#technologycommons

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What is a Fuel System? Understanding the Heart of Your Vehicle's Performance

https://autorepairlebanontn.com/?p=4061 What is a Fuel System? Understanding the Heart of Your Vehicle's Performance The fuel system is the lifeblood of your vehicle, delivering the precise amount of fuel needed for combustion at exactly the right moment. Without this complex network of components working together, your car wouldn’t move an inch. It’s essentially responsible for storing, filtering, and pumping fuel from the tank to the engine while maintaining optimal performance. We’ll take you through the basics of how fuel systems work in modern vehicles and why understanding them matters for every car owner. Whether you drive a gasoline, diesel, or hybrid vehicle, knowing what happens between your gas tank and engine can help you identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. Stay with us as we break down this essential automotive system in simple, practical terms. Table of Contents Toggle What Is a Fuel System and Why Is It ImportantKey Components of a Fuel SystemFuel TankFuel PumpFuel Lines and FiltersFuel Injectors or CarburetorHow Different Fuel Systems WorkCarbureted Fuel SystemsFuel Injection SystemsDirect Injection TechnologyCommon Fuel System Problems and SymptomsPoor Engine PerformanceStrange Noises From the Fuel PumpDifficulty Starting the EngineMaintaining Your Fuel System for LongevityRegular Maintenance TipsWhen to Seek Professional HelpFuel System Advancements and Future TrendsElectronic Fuel Injection (EFI)Direct Fuel InjectionFuel Pressure RegulationSensors and MonitoringHybrid and Electric VehiclesAlternative FuelsAdvanced Materials and DesignsAutonomous and Connected VehiclesConclusionFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the fuel system in a vehicle?How does a modern fuel injection system work?What are signs of fuel system problems?How often should I maintain my vehicle’s fuel system?What’s the difference between carbureted and fuel injection systems?What advancements have been made in vehicle fuel systems?When should I seek professional help for fuel system issues?How does the fuel system affect my vehicle’s performance? What Is a Fuel System and Why Is It Important A fuel system comprises essential components that work together to deliver fuel from your vehicle’s tank to the engine. This complex network includes the fuel tank, pump, filter, fuel lines, injectors or carburetor, and pressure regulators—all coordinated to ensure proper engine operation. Your vehicle’s fuel system performs five critical functions: Storing fuel safely in the tank Filtering out contaminants and impurities Pumping fuel at the correct pressure Measuring precise amounts of fuel for combustion Mixing fuel with air in the proper ratio for efficient burning Vehicle performance depends heavily on a properly functioning fuel system. Engines require exact fuel-to-air ratios to operate efficiently—too much fuel causes wasted resources and emissions issues, while too little leads to poor performance and potential engine damage. Modern fuel systems have evolved significantly from the simple carburetors of early automobiles. Today’s electronic fuel injection systems use sophisticated sensors and computer controls to optimize fuel delivery based on driving conditions, temperature, altitude, and engine load—resulting in better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Different vehicles employ various fuel system designs depending on their engine type: Gasoline engines typically use port or direct injection systems Diesel engines use high-pressure common rail injection Hybrid vehicles incorporate specialized systems that manage both electric and combustion power sources Regular maintenance of your fuel system prevents performance issues and extends vehicle lifespan. Ignoring fuel system problems often leads to decreased power, poor acceleration, rough idling, and eventually, complete engine failure in severe cases. Key Components of a Fuel System The fuel system in vehicles consists of several essential components that work together to deliver fuel efficiently to the engine. Each component plays a exact role in ensuring proper fuel storage, transportation, and delivery for optimal engine performance. Fuel Tank The fuel tank serves as the primary storage container for your vehicle’s fuel, whether it’s gasoline or diesel. It’s specifically designed with durable materials to securely hold fuel and prevent dangerous leaks. Modern fuel tanks include safety features such as anti-spill mechanisms and ventilation systems that prevent pressure buildup during temperature changes. These tanks are typically located at the rear of the vehicle to minimize damage during collisions. Fuel Pump Fuel pumps transfer fuel from the tank to the engine at the correct pressure needed for proper combustion. Electric fuel pumps are commonly installed inside the fuel tank in most modern vehicles, providing consistent pressure regardless of engine speed. Mechanically driven pumps, attached directly to the engine, are more common in older vehicles and operate based on engine RPM. Fuel pumps maintain precise pressure levels—typically between 35-65 psi for gasoline engines—ensuring optimal fuel delivery under various driving conditions. Fuel Lines and Filters Fuel lines transport fuel throughout the system through specially designed tubes that resist corrosion and high pressure. These lines are constructed from materials like reinforced rubber or metal to withstand environmental factors such as heat, cold, and road debris. Fuel filters remove harmful contaminants including dirt, rust particles, and water from the fuel before it reaches sensitive engine components. Most vehicles have both primary and secondary fuel filters, with replacement intervals ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations. Fuel Injectors or Carburetor Fuel