ENGLISH IS MY BUSINESS

MY DREAM JOB!!

2025-09-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! Let´s talk about something cool!! DREAM JOB!! So, tell me about what you consider the best job in the world and the reasons why it is your dream job!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN 2025: CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

2025-05-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, folks! I hope you´re fine! Let´s talk a bit more about business world today!

Would you like to have your own business?

Do you know anyone who chose to run a business? What are your impressions about this? Are there more advantages or disadvantages when we work for ourselves?

And how is that in your country? Are there programs to encourage people to get started in business?

Do you have any information about taxes that entrepreneurs need to pay to have their own companies?

Give your opinion, comment below and have fun!

" Around the world, the number of people deterred from starting a business because of fear it might fail is increasing, according to the GEM 2024/2025 Global Report titled Entrepreneurship Reality Check, released today at a special event to launch the report in Bilbao, Spain.

https://www.gemconsortium.org/reports/latest-global-report

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND GLOBAL TAX "WAR"

2025-05-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, guys! Let´s talk a little about something really outstanding recently: a global tax "war" that is happening currently after the decisions made for the North-American president, when he started a massive tax project, affecting the whole world.

What´s your opinion about that?

And about Brazil? Do you see more advantages or disadvantages with the massive tax?

Write your opinion down here and talk to more people interested in this topic.

Have fun!

The importance of recycling for the future

2025-05-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I´d like to invite you to discuss something really relevant: how recycling can be a great alternative for sustainability and increase our chances of having a future in our planet. Read the text below and after that, answer these questions:

1. What´s your opinion about recycling and its benefits to the environment?

2. What do you do to contribute to recycling?

Cultivating a Culture of Sustainability

One of the paramount long-term impacts of recycling is its role in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Prioritizing recycling at the individual, communal, and corporate levels establishes a model for embracing other sustainable practices. Recycling serves as a reminder of the interdependence between our actions and the well-being of the planet, thereby promoting broader environmental initiatives, such as the reduction of single-use plastics, water conservation, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Although recycling may appear as a minor deed, its ramifications on the environment are extensive. Each instance of choosing to recycle contributes to waste reduction, preservation of natural resources, energy conservation, and wildlife protection. It stands as a simple yet potent approach through which we can contribute to the preservation of the planet, one item at a time. As we persist in prioritizing recycling in our daily routines, we inch closer to a more sustainable, pristine, and healthier planet for future generations.

Author: Dennis Boakye

https://blogs.lawrence.edu/careercenter/2024/10/the-impact-of-recycling-on-environmental-sustainability.html

BACK TO ACTIVITY!

2023-11-01T12:36:00.002-07:00

Hello, everyone! I hope you´re fine! Guys, depois de um longo período sem postagens, hoje retornamos às atividades deste blog, mas com uma novidade super bacana. Além das dicas de inglês para quem precisa melhorar suas habilidades e a possibilidade de postar comentários para interagirmos e praticarmos nosso inglês, deixarei o link de alguns vídeos para complementar a discussão, ok. Espero que vocês aproveitem e aprendam bastante. See you soon.

Welcome back!

OPERATING SYSTEMS: HIDDEN SOFTWARE

2018-05-04T07:11:00.002-07:00

Hi, IT folks, welcome to my blog!

I´d like you feel free to read and contribute ideas here!

Not only by writing your opinion about the text, but also by talking to your colleagues by replying to their comments. Let´s build our knowledge together and have fun!

Read the text below, answer the questions and discuss with friends:

a. What difference is there between applications software and operating systems?

b. Why is the supervisor program the most important operating system program?

c. What is the difference between resident and non-resident programs?

d. What are the main functions of an operating system?

OPERATING SYSTEMS: HIDDEN SOFTWARE

When a brand new computer comes off the factory assembly line, it can do nothing. The hardware needs software to make id work. Are we talking about applications software such as word processing or spreadsheet software? Partly. But an applications software package does not communicate directly with the hardware. Between the applications software and the hardware is a software interface - an operating system. An operating system is a set of programs that lies between applications software and the computer hardware.

The most important program in the operating system, the program that manages the operating system, is the supervisor program, most of which remains in memory and is thus referred to as resident. The supervisor controls the entire operating system and loads into memory other operating system programs (called nonresident) from disk storage only as needed.

An operating system has three main functions:

1. manage the computer´s resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers;

2. establish a user interface;

3. execute and provide services for applications software.

Keep in mind, however, that much of the work of an operating system is hidden from the user. In particular, the first listed function, managing the computer´s resources, is taken care of without the user being aware of the details.

Furthermore, all input and output operations, although invoked by an applications program, are actually carried out by the operating system.

Source: Oxford English for Information Technology

Eric H. Glendinning & John McEwan

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

2017-12-04T04:44:00.002-08:00

Hello, folks!

Our post today is about our classes related to MARKETING AND ADVERTISING.

