50 Awesome Free WordPress Web Design Resources for Your Next Project

Having access to free WordPress web design resources is a real life saver. So much goes into creating and running a quality site, from code and images to background graphics, fonts, icons and other elements. Not to mention the knowledge necessary to put it all together.Imagine you had to pay for all of that! How ironic would it be to use a free CMS to run your site and then go broke over making it the best it can be? Thankfully,  with the amount of free stuff out there, it doesnt have to be that way.In this article, we have compiled a boatload of free WordPress web design resources. With their help, you can build an awesome site or improve your existing one and still pay rent on time. Top WordPress web design resourcesLearning resourcesTo run your WordPress site effectively, you need to stay up to date on the latest trends and technology in your industry. To do so, theres no way around getting educated and doing it continuously. Below you will find a lot of free learning resources for web designers.Creative BloqA great web design resource for news, tips, tutorials and more surrounding the topic. You can learn a lot about how large companies use design in their business. They also have a dedicated section for web design. Also, dont miss their inspiration archive.Smashing MagazineSmashing Magazine is one of the most popular sites on web design and development. Their blog is chock full of tutorials and helpful articles on many topics. If you work with WordPress, dont miss their WordPress section.SitePointAnother collection of helpful articles. Topics range from design and UX to WordPress and entrepreneurship. They even offer a free WordPress theme to base your own on. But weve got that also pretty covered here.CSS-TricksGreat resource for frontend designers. Offers many useful tutorials and best practices for using CSS. They also occasionally talk about business topics and have a library of useful code snippets.Flat Design ColorsA free ebook on UI design by UXP in. Contains lots of information on the use of colors, flat design and more. Also includes many examples and advice on how to stay up to date.Everything There is to Know About Logo DesignHere we have a 25-page ebook with a lot of information on how to create the perfect logo. You will learn a lot about basics, rules, colors, typography and more. The book also contains examples of mistakes to avoid and stories behind famous brand logos.The Best Web Designs of 2015-2016Another ebook, this one by Awwwards, which is in itself a great resource for inspiration (more on that further below). Every year they publish a collection with the best web design they could find. This one is 158 pages strong and includes many examples and analyses of why they work.Tools and appsNext up are some useful tools, apps and WordPress web design resources for creating stunning websites. Dont start any project without them.Google Web DesignerThis Google service has been around since 2013. It includes tools to create HTML5 websites and ads, JavaScript, CSS and XML files. You can either build them visually via drag and drop or via code interfaces. Works for any screen size.MarvelMarvel is one of the leading prototyping and collaboration tools for designers. You can work together as a team or include clients in the design process. Easily create prototypes for many different devices including version control and the ability to import files from Photoshop and Sketch.UnderscoresA WordPress starter theme by the nice folks of Automattic. It contains HTML5 templates, minimal CSS and anything you need to get up and running quickly. The theme is meant to give you a head start of a thousand hours.NeveOne of the most popular free WordPress themes in the market. Built right here in house, at ThemeIsle. Used on over 200,000 websites.DesignBoldDesignBold offers free powerful design tools for all kinds of images, including Blog Header and Blog Graphics. They have thousands of free editable layouts, and y ou don’t need any design skill.Font databasesTypography is super important in web design and has become more so in recent years. How to use it is a science in itself, however, the specific WordPress web design resources below at least tell you where to find them.Google FontsGoogle Fonts is one of the largest libraries of free fonts on the web. It offers over 800 fonts in 135 different languages that are quick to integrate on any site. You can even download them for Photoshop and other tools. Learn more about Google Fonts here.Adobe Edge Web FontsAnother font library, this one by the makers of Photoshop. It has over 500 fonts available and many filter options to find the right one. Once you are settled, getting the font on your site is simple.DaFontAnother large font database with different licenses. Download and use any typeface on your computer. To use them on the web, you need to upload the fonts to your site. While not quite as comfortable as other solutions on this list, its still worth a look.Font SquirrelOn this site, you find hand-selected free fonts licensed for commercial use. You can filter them by a multitude of tags, licenses, languages and more. Font Squirrel also offers a beginners guide to fonts and font identifier to help you find typefaces from images.FFontsFFonts offers both free and commercial fonts from many different categories. The usability of the site could be better but theres still a lot of material.Urban FontsUrban Fonts has free and premium fonts as well as font deals. Search the more than 8,000 free fonts by filters and in several languages.Stock images and background patternsVisuals are very important for web design. A picture speaks more than a thousand words as the old adage goes. In the resources below, you can find plenty of free images. For more, check this article.UnsplashUnsplash offers free, high-resolution stock photos with no attribution required. The images cover many different topics and come in a searchable dat abase. They also have collections for different topics.SkitterphotoPublic domain photos that can be used and edited for anything, including commercial purposes. They come ordered by topic and there are also admin picks.MagdeleineHand-picked photos with new new ones added every day. Comes with both public-domain and attribution-required licenses. You can filter by categories, tags and dominant color.PexelsEven more free stock photos, all of which are licensed as CC0, meaning you can use them at will. Search the database by query or use the categories. The images are great quality, highly recommended!NegativeSpaceOffers images that are completely free to use for both personal and commercial purposes. They have many different categories and motifs and the site itself is also quite beautiful.CompfightA search tool for Flickr. Filter images by license or motif. Also provides help on how to properly attribute images.MyStock.PhotosGreat, natural stock images made available under CC0. Whats great about this site is that all photos come from a small team of passionate photographers. Its a closed directory no outside submissions allowed. This means that youll find images here that are not available elsewhere on the web.Pattern8A great collection of background patterns. Filter by color and use them on website free of charge.TextureKingFree stock textures. The majority are rugged, dirt, rust, rock and the likes. Great for grungy projects.PatternicoCreate your own background textures from