injectors deliver precisely metered amounts of fuel directly into the engine’s combustion chamber in modern fuel-injected systems. These electronically controlled components spray atomized fuel in exact patterns to optimize the air-fuel mixture, with each injector capable of opening and closing hundreds of times per second. Carburetors, found in older vehicles, mix fuel with air through mechanical means before delivering the mixture to the engine. While less efficient than fuel injection systems, carburetors remain common in vintage cars, small engines, and some specialized applications. The fuel rail connects multiple injectors in fuel-injected systems and maintains consistent fuel pressure across all cylinders. How Different Fuel Systems Work Modern vehicles use several distinct fuel delivery systems that have evolved dramatically over the decades. Each system offers unique advantages and operational characteristics that affect vehicle performance, efficiency, and emissions. Carbureted Fuel Systems Carbureted systems represent the earliest widespread fuel delivery technology in automobiles. These systems mix air and fuel before delivery to the engine’s intake manifold through a mechanical device called a carburetor. Air enters the carburetor and creates a vacuum that draws fuel into the airstream through a venturi, creating an air-fuel mixture that’s then pulled into the engine cylinders. Even though their historical importance, carburetors have largely disappeared from modern vehicles due to their relative inefficiency, maintenance requirements, and inability to meet strict emissions standards. Many classic car enthusiasts still maintain carbureted systems, appreciating their mechanical simplicity and distinctive engine response characteristics. Fuel Injection Systems Fuel injection represents a important advancement over carbureted systems, offering greater precision and efficiency in fuel delivery. These systems use electronically controlled injectors to spray fuel directly into the intake manifold or cylinders. Single-point (throttle-body) injection systems use one or two injectors mounted in the throttle body, serving as an intermediate technology that replaced carburetors in the 1980s. Multi-point (port) injection systems feature individual injectors for each cylinder positioned near the intake ports, providing more precise fuel distribution and better atomization. Sequential fuel injection takes this concept further by timing each injector’s spray to correspond with the engine’s firing order, maximizing efficiency and minimizing emissions. Fuel injection’s electronic control enables real-time adjustments based on engine load, temperature, and driving conditions, resulting in smoother operation and improved fuel economy. Direct Injection Technology Direct injection represents the most advanced fuel delivery system in modern vehicles, injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber rather than the intake tract. High-pressure injectors (operating at 2,000+ PSI) spray precisely measured fuel amounts directly into each cylinder at the exact moment needed for optimal combustion. This technology creates a more complete burn, extracting more energy from each fuel droplet while reducing emissions. Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) systems have become standard in many new vehicles, offering 15-20% better fuel efficiency compared to port injection systems. Direct injection allows for higher compression ratios, contributing to greater power output and torque while using less fuel. The precision of this system enables sophisticated combustion strategies like stratified charge and lean burn operations that weren’t possible with earlier fuel delivery methods. Common Fuel System Problems and Symptoms Fuel system issues can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Recognizing the warning signs early helps prevent more serious damage and costly repairs down the road. Poor Engine Performance Poor engine performance often stems from fuel system complications that restrict proper combustion. Clogged fuel filters reduce fuel flow to the engine when they’re not replaced during regular maintenance intervals. Faulty or dirty fuel injectors prevent the optimal amount of fuel from reaching the combustion chamber, resulting in hesitation, stuttering, or loss of power during acceleration. Low fuel pressure, typically caused by a malfunctioning fuel pump or deteriorating fuel pressure regulator, creates inconsistent fuel delivery that leads to rough idling, stalling, or decreased power output. Strange Noises From the Fuel Pump Unusual sounds coming from your fuel tank area indicate potential fuel pump problems that shouldn’t be ignored. A failing fuel pump produces distinctive whining, grinding, or humming noises as its internal components wear out over time. Running your vehicle with consistently low fuel levels forces the pump to work harder than designed, generating more noise and accelerating pump deterioration. These sounds typically become more noticeable during acceleration when the pump must deliver additional fuel to meet increased engine demands. Difficulty Starting the Engine Starting problems frequently point to fuel system deficiencies that prevent proper engine ignition. Clogged fuel filters restrict the flow needed for initial combustion, making the engine crank longer before starting. Faulty fuel pumps fail to deliver sufficient fuel pressure to the injectors, resulting in extended cranking or complete failure to start. Bad or clogged fuel injectors can’t properly atomize fuel into the combustion chamber, creating hard starting conditions particularly in cold weather. Insufficient fuel pressure throughout the system prevents the engine from receiving the precise fuel-air mixture required for combustion, leaving you stranded with a vehicle that refuses to start or runs poorly immediately after starting. Maintaining Your Fuel System for Longevity Proper