4. Apple iMac
Apple iMac with a 2GHz Dual core processor
(2,000,000,000 processes per second x 2 as it is dual
core) 3 GB of DDR2 RAM. At times the computer could
be quite slow, resulting in loss of my time. The fact the
computer had 3GB or RAM and a 2GHz processor had
no notable effect on the programs running, as all of the
programs are ran off the server.
5. Keyboard and mouse
I used a Mac specific keyboard and mouse to type the
data into the computer and select menus. However there
are different keyboard shortcuts to Windows computers.
6. Nikon D300 DSLR
I used this camera to take the photos of my models, to
include in my magazine. I used the flash at times, to give
myself a wider choice of images for my magazine; but I
chose to use the darker ones with little lighting.
7. SD card & SD card reader
I used a standard SD Card and SD Card reader which
connected to the computer via USB (Universal Serial
Bus). It let me transfer the photos that I have taken on
the camera to the computer so I could edit them. The SD
card also allowed me to keep a backup copy of all the
images I took.
8. XServe
This Apple’s network server for storing multiple user
accounts, and backing up files. I saved all of my files and
they were saved here and allowed me to access my work
and the software programs from any computer in the
room.
9. MAC OSX v10.5.8
This is the operating system which handles files, saving
and running programs and runs all the programs I used
for creating my media product. This is a very easy
operating software to use and was simple to learn as a
first time user.
10. Adobe Photoshop CS5 v12
This was the main photo editing software I used -
manipulating image layers and adding effects. I was able
to position layers over each other and change effects in
the image - creating a professional magazine.
11. Adobe InDesign CS3 v5
This editing software is used for poster design and
magazine pages. However, it can manipulate text and
images together, using columns and other text editing
features. This was the first time I used InDesign. At first I
found it hard to use, especially positioning images and
adjusting the text around this – but after a few lessons I
got the hang of it. This resulted in a sophisticated double
page article.
12. Microsoft Word
I used this program to type up my interview first, before
inserting it into the article. I found this really easy, as I
have used it through my school years since primary
school. It makes things easier because it has auto correct
to fix any spelling mistakes and highlights any other
grammatical mistake. I could also make the font really big
to proof read my work before copying and pasting the
final interview.
13. Safari
I used this software to research all the information I
needed for my magazine production. I found out the
foundations for the R&B industry and details about
specific artists within the industry. I also used Safari to get
images for my research & planning and evaluation
sections on my blog; to help brighten up the page and
show what I’m talking about. It was a very quick and
effective software that played a big part in my media
project.
14. WordPress
I used WordPress.com (a blogging software)to show all
my research and planning, the progression of the making
of my magazine and my evaluation of the completed
product. It also allowed me access to other bloggers, to
give me inspiration and design ideas. I was able to
choose my own theme and the layout of my personal
blog.
