Algebra Tips

Rabu, 28 Oktober 2009 07.15 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Algebra is a branch of pure mathematics and forms an interesting curriculum of education in almost all schools, all over the world. In this article, I have presented some algebra tricks and algebra tips, that would be helpful to students and the rest alike. Browse through the algebra tips given below...

Algebra Tips
The algebra we study in schools is called elementary algebra, that aims to impart the basic meaning to variables and constants. I still remember my first algebra class, when the arithmetic numbers were replaced by alphabets and I was dumbfounded looking at my teacher (duh!). Algebra is broadly classified into many branches. Some other branches of algebra, which are a part of mathematics and are studied at higher levels, are linear algebra, abstract algebra, vector spaces and ring and field theories etc. In elementary algebra, numbers are replaced by letters and symbols and with the help of these letters we solve the problems. For example, if we are asked to find the area of a rectangle (A), given its length (l) and breath (b), we all know its area will be:

Area of rectangle (A)= Length (l) X Breadth (b)

Now, if you know the value of either of the two quantities, among the three variables, we can substitute the value of the two known variables and get the third one! One of the simple algebra tips! Isn't it? We need algebra because it drastically reduces the space for problem solving and lengthy problems can be solved in a few lines. Algebra finds many applications in fields of engineering, finance, economics and architecture!

The mathematical problems in algebra are expressed through algebraic equations. Algebraic equations are a combination of variables and constants. For instance, consider the equation, 3X= 9. This is a simple algebraic equation in one variable. Dividing both sides by 3, we get the solution of this equation as, X=3. Similarly, 3X + 2Y = 8, is an algebraic equation in two variables. Now, since this equation has two variables, we will require another equation with the same variables, to find the solution of this equation. Now consider,

3X + 1Y - 7Z= 8

This is an example of a linear equation in three variables. X,Y and Z are the three variables in this equation. Let's check out some other simple algebra tips! Here in this equation. X, Y and Z are the three variables, whose values can change with the constraint that the left hand side (L.H.S) of the equation must always be equal to the right hand side (R.H.S) of the equation. The numbers 3, 1 and -7 are called the coefficients of X, Y and Z respectively. The respective values of X, Y and Z, which make the L.H.S=R.H.S are called solutions of the given algebraic expression. This is so, because if we take X=3, Y= -1 and Z=0 and put in the above equation, we would get L.H.S=R.H.S.! Try it! You will get 8=8. Its as simple as that! Here, we got the solution with the help of hit and trial method. Suppose, we had to find the solution of this equation algebraically, then we would require two other linear equations in three variables.

Some important algebra tips that are the basics of algebra are as follows
  • We can add the same number on both sides of an equation. e.g., 5X - 8 = 7 is the same as 5X - 8 + 8 = 7 + 8.
  • We can subtract the same number on both sides of an equation. e.g. 2a + 4 - 5 = 6 – 5.
  • We can multiply both sides of an equation by the same (non-zero) number. e.g. (5/6)x = 7 is the same as 6 X (5/6)x = 7 X 6.
  • We can divide both sides of an equation by the same (non-zero) number. e.g. 2r = 10 is the same as (2r/2) = (10/2).
Order Of Operations- The PEDMAS Rule

There is a famous and important rule of PEDMAS, that is crucial in solving algebra problems. An important algebra tip is to understand the order of operations, that means, the series of steps you need to take while solving a mathematics problem involving squares, brackets, addition, subtraction and others. So, what is BODMAS? While working out arithmetic calculations, follow the order of operations mentioned below.

P stands for parenthesis/brackets.
E stands for exponential (squares, exponents, cubes, square roots etc.)
DM stands for division and multiplication (performed left to right)
AS stands for addition and subtraction (performed left to right)

Let's understand the rule of PEMDAS through an example,

Example - Evaluate 9 - 4 ÷ (8 - 4) x 2 + 6 using the order of operations.

Solution
Step1. 9 - 4 ÷ (8 - 4) x 2 + 6 = 9 - 4 ÷ 4 x 2 + 6 (parenthesis)
Step2. 9 - 4 ÷ 4 x 2 + 6 = 9 – 1 x 2 + 6 (Division)
Step3. 9 – 1 x 2 + 6 = 9 – 2 + 6 (Multiplication)
Step4. 9 – (-2) + 6 = 9 +4 (Addition)
Step5. 9+4 = 13

Important Algebra Formulas or Algebra Tips

Some important formulas and algebraic tips are mentioned below:

Serial Number Algebraic Formula
1 (a+b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab
2 (a - b)2 = a2 + b2 - 2ab
3 (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab2 + 3a2b
4 a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 - 3a2b - 3ab2
5 (a-b)3 = a3- b3 - 3a2b + 3ab2
6 a3- b3 = (a - b)3 + 3ab(a+b)
7 (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc + ca)
8 (a + b)2 + (a - b)2 = 2(a2 + b2)
9 (a2- b2) = (a - b)(a + b)
10 (a3 + b3) = (a + b)(a2 - ab+ b2)
11 (a3 - b3) = (a - b)(a2 + b2 + ab)