Font Awesome icons. Drag and drop icons, pick their color, transparency level and size. Then modify. When you are satisfied, simply download.Lost and TakenMore stock patterns and textures. Again, many different categories but also downloadable packs by topic. It doesnt say anything about licenses, so Im guessing free just means that.IconsEspecially with the many social networks today, you need a lot of icons for websites. Whatever your project is, one of these should have what you are lo oking for. Here are some cool WordPress web design resources when it comes to icons.DryIconsOffers more than 6,700 vectors and icons that you are free to use with attribution. Other licenses are also available and the range of icons is very wide.Evil IconsAn icon package you are free to download and use. Even includes code snippets to use the icons in different environments.Flat IconsMore then 2,500 royalty-free icons. Choose what you want, customize at need, then download. Comes with many different categories and also has a free pack of social icons for download.GenericonsFree generic icons by Automattic. Click to receive the necessary code. Everything comes in the SVG format.IconSweets60 free vector Photoshop icons to use for web, iPhone or iPad.FontelloIcon font generator that lets you create your own icon or use one of the many provided on the site. Everything is completely free.FlaticonOffers free vector icon packs for many different purposes. Attribution is required unless you use the premium plan starting at $7.50/month.Font AwesomeScalable vector icons as font. Completely free and customizable via CSS. Super awesome!Brush and vector librariesFor creating website concepts, its important to have the right tools. To that end, here are some Photoshop brushes and vector art.BrushLoversOffers a huge number of Photoshop brushes, gradients and styles. Most of them are free for both personal and commercial projects and cover many different categories. With an account you can even save your favorites.BrusheezyFree brushes, patterns, textures and PSD files. Search by keyword or category. Have a look at the top brushes for inspiration!VecteezyThe same site as Brusheezy only for vectors. Icons, patterns and vector art with both free and premium licenses. You can even edit them on the site.Color palettes and color pickersPicking the right colors for a WordPress project is not always easy. Thankfully, there are tools out there to help you out.Material PaletteThis sit e helps you create Googles Material Design look. Pick two colors to get a palette and download it for free in many different formats. Also offers icons and color gradings.flatuicolorpickerA similar tool as the one above, this one specially made for flat design. Great color inspiration, complete with hex and RGB values. You can also limit yourself to one color palette.Flat UI ColorsAgain, a tool not unlike the one before, however, when you click on a color here, you automatically copy its hex code to your clipboard.PalettonA very useful color wheel. Simply pick a base color and it will create a color palette for you. Several color schemes available: adjacent, triad, tetrad or freestyle. You can also export it at the touch of a button.Adobe Color WheelAdobes color wheel works in similar fashion and has more color schemes available. It also offers several palettes at once that you can fine tune to your needs.InspirationEveryone can have a dry spell in the inspiration department. Luckil y, you have plenty of sources to draw from to get your creative juices flowing.AwwwardsThis site collects the latest and greatest in website design. People submit their sites and others can vote on them. The site also showcases special stuff in different categories and gives out awards to developers.BehanceBehance is a site where designers can post their portfolio. Has web design as a single category but the other entries are also worth a look.DribbbleShow and tell for designers with a focus on web, icons and mobile design. Also lets you interact with others. Sure to get you out of a slump.One Page LoveA showcase dedicated to one-page websites. Has inspiration from many categories from e-commerce to wedding. You can also search by style. Dont forget to check out their blog posts and ebooks!UI ParadeLoads of inspiration for those working on user interfaces. Has whole interfaces and single elements like buttons, animations and more. Try the switch on the upper left to change the site design instantly.siteInspireAnother inspiration resource with websites from allover the world. This one will keep you busy for days.Final thoughtsHaving free WordPress web design resources at hand makes a lot of things easier. It helps you create quality work without breaking the bank thats the beauty of the Internet.The article above will give you loads of things to incorporate in your workflow. Learning resources, tools, apps, fonts, stock images, color palettes its all there. And thats just the tip of the iceberg. Theres a lot more to discover.

music project Essay Example

music project Essay Example music project Essay music project Essay Running Head: Music Project Name: Course: Instructor: Date of Submission: Music Project Introduction Music as an art form that is elicited through the sound medium is part of everyday life. Years of extensive research posit that music education as well as art education in general, is linked to all that is required from children including emotional and social development, academic achievement, equitable opportunity as well as civic engagement[1]. The learning of music in schools has been attributed to such positive attributes like enhancement of motivation, concentration, teamwork and confidence. Over the past few years, many school programs had to be cut down to reduce on the budget as well as providing the students with the chance to concentrate on the most important subjects. The most badly hit school programs include art, music and physical education classes. Although many schools would prefer to cut down on the school programs such as music, music is one of the subjects that build on skills that children acquire from other subjects. Discussion Although it might be hard to believe, music can be employed in the improvement of fractions and counting skills for most children. This is because music is written in form of measures that encompass a certain number of beats. A song might encompass ? times. This clearly indicates that per measure of the song should have 3 beats, where a quarter note counts as a single beat. In a setting like this, a child can learn both the fractions in terms of ?, while at the same time learning about counting in regards to the number of full beats and quarter beats required in the song. Mathematics might not be a very interesting subject for all students, but when the students are taught using the music medium, they might find it easier and more fun rather than learning mathematics in the normal manner in which it is taught. This ascertains that music should not be one of the school programs cut to save on money. Learning to read is the most fundamental foundation of the learning process. No child can be involved successfully in the learning process without prior reading knowledge. Music can form part of the integral parts of the learning process owing to the fact that before children can present music, they have to learn how to read and memorize music[2]. The children will not only employ these skills in the music classes, but in other classes