maintenance of your vehicle’s fuel system ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your engine. Regular upkeep prevents costly repairs and keeps your vehicle running efficiently for years to come. Regular Maintenance Tips Replacing your fuel filter according to manufacturer recommendations is essential for preventing contaminants from reaching your engine. Most vehicle manufacturers suggest changing the filter every 30,000 miles, though this varies based on your exact model and driving conditions. Periodic fuel system cleaning removes harmful deposits that accumulate in fuel injectors and lines over time. These deposits can restrict fuel flow and cause poor combustion, leading to decreased performance and efficiency. Inspecting your fuel tank for rust or corrosion helps identify potential problems before they cause leaks or contamination. External damage to the tank can compromise its integrity and create safety hazards. Checking fuel lines regularly for cracks, wear, or damage prevents dangerous fuel leaks and ensures consistent fuel delivery. Deteriorated fuel lines are especially common in older vehicles or those driven in harsh climates. Monitoring fuel pressure maintains optimal engine performance by ensuring the correct amount of fuel reaches the combustion chamber. Low pressure often indicates a failing fuel pump, while high pressure might signal a faulty pressure regulator. When to Seek Professional Help Engine performance issues like poor fuel economy, rough idling, or hesitation during acceleration often indicate fuel system problems requiring expert diagnosis. These symptoms might stem from clogged injectors, failing pumps, or contaminated fuel. Fuel leaks present immediate safety hazards and require prompt professional attention. Even small leaks can lead to fire risks and should never be ignored or temporarily patched. Dashboard warning lights, particularly the check engine light, frequently signal fuel system malfunctions that need professional diagnostic equipment to identify correctly. Modern vehicles store exact error codes that mechanics can retrieve to pinpoint issues. Unusual noises from your fuel pump, such as whining or buzzing sounds, typically indicate the pump is failing and needs replacement. A healthy fuel pump operates with minimal noise during normal driving conditions. Following manufacturer-recommended service intervals for your exact vehicle model prevents many common fuel system issues before they develop. Professional maintenance typically includes comprehensive fuel system inspections that catch potential problems early. Fuel System Advancements and Future Trends Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Electronic fuel injection represents a important leap forward from traditional carburetors in modern vehicles. Computer-controlled fuel injectors deliver precisely measured amounts of fuel, creating optimal air-fuel mixtures for combustion. EFI systems have dramatically improved fuel efficiency by up to 20% compared to carbureted systems while simultaneously reducing harmful emissions. These advanced systems continuously adjust fuel delivery based on real-time engine conditions, ensuring peak performance across various driving situations. Direct Fuel Injection Direct fuel injection technology injects fuel straight into the combustion chamber rather than the intake manifold, revolutionizing engine efficiency. This precision delivery method enables more complete fuel combustion and allows engines to run leaner when appropriate. Modern GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) systems create higher compression ratios, resulting in improved power output from smaller, more efficient engines. Direct injection’s ability to precisely time fuel delivery has made it a cornerstone technology in today’s high-efficiency engines. Fuel Pressure Regulation Advanced fuel pressure regulators maintain optimal pressure throughout the entire fuel system, ensuring consistent engine performance. Electronic pressure regulators communicate with the ECU to make real-time adjustments based on driving conditions and engine load. Modern systems can maintain pressure within 1-2 PSI of the target value, preventing performance issues caused by pressure fluctuations. This precise control eliminates many drivability problems common in older vehicles with less sophisticated regulation systems. Sensors and Monitoring Today’s fuel systems incorporate extensive sensor networks that continuously feed data to the engine control unit. Oxygen sensors analyze exhaust composition to verify combustion efficiency, while fuel pressure sensors ensure optimal delivery pressure. Temperature sensors monitor fuel conditions to adjust delivery parameters in different climate conditions. These integrated monitoring systems allow for split-second adjustments that maximize efficiency and minimize emissions across all driving situations. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Hybrid vehicles use sophisticated dual-energy systems that integrate traditional fuel delivery with electric power. These systems intelligently switch between or combine power sources to maximize efficiency and performance. Many hybrid models incorporate regenerative braking to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost. Electric vehicles completely eliminate traditional fuel systems, replacing them with advanced battery management systems that distribute power to electric motors with over 90% efficiency—significantly higher than conventional combustion engines. Alternative Fuels Biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and compressed natural gas (CNG) represent growing alternatives to traditional petroleum fuels. Flex-fuel systems can adapt to various fuel compositions, including ethanol blends up to E85 (85% ethanol). Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water vapor. CNG systems store natural gas at high pressure (3,000-3,600 psi) and require specialized fuel delivery components resistant to the unique properties of gaseous fuels. Advanced Materials and Designs Lightweight composite materials are replacing traditional metal components in modern fuel systems, reducing vehicle weight and improving efficiency. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers can reduce fuel tank weight by up to 30% while maintaining structural integrity. Piezoelectric fuel injectors provide faster response times and more precise spray patterns than conventional solenoid injectors. These material advancements contribute to overall vehicle efficiency while improving durability and reducing maintenance requirements. Autonomous and Connected Vehicles Autonomous vehicle technology depends on highly reliable fuel systems with advanced self-monitoring capabilities. Connected vehicles share real-time fuel system performance data to optimize fleet efficiency and predict maintenance needs. Artificial intelligence analyzes driving patterns to continuously refine fuel delivery parameters for maximum efficiency. These intelligent systems can detect potential issues before they affect performance, significantly extending component lifespan and reducing unexpected failures. Conclusion The fuel system serves as the lifeline of your vehicle delivering the right amount of fuel for optimal performance. From traditional carburetors to advanced direct injection systems we’ve seen remarkable improvements in efficiency power and emissions control. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues that can lead to poor performance or costly repairs. By understanding your vehicle’s fuel system components and recognizing warning signs early you’ll extend your engine’s life and maintain peak performance. As automotive technology continues to evolve with electronic management systems alternative fuels and hybrid answers fuel systems will become even more sophisticated. Staying informed about these advancements will help you make better decisions about your vehicle’s care and maintenance for years to come. Frequently Asked Questions What is the fuel system in a vehicle? The fuel system is a vital component that stores, filters, and delivers fuel from the tank to the engine for combustion. It includes the fuel tank, pump, filter, fuel lines, injectors or carburetor, and pressure regulators. This integrated system ensures your engine receives the right amount of fuel at the correct pressure, directly impacting your vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and reliability. How does a modern fuel injection system work? Modern fuel injection systems use electronically controlled injectors to deliver precise amounts of fuel into the engine. Unlike older carburetors, these systems can adjust fuel delivery based on various driving conditions using data from multiple sensors. This results in better fuel economy, lower emissions, and improved engine performance. Most new vehicles use either multi-point injection or direct injection technology. What are signs of fuel system problems? Key indicators include poor engine performance (hesitation, stalling, loss of power), decreased fuel efficiency, difficulty starting the engine, and unusual noises from the fuel pump area (whining or grinding sounds). You might also notice rough idling, engine misfires, or illuminated check engine lights. Addressing these symptoms early can prevent more severe damage and costly repairs. How often should I maintain my vehicle’s fuel system? Replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles or according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Consider a professional fuel system cleaning every 15,000-30,000 miles. Regularly inspect the fuel tank for rust or damage, check fuel lines for cracks, and maintain proper fuel pressure. Following manufacturer-recommended service intervals helps prevent common fuel system issues. What’s the difference between carbureted and fuel injection systems? Carbureted systems use mechanical devices (carburetors) to mix air and fuel before entering the engine. They’re simpler but less efficient and precise. Fuel injection systems electronically control fuel delivery directly into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, providing better fuel economy, reduced emissions, and improved performance. Most modern vehicles use fuel injection technology due to stricter emissions standards. What advancements have been made in vehicle fuel systems? Recent advancements include Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), which improves efficiency by up to 20%; Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) for enhanced power and economy; sophisticated sensor networks for real-time adjustments; and improved fuel pressure regulators. Modern systems also incorporate lightweight materials, compatibility with alternative fuels, and integration with hybrid technologies for maximum efficiency and reduced environmental impact. When should I seek professional help for fuel system issues? Seek professional help if you notice persistent poor fuel economy, rough idling, stalling, dashboard warning lights, or fuel leaks. Also consult a mechanic if you hear unusual noises from the fuel pump area or experience difficulty starting your vehicle. These symptoms often require specialized diagnostic equipment to identify and repair properly. Always address fuel leaks immediately due to safety hazards. How does the fuel system affect my vehicle’s performance? The fuel system directly impacts engine power, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and emissions. A properly functioning system delivers the precise amount of fuel needed for optimal combustion under all driving conditions. Problems like clogged filters or failing pumps can reduce power, cause hesitation during acceleration, increase fuel consumption, and potentially lead to engine damage if left unaddressed. https://autorepairlebanontn.com/?p=4061 Absolute Auto Repair