Learning algebra involves the understanding of the vital role of exponents and radicals. There are some major algebra tips, that can help solve various problems. Some of them are mentioned below:

Serial Number Exponential Formula
1 anam = an+m
2 (a.b)n = an. bn
3 a0 = 1
4 (am)n = amn
5 am/n = n√am
6 a-m = 1/a-m
7 (am/an )= a(m-n)


Some Interesting Algebra Tricks

Algebra is a fantastic field that can present some interesting fallacies. Read one such trick,

Algebra Trick Question#1
Take some random number. Add 3 to this number and then multiply by 2. Again add 4 to the result and divide by 2. Now, subtract the number you started with from the result. What's the answer? Whoa! It's the same number!!Now, start with any other number and apply the same trick again, you will always get the number you started with. Let's see the proof of this trick using algebra tips. Here, I have taken my original number to be 'x'. It's fun!

Select a Number Say x
Add 3 x+3
Multiply by 2 2(x+3) or 2x+6
Add 4 2x+10
Divide By 2 x+5
Subtract the original number x

Likewise, there are many other algebra tricks that you can think on your own! All it takes is some interest to play with numbers and some knowledge of algebra. So, have fun studying algebra tips and algebra tricks!

By Kundan Pandey

Middle School Math Games

07.14 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Fun with math? Sounds totally unfathomable to me. However, thanks to middle school math games, the idea of studies has been revolutionized completely.

Middle School Math Games
Math is a subject which I have always been disinterested in. The reason might be 'grapes are sour' or because they took too much time and the outcome was usually unconvincing (read 'disgusting' cause they were always wrong!). Whatever be the reason, I can assure you that in our times, we never had interesting middle school math games and the monotony of solving long (I mean LOOONG!) and complicated (here too, I mean TOOO COMPLICATED!) equations, which did not have any meaning, was highly unwelcome. Let's try and make some efforts so that your and my kids do not undergo the same 'traumatic' phase and enjoy doing mathematics instead.

Classroom Conversions
Lets get started with some middle school math challenges. There are a number of games that can be played in the class, not only for learning, but also to develop a sense of competition and the desire for improvement among the students.
  1. Divide the class into three. Each team can be given a math theorem and asked to make a mini project on it. They can include the history of the theorem, some nice pictures, some interesting facts related to it and finally a few sums based on the theorem.
  2. Divide the class into three teams. One member of each team comes to the board. The teacher asks a simple sum and the first one to complete, with the correct solution, earns 2 points for his team.
  3. All the students are made to stand in their places. The teacher asks questions and the students can answer randomly. Whoever gives the correct solution first, can sit. At the end, the person who remains standing gives a treat.
While the main focus of the games must be on interactive learning through problem solving, the teacher must remember that kids are not fools and the games must be really interesting to hold their attention. More on elementary math games.

Indoor Indices
Your daughter spends her evening in the kitchen with you, instead of completing her homework. You wonder if it's 'mommy love' or is it 'algebra allergy'. Well, get her to bake a batch of binomials (Alliteration intended!). Get all the ingredients and ask her to calculate the quantity and therefore the ratio. You can ask her to calculate the price of each ingredient and in turn, the cost of making the cookies. Once you are done with it, get started with the baking. Find out if she wants to sell some of them and she can keep the profit (if she makes any) in case all her calculations are correct. Ask her to make a rough draft and get going. She learns to earn her pocket money and your job is done! Read more on fun indoor games for groups.

Online Ordinates
There are innumerable online sites which have again, innumerable middle school math activities, games and puzzles. Games which are highly popular are listed below.
  • Comets
  • Mancala
  • Five dollar bill scrambler
  • Cows and bulls
  • Bread winner
Log on to one of them and see your son glued to the computer like a bee to its honeycomb. Though a child must be encouraged to socialize instead of living in seclusion, there must be no compromise when it comes to learning. Learn more on free online games for kids.

External Equations
The knowledge of basic mathematics is essential for using money properly. If a child is given an opportunity, he would be amused to know the relevance of math in his day-to-day activities. Tell him to calculate the expenses of a fun night out. First, he needs to make a list of all the activities he wants to enjoy during his fun evening. Then, he needs to find out the prices. Starting from movie ticket expenses and popcorn to joyrides and traveling, he has to find out all expenses including the sales tax. Check the list and hand him over the exact amount. Your child would not only learn calculations, but also the importance of calculated expenditure. However, play safe as a revolution at home is not very pleasing after all. More on solving math word problems.

A competitive atmosphere converts an otherwise mundane afternoon into a live ground full of activities. Math riddles and puzzles, memory builders and other games can activate the minds of the little geniuses in no time. The numbers they dread the most can open a whole new world of surprises for them and believe me, kids love surprises. Kudos to the makers of these exciting middle school math games!