as well. The memorizing and reading process in music does not only take place once but the students are required to repeat the process until they get it right. This asserts that the students will not only thrive in music due to the amount of practice put into memorizing and reading music, but they will also thrive in the other subjects that require intensive memorizing and reading. In this case, music should still be maintained in the school curriculum. When children are taken to school, they are not only required to achieve academic excellence but they are also required to acquire extensive social skills that can enhance their survival in many adverse conditions. For this reason, music is a very important subject for acquiring of the needed social skills. This is because creation of tunes in music requires total concentration and participation of students. In most cases, the students work in groups in which they are required to take turns to learn while listening for their cue before they can participate in the learning process. They are also supposed to respect each other and the personal equipment used in the music class. These valuable social skills can augment the overall development of the students in question. This is because music is an artistic expression that can enhance the confidence and self-esteem of students, hence augmenting the students’ social interactions skills where other students and the people surroundi ng them are concerned. In 2006, President Bush approved the signature education Law that translated into the No Child Left Behind theme. Under this law, all students had to improve their reading and mathematics testing through the reduction of time spent on such other subjects like Music and Art. The main reason behind this law was to enhance the academic prospects for all statements in America. What the president did not take into consideration was the impact this law would have on the students[3]. Most of the lowest performing students under the new law were not allowed to take any other subject except mathematics and reading so that they could improve their grades substantially. As per the research conducted, it was posited that instead of improving on their grades, the students felt intimidated and their grades fell even further. This is because the confidence and self-esteem built in the music classes lacked in the other classes. This means that the withdrawal of music can be detrimental especially fo r the lowest performing students. Not all students are born as academic geniuses. Some students exhibit superior creativity that can only be tapped through the provision of an adequate creative outlet. This is provided in the music classes in which the students are provided with the chance for self- expression through music. Scraping music from the school curriculum adversely affect the children whose parents cannot afford to pay for private music classes. Accessing these classes in public schools can go further in augmenting the self-expression of the students, which can be translated into academic excellence in the other school programs. Music is a crucial element of human existence. This is because music stimulates the functioning of the brain, hence improving the academic achievement prospects of the students. as per the Harris Interactive poll of 2006 on high school principals, those school curriculums that incorporate the music program posses an a higher graduation rate of 18 percent. Consequently, The Journal of Research in Music Education asserts that those students involved in high quality music programs possess the ability to score 21% higher in math and English standardized tests as compared to those engaged in low quality music programs[4]. It is depicted that in Seimens Westinghouse academic competition, close to 99% of the participants who won an award in science and math were involved in music, in that they played a music instrument. Additionally, music is utilized in most instances for the creation of an emotional outlet for those students with frustration and anger related problems. The research contained in Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report asserts that those students involved in bands or music were at a lower risk of engaging in drug and alcohol abuse because they have an alternative and positive outlet for their anger and frustration. Essentially, the amount of time required for practicing music cannot accord the students with the idl e time to engage in social evils. Many people have provided different reasons linked to the fact that cutting music from the school curriculum might be beneficial to some extent. What these people have not done is conducting comprehensive research on the benefits of music to the students. Some depict that cutting music translates to cutting costs. Although, this point cannot be disagreed with, because the fewer the number of programs in the school curriculum the lower the costs, cost should not be the element to be capitalized on. The element that should be very important is the realization of the academic goals of all students, which can be enhanced when their brain activity is augmented by music culminating into better grades and better academic, prospected. Essentially, other people argue that music is a very difficult subject to learn, therefore it can deter the learning process of students especially the young ones. This point cannot hold any water because the learning process is not an easy process but ease can be inserted into it through music. Nothing good can be achieved through little effort. A lot of effort has to be incorporated into the learning process, and hence holding that music is very difficult and can interfere with the learning process of the students is misguided. Some parents hold that teachers complain of the noise that is elicited from the music classrooms when students are playing the music instruments. This might be true to some extent but in most schools currently, the music rooms have been separated from the other classes so that other students can learn without the distractions from the music rooms[5]. Most parents assert that music should be made optional. This might be advantageous to some extent, but in accordance to the stipulations of the Journal of Research in Music Education, those involved in high quality music programs have higher grades in math and reading as c ompared to those involved in low quality music programs. Conclusion Music is one of the programs in contention under the school curriculum. This is because preferences have been linked to Math and English under the No Child Left Behind law, while at the same time most schools aiming at cutting cost through the reduction of educational programs in the school curriculum. This is not a positive move because music is linked to increased brain activity that might culminate into better grades. Research shows that those students with no musical background have lower chances of graduating. Essentially, those students involved in music have lower chances of involvement in drug and alcohol abuse. This is because music provides an emotional outlet for anger and frustrations. Music can be used in learning counting and fractions in a fun way. Inherently, music builds the self-esteem and confidence of most students and hence providing them with the chance to excel academically. In conclusion, robbing students of the chance to access music in school translates to r obbing them the chance to excel academically and socially.