Let´s use our creativity then! Imagine that you have capital to invest in your own business. Try to write a brief marketing plan for your new company including itens like the following ones:

1. Company name:

2. Product /service name:

3. Target market:

4. Business strategy:

5. Price of the product/service:

6. Types of advertising:

WHY DO YOU WORK?

2017-10-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

Hello, folks! Nice to see you again on our blog!

This post is about the topic we discussed on 23rd October, when we read and did exercises about Management Theories. According to the texts, we compared ideas from Taylor and Fayol related to the different kinds of motivation workers have to do their jobs.

And about you? Why do you work? What motivates you? What makes you do your best at work? Read the list of elements and use them if you need to describe your profile:

MOTIVATION TO WORK

A. MONEY

B. HELPING PEOPLE

C. RESPONSIBILITY

D. THE NATURE OF THE WORK

E. SOCIAL STATUS

F. USE OF PERSONAL TALENTS

G. CONTACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE

PROFIT AT ANY PRICE? Ethics and responsibility in the business world

2017-09-25T11:53:00.003-07:00

Hello, folks!

As we discussed last lesson, Business environment is full of conflicts and sometimes it is common to find companies surpassing some limits, what leads them into an unethical way. You´ll find 2 parts of movies below. The first video comes from "Thanks for smoking" and the other video is a fragment of "A good year". After watching them, discuss with friends about :

1. Tobbaco industry and human healthy. What´s the limit for making profit selling cigarettes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcdKGosBenY

Watch the next video now.

2. Do you believe it is possible making profit in the Stock Market honestly? What´s your opinion about the manipulation of figures, investment, sales and purchasing on the video?

MY DREAM JOB

2017-08-28T20:05:00.002-07:00

Hello, folks!

Welcome to our blog. This is a meeting point where we can read, write, discuss and contribute ideas about the topics from our course "English for Business, Managemenent and Finance.

Our first class was about job titles and workplaces and our second class was about the Departments of a company. To sum up our first 2 topics, let´s talk about jobs a bit more, more specifically, your DREAM JOB. Based on what you wrote about that during the classes, write down what´s your dream job and explain your choices to your colleagues.

WEEK 9: E-COMMERCE

2016-12-02T03:39:00.003-08:00

During our lesson about e-commerce, we discussed some important aspects about this trend in business. Here you´ll find some tips when planning to start your own business on the internet. Read them very carefully and choose 2 tips you consider the best. After explain your choice.

1. Start With Your Business Name

The first thing to do (after you decide what you want to sell, of course) is choose a fabulous, memorable business name that no one else is using. You can conduct a corporate name search to make sure it’s not already in use. Once you’ve chosen the name, register it. (If you form an LLC or corporation, this will happen automatically in the state where you file your paperwork.)

2. Secure Your Domain Name and Website

Ideally, you’ll get your business name as your domain name, but if it’s not available, choose a URL that’s easy to say and spell, and relates to your business. So if your business is Karen’s Craft Creations and KarensCraftCreations.com isn’t available, try something similar like CraftsbyKaren.com.

The design of your eCommerce site may be the biggest business expense you have. But you want to ensure that it’s not only visually appealing, but also functional. There are out-of-the-box eCommerce solutions like Shopify to begin with, but you may require something more custom-made if your needs are more than basic.

3. Select The Best Business Structure and Register Your Business

You’ve got several options when it comes to your business structure:

Sole Proprietor
Partnership (if you have a business partner)
LLC
Corporation

If you don’t choose a business structure like a corporation or LLC, you’ll automatically be considered a sole proprietor (or partnership) by the IRS. However, operating as a sole proprietor, your personal assets are at risk. If your company is ever sued, the court can seize your personal assets if your business doesn’t have enough to cover its debts. Both the corporation and LLC separate you and your assets from the business, and provide other tax benefits.

You can register on your own by filling out the appropriate business structure paperwork from the IRS yourself, or you can hire a business filing company to do it for you. A lawyer is another option, but that’s often overkill for the average small business owner’s needs.

4. Get Your Employer Identification Number

You’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a business bank account and file your business taxes next April. Your EIN is a bit like your business’ social security number: it’s a unique number that identifies your business and helps you file important paperwork. Every business needs one, whether you’ll have employees or not.

5. Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Operating an eCommerce business does not exclude you from needing certain business licenses and permits. Check with your city, county, and state to see what sorts of sales tax licenses or home business licenses you need, and get those approved before you start operating.

6. Find the Right Vendors

You’ll have a lot of competition selling products online, so it’s in your best interest to find the best quality and best prices for the products you sell or materials you use to create your products. Shop around until you find a vendor you want to do business with long-term.

7. Start Marketing Early

Even if you’re not up and running, it’s a good idea to set up social media profiles and writing content for your blog now so that you’re not starting from scratch Day 1. You can set up your website with a “coming soon” page where people who are interested can sign up to get updates, using a tool like LaunchRock.