By Suprita Biswas

Factor By Grouping

07.14 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Having a tough time in learning the procedures of factor by grouping? Here are some simple steps you can follow and practice.

Factor By Grouping
Factor by grouping, in layman language, is simply defined as the grouping of terms with common factors before factoring a polynomial. A polynomial is a mathematical expression that is formed by variables and constants. The construction of such variables and constants is done by using operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and non-negative whole number exponents (constants). Before we get down to factor by grouping methods, lets see some simple examples of polynomials.

Examples of Polynomials
  • 1 – 4x
  • 5x3 - 8
  • -2.16x + 7x3 - 7/2
  • 4.7x3 + 3.1x3 + 9x
  • (x - 3)2 + 6x + 1 = x2 - 6x + 9 + 6x + 1 = (x2 + 10)
  • x2 − 4x + 7
So what is not a polynomial?
x2 − 4/x + 7xx3/2 is an example of a term which is not a polynomial. The reason behind this being that the second term (4/x) incorporates division i.e., 4x-1 and the third term (7x3/2) has a fractional index. These two conditions fail to meet one of the criteria for an expression to be a polynomial. As I have mentioned earlier, a polynomial must have 'Non-negative whole number exponents'.

Factoring Polynomials By Grouping
Here are some examples you can refer to.

Example 1:
9a3 – 15a2 + 3ba – 5b

Solution:
9a3 – 15a2 + 3ba – 5b

(Step: 1)
= (9a3 – 15a2) + (3ba – 5b)

(Step: 2)
= 3a2(3a – 5) + b(3a – 5)

(Step: 3)
= (3a – 5)(3a2 + b)

Steps:
  • In the first step, terms with common factors have been grouped
  • In the second, the greatest common factor (GCF) is removed
  • Finally, in the third step, the distributive law [ a(b + c) = ab + ac ] has been used
In the above sum, the important point to consider is that (2a – 3) is the common factor.

Example 2:
pq + 4q – 2p – 8

Solution:
pq + 4q – 2p – 8

(Step: 1)
= pq – 2p + 4q – 8

(Step: 2)
= p(q – 2) + 4(q – 2)

(Step: 3)
= (p + 4) + (q – 2)

Steps:
  • The first step was rearranging the terms of the polynomial so that two consecutive have a common factor [such as p]
  • In the second step, common factors were derived from each of the two consecutive terms
  • In the third step, the polynomial was factored by grouping the common factors
Example 3
a3 – ab2 – a2 + b3

Solution:
a3 – ab2 – a2b + b3

(Step: 1)
= a3 – a2b – ab2 + b3

(Step: 2)
= a2(a – b) – b2(a – b)

(Step: 3)
= (a2– b2) (a – b)

(Step: 4)
= (a – b) (a + b) (a – b)

(Step: 5)
= {(a + b) (a – b)2}

Steps:
  • Here, from step 1 to step 3, same procedures have been followed as those in problem 2
  • In step 4, (a2– b2) has been simplified to (a – b) (a + b)
  • In step 5, (a – b) was the common factor, so it was grouped together for the final solution.
Factoring Trinomials By Grouping
In 'factor by grouping' in a trinomial, the 'split method is used'. Here's how it goes.

All trinomials of the form (ax2 + bx + c) ['c' being a constant], whose leading co-efficient is not 1, can be simplified by factoring through the split method. First, find the product of a and c (a . c). Now, the factors of (a . c) must be added to get the center term 'b'. Put the factors with their appropriate signs (+ or –) in place of the center term. Finally, follow the method of grouping of common factors. Follow the example, to understand it better.

Example 4

4x2 + 13x + 10 [ ax2 + bx + c]

Solution:
4x2 + 13x + 10

(Step: 1)
= 4x2 + 8x + 5x + 10

(Step: 2)
= 4x(x + 2) + 5(x + 2)

(Step: 3)
= (4x + 5 ) (x + 2)

Steps:
  • In the expression, a = 4 and c = 10. So, a .c = 40. Now, factors of 40 which add up to 'b' (= 13) are 8 and 5. Thus, 8 + 5 = 13
  • The factors with their appropriate signs are put in the first step
  • In the second step, common factors were found out of each of the two consecutive terms
  • Finally in the third step, common binomial (terms) were paired.
Example 5

8x2 + 11x – 7 [ ax2 + bx + c]

Solution:
8x2 + 11x – 7

(Step: 1)
= 8x2 + 14x + (- 4x) – 7

(Step: 2)
= 8x2 + 14x – 4x – 7

(Step: 3)
= 2x(4x + 7) – 1(4x + 7)

(Step: 4)
= (4x + 7) (2x – 1)

Steps:
  • Similar to example 5, a = 8 & c = (- 7), So, a . c = (- 56). Factors of (- 56) which can add up to 11 (= b) are 14 and (- 4). So likewise, these factors were put with their respective signs
  • In the second step, the expression was further simplified [14x + (- 4x) = 14x – 4x]
  • In the third step, common factors from consecutive terms were derived
  • In the last step, the trinomial expression was factored.
Likewise, there are several examples of factoring by grouping method. Books are the best source for study tips on problem solving and also for the basic and in-depth knowledge about this subject of factor by grouping. Regular practice with different kinds of polynomials will enhance your skills and help you to master this mathematical art of simplification. This should help with your homework and in enhancing your knowledge. Always remember that in a subject like 'Mathematics', nothing works better than 'loads' of practice!