Globalism - Good and Bad Characteristics Research Paper

Globalism - Good and Bad Characteristics - Research Paper Example Globalism is considered to be against, the American ideology and that they resent the policy and instead propagate consideration of the individual countries as separate entities. In some extreme references, the term globalism can be referred to as one world or world citizen or global citizen. With regard to this, my paper seeks to understand and report the socio-economic impacts of the globalism in the world and how it catalyzes coherency in culture. Third world countries have been alienated from the mainstream economic and social development in the international arena. Without the consideration of the global as a unit, the developing world has an uphill task to march and be commensurate to the ever dynamic and changing world. This is with regard to the policies that exist within the nations necessitating bilateral trade and other policies including extradition policies (Steger, 195). Globalism advocates for the equal consideration of nations and this is expected to spur rapid econom ic and avoidance of exploitation of the countries in the all important bilateral trade that takes place between countries. The extent of globalism has been manifested several instances, for example, the incorporation and engagement of the E-commerce in the international trade allows for the swift dissemination and transfer of information (Ambrose, Stephen, and Douglas, 99). In the same breadth, it is possible to at a glance have a comparative analysis of the goods prices and other services such that there is a standardized market rate for the products in the entire world. The Positive effects of Globalism Globalism also views the world as a single unit and that the individual countries are interdependent in developing the different specific economies of the individual countries. The fact that countries engage in a free economic zone that is deliberately established comes with different arrays of advantages and goodies. The different countries have a greater pool with which they can draw the new and contemporary technologies. Technology is in a state of improvement day by day, without the transfer of this knowledge in the most opportune time possible the extent o knowledge dissemination faces reasonable hurdles and this greatly impairs rapid development (Winant, 244). The problem of knowledge and technological dissemination is resolved forthwith through globalism. Globalism has also enabled the different countries to have diverse and a wide spectrum of goods and services. The a availability of the various products in the several markets around the world not only solve the problem of acute scarcity but also helps in stabilizing the prices worldwide and in the most cost effective prices (Powell, 202). The need for globalism has also resolved the problem of communication, communication has been made easier than before and the whole world can be looked as being flat and that people can access information and move closer to one another than ever before (Steger, 234) . Communication is one of the most important tools in the contemporary society and no one can imagine of that the world can be a single unit. In this sense, we realize the role of the globalism in trying to harmonize and bring about consistency in the worlds way of perception. The Negative Effect of Globalism Globalism in as much as it brings the a plethora of positive values to the whole world and defines the world as a common unit that can be considered one, it also come

B300 B TMA 01 Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

B300 B TMA 01 Strategy - Essay Example It can also lead to the successful adaptation of experience and technology in the workplace. Business organizations need to apply innovation and creativity in order to accomplish their business and organizational goals. They also need to have appropriate processes that can respond effectively to the changes in the business environment. Path dependency has been associated with an increase in organizational performance. This report will seek to identify and assess the impact of path dependency in augmenting organizational performance. The report provides an overview and background about the definition of path dependency. It describes the relationship between path dependency and business firms. The characteristics of path dependency are explained using relevant theories. The strengths and weaknesses of path dependency approach are elucidated in a smart and prudent manner. Finally the paper concludes that path dependency can significantly enhance the firm performance in many ways. Path dependence has been defined as the impact of past choices on existing options. It creates the structural framework for an association between efforts and results. The results are reliant upon the choices completed at the feedback phase. However in reality, path dependence has an intricate and complex definition (Mazzucato, 2002: Pg 250). It can involve a scenario where existing choices are constrained because of earlier alternatives. Another situation can occur when earlier judgments are simply part of multiple variables which impact the ability of organizations to choose alternatives. Path dependencies are an integral nature of organizational innovation and change. At the basic level, organizations might make decisions that are not limited by path dependency. However this can restrict the ability of organizations to pursue future alternatives in a smart and prudent manner. Path dependence emerges from a number of causes. If certain policies provide efficiency

Agreed-Upon Values that Are Lived by the Team in Twelve Angry Men Essay - 1

Agreed-Upon Values that Are Lived by the Team in Twelve Angry Men - Essay Example The team unanimously believes in this value and for that reason, it does share one aspect of a high performing team. It is expected that the team would perform well because all members agree that if the boy has committed the murder of his father, then he should be punished. However, the jury in order to punish the offender has to reach a unanimous decision. The vote of all the jurors should be either in favor or in disfavor of the death sentence. As a team, they need to reach one decision. Yes. The team does have a clear and attainable goal. The goal is to reach a vote where the tally is 9-0 and for this, they fight the entire story. For well-performing teams to function efficiently, they need to have the same vision and goal. While the vision of the team is the same and that is to reach the right decision. However, the team it seems is prejudiced from the beginning. Were it not for the case of reasonable doubt raised by Juror 8, the whole team would have reached the wrong decision. Hence the conflict raised by Juror 8 allowed the team to perform their duty with more responsibility and care. Otherwise, they would have reached the conclusion of awarding the boy a death sentence based on his background. The team does not have the skills and willingness to deal with the situation. They were ordinary members of the society and they have probably never given jury duty before. Most of them are also not willing to deal with the conflict. They want to reach the verdict as soon as possible because they want to resume their own normal life after the verdict. Because of the conflict created by Juror 8, the team members are quite willing to speak their mind. They openly criticize each other and at one point they even resort to personal criticism. They openly discussed the case and even play-acted the situation. However, this is unusual as the team had been formed for a short period of time.