8. Get More Productive with the Right Software

Technology can make so much of your work easier, so before you start your eCommerce business, play around with customer relationship management, accounting, project management, and email marketing software that you can integrate into what you’re doing once you launch.

9. Stock Your Inventory

Whether you’ve got a warehouse full of products somewhere or your inventory lives in your garage, make sure you’ve got enough to launch. It can be tricky, not knowing how much you’ll need, but in general, it’s better to have too much inventory than not enough. Pay attention to how your sales increase so you can be smart with future orders.

10. Make Sure Your Business Stays Compliant

Once you launch your eCommerce business, things are going to move at the speed of light. Don’t overlook filing your annual report, if you incorporated or filed an LLC, nor those annual fees for business permits. If you need to, put these deadlines on your calendar so you stay on top of them.

Can you check all 10 of these items off your list? Great! It’s time to launch. Having done all the preparation up front, your eCommerce business will skyrocket.

https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/08/checklist-starting-an-ecommerce-business.html

WEEK 8 - WEBSITES AND WEBPAGE CREATION

2016-10-06T17:49:00.002-07:00

Welcome back, IT people!

Read the text below in order to remember our last class.

The steps in website development

First, discuss with the customer their requirements and the target audience. Find out what features and number of pages they want on their site. Secondly, analyze the information from the customer. Thirdly, create a website specification. Then design and develop the website. After that, assign a specialist to write the website content. Next give the project to programmers for HTML coding. Finally, test the website. After you publish the website, update and maintain it on an ongoing basis. Monitor customer use.

Now, give your opinion about the following:

If you could create a webpage, how would you design your personal website? What graphics, images and colors would you use? What would you say in your text? How many pages would you have? How would you organize the links on your navigation bar to show the different pages?

WEEKS 6 AND 7 - THE INTERNET - THE WORLD WIDE WEB

2016-09-11T18:18:00.002-07:00

The Rise of the World Wide Web

Read the text below and answer these questions:

a. Was the Internet built for science geeks or the general public?
What about the World Wide Web?

b. Did online communities exist before World Wide Web?
If so, can you give some examples?

By the early 1990's, people were using computers in many different ways.
Computers were already installed in most schools, offices, and homes.
They were commonly used for writing papers, playing games, financial accounting,
and business productivity applications. But very few people used them for
communication, research, and shopping the way we do now. A man named
Tim Berners-Lee changed all that. In 1990, Lee added an exciting hypertext
and multimedia layer to the Internet and called it the World Wide Web. The rest,
as they say, is history.

Believe it or not, the Web was not the first attempt at building a worldwide
online community. Cutting edge geeks have been using online services such as
Compuserve all the way back to the early 1980's. There were thousands of other
privately run Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) as well, which served the general
interest of curious nerds and researchers from around the world. Perhaps the
most ambitious project was the French system Minitel, but it never caught on in the
rest of the world and eventually faded into obscurity. Experiences on these BBS
was poor by today's standards. There was no graphics or even color. There was
no sound except of course the obnoxious beeps and gurgles a modem makes when
it it initiates a dial-up connection to a server. Bandwidth was also very slow compared to today's speeds. Typical operating speeds were between 300 and 1200 baud. Today, a typical broadband connection is thousands of times faster than this.

The Web was not built for geeks. It was built for everyone. It was built with very high ideals. No single company, government, or organization controls it. It was new and exciting.
New ideas and words appeared almost daily. Obscure technical terms became
household words overnight. First it was email. Then it was URL and domain name. Then rather quickly came spam, homepage, hyperlink, bookmark, download, upload,
cookie, e-commerce, emoticon, ISP, search engine, and so on. Years later we are still
making up new words to describe our online world. Now we "google" for information.
We "tweet" what's happening around us to others. The new words never seem to stop!

Just because the web seems so chaotic and unorganized compared to more structured companies and governments, doesn't mean it's total anarchy. In 1994, Tim Berner's Lee started the W3C, a worldwide organization dedicated to setting standards for the Web.
This group is probably the most respected authority for what should and should not be Web standards. W3C's mission is to lead the Web to it's full potential.

As a student of English and Technology, you will hear people use the words 'Internet' and 'World Wide Web' almost interchangeably. They are, of course, not the same thing. So what is the difference between the two? Perhaps a simple answer is that the Internet is the biggest network in the world, and the World Wide Web is a collection of software and protocols on that network. I guess a more simple way to put it is, the World Wide Web is an application that runs on The Internet.

The original backbone of the Internet is based on an old military network called ARPANET which was built by ARPA in the late 1960's. ARPANET was built so information could withstand a nuclear war. The idea was not to have a single point of failure. This means if part of the ARPANET was blown up in a nuclear war, the rest of it will still work! What made ARPANET so successful was it's packet-switching technology, invented by Lawrence Roberts.
The idea is that "packets" of information have a "from" address and a "to" address. How they get from point "a" to point "b" depends on what roads are open to them. Packet switching is a very elegant thing. Without it, the Internet would simply not work.