By Rajib Singha

Calculating Standard Deviation

07.12 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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The term standard deviation is used rarely and hence, not many of us know about it. Mentioned below is information about standard deviation in brief along with the methods of calculating standard deviation. Read on...

Calculating Standard Deviation
Standard deviation or SD, which is also referred to as root mean square, is the 'mean of the mean'. It is used to measure variation or dispersion. In simple words, it is a measure about how the statistical data is spread. Standard deviation was first implemented by Karl Pearson in 1894. Standard deviation can be of two types, namely; low standard deviation and high standard deviation. The low standard deviation indicates that the data points are close to the mean point, while the high standard deviation indicates that the data points are spread out and away from the mean point. As we have different calculators like loan calculator, mortgage calculator, etc., there are free standard deviation calculators available online which can help you in calculating standard deviation.

Calculation of Standard Deviation

Standard deviation is represented with the symbol lower case sigma. In standard deviation (Sn), average is represented by x bar and sum is represented by upper case symbol of sigma. Let's take a look at the formula for standard deviation calculation.

Sn = √ 1 / (N - 1) ∑ ( x i - x̄ ) 2
(where ∑ ranges from i = 1 to N)

Steps on Calculating Standard Deviation

Method 1: This is a manual method for calculating standard deviation.

Step 1: The first step is to calculate the mean or the average of the numbers.

Step 2: The next step is to get the deviations. In order to get the deviations, subtract the mean obtained from step 1 from all the numbers.

Step 3: Now, square the numbers (or multiply the number by itself), which are obtained as results from step 2.

Step 4: Now, add all the numbers.

Step 5: The next step is to divide this number by 1 less than the total numbers.

Step 6: The last step requires you to take the square root of this number.

Example

Consider the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Step 1
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15

Step 2
1 – 15 = -14
2 – 15 = -13
3 – 15 = -12
4 – 15 = -11
5 – 15 = -10

Step 3
14 * 14 = 196
13 * 13 = 169
12 * 12 = 144
11 * 11 = 121
10 * 10 = 100

Step 4
196 + 169 + 144 + 121 + 100 = 730

Step 5
730 / 4 = 182.5

Step 6
Square root of 182.5 = 13.5092561

In order to calculate population standard deviation, follow the same procedure as mentioned above except for a bit of change in step 5. Instead of dividing the number by one less than the total numbers, divide the number by the number which is the same as the total numbers used. So, the formula in this case is:

Sn = √ 1 / N ∑ ( x i - x̄ ) 2
(where ∑ ranges from i = 1 to N)

Method 2: In this method, you will have to calculate the standard deviation with the help of an excel spreadsheet.

Step 1
The first step is to open the excel spreadsheet and enter, say 10 numbers, in different cells. Make sure you start from the first cell and enter the numbers one below the other.

Step 2
Now, place the cursor on the 11th cell. From the menu bar, select the insert tab and then the function tab. After doing this, a function dialog box will appear on the screen.

Step 3
From this function category dialog box, click on statistical and then select average and press the enter button.

Step 4
After pressing the enter button, a dialog box will appear on the screen asking for the confirmation of the range. It will ask if you want to perform operation on the numbers present in the cells 1, 2,...10. For confirmation, press enter. After pressing enter, the average of the numbers will appear in the 11th cell.

Step 5
Now, place the cursor in the 12th cell. Again follow the same procedure as mentioned above and from menu bar select insert and then function.

Step 6
In the select function window, scroll down and select STDEV.

Step 7
Pressing the enter button, will open a dialog box. This dialog box will ask you to select the range. According to the calculations, you will have to select the range. After you select the range, press the enter tab. Pressing the enter button will give the standard deviation. This result will appear in the 12th cell.

Hope you must have understood how the methods mentioned above will help you in calculating standard deviation. These methods are simple to do, if you have proper inputs handy. With these formulas, you can calculate standard deviation from various data including population surveys.

By Pradnya S

Simple Interest Vs Compound Interest

07.11 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Understanding the basic difference between simple interest vs compound interest is of prime importance, in order to calculate the amount you have to pay or deposit in a bank. The examples provided here will help you gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of the simple interest formula and the compound interest formula. Read on, to know more about simple interest vs compound interest.