E-voting system

E-voting system CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Introduction Motivation Objectives The aim of this project is to design an e-voting system that makes use of Java and Bluetooth technologies. The specific objectives of this project are: To create voting software that using Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) that can run on any mobile devices which will act as server and clients. To develop Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) based voting system that able to fully utilize the functionality of Bluetooth technologies by transferring data (voter database, voting records, etc.), between two mobile devices. To build a low cost and reliable client-server based voting system. Outline of Thesis The content of this thesis is organized according to the chapter. Chapter 1 is mainly about the brief introduction of the project done with some motivation and objectives. Chapter 2 is generally about the literature review of Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), Bluetooth and JSR-82 technologies, and also overview about the BVote itself. Next, Chapter 3 is about the methodology and details of the design whereas Chapter 4 is about the implementation of program through simulator and hardware devices since it is the output of the work done on Chapter 3. Chapter 5 is in relation to the presentation of data of the program with some program module hierarchy and classes used for Java programming. Then, Chapter 6 is concerning the discussion about the program outcome and its limitation. Finally, Chapter 7 is the final part of any reports or thesis which is the conclusion and some recommendations for future research. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW Overview of Java Micro Edition (Java ME) Introduction Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems, which is now a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation. It was released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems Java platform. Java is general-purpose, concurrent, class-based, and object-oriented, and is specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is intended to let application developers write once, run anywhere. Recognizing that one size doesnt fit all, Sun has defined and supports four editions of Java aiming different application environments and segmented many of its APIs so that they belong to one of the platforms. The platforms are: Java Card aimed for smartcards. Java Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME) aimed at small and memory constrained devices by means of environments with limited resources. Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE) aimed at standard desktop and workstation environments. Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) aimed at heavy duty server systems, large distributed enterprise or Internet environments. Java ME was formerly known as Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME), is a Java platform designed for mobile devices and embedded systems. Java ME technology was originally created in order to deal with the constraints associated with building applications for small devices with as little as 128KB of RAM and with processors a lot less powerful than those used on typical desktop and server machines. Thus, Sun defined the basics for Java ME technology to fit such a limited environment and make it possible to create Java applications running on small devices with limited memory, display and power capacity. There are three core concepts in the Java ME technology: Configuration provides the most basic set of libraries and virtual machine capabilities for a broad range of devices. Profile set of APIs that support a narrower range of devices. Optional package set of APIs in support of additional, common behaviours that dont really belong in one specific configuration or profile J2ME consists of a set of profiles. Each profile is defined for a particular type of device and consists of a minimum set of class libraries required for the particular type of device and a specification of a Java virtual machine required to support the device. A profile itself does not do anything; it just defines the specification. Since profiles are subsets of configurations, profiles are implemented with a configuration. Ultimately, Java ME platform has been divided into two base configurations which is Connected Device Configuration (CDC) and Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC). Java ME was designed to use profiles and configurations to enables devices of varying ability to able to run Java ME applications on the Kilobytes Virtual Machine (KVM), which is the micro version of Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Figure 1 illustrates how the CDC and the CLDC together make Java ME. The diagram also shows an overview of the components of Java ME architecture, and how it fits in the overall Java model. Configurations Configuration is a preliminary Java platform for devices with similar requirements with respect to total memory, processing speed, power and display constraints. Specifically, a configuration consists of Java language features, JVM features and a limited set of generalized APIs. Configurations are closely linked with JVM. In fact, configuration is a term identifying Java language features as a set of APIs and a specific JVM for that particular configuration. The dividing line as to what configuration applies to a device is for the most part, dependent on the memory, processing power, network connectivity and display constraints of a device. Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC). The Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC) is a fundamental part of the architecture of the Java ME that targeting resource-constraint devices like mobile phones. It is specifically designed to meet the needs for a Java platform to run on devices with limited memory, processing power and graphical capabilities. CLDC contains a strict subset of the Java-class libraries, and is the minimum amount needed for a Java virtual machine to operate. CLDC is basically used to classify myriad devices into a fixed configuration. When coupled with one or more profiles, the CLDC gives developers a solid Java platform for creating applications for consumer and embedded devices. CLDC is designed to bring the many advantages of the Java platform to network-connected devices that have limited processing power, memory, and graphical capability. Target devices typically have the following capabilities: A 16-bit or 32-bit processor with a clock speed of 16MHz or higher. At least 160 KB of non-volatile memory. At least 192 KB of total memory available for the Java platform. Low power consumption, often operating on battery power. Connectivity to some kind of network, often with a wireless, intermittent connection and limited bandwidth. On top of the different configurations Java ME platform also specifies a number of profiles defining a set of higher-level APIs that further define the application. A widely adopted example is to combine the CLDC with the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) to provide a complete Java application environment for mobile phones and other devices with similar capabilities. Connected Device Configuration (CDC) CDC is a specification of a framework for Java ME applications describing the basic set of libraries and virtual-machine features that must be present in an implementation. The targets for CDC-based technology comprise a broad range of consumer and embedded devices like smart communicators, pagers, high-end personal digital assistants (PDAs), and set-top boxes. Within this range, CDC is the basis for several standard API bundles that address the needs of developers of applications for specific categories of devices. Devices that support CDC typically include a 32-bit microprocessor/controller and make about 2 MB of RAM and 2.5 MB of ROM available to the Java application environment. The CDC configuration was designed to bring the many advantages of the Java platform to a broad range of network-connected consumer and embedded devices. CDC versus CLDC The CLDC is different from, yet also a subset of the CDC. The two configurations