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Mulesoft Solution Expert Job For 0-5 Year Exp In Brij HR Sollutions LLP Chennai - 1530722

Mulesoft Solution Expert Job For 0-5 Year Exp In Brij HR Sollutions LLP Chennai – 1530722

We are looking for Immediate joiners on Mulesoft DevelopmentSolutioningMule 4.0 with both on-premises servers and CloudHub.Familiarity with JSE/JEE and Maven technologyCommon enterprise security protocolsStrong written and verbal communication skillsESB Concepts (webservices, SOA, SOAP, REST)Knowledge in XML, SOAP, WSDL, RAMLLarge scale SOA design, development, and deployment.API management…

[technologycommons]

Technology + Sharing Houses

∗ Tumbleweed is a brand dedicated to helping consumers live in tiny and affordable housing. They allow consumers to purchase housing plans in different sizes that contain all the necessary information to build a house. ∗ Tumbleweed provides training materials, workshops, full plans and support for thousands of people looking to downsize into a #Tumbleweed dwelling. ∗ I believe that #Tumbleweed is helping propel and shift the commoning of technology in a healthy and positive direction. Often technology is viewed as knowledge that contains a purpose meant to be private and given to a specific market. #Tumbleweed is changing this conception and diversifying the dynamic and impact of what sharing knowledge can do. ∗ By allowing consumers to purchase PDF plans to different housing layouts on wheels, this changed the culture and ideology regarding privatization and benefits for the masses. iTunes once digitally protected their media library so that purchased media from their database could not be transferred to another person's digital device unless they too had purchased the same content. This promoted idea, had to do mainly with preventing illegal shared copies and decreasing the value of digital media. However, they ended up changing this shortly after. Sharing knowledge can be associated with sharing knowledge. ∗ While some building contractors won't do the same as #Tumbleweed and allow access to fine blueprints to housing plans in an effort to help the masses benefit - Tumbleweed sees the benefit. Although consumers still have to purchase layouts to housing plans at a small premium - the cost is still lower than what traditional methods of obtaining these layouts is equal to. ∗ Tumbleweed in my opinion is helping consumers create affordable dwellings while also giving them access to benefits like construction, electrical, plumbing and overall helping empower them. This really reminded me of the prisoner's game. When two people and in this case Tumbleweed and consumers can find a resolution - everyone benefits. ~ Joseph A. Fernando

[technologycommons]

#TechnologyCommons is there a future?