Simple Interest Vs Compound Interest
Suppose you have borrowed a certain sum of money or an amount from a bank as a loan, then you must be interested to know what premium you have to pay as part of the loan repayment. The amount you need to pay as a repayment is generally calculated on the basis of compound interest. Mathematics has a lot of applications of simple vs compound interest. Let's discuss the concepts of simple interest and compound interest and find out the basic differences between simple interest vs compound interest.

Simple Interest
When some amount of money is borrowed, the interest is charged for the use of that money for a certain fixed period of time. When the time comes to pay the money back, the amount that was borrowed (called as the principal) and the interest are paid back. The amount on which the interest will be incurred, depends on various factors like interest rate, the principal and the time period for which the money was borrowed. Simple interest is generally used for a shorter duration of time, that means for a period of less than a year, like 40 days or 60 days.

Simple Interest Formula
The formula for calculating simple interest is as follows.

Simple Interest (S.I) = (P * R * T)/100, where,
P = principal amount (the amount that was borrowed)
R = rate of interest (for one period)
T = time duration for which the money is borrowed (number of periods)

Let us understand this formula with the help of an example.

Example: John borrows a sum of $20, 000 for a period of 4 years at 8% simple, yearly interest. Find the interest and total amount due at the end of 4 years, that John is liable to pay.

Solution: We know that, S.I = (P * R * T)/100
Now, in this case , P = $20, 000, R= 8% = (8/100) = 0.08, T = 4 years,

Putting these in the formula, we get, S.I. = (20, 000 X 0.08 X 4) = $6400

Therefore, Simple Interest = $6400 and the Total Amount Due = Principal + S.I. = $20, 000 + $6400 = $26, 400.

So, John needs to pay $26, 400 at the end of 4 years.

Compound Interest
Compound interest is calculated on the original principal plus all the interest that has been accumulated for that period. Compound interest is just like a series of simple interests, where the interest occurred is added to the original principal, which is then considered as a principal for the next month or year. The striking difference between simple interest and compound interest is that in simple interest the principal amount is always fixed but in compound interest the principal changes as the interest for subsequent months is added to it. Generally, compound interest is used to calculate the interests and rates for large period of times. In simple words, compound interest incorporates an interest on the interest of all the prior periods.

Compound Interest Formula
The formula to compute compound interest is as follows
Compound Interest (C.I) = P(1+r/n)nt, where,
P = principal amount, (either borrowed or deposited)
r = rate of interest (annual/quarterly/half yearly)
n = numbers of times the interest is compounded every year
t = number of years (period) the amount is deposited for

To understand compound interest more clearly, let's see an example.

Example: Meredith borrows an amount of $10,000 from a bank and the bank charges an interest rate of 6%, compounded quarterly. Calculate the balance after 2 years.

Solution: Using the compound interest formula, we get,
P = $1000, R= 6% = (6/100) = 0.06, n = 4 (Remember, interest is compounded quarterly) and t = 2 years.

A = 1000(1 + 0.06/4)(4)(2)
A= $1126.492 or $1126 (approximately)

So, the amount Meredith has to pay to the bank is $1610 and the compound interest incurred is,
Compound Interest = Amount (A) – Principal (P)
C.I= $1126.492 - $1000 = $126 (approximately)

You may read more on, calculating compound interest. If we compare simple interest and compound interest we will find that for the same some of money deposited at the same rate for a fixed number of time, compound interest is always greater than simple interest (except in the first year, where they are equal if the frequency of compounding is annual). This was all about simple interest vs compound interest and the basic methods to calculate both of them.

By Kundan Pandey

Inilah Para 'Pendekar' Open Source di IGOS Summit 2

07.09 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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ImageIGOS Summit 2 menganugerahkan penghargaan khusus kepada mereka-mereka yang ikut serta mensosialisasikan Open Source Software (OSS). Penghargaan diberikan langsung oleh Menkominfo Mohammad Nuh dan Menristek Kusmayanto Kadiman.

Ada tiga kategori yang diberikan panitia untuk penerima penghargaan ini, yakni individu, institusi serta pemimpin yang punya komitmen dalam pengembangan dan sosialisasi Open Source.

Untuk kategori individu, empat nama dipilih untuk menerima penghargaan ini. Mereka adalah R. Anton Raharja dan Nana Suryana untuk kategori pengembang OSS. Sementara untuk ketegori individu sosialisasi OSS diberikan kepada Anjar Hardiena dan Onno W. Purbo.

Penghargaan juga diberikan kepada pemimpin yang dinilai punya komitmen terhadap OSS. Mereka adalah Irwandi Yusuf (Gubernur Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X (Gubernur Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta), Gatot Hari Priowirjanto (Kabiro PKLN Depdiknas) dan I Gede Winasa (Bupati Jembrana).

Sementara institusi yang dianggap telah ikut mensosialisasikan OSS juga tak luput diberikan penghargaan. Ada total 20 institusi yang menerima penghargaan ini, dan satu diantaranya adalah PT. Agranet Multicitra Siberkom atau yang lebih dikenal sebagai www.detik.com.