are independent of each other, however, so they should not be used together to define a platform. The CLDC is a proper subset of the CDC. Neither the CLDC nor the CDC is a proper subset of the J2SE platform, however, because both of these configurations add new classes necessary to deliver services on their respective families of devices. Like the CDC, the CLDC specifies the level of support of the Java programming language required, the required functional support of a compliant Java VM, and the set of class libraries required. Figure 2 shows the relationship between the two configurations and the J2SE platform. Profiles Profiles are an extension of its underlying configuration. A profile simply is a set of APIs but unlike configurations, profiles are closer and specific to the target device capabilities. They are intended to include device specific APIs providing those functionality missing at configuration level such as user interface, persistence, etc. Profiles obtain the required foundation from configuration and hence are layered above configurations. Currently, there are a handful profiles available and a few more are being finalized. MIDP is a profile supported by CLDC while CDC support three different profiles namely the Foundation Profile (JSR 219), Personal Basis Profile (JSR 217) and Personal Profile (JSR 216). Foundation Profile (FP) Foundation Profile is the most basic of the CDC family of profiles. It is a skeleton upon which a developer can create a new profile. The FP APIs, together with CDC APIs provides a complete Java ME JRE for consumer electronics and embedded devices. It is a set of Java APIs tuned for low-footprint devices that have limited resources that do not need a graphical user interface system. It provides a complete Java ME application environment for consumer products and embedded devices but without a standards-based GUI system. Version 1.1.2 is specified in JSR 219 and implements a subset of Java SE 1.4.2, including a set of security-related optional packages, such as Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS), Java Secure Socket Extension (JSSE), and Java Cryptography Extension (JCE). The Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) The Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP), combined with the Connected Limited Device Configuration (CLDC), is the Java runtime environment for todays mobile information devices such as phones and entry level PDAs. MIDP provides the core application functionality required by mobile applications including the user interface, network connectivity, local data storage, and application lifecycle management. Currently, there are three version of MIDP which are MIDP 1.0, MIDP 2.0 and MIDP 3.0. With the configuration and profiles, the actual application then resides, using the different available APIs in the profile. Following in the tradition of Java parlance, MIDP applications are called MIDlets. A MIDlet is a Java application that uses the MIDP profile and the CLDC configuration, created by a Java ME software developer, such as a game, a business application or other mobile features. These MIDlets can be written once and run on every available device conforming to the specifications for Java ME technology. The MIDlet can reside on a repository somewhere in the ecosystem and the end user can search for a specific type of application and having it downloaded over the air to another device. Kilobyte Virtual Machine (KVM) The Kilobyte virtual machine (KVM) is a virtual machine derived from the Java Virtual Machine (VM) specification. The VM that comes with the CLDC reference implementation is called the Kilobyte Virtual Machine (KVM) because it uses only a few kilobyte of runtime memory as opposed to megabyte. It is a reference implementation that adheres to the CLDC specifications description of a compliant VM. It is designed for small devices as it has a small memory footprint. It supports a subset of the features of the higher end JVM. For low-end, resource-limited products, Java ME and the KVM support minimal configurations of the Java virtual machine and Java APIs that capture just the essential capabilities of each type of device. KVM can be deployed flexibly to address a range of trade-offs between space and functionality. The KVM is engineered and specified to support the standardized, incremental deployment of the Java virtual machine features and the Java APIs included in the Java ME architecture. Overview of Bluetooth Technology Introduction Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless communication protocol for exchanging data over short distances by using short length radio waves from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). The Bluetooth wireless connectivity technology was originally envisioned in 1994 by Ericsson as a way for mobile devices to communicate with each other at short ranges up to 30 feet, or 10 meters. While Bluetooth is positioned as a replacement for cable, infrared, and other connection media, it offers a variety of other services, and creates opportunities for new usage models. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization and it works quietly, unconsciously, and automatically in the background. Bluetooth has client-server architecture. In client-server architecture, the one that initiates the connection is the client, and the one who receives the connection is the server. Bluetooth is a great protocol for wireless communication because its capable of transmitting data at nearly 1MB/s, while consuming 1/100th of the power of Wi-Fi. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate properly, they all need to conform to the Bluetooth specification. The Bluetooth specification, like any other specification, defines the standard that a Bluetooth device should adhere to, as well as rules that need to be enforced when communicating. The Bluetooth protocol stack and profiles together comprise the Bluetooth specification. Bluetooth Protocol Stack Bluetooth uses a variety of protocols. Core protocols are defined by the trade organization Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Additional protocols have been adopted from other standards bodies. The Bluetooth stack is the software or firmware component that has direct access to the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth protocol stack is split in two parts: a controller stack containing the timing critical radio interface, and a host stack dealing with high level data. It has control over things such as device settings, communication parameters, and power levels for the Bluetooth device. The stack itself consists of layers, and each layer of the stack has a specific task in the overall functionality of the Bluetooth device. Since Bluetooth device manufacturers are not required to use all of the layers in the stack, listed below are the overview of the core protocols and those adopted protocols that are widely used and implemented in almost every Bluetooth device: L2CAP: The Logical Link Controller and Adaptation Protocol used to send packets between host and client. This layer is the multiplexer of all data passing through the unit. It receives application data and adapts it to the Bluetooth format. Qualities of Service (QoS) parameters are exchanged at this layer. LMP: The Link Manager Protocol uses the links set up by the baseband to establish connections and manage piconets. Responsibilities of the LMP also include authentication and security services, and monitoring of service quality. SDP: The Service Discovery Protocol is used to find services on remote Bluetooth devices. HCI: The Host Controller Interface is the interface between the radio and the host computer. HCI is the dividing line between software and hardware. The HCI is the driver interface for the physical bus that connects these two components. RFCOMM: The Radio Frequency COMMunication is very easy and uncomplicated. Widely known as the virtual serial port protocol, it is used to stream simple data. OBEX: The Object Exchange communication protocol is used to exchange physical data such as files, images, and so on in binary format. Bluetooth Profiles Bluetooth profiles are intended to ensure interoperability among Bluetooth-enabled devices and