if it is under the provision of a law.

HACKING IN THE PHILIPPINES

        This issue has also reached our shorelines and on the past few months, we have heard over the news that government websites are hacked by an unknown group of hackers that attempted to alter or destroy the data housed in these websites. It was also heard that there is a huge possibility of an electronic “Hello Garci” that can happen in the election. Another issue was if the PCOS machine can be hacked, and potential results can be manipulated according to one’s will. These issues alarmed several agencies and groups which are really concerned about the integrity of the elections. The good thing is, there is a provision in the law that guards integrity of all information stored in the internet, likewise the Republic Act 8792 or the E-Commerce Law. It was signed by former president Joseph E. Estrada on June 14, 2000. It took effect last June 19, 2000.

ABOUT HACKING AND CRIME

        From my point of view, Hacking is a double-edged sword, which is beneficial in some way, but is hazardously dangerous as well. First, we must define some terms. As the e-commerce law defined hacking, “it refers to unauthorized access into or interference in a computer system/server or information and communication system; or any access in order to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy using a computer or other similar information and communication devices, without the knowledge and consent of the owner of the computer or information and communications system, including the introduction of computer viruses and the like, resulting in the corruption, destruction, alteration, theft or loss of electronic data messages or electronic documents.” Crime on the other hand, is a specific act committed in violation of the law. As we analyze these two terms, Hacking can be considered as a crime if and only if, first, it is under the law and second, it is done without the consent of the owner. So, the bottom line is: Hacking without the consent of the owner is considered as a crime.

WHAT WAITS FOR LOSERS?

In the end, what waits for violators of the law is also stated in RA 8792; “ shall be punished by a minimum fine of One Hundred Thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) and a maximum commensurate to the damage incurred and a mandatory imprisonment of six (6) months to three (3) years.” In short, crime pays, big time.

GOOD INTENTIONS = CRIME?

However, there are certain circumstances that even if the intentions of the hacker was good, in fact he did not alter anything or delete any important information, but he was not given permission by the owner or any person in charge to do so; Then, the act was still a crime. This was the scenario I browsed in one forum. (http://msforums.ph) 

"THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS"

Yes, what he did was ethical. In addition, he was willing to offer his services to the company. However, if we analyze carefully what is stated in the E-commerce law, if hacking was done without permission or without legal consent, it is considered a violation of the law and appropriate legal actions should be taken. On the lighter side, if the owner dismisses the claims or waives what just happened, the violator will not be punished.

FINALE

One sad thing here is, not all people knew this law and authorities often ignore it. In addition, this law is not strictly imposed in the Philippines, and many violators go unpunished.

I just hope that eventually, the Philippine Government will be more than willing in implementing more laws against these computer crimes as we embrace more of newer technologies around us.

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata X)

Day 10

June 3, 2010

What I did today:

• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted troubleshooting PC
• Set-upped & Deployed PC
• Formatted PC
• Installed Software
• Clerical Duties
• Industrial Chores

Today's theme was Independence & Trust. I was sad though that I would not have a companion anymore because my co-intern just finished his internship with the company last time. and;

I was pissed off by various things today. First, It rained while I'm on my way to the office. Second, was long queues and unpredictable clients. Third, I was expecting something, but it didn't happen. Fourth, by the persons who are simply happy-go-lucky, and Finally, I lost something that is very important! "RAWR!"

Still, on the brighter side of this day, I am happy because I was entrusted with doing tasks alone. In short, my mentor/s are gaining their trust in my skills and abilities. I was also becoming more comfortable in my duties and I get along with my mentors.

10 Days has passed, 4 days to go.

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata VIII)

Day 8


May 27, 2010


What I did today:

• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted troubleshooting and fixing map network drives
• Handled signing of acknowledgments and distribution of receipts
• Round checked LCD Monitors around the training center
• Set-upped PC
• Wrapped Monitors and PC units
• Tested and Labelled Headphones
• Assisted in inventory of Packaged PC and Monitor units
• Checked PC Specifications 
• Installed software
• Clerical Duties

Busiest day so far again. If you read my checklist, i changed it into bullets because it is not done on a certain order and what you have just read is the revised activities that commenced earlier this day. I changed it into a more specific description just to be concise. 