People view the World Wide Web through a software application called a web browser or simply a "browser" for short. Some popular examples of web browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. Browsers allow people to search, view, and even add and edit data on the World Wide Web.

The Web is not supposed to be a passive experience. Creating new pages for the Web is getting easier all the time. Web editing software is specially designed to work with hypertext languages such as HTML, which is the original specification for the Web. Web editing software normally allows for the WYSIWYG creation of text, images, and hyperlinksbetween related documents. With web applications such as wikis, MySpace and FaceBook, a typical user can create his or her first
online presence in a matter of hours.

In the year 1999, the Internet suffered it's first financial crash. Many companies selling productsand services on the Web were not living up to sales expectations. This was known as the Dot Com Bubble. There were many reasons why this happened, but perhaps the two most important reasons were a combination of slow connection speeds and too much optimism. Very few people had fast internet connections and many people thought the Internet was "just a passing fad".
But we know now that the Internet is not a fad. So what happened? Web 2.0 happened!
What is Web 2.0? It's very hard to say. It's just a phrase to describe a transition from the pre-existing state of 'Web 1.0', which was slow, static, and unusable, to a new, 'second web', which was faster, more dynamic, and more usable for the average person. How did these things happen? Easy. Broadband modems enabled sites like video-streaming YouTube to become possible. Better design and development practices enabled social media sites like MySpace and then Facebook to attract hundreds of millions of users. Finally, search engine technology improved on sites like Google where people could actually find the information they were looking for.

What will be the future of the Web? Easy. More speed and more power. In the future, digital distribution on the Internet is likely to replace all other forms of media distribution including CDs, DVDs, and even radio and television broadcasts.

I personally feel lucky to be alive in the age of the Web. It is one of the coolest things ever invented. It is unlikely that such another wonderful and major revolutionary invention will occur in our lifetime. But I can still dream about the Next Big Thing. And who knows? Maybe you will invent it.

WEEK 4 - PERIPHERALS

2016-09-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Computer Hardware Peripherals

After reading the following article, asnswer these questions:

a- What´s the difference between peripherals and components?
b- What´s the main purpose of peripherals in a computer?

Peripherals are a generic name for any device external to a computer, but still normally associated with it's extended functionality. The purpose of peripherals is to extend and enhance what a computer is capable of doing without modifying the core components of the system.
A printer is a good example of a peripheral. It is connected to a computer, extends its functionality, but is not actually part of the core machine. Do not confuse computer peripherals with computer accessories. An accessory can be any device associated with a computer, such as a printer or a mousepad. A printer is a peripheral, but a mousepad is definitely not one. A mousepad does not extend the functionality of a computer, it only enhances the user experience.
Peripherals are often sold apart from computers and are normally not essential to its functionality. You might think the display and a few vital input devices such as the mouse and keyboard would be necessary, but certain computers such as servers or embedded systems do not require mice, keyboards, or even displays to be functional.
Peripherals are meant to be easily interchangeable, although you may need to install new drivers to get all the functionality you expect out of a new peripheral device. The technology which allows peripherals to work automatically when they are plugged in is called plug and play. A plug and play device is meant to function properly without configuration as soon as it is connected. This isn't always the case however. For this reason some people sarcastically refer to the technology as 'plug and pray'. Still, plug and play was a big deal when it was introduced in the 1990's.
Before then, installing a new peripheral could take hours, and could even require changing some jumper settings, DIP switches, or even hacking away at drivers or config files. It was not a fun time except for real hardware geeks. With plug and play technology, all the nasty jumpers and DIP switches moved inside the peripheral and were virtualized into firmware. This was a clear victory for the common, nontechnical person! Peripherals normally have no function when not connected to a computer. They connect over a wide array of interfaces.
Some common ones from the past include: PS2 ports, serial ports, parallel ports, and VGA ports. These are all being replaced by some new standards including USB, Bluetooth, wifi, DVI, and HDMI ports. The most common peripheral linking device is probably USB technology. Why? USB is good because you can daisy chain a lot of peripherals together quickly, it is quite fast and growing ever faster in recent editions, and it even provides enough power to supply some smaller peripheral devices like webcams and flash drives. Some peripherals are even used for security.
A good example of this is the dongle. The dongle is often used to protect very expensive applications from software piracy. Here is a list of common peripherals you should be familiar with as an IT professional. Keep in mind the list is always changing due to changing technologies: - monitors or displays - scanners - printers - external modems - dongles - speakers - webcams - external microphones - external storage devices such as USB-based flash drives and portable hard disk drives - input devices such as keyboards, mice, etc are normally considered peripherals as well Now you know a little more about peripherals and what makes them different from components and accessories.