applications from different manufacturers and vendors. A Bluetooth profile is a designed set of functionality for Bluetooth devices that defines the roles and capabilities for specific types of applications. If Bluetooth-enabled devices want to interact, having the bare minimum Bluetooth stack is not enough. It also needs to conform to a particular profile. Listed are some of the Bluetooth profiles: The Generic Access Profile defines connection procedures, device discovery, and link management. It also defines procedures related to use of different security models and common format requirements for parameters accessible on the user interface level. At a minimum all Bluetooth devices must support this profile. The Service Discovery Application and Profile defines the features and procedures for an application in a Bluetooth device to discover services registered in other Bluetooth devices, and retrieves information related to the services. The Serial Port Profile defines the requirements for Bluetooth devices that need to set up connections that emulate serial cables and use the RFCOMM protocol. The LAN Access Profile defines how Bluetooth devices can access the services of a LAN using PPP, and shows how PPP mechanisms can be used to form a network consisting of Bluetooth devices. The Synchronization Profile defines the application requirements for Bluetooth devices that need to synchronize data on two or more devices. Bluetooth Network Topology Bluetooth-enabled devices are organized in groups called piconets or also known as Personal Area Network (PAN). A piconet consists of one master and up to seven active slaves. The slaves in a piconet can only link to the master. Slaves cannot directly transmit data to one another. In fact, the master acts as a switch for the piconet and all traffic must pass through the master. A master and a single slave use point-to-point communication. If there are multiple slaves; point-to-multipoint communication is used. A master unit is the device that initiates the communication. A device in one piconet can communicate to another device in another piconet, forming a scatternet. A Bluetooth unit can be a slave in two or more piconets, but only one Bluetooth can be a master. Devices that participate in two or more piconets may act as gateways, forwarding traffic from one piconet to another.Notice that a master in one piconet may be a slave in another piconet: The basic concepts of any Bluetooth application consist of the following five components: Stack Initialization Device Management Device Discovery Service Discovery Communication Bluetooth vs. Infrared The major difference between the two methods of data transmission is that Bluetooth is based on radio technology (from 2.4GHz bands upwards), while Infrared utilizes invisible light in the 400 700nm wavelength. Infrared is fairly reliable and doesnt cost much to build into devices but it does have drawbacks: Its line-of-sight, so a sender must align with its receiver. Its one-to-one, so a device cant send to multiple receivers at the same time. Infrareds advantages are consequences of its disadvantages: Because its line-of-sight, interference is uncommon. Because its one-to-one, message delivery is reliable: each message sent goes to the intended recipient no matter how many infrared receivers are in the room. Bluetooth vs. 802.11b Both Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b are wireless communication protocols and both operate in the 2.4GHz band, but they are designed to accomplish different goals. A major difference is that 802.11b was not designed for voice communications, while any Bluetooth connection can support both data and voice communications. The 802.11b protocol is designed to connect relatively large devices with lots of power and speed, such as desktops and laptops. Devices communicate at up to 11 Mbit/sec, at greater distances (up to 300 feet, or 100 meters). By contrast, Bluetooth is designed to connect small devices like PDAs, mobile phones, and peripherals at slower speeds (1 Mbit/sec), within a shorter range (30 feet, or 10 meters), which reduces power requirements. Overview of Java APIs for Bluetooth Technology (JSR-82) Java APIs for Bluetooth Wireless Technology Bluetooth is an important emerging standard for wireless integration of small devices. The specification standardizes a set of Java APIs to allow Java-enabled devices to integrate into a Bluetooth environment. Previously, there has been no standardized way to develop Bluetooth applications until JSR 82 came into play JSR-82 is a standard defined by the Java Community Process for providing a standard to develop Bluetooth applications using the Java programming language. It is the first open and non-proprietary standard for developing Bluetooth applications. The JSR-82 API hides the complexity of the Bluetooth protocol stack behind a set of Java APIs that allow to focus on application development rather than the low-level details of Bluetooth, by exposing a simple set of Java APIs. JSR 82 is based on version 1.1 of the Bluetooth Specification. JSR 82 consists of two optional packages: the core Bluetooth API and the Object Exchange (OBEX) API. The latter is transport-independent and can be used without the former. The Java APIs for Bluetooth do not implement the Bluetooth specification, but rather provide a set of APIs to access and control a Bluetooth-enabled device. JSR 82 concerns itself primarily with providing Bluetooth capabilities to J2ME-enabled devices. Java APIs described in the JSR-82 interface for following Bluetooth Protocols/Profiles: SDAP Service Discovery Application Profile RFCOMM Serial Cable Emulation Protocol L2CAP Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol GOEP Generic Object Exchange (OBEX) Profile The API Architecture The goal of the specification was to define an open, non-proprietary standard API that can be used by all J2ME-enabled devices. Therefore, it was designed using standard J2ME APIs and CLDC/MIDPs Generic Connection Framework. JSR 82 requires that the Bluetooth stack underlying a JSR 82 implementation be qualified for the Generic Access Profile, the Service Discovery Application Profile, and the Serial Port Profile. The stack must also provide access to its Service Discovery Protocol, and to the RFCOMM and L2CAP layers. The APIs are designed in such a way that developers can use the Java programming language to build new Bluetooth profiles on top of this API as long as the core layer specification does not change. JSR 82 includes APIs for OBEX and L2CAP so that future Bluetooth profiles can be implemented in Java, and these are already being used for that purpose. Figure 4 shows where the APIs defined in this specification fit in CLDC/MIDP architecture. Capabilities of JSR-82 These are the properties and capabilities of JSR-82 in a nutshell. The JSR-82 API is intended to provide the following capabilities options: Manage the Local Bluetooth Device settings. Discover other Bluetooth devices in the neighbourhood. Search for Bluetooth services on the discovered Bluetooth devices. Connect to any of those Bluetooth services and communicate with it. Register a Bluetooth service on the Local Bluetooth Device, so that other Bluetooth devices can connect to it. Establish RFCOMM, L2CAP, and OBEX connections between devices Manage and control the communication connections. Provide the security to all of the above options. Reasons on Using Java Platform Micro Edition (Java ME) Java ME has significant advantages over other languages and environments that make it suitable for Bluetooth Voting System (BVote). The advantages of Java are as follows: Most of mobile devices nowadays are compatible and supports Java ME application development. Java ME has a particularly high market penetration. According to Morales and Nelson, approximately 68% of mobile phones are Java ME capable, which equates to more than 350 million Java ME capable mobile devices worldwide. Java ME is an open source and free. There are no licensing expenses needed for the SDK. Java ME is platform-independent. Java has the ability to move easily from one computer system to another.Java is a platform-independent at both the source and binary levels. It can run on any operating