➛ Blogging about the technology commons has been great! I think that this course has created both assignments with structure and assignments with less formal structure that personally worked for me :) I chose this group of commons among the others because I had something to say and contribute. ➛ Technology will not always be free and more importantly it will not always be held in common with all regular consumers. And with big corporations as Sukhpal mentioned taking over different channels and avenues of technology to monitor and to become more financially stable from - I think that the commoning of technology is headed in a interesting path to say the least.  ➛ This blog has kept me aware of issues regarding copyright, sharing versus private usage and very importantly - the social impact that technology has on commoning and vice versa! It is up to users and those who are in a position of power to create positive and health outcomes {ultimately atleast} to help better where the #TechnologyCommons are headed! ➛ As I sign off I would like to give kudos to the rest of our blog's contributors! It was definitely fascinating to read everyone's contributions and gain some insight. An honorable set of mentions go out to our T.A & to Professor Andrea M. for being great mentors, teachers and a wealth of information to the class and to me! It's my last few days at UTM and this class certainly taught me plenty! Good luck to the rest of me peers! ~ Joseph A. Fernando

[technologycommons]

#OpenHardware for the masses = Project Ara

➛ I've always wondered when open-source technology would meet hardware. What I mean is when would or when will hardware be as "open-source" as technology is? I spoke too soon....#ProjectAra is the answer to this dilemma by our good old tech-giant Google! ➛ Google's initiative entitled "Project Ara" is an open hardware platform for creating highly modular smartphones. The platform will include a structural frame that holds smartphone modules of the owner's choice + it allows  users to swap out malfunctioning modules or upgrade individual modules as innovations emerge, providing longer lifetime cycles for the handset, and potentially reducing electronic waste ➛ I think that Google has take a huge leap forward in the arena of open-hardware and has empowered the consumers of the future in mobile phones. I can totally admit that my phone doesn't have enough storage as I'd like it to have and this initiative by Google really gives users POWER. Power is a tough piece of muscle to keep control of but I think this move by Google is really propelling how consumers are given the right to choose! ➛I think that closed hardware only forces society and users all over the world to abide by a RULE - buy this and only this! Will all mobile phone developers be this accommodating as Google ? Probably not but I think #ProjectAra will create and stimulate change in this arena of "open-hardware". ~ Joseph A. Fernando

[technologycommons]

My Conclusions on Blogging about Technology Commons

                    I wanted to conclude this blogging experience with my thoughts on the future of technology commons. Looking at all of my blog posts, I started off looking at legal battles that were happening in court with large corporations like Microsoft. I then went into what people were doing to fight against these enclosure movements that were sometimes being sanctioned by courts.   I discovered campaigns, conferences and also looked at who these people are exactly, who have the courage to go against this "second enclosure" movement (in another blog). I then continued on and divulged slightly into hackers. I finished off with some examples of corporations going against each other in this battle.   Overall, we see that the battle is ongoing and it is continuously happening as I post this.   It is a struggle. We now slowly see corporations, as discussed in another blog, taking over the channels we use to have discussion around not only about the technology commons but others. These companies are taking over these venues and monitoring what we post and blocking what they do not see value in maximizing THEIR profits.  I believe we should also take into consideration how the framing of these struggles are often portrayed by the media when we look at the future of the commons movement (since media is being slowly taken over by large corporations). When we read about these movements such as Occupy movements or a protest in general, we tend to see the framing of these stories become negative. For example, the strike by Canada Post workers a few years ago. The media tended to frame it as an INCONVIENCE to the broader public, by not being able  to receive their mail for example, and so on and the praising of things like the Back to Work Legislation. This Legislation forced the strike to be over.  But we see a difference when media covers stories involving companies. For example, when companies shut down a factory and it devastates a whole community of people, media tends to frame it as it just being a once in a lifetime case and that it is just part of the capitalist system.   With this in mind, going forward, I believe we should be aware of the taking over of these outlets that people use to become aware of these issues. As well as the framing of the issues of the commons in these outlets. Regardless of whether it is technology, culture, money commons and so on, we should self-consciously try to look past the framing and really see the struggles for what it really is and try to find out what exactly is happening and then try to do something about it, if we can.   With that, thank you for reading all my blogs.   -Sukhpal   

[technologycommons]

The FOSS movement has spearheaded a broader free culture movement. It is not only about code and content of new media on the Internet, but it is also about rights and access to cultural materials. An example would be the fight against copyrighted music, video content and so on, which leads us to the culture commons.