WEEK 3 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS - THE "APPS"

2016-09-06T15:59:00.002-07:00

READ THE TEXT AND COMMENT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

a- What´s the difference among ALPHA VERSIONS, BETA VERSIONS AND RELEASE CANDIDATE VERSIONS when we talk about computer apps?

b- Considering the distribution of apps nowadays, what do you understand by "shareware, freeware, upgrade versions and open source?

Without software applications, it would be very hard to actually perform any meaningful task on a computer, unless one was a very talented, fast and patient programmer. Applications are meant to make users more productive and get work done faster. Their goal should be flexibility, efficiency, and user-friendliness.

Today there are thousands of applications for almost every purpose, from writing letters to playing games. Producing software is no longer the lonely profession it once was, with a few random geeks hacking away in the middle of the night. Software is a big business and the development cycle goes through certain stages and versions before it is released.

Applications are released in different versions, including alpha versions, beta versions, release candidates, trial versions, full versions, and upgrade versions. Even an application's instructions are often included in the form of another application called a help file.

Alpha versions of software are normally not released to the public and have known bugs. They are often seen internally as a 'proof of concept'. Avoid alphas unless you are desperate or else being paid as a 'tester'.

Beta versions, sometimes just called 'betas' for short, are a little better. It is common practice nowadays for companies to release public beta versions of software in order to get free, real-world testing and feedback. Betas are very popular and can be downloaded all over the Internet, normally for free. In general you should be wary of beta versions, especially if program stability is important to you. There are exceptions to this rule as well. For instance, Google has a history of excellent beta versions which are more stable than most company's releases.

After the beta stage of software development comes the release candidates (abbreviated RC). There can be one or more of these candidates, and they are normally called RC 1, RC 2, RC 3, etc. The release candidate is very close to what will actually go out as a feature complete 'release'.

The final stage is a 'release'. The release is the real program that you buy in a shop or download. Because of the complexity in writing PC software, it is likely that bugs will still find their way into the final release. For this reason, software companies will offer patches to fix any major problems that end users complain loudly about.

Applications are distributed in many ways today. In the past most software has been bought in stores in versions called retail boxes. More and more, software is being distributed over the Internet, as open source, shareware, freeware, or traditional proprietary and upgrade versions.

SOURCE: https://www.english4it.com/unit/4/reading

WEEK 2 - COMPUTER USERS: "COMPUTERS MAKE THE WORLD SMALLER AND SMARTER"

2016-08-23T16:30:00.002-07:00

READ THE ARTICLE BELOW AND ANSWER THE EXERCISE:

Match the columns:

a. Edutainment

b. Multimedia

c. Expert system

d. Telecommute

e. Information superhighway

( ) Software that enables computers to ´think´ like experts.

( ) Use computers to stay in touch with the office while working at home.

( ) Internet system designed to provide free, interactive access to vast resources for people all over the world.

( ) Multimedia materials with a combination of educational and entertainment content.

( ) A combination of text with sound, video, animation, and graphics,

The ability of tiny computing devices to control complex operations has transformed the way many tasks are performed, ranging from scientific research to producing consumer products. Tiny ´computers on a chip´are used in medical equipment, home appliances, cars and toys. Workers use handheld computing devices to collect data at a customer site, to generate forms, to control inventory, and to serve as desktop organisers.

Not only is computing equipment getting smaller, it is getting more sophisticated. Computers are part of many machines and devices that once required continual human supervision and control. Today, computers in security systems result in safer environments, computers in cars improve energy efficiency, and computers in phones provide features such as call forwarding, call monitoring, and call answering.

These smart machines are designed to take over some of the basic tasks previously performed by people; by so doing, they make life a little easier and a little more pleasant. Smart cards store vital information such as health records, drivers´licenses, bank balances, and so on. Smart phones, cars and appliances with built in computers can be programmed to better meet individual needs. A smart house has a built-in monitoring system that can turn lights on and off, open and close windows, operate the oven, and more.

With small computing devices available for performing smart tasks like cooking dinner, programming the *electronic objects, and controlling the flow of information in an organization, people are able to spend more time doing what they often do best - being creative. Computers can help people work more creatively.

Multimedia systems are known for their educational and entertainment value, which we call ´edutainment´. Multimedia combines text with sound, video, animation, and graphics, which greatly enhances the interaction between user and machine and can make information more interesting and appealing to people. Expert systems software enables computers to ´think´like experts. Medical diagnosis expert systems, for example, can help doctors pinpoint a patient´s illness, suggest further tests, and prescribe appropriate drugs.

Connectivity enables computers and software that might otherwise be incompatible to communicate and to share resources. Now that computers are proliferating in many areas and networks are available for people to access data and communicate with others, personal computers are becoming interpersonal PCs. They have the potential to significantly improve the way we relate to each other. Many people today telecommute - that is, use their computers to stay in touch with the office while they are working at home. With the proper tools, hospital staff can get a diagnosis from a medical expert hundreds or thousands of miles away. Similarly, the disabled can communicate more effectively with others using computers.