system without modification Simplicity and ease-of-use. Java was designed to be easy to use and is therefore easy to write, compile, debug, and learn than other programming languages. Java uses automatic memory allocation and garbage collection. In addition, the I/O and network library is very easy to use. Java ME is robust. Java compilers are able to detect many problems that would first show up during execution time in other languages. Java ME is interpreted. An interpreter is needed in order to run Java programs. With Java, the program need only be compiled once, and the bytecode generated by the Java compiler can run on any platform. Reasons on Using Bluetooth Technology There are various reasons to use a Bluetooth technology. These reasons are mainly based on the advantages of the Bluetooth technology itself that it offers to users. Availability of Bluetooth connectivity wireless technology in mobile devices. Bluetooth has already become a standard inclusion and important feature on most mobile phones nowadays. No cost per transmission. As an alternative for the current Short Message Services (SMS) that would be charge per transmission, Bluetooth cost no charge for its communication. Low energy consumption as Bluetooth uses low power signals. Thus, the technology requires little energy and hence uses less battery or electrical power. Standardize technology. Since Bluetooth is a standardized wireless specification, a high level of compatibility among devices is guaranteed. In addition, Bluetooth is a universal, world-wide, wireless standard. Ability to keep information private. In order to make a transfer or allow someone to access the files in the phone, it will need to give the access by accepting or rejecting the request through the phone. Therefore, authentication will prevent unauthorized access to important data and make it very difficult to listen in. Signals are omni-directional and can pass through walls. Communicating devices do not need to be aligned and do not need an unobstructed line of sight. Besides, Bluetooth uses frequency hopping. Its spread spectrum approach greatly reduces the risk that communications will be intercepted. Overview on Bluetooth Voting System (BVote) The name of this project is BVote. BVote is being developed using Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) programming language in order to create an open source, freely available and platform-independent mobile voting platform with basic connectivity options to expedite the process of data transfer and multi-user collaboration. It consists of two parts which are server and client. The server is the one that become the administrator. The administrator is responsible to manage all the registration of the voters and set the question(s) of the voting. As for the client, it can only log in the voting system as a voter and vote for the question that is being sent. In order to create such a program like BVote, it must meet some basic requirements before the application can be run. Firstly, as BVote is being developed using J2ME, therefore both server and client must use mobile devices as their platform. In addition, both server and client must be able to communicate with each other through Bluetooth technology. Last but not least, since BVote is voting system application software, BVote must accept processing, storing, and updating functions especially for the server part. Research on E-Voting System http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_voting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_voting_examples http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_voting_machines http://www.topbits.com/e-voting.html http://www.howstuffworks.com/e-voting.htm http://avirubin.com/vote/analysis/ CHAPTER 3: DESIGN METHODLOGY AND DETAILS This chapter addressed issues that arise when implementing and using the Java APIs for Bluetooth Wireless Technology and designing the software application using Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME). Lastly, this section discusses issues on the hardware and technology that involved on the implementation and development of Bluetooth Voting System. Hardware Mobile Phone Mobile phone is acting as the main hardware for Bluetooth Voting System, both for server and client part. Nowadays, a mobile phone in market is growing up rapidly with respectively to mobile technology. The fast growing of the mobile technology has benefited and improved the quality of life. In addition, the Bluetooth technology has become the main features in all the latest product of mobile devices available on market. With this specification, the objective to develop a low cost system has been met. As this project make the most of the Bluetooth as a connection medium for voting process, mobile phone has been fully utilized due to its ability in supporting Bluetooth. PC or Laptop In the development work, PC has been used as a workstation for programming and simulation process. For the simulation purpose, it had been perform in PC by using Java IDE and mobile phone emulator generated by Sun Wireless Toolkits. After the simulation work is done, a .jar executable file will be installing in mobile phones for real time hardware testing. Software and Development Toolkit The following software will be used: J2SDK1.5.0 Eclipse 3.0.1: one of the best Java IDE 😉 J2ME Wireless toolkit 2.2 EclipseME 0.7: Eclipse plugin to help develop J2ME code ProGuard 2.1: class file shrinker and obfuscator. Wireless Toolkit 2.5.2 The Sun Java Wireless Toolkit for CLDC (formerly known as Java 2 Platfo

The Yellow Wallpaper -- Literary Analysis, Gilman

Within the troubling novel, The Yellow Wallpaper, the theme in which action takes place is very significant. The woman, who seemingly suffered from post-partum depression, searches for some sort of peace in her male dominated world. The woman’s increasingly intense obsession with the wallpaper leaves the reader with many questions about male-female relationships and perhaps even insanity. Therefore, the manipulation of theme allows the author to delicately introduce symbols in the text. The yellow wallpaper itself is the most obvious symbol that represents the protagonist’s mindset. It contains patterns, angles and curves that all contradict one another, and it can reflect the wife’s emotions during that time. In addition, the nursery symbolically shows the way women of that time were seen as being on the same level as children, as well as the barred windows of confinement of women with respect to the perception of what a woman’s role was. These symbols re present Gilman’s view on the status of women in the patriarchal society of the nineteenth-century. The story takes shape of a journal about the main character. Consequently, the reader’s view is limited to the impressions of the single character, Jane. Considering the background information on Gilman, one can effortlessly draw the conclusion that the story is actually an indication of a personal experience. Gilman had suffered a tremendous mental depression as the result of psychiatric treatments, prior to writing the story The Yellow Wallpaper. The author identifies herself with the main character. As a result of her poor health, Jane listened to the doctor’s advice and redirected the power she previously spent on doubts to â€Å"air and exercise, and journeys† (Gilman 1392)). She ... ...easier about you† (Gilman 1398). In addition, the other characters play a slight role in the story and can be considered part of the theme. In this case, they represent the connection with the real, obvious world. The healing process tends to be an appearance because the body heals as the doctor predicted but, her mind was resonating with the environment in a different way, provoking changes in her perception. Each bizarre event associated with the mysterious appearances of the woman from the wallpaper seemed to have a connection with the two-dimensional world she came from. For instance, the woman was â€Å"Creeping as fast as a cloud shadow in a high wind† (Gilman 1401). Elements of two-dimensional worlds are certainly an exceptionally appealing effect. They symbolize the strained obedient attitude of those characters, given that their movements were rapidly silent.