An example of this fight against copyright starts with Lawrence Lessig and two other colleagues who created an alternative to copyrighted cultural materials in 2002. This alternative was called the CREATIVE COMMONS. Creative commons was an alternative to “all rights reserved” and now allows “some rights reserved,” if one wanted to. We use creative commons to get access to articles and it is thanks to the software movement that started it all. Creative commons is part of the “copy left” movement, the alternative to “copy right” (“copy right” mentioned in another blog).

I have attached the link to this blog.

Here is the mission stated on the website:

What is Creative Commons?

Creative Commons helps you share your knowledge and creativity with the world. Creative Commons develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.

-Sukhpal

[technologycommons]

Facts/Assumptions/Things to know about #OpenSourceTechnology

∗ Open Source is less secure than most believe ∗ Open Source is free ∗ Open Source isn’t {officially} licensed ∗ Open Source is a fad **more to this list will be added between today and the end of the term! ~ Joseph A. Fernando

[technologycommons]

Examples of #OpenSourceTechnology in the University-Student world!

∗ While open source technology is great & is a step in the right direction to help propel the future of creative-user applications. Technology and its applications are not 100% great if they're not practical. I wanted to investigate and examine general and everyday examples of open source technology that I've been able to use as a university student.

➸ Open Office I've been forced to use to Open Office when I first didn't have access to a working laptop or when applications like Microsoft Office weren't available to use! This application is very similar to the Microsoft Office suite of applications {word, excel, powerpoint etc}. ➸ Firefox & Google Chrome These two browsers are every university student's best or worst nightmare. I've come across situations where one browser just works better than the other. Sure enough, UofT's #blackboard application has had its moments where it hasn't been too friendly with either browser. With both browsers being an a product of #opensourcetechnology this really proves that this technology has transformed but affected my university experience. ➸BitTorrent In between exams, papers and anything academic related - I've always wanted and needed to watch the last episode of #GreysAnatomy or #TwoandaHalfMen. BitTorrent is a peer2peer file sharing application that many university students along with myself have used to download a variety of media in an instant. What's great about this concept is that major corporations have caught on to sharing files over this network. This to me desmonstrates just how valuable open source technology is and how it promotes efficiency and easy access! ➸MySQL & Java While I'm not too familiar with MySQL in short it's a database management sysytem in code. Java helps run and accelerate applications like games, loading graphics friendly content (quizzes, games, social networks), spreadsheets and more. /// ∗ I sometimes get the feeling that #OpenSourceTechnology is a term that isn't too everyday-user-friendly and almost sounds too corporate/professional. After doing some basic research I was able to discover that in addition to catering to professional and complex tasks, #OpenSource technologies are all around me - the average university student. I never really paid attention to it but it's been the backbone to a lot of my university assignments! ~ Joseph A. Fernando

[technologycommons]

The Evolution of the BOOK #Booktype

I've always wondered what the battle for written books growing old & digitally-new published books, would look like - turns out it's shaping up to be pretty positive & effective! 

Booktype, the open source publishing platform. from Sourcefabric on Vimeo. ⧭ Open Source Technology's first and major mandate is that the actual source code to a program or interface is made available for modification and customization. What's great is that software developers who support the #OPENSOURCE idea believe that modifying source code will create applications that will become more useful and error-free over the long term. ⧭Booktype has transformed the meaning of open source-publishing on a HUGE scale! They've take the #SDK (Software Development Kit) for platforms like E-Readers, tablets, phones and the Internet and made it commonly usable for everyday writers!  ⧭Booktype has also changed the playing field for "new vs old books". Their platform allow for typos and corrections in books to be made quickly, accurately and efficiently delivered to users as soon as a change is made. ⧭This is exactly what open source technology is really about! Modifying the user experience to become more useful and error free. More importantly I think that Booktype has paved a great path & is growing with the change of how books are consumed along with how "old revisions" of books (in the digital form) will cease to exist.  ~ Joseph A. Fernando