Going back, this day was colder than the previous ones. The rain also fell hard this morning but fortunately, it did stopped when we arrived at the office. 

Conclusively, I handled more activities now. I was confident now at my duties. I owe some of these training to my mentors, supervisors, as well as my co-intern. I think what I do lack now is communication skills. But, there is a sure room for that in the future. But for now,  I think I should enhance more my skills and abilities and learn more from my present environment.

AMA Computer University (First Trimester '10-'11)

To all AMA Computer University (Project 8, Quezon City) Students:

4th of May 2010: marks our opening of classes. Pack up your bag, prepare your outfit and brace yourselves for tomorrow will be the official start of the first trimester. Do not forget to bring you Certificate of Registration (COR) and some papers. (If they require you to do so) 

Freshmen: Be ready to meet some new friends and expose yourselves to the place you will be in the succeeding years. Join organizations of your preference, which will be your Ates' and Kuyas' inside the school premises and will also give you some helpful tips and advices you need in college. Be sure to make this day unforgettable. God Bless you guys!

Seniors: Be ready for a huge surprise! Hope for the best!

"God bless us all!"

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanta VII)

DAY 7 


May 25, 2010

What I did today:
            1. Attend to calls for support
            2. Round check on all LCD Monitors
            3. Wrap PC
            4. Check and Verify System Unit Specifications
            5. Set-up PC
            6. Technical Support
            7. Install Software/Applications
            8. Industrial Duties


"I had so much to tell that I need to divide it into two parts (ready?)"

BAD: At one point, why do I need to mention the worst part first? This is because of the good and better things that happened later on. (So let's see) I had to commute early because of some matters. In fact, this is my first time to go to the office just by myself. I was really frustrated that I made a wrong decision not to stop at one station and that led me to walking for several blocks to reach that other station. I was really perspiring at that moment. When the train had arrived, someone or "they" pushed me harshly just to sit to better seats. I thought afterwards, why do they need to do that, if they can perform it in a well-organized manner.

BETTER: Surprisingly, I arrived earlier than others. (I thought I would be late for the first time!) Today has less calls and more engaging activities, which I prefer most. If you will re-read my checklist, This, so far is the busiest day. I am glad that I handled calls better than the last time, I also get to finish my tasks faster than my average time. I also experienced my first unattended technical support, which I am really proud because of this achievement. I also got my personal computer unit and hopefully in the future, my account. I experienced the LOVE which stands for "Love Of Vending Experience" twice. And even though I departed later than my usual time, I am still overwhelmed and ecstatic about the great things that happened to me this day. Thank You God!

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata VI)

DAY 6


May 24, 2010

What I did today:
          1. Attend to calls for support
          2. Assist in Technical Support
          3. Format PC
          4. Install Operating System and Software/Applications
          5. Set-up and Deploy PC
          6. Clerical Duties

This day started a little bad because of my stomach ache. I cannot concentrate well on my work and since this is the first day of the week, there are a lot of duties and tasks to perform. Fortunately, after having my lunch, I felt better and a bit energized for the coming hours. The heaviest and the meanest task for the day is setting up the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) which was very heavy. This is my first time to assist in deploying a PC so I was really trying to perform well but the UPS was not cooperative at all. I was frustrated a bit but I became happy when we finally finished the day's work.

Note: If you are a bit curious why this post is not uploaded early in this blog is because of my cousin's arrival here in Manila. We ate and had some updating and sharing and this lasted till midnight. So I decided to postpone it and do it today (2010-04-25) for I still have to attend my on the job training. 

        

        

          

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata I)

DAY 1    

May 17, 2010

What I did today:

1.  Orientation about the company and my tasks as an intern

2.  Observation and Familiarization with the workplace and the staff

3.   Attend the Calls for Technical Support

4.   Assemble and Troubleshoot PC

5.    Industrial Activities

Today was a fine day. I was really enthusiastic and excited to work for the company. It was a bit exhausting and very uneasy because it was my first day but I really enjoyed the whole experience.