Daftar institusi penerima penghargaan tersebut adalah Yayasan Nurul Fikri, Yayasan Penggerak Linux Indonesia, Yayasan Ubuntu Indonesia, Yayasan Air Putih, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), Balitbang Kesejahteraan Sosial - Departemen Sosial, Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir, Gudang Linux Indonesia, InfoLinux Media Utama, Majalah Biskom, PT Agranet Multicitra Siberkom (Detik.com) dan Kelompok Linux Cewek Indonesia (Kluwek).
Sumber : detikInet

IGOS Anyar Segera Keluar

07.08 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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ImageRupanya software atau piranti lunak karya berbasis open source karya anak bangsa mendapat sambutan cukup baik di masyarakat. Agar tak terhenti dan merasa puas dengan hasil tersebut para pengembangannya terus melakukan inovasi-inovasi demi mengimbangi software lainnya.

Setelah lama ditunggu, tak lama lagi IGOS (Indonesia Go Open Source) versi lanjutan segera diluncurkan. Versi ini lebih kompatibel di luar format Linux dibanding pendahulunya yang hanya mampu menyokong format berbasis FAT 32.

Tigor Nauli , Kepala Pusat Penelitian Informatika LIPI mengatakan, IGOS Nusantara terbaru sudah kompatibel dengan format NTFS (New Technology File System) yang menyokong Windows Vista dan Windows XP. Sedangkan IGOS terdahulu yang diluncurkan tahun 2006 hanya mampu membaca Windows 98 yang berbasis FAT 32.

Menurutnya, layaknya software lain yang berlisensi, IGOS Nusantara 2008 mudah terkoneksi dengan berbagai perangkat semacam hardisk eksternal dan menginstalasi software devices lainnya. IGOS yang akan segera diluncurkan pun mampu menyokong perangkat tambahan dan menginstal software pendukungnya.

Tampilan IGOS yang berlatar biru dengan logo benders Merah Putih ini, telah dikembangkan cukup baik dalam mengoperasikan berbagai peralatan multimedia seperti DVD, MP4, dan lain-lain. Sistem Office-nya pun memiliki banyak fitur, fungsi serta tampilan yang lebih menggairahkan dengan lebih banyak sentuhan warna, sehingga IGOS Nusantara 2008 dijanjikan tak banyak berbeda dengan Microsoft Office.

Selain itu, open source software yang dikembangkan LIPI ini jugs melengkapi kebutuhan penggunanya dengan menambah sistem file back up dan restore, sehingga untuk meng-upgrade versi lama ke versi baru tak akan ada file yang terhapus.

IGOS Nusantara 2008 ini baru akan diluncurkan pads Mei mendatang Keterlambatan ini, menurut Tigor, disebabkan proses konfirmasi tentang adanya software yang masih dipertanyakan apakah berbasis opensource atau tidak.

"IGOS harus seluruhnya berbasis open source, sedangkan dalam IGOS 2008 ini ada software Codec, yang menstreaming video agar bisa dijalankan dalam format kecil," paparnya. Dengan adanya IGOS 2008 secara gratis diharapkan masyarakat akan tertarik dan berpikir ulang untuk menggunakan software bajakan.

Apa yang dialami IGOS pendahulu nasibnya memang sama dengan open source lain seperti Ubuntu. Walau mendapat sambutan yang cukup baik, namun kurang popular sehingga banyak kalangan yang lebih memilih software bajakan dibanding IGOS meski banyak aplikasinya yang tak kalah dengan Microsoft Windows.

Sumber : Portal CBN

Pesawat Mini Tanpa Awak Terkendali GSM/GPRS

07.07 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Image"Pesawat Mini Tanpa Awak Terkendali GSM/GPRS" , karya Oka Mahendra menjadi pemenang kedua dalam "Indosat Wireless Innovation Contest” atau IWIC 2008 untuk kategori "Innovation and Beyond" (lomba membuat karya tulis mengenai konsep yang inovatif dan aplikatif).

Pesawat mini tanpa awak ini menggunakan teknologi autopilot yang memakai media komunikasi GSM. Komunikasi dilakukan dengan menggunakan CSD, GPRS, atau 3G. Pesawat memiliki feature menghindari halangan, autocharging, dan mengatasi kehilangan sinyal. Pesawat juga dilengkapi kamera (untuk realtime video streaming) dan GPS. Pesawat ini berbentuk helikopter yang dapat digunakan sebagai pengintai, pengamatan daerah tertentu, mobile datalogger, atau reportase.