Distance learning and videoconferencing are concepts made possible with the use of an electronic classroom or boardroom accessible to people in remote locations. Vast databases of information are currently available to users of the internet, all of whom can send mail messages to each other. The information superhighway is designed to significantly expand this interactive connectivity so that people all over the world will have free access to all these resources.

People power is critical to ensuring that hardware, software, and connectivity are effectively integrated in a socially responsible way. People - computer users and computer professionals - are the ones who will decide which hardware, software, and networks endure and how great an impact they will have on our lives. Ultimately people power must be exercised to ensure that computers are used not only efficiently but in a socially responsible way.

(Adapted from ´Computing in the information Age´, 2nd edition, Nancy Stern & Robert A.

Stern.)

COMPUTERS OF THE FUTURE

2016-08-12T07:48:00.001-07:00

Helllo, IT people, welcome to our blog!

For this week, we are discussing the evolutions and revolutions of technology in the modern world. As we all know, technology changes very fast everyday. And if we don´t update very often, suddenly we´re out of the market.

Read the text below, published in a book in 2000. Compare what they say about "computers of the future", by that time, and the computers of today. Write down what you know about present and future when it comes to COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY.

Feel free to talk to your friends and comment their ideas.

"COMPUTERS OF THE FUTURE

The technological revolution is producing an explosive change in computers´hardware and software. PCs are now coming in different shapes, sizes and prices: the desktop or classical computer (with separate monitor, keyboard, CPU and mouse) and portable designs such as the ultrafast notebooks, the ultrathin laptops and ultrathin palmtops. Also, the variety of software is infinite: there are programmes for education, entertainment, business, professions, and every field you can imagine. What about the future? The computers of the future will interact with us because they will recognize our voices, handwriting and faces. They will also understand our gestures. Also, they will predict situations and look for solutions. How? They will learn by trial and error and adjust their own programming. They will also learn by simulation: they will simulate weather conditions, environmental dangers,traffic jams, health risks and many other circumstances,

In less than ten years, PCs will include interactive television, telephone and video transmission. Scientists see a world with no limits to storage space, processing power and transmission capacity."

Book: Technology & the future. Tools Press. 2000.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS

2014-10-22T06:39:00.001-07:00

Hello, folks!

From now on, I´m writing some posts about very useful expressions in English you can use to communicate better. So let´s start!

AIRY-FAIRY

This expression is very common in the UK and means something "unreal, difficult to put into practice".

Example: I´m sick of his airy-fairy ideas!

Estou farto das ideias impraticáveis dele!

AN ARM AND A LEG

This expression means "very expensive, too much money". Like in Portuguese when we say: "os olhos da cara".

Example: This suit cost me an arm and a leg.

AS IF!

This expression is used when you want to be a bit ironic, when you consider something really difficult to happen, although you´d love to. Like the Portuguese expression: "quem me dera!".

Example:

A - I´m sure your boss will give you a pay rise.

B - As if!

Welcome to this blog my IT fellows!!

2013-03-21T10:38:00.002-07:00

MEET THE CN TOWER

Hi, folks! I hope you have fun while you´re reading, writing, learning and meeting friends on our blog. Feel free to comment and show us your ideas and opinions about the topics we have here for you!

Last class we talked about buildings, facilities, rooms, properties. We started our lesson by watching a video about one of the most famous buildings in the world: CN TOWER, in Toronto, Canada. Now you have the opportunity to get more information about it. Have fun!!

The CN Tower is a communications and observation tower in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Standing 553.33 metres (1,815.4 ft) tall, it was completed in 1976, becoming the world´s tallest free-standing structure and world´s tallest tower at the time. It held both records for 34 years until the completion of the Burj Khalifa and Canton Tower. It remains the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere, a signature icon of Toronto's skyline, and a symbol of Canada, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.

Its name "CN" originally referred to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower. Since the name CN Tower became common in daily usage, the abbreviation was eventually expanded to Canadian National Tower or Canada's National Tower. However, neither of these names is commonly used. In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The CN Tower consists of several substructures. The main portion of the tower is a hollow concrete hexagonal pillar containing the six elevators, stairwells, and power and plumbing connections. On top of this is a 102-metre (334.6 ft) tall metal broadcast antenna, carrying TV and radio signals. There are two visitor areas: the main deck level (formerly known as SkyPod) located at 346 metres (1,135 ft), and the higher Sky Pod (formerly known as "Space Deck") at 446.5 metres (1,465 ft), just below the metal antenna. The hexagonal shape can be seen between the two areas; however, below the main deck, three large supporting legs give the tower the appearance of a large tripod.