(Oka Mahendra adalah peneliti Pusat Penelitian Informatika - LIPI)

Liputan Trans7 - Laptop Si Unyil edisi Robot dari Mobil Bekas

07.07 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Pada tanggal 27 Juni 2009, telah diadakan syuting acara Laptop Si Unyil di P2I LIPI. Materi yang diangkat adalah pembuatan robot dari bahan bekas. Syuting dimulai dari jam 13.30 sampai jam 17.45. Narasumber (Oka Mahendra ) dan robot ”OTO” yang disiapkan sejak 4 hari sebelumnya telah siap sejak pukul 13.00. Hasil syuting ini akan ditayangkan pada hari Selasa, 30 Juni 2009, pukul 13.00 di TRANS7 .

Kru Trans7 datang pada pukul 13.15, yaitu Marliyana Fitriyah (reporter), dibantu Aris sebagai Camera Person, dan Indah. Kru datang dengan 4 orang anak perempuan yang ikut sebagai pemeran dalam acara tersebut.

Skenario yang pertama dilaksanakan adalah keempat anak perempuan bermain balapan mobil-mobilan dari bahan kertas dan kotak mie instant. Selanjutnya mereka beristirahat dan menemukan kue dan minuman di meja. Karena kecapekan, mereka kemudian mengambil makanan tersebut. Mereka tidak menyadari bahwa apa yang mereka lakukan terlihat oleh sebuah mobil-mobilan kecil yang berkamera. Seseorang (Oka Mahendra ) sedang mengamati mereka menikmati makanan dari jarak jauh melalui laptopnya, anak-anak pun ditegur oleh Oka dan ditunjukkan bahwa mobil-mobilan kecil berkamera tersebut dapat melihat mereka makan dan mobil itu dinamakan robot ”OTO”.Image

Anak-anak bersama Oka kemudian mencoba memainkan robot ”OTO” dan syuting kemudian dilanjutkan dengan membahas cara pembuatan mobil berkamera tersebut.

Pembuatan mobil berkamera tersebut adalah cukup unik, karena menggunakan beberapa komponen bekas dari mobil mainan yang sudah rusak. Mobil mainan remote yang sudah rusak dan lepas rodanya tetapi komponen elektronikanya masih bagus, dapat digabungkan dengan mobil mainan lain yang komponen elektronikanya rusak, tetapi secara mekanik masih bagus.

ImageSistem elektronika robot ”OTO” terdiri dari 6 buah board yaitu: penggerak roda, penggerak kamera, suara klakson, lampu, power supply motor, dan power supply kamera. Sistem mekanik robot terdiri dari 2 buah bagian besar, yaitu bagian penggerak roda dan penggerak kamera. Sistem programming terlihat dari pengendali yang semula berupa remote kontrol, digantikan dengan laptop. Dengan Mikrokontroler ATMega32, remote kontrol dihubungkan dengan laptop melalui USB to Serial Adapter. Gambar pada kamera dapat dilihat pada laptop dengan TV Tunner.

Sahana Singgah di Padang

07.06 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Sahana Singgah di Padang PDF Cetak E-mail

ImagePAKAR teknologi informasi Onno W. Purbo menatap layar komputer di ruang kerjanya di lantai dua rumahnya di kawasan Cempaka Baru, Jakarta Pusat, Selasa malam pekan lalu. Dahi pria kelahiran Bandung ini sejenak mengernyit ketika sebuah tanda baru muncul di daerah laut pada Peta Informasi Bencana Sumatera Barat, peta daring (online) yang beralamat di http://opensource.telkomspeedy.com/map/.

Ketika dia mengecek tanda itu, informasi yang muncul adalah ”Tolong gue kecebur”. Sebagai administrator halaman situs itu, Onno pun bergegas menghapus informasi tersebut. Itulah kegiatan Onno saat ini sejak peta yang memanfaatkan Google Earth itu aktif pada Senin pekan lalu: membersihkan dan memperbarui informasi.

Peta itu menyajikan data tentang lokasi, jumlah korban, dan lokasi posko bantuan di Sumatera Barat. Siapa saja yang bisa mengakses Internet dapat membukanya dan bahkan ikut mengisi data. Tujuannya agar informasi bencana bisa terkumpul dengan cepat. Jika bisa diterapkan, ”Koordinasi tanggap darurat bisa bekerja kilat,” kata Onno.

Sebagai relawan dari Organisasi Radio Amatir Indonesia, Onno membuat aplikasi tersebut empat hari setelah lindu melanda Padang. Selain itu, ia juga memasang Sahana, sebuah program manajemen penanggulangan bencana, di alamat http://opensource.telkomspeedy.com/sisfo-bencana. Sahana adalah peranti lunak bersumber terbuka (open source) yang dikembangkan oleh para relawan Sri Lanka pada 2006, setelah negeri itu dilanda tsunami pada 2004.

Menurut Taufiq Wirahman , peneliti di Pusat Pengembangan Informatika LIPI , Bandung, saat terjadi bencana, respons biasanya kacau. Meskipun bantuan berlimpah dan relatif cepat datang, distribusinya tidak merata. ”Sahana mencoba menjawab permasalahan itu dalam praktek penanganan bencana di beberapa negara,” katanya.

Program ini pernah diterapkan di Indonesia dalam penanggulangan bencana gempa bumi di Yogyakarta pada 2006. Kata Taufiq, penerapannya tidak berjalan baik akibat sedikitnya relawan yang mengakses aplikasi ini, sehingga informasi yang terkumpul sangat minim.

Sahana memiliki berbagai fitur, seperti pendaftaran orang hilang, penanganan korban bencana, manajemen sukarelawan, manajemen organisasi donor, manajemen bantuan atau permohonan bantuan, manajemen barak pengungsi, manajemen inventaris, sistem katalog, dan peta situasi bencana. Tapi masih sedikit orang yang mengaksesnya. ”Saya perlu melatih para pemangku kepentingan,” kata Taufiq .

Onno mengatakan keberhasilan program ini sangat bergantung pada koneksi Internet melalui telepon atau satelit. Jika keduanya tidak ada, komunikasi bisa dilakukan dengan menggunakan jaringan radio. Penerima informasi, yakni posko-posko relawan yang mempunyai akses komunikasi, bisa memperbarui data.

Monica, relawan dari Perkumpulan Air Putih, telah memakai Sahana dan mengaku bisa menggalang koordinasi dalam waktu singkat. ”Koordinasi dan informasi yang akurat bisa terus diperbarui,” katanya.

Relawan dari Perkumpulan One Destination Center, Protus Tanuhandanu, terus mengembangkan aplikasi tersebut agar bisa dilihat dan bergerak secara dinamis. ”Saya sedang mencoba memakai aplikasi tambahan APRS (automatic position reporting system),” katanya.

APRS adalah protokol komunikasi digital taktis untuk pertukaran informasi di antara sejumlah besar stasiun yang meliputi suatu wilayah. Program ini berbasis frekuensi radio, tapi dapat ditampilkan sebagai komunikasi langsung (real time) di Internet. Jika APRS bisa dipasang pada program yang dikembangkan Onno, pergerakan bantuan dan kegiatan tanggap darurat bisa dilihat perubahannya per tiga menit.

Onno berpendapat, jika Sri Lanka bisa membuat manajemen bencana berbasis teknologi informasi dengan baik, seharusnya Indonesia pun bisa.

Rudy Prasetyo

Seminar Nasional Open Source Software (OSS) III dan Lomba Blog Open Source

07.03 Diposting oleh Rino Noor Wahanda
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Seminar Nasional Open Source Software (OSS) III dan Lomba Blog Open Source PDF Cetak E-mail
Friday, 23 October 2009

ImageDalam rangka turut serta dalam gerakan Indonesia, Go Open Source! (IGOS), Pusat Penelitian Informatika, Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia akan menggelar Seminar Nasional Open Source Software (OSS) pada tanggal 7 November 2009 bertempat di Hotel Jayakarta Bandung, dengan tema “Open Source untuk Semua” yang berarti, open source dapat digunakan dan dikembangkan oleh semua orang, semua kalangan, dapat diaplikasikan pada semua platform, software maupun hardware, semua device, multi vendor, dan multi language.

Pada hari yang sama juga akan dilakukan penyerahan hadiah kepada para pemenang Lomba Blog Open Source, dengan hadiah yang sangat menarik, antara lain Penghargaan Blog Terbaik untuk kategori umum dan pelajar akan mendapatkan hadiah masing-masing Rp 2.000.000, dan Penghargaan Blog kreatif akan mendapatkan Rp 1.000.000

Topik Seminar

Pengembangan Open Source

  • Software Development

  • Hardware Development

  • Migration

  • Development Kit

  • Tutorial

  • Compatibitlity

  • Usability

  • Scalability

  • Maintainability

  • Architectures and patterns

  • Techniques and processes

  • Tools and infrastructures

  • Learning System

Aplikasi Open Source

  • Commercial

  • Governance

  • Health Care

  • Security

  • Games

  • Social Network

  • Internet

  • CMS

  • Blog

  • Computer Network

  • Artificial Intelligence

Aspek Sosial Ekonomi dari Open Source

  • Policy

  • Licence

  • Historical Foundations

  • Emerging Trends

  • Public Adoption

  • Socio-cultural Dynamics

  • Business models and strategies

  • Cost, value and economic models

  • Public Survey

Sistem Operasi Open Source

  • Linux

  • BSD

  • Open Solaris

  • Free DOS

  • Web OS

  • Kernel

  • Repository

  • Pakcaging

Aplikasi Open Source pada Hardware

  • Robotic

  • Microcontroller

  • Open Processor

  • Mobile Phone

  • Programmable Logic Controller

  • Programmable Automation Controller

  • Hardware Description Language

  • Field Programmable Gate Arrays

Bidang Lain

Bidang-bidang yang berhubungan dengan Open Source tetapi belum disebutkan di atas.

Pembicara Kunci

  1. Harry Kaligis - Associate Director