The main deck level is seven storeys, some of which are open to the public. Below the public areas — at 338 metres (1,108.9 ft) — is a large white donut-shaped radome containing the structure's microwave receivers. The glass floor and outdoor observation deck are at 342 metres (1,122.0 ft). The glass floor has an area of 24 square metres (258 sq ft) and can withstand a pressure of 4,100 kilopascals (595 psi).

The floor's thermal glass units are 64 millimetres (2.5 in) thick, consisting of a pane of 25-millimetre (1.0 in) laminated glass, 25 millimetres (1.0 in) airspace and a pane of 13-millimetre (0.5 in) laminated glass. Some people experience acrophobia when standing on the glass floor and looking down at the ground 342 metres (1,122.0 ft) below. In 2008, one elevator was upgraded to add a glass floor panel, believed to have the highest vertical rise of any elevator equipped with this feature. The Horizons Cafe and the lookout level are at 346 metres (1,135.2 ft). The 360 Restaurant, a revolving restaurant that completes a full rotation once every 72 minutes, is at 351 metres (1,151.6 ft). When the tower first opened, it also featured a disco named Sparkles, billed as the highest disco and dance floor in the world.

The Sky Pod is the second-highest public observation deck in the world, surpassed only by the Shanghai World Financial Center. On a clear day, it is possible to see 100 to 120 kilometres (62–75 mi) away, to the city of Rochester across Lake Ontario in the United States, the mist rising from Niagara Falls, or the shores of Lake Simcoe.

POLITE REQUESTS

2012-12-12T04:22:00.005-08:00

HI, FOLKS!

WE HAVE A NEW TASK ON OUR BLOG, THIS IS ABOUT OUR LAST LESSON:

POLITE REQUESTS.

TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES YOU HAD WITH POLITE AND IMPOLITE PEOPLE.

HOW WAS THAT? HOW DID YOU FEEL? WHAT DID YOU DO ABOUT IT?

ARTISTIC VIEW OF TORONTO - CANADA

2011-10-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

If you are one of my students or if you were one day, I´m sure you have heard me say something good about Canada, mainly about Toronto.

If you want to have a great view of Toronto, take a look at this video and you´ll see why I love this place!!!!

http://vimeo.com/30788720

1º GESTÃO COMERCIAL - ENGLISH I - ACTIVITIES

2011-10-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

WELCOME, FOLKS! THESE ACTIVITIES MAY HELP YOU TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS IN ENGLISH. FEEL FREE TO GIVE YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE TOPICS YOU FIND. TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN!

WHO WANTS TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

READ THE TEXT BELLOW AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT FOLLOW:

A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Jayson Meyer was sixteen when he and his younger brother Matthew started their technology company. Jayson lives in Daytona Beach, Florida, in the USA. He looks like any typical university student, but Jayson doesn´t need to. He is already a successful businessman. Jayson is co-founder and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Meyer Technologies, Inc.

At night school, Jayson spent a lot of time working on computers for the school and local businesses. He didn´t have time for school work, but he could fix almost any computer problem. So, when he was fifteen, Jayson left school and went into business full time. With this brother, he set up a shop at the local weekend market.

The business was successful and quickly went from making $4,000 in the first year to $100,000 per year. Soon, Meyer Technologies, Inc. expanded and was making over $500,000. The company builds special computers and creates software programs for its clients. Many small businesses in Florida can´t afford in-house coumputer support. They rely on service companies like Meyer Technologies to maintain their computers, and the company has plenty of customers. In 2000, the sales grew to over $ 1 million. No bad for a business whose CEO was not old enough to vote!

Currently, Jayson is helping to grow another company called WorkSmart MD, which makes special software for doctors´offices. Jayson now employs a number of technical staff and most of them are older than their boss. Jayson himself works 80 to 100 hours a week and often sleeps at the office. He doesn´t have a lot of free time to do the things that most young people do, but he doesn´t mind. He says, "I´d rather be building an international business. I think about my business most of the time - it´s in my blood".

ACTIVITY 1: Answer the questions:

a. What is an entrepreneur?

b. Do you know any famous entrepreneurs in the world?

c. Give examples of famous Brazilian entrepreneurs.

ACTIVITY 2: What´s the difference between an entrepreneur and a CEO (chief executive officer)?

ACTIVITY 3: If you had a chance to be an entrepreneur, what would you do? What kind of job would you like to have? What kind of company would you like to own or manage?

ACTIVITY 4: In your opinion, what´s the greatest entrepreneur in the world? If you could interview this person, what questions would you ask?

2º GESTÃO COMERCIAL - ENGLISH II - ACTIVITIES

2011-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

MOTIVATION AT WORK

This subject is very important, once you are working or if you are looking for a job at the moment. It isn´t so easy to feel happy and motivated at work all the time, that ´s why sometimes we have to think about different ways to keep always focused and excited about our job. In this activity, you´ll find some exercises and texts discussing about the topic above. Read everything to gather information for further discussions with you friends. Feel free to share your point of view over here. Join us!

1. What´s really important to you when you choose a job: earning a lot of money? Working for a big company to have status? Helping other people? Working on something you love, even if you don´t earn much money?

2. Read about the quotes from two people talking about their jobs.

MARIE, ACCOUNTANT: I work in the finance department of a large company. There are a lot of benefits. for example, if the company makes a profit, all the employees get a bonus. There´s also a profit share, but that´s only for managers. I have a company car and I also travel abroad quite a lot - always business class and on expenses, of course. We also get a pension and private health insurance. The company pays for its staff to go on training courses to develop their professional skills. And we get free membership of the local gym. There are also rewards: it´s hard work, but I get a lot of satisfaction from it. People recognize it if you do a good job, so there are good prospects for promotion.

TOM, PHYSIOTHERAPIST: I work for the health service. There are a lot of rewards: the main one is the job satisfaction. I get a real sense of achievement when someone says "thank you". You know you´re doing a worthwhile job. If you work hard, there are opportunities for promotion. I like the responsability of making a difference to people´s lives. There are some benefits. We don´t get bonuses or anything like that, but there´s a very good pension. The health service pays for us go to on training courses, and people with children get help with paying for childcare. If I visited patients at home, I get a travel allowance, but it´s not very much.

In your opinion, who´s motivated by helping other people? And who´s motivated by earning a lot of money? Why do you think that?

3. Read the list of benefits and rewards that usually get people motivated to work. Choose some of them and explain why they are so important for you.

pension
training
profit share
expenses
company car
business class travel
private health insurance
bonus
travel allowance
subsidized childcare
job satisfaction
promotion
responsability
gym membership
doing something worthwhile

4. Now let´s talk about Brazil. In your opinion, what´s the best company to work at the moment? What kind of benefits and rewards this company often give the employees to motivate them? Would you like to work there?

3o GESTAO COMERCIAL - INGLES III - ACTIVITIES 1 AND 2

2011-09-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

GOOD EVENING, FOLKS, WELCOME TO OUR BLOG, NOW WE HAVE A TASK TO DO! READ THE TEXT BELOW AND TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT! GIVE YOUR OPINION ABOUT EMPLOYMENT NEWS:

EMPLOYMENT NEWS: WHAT IS CHANGING OUR WORKING WORLD?

COMPUTERS CHANGED EMPLOYMENT IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, SO WHAT IS CHANGING OUR WORK AND LIVES IN THIS CENTURY?

Employees aren't staying in the same job. Nowadays, the average employee starts a new job every three years.
The number of women in work is rising and more women are working in higher positions.
More people are working from home and deciding their own working hours.

1. DO YOU AGREE WITH THE ARTICLE?

2. IS IT TRUE FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPANY?

3º GESTÃO COMERCIAL - ENGLISH III ACTIVITIES 3 AND 4

2011-09-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

HI, FOLKS! THESE ARE OUR FIRST ACTIVITIES USING OUR BLOG. TAKE PART IN THE DISCUSSIONS, WRITE YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE TOPICS YOU READ AND HELP YOUR FRIENDS TO LEARN AS A GROUP!

ACTIVITY 1: DURING AUGUST AND THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER WE TALKED ABOUT DEPARTMENTS OF A COMPANY AND EMPLOYMENT. OUR FIRST TASK HERE RELATES TO THESE TOPICS.

CASE STUDY:

READ THE CASE STUDY CAREFULLY, AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT FOLLOW:

Cineworld is a multi-screen cinema complex in the centre of London. It contains five cinemas, two restaurants, and an electronic games centre and internet café. The manager, Amy Watkins, needs to recruit more sales assistants for the complex. She has decided to carry out a two-stage job analysis before writing the job advertisements.

The first part of the job analysis is to interview a sales assistant, to find out she perceives her role in the company. The second part of the job analysis is to observe the sales assistants as they perform their work. The first job analysis interview is with Susan Trimble. She is 23 years old, and she has worked at the complex for 6 months.

"I start work at 3 in the afternoon", Susan explains, "and I finish at midnight. It´s a long working day, but I only work 4 days a week. My main job is in the games centre and internet café. I sell entry tickets, and make sure that all the machines and computers are working properly. That´s the easy part of the job, really. As most of our customers are young people, I also have to make sure that they treat the machines properly - teenagers can be quite rough when they get excited! There can be problems after 11 in the evening. A lot of the people who come in then have been to the pub, and they can sometimes be difficult or aggressive. It´s a great job, though, and I love the contact with people".

ACTIVITY 2: NOW, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AND TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE SUBJECT:

a. What are Susan main tasks in her job?
b. What other tasks does she mention?
c. What problems does she mention?
d. What does she like best about her job?
e. Would you like to work there and do the same tasks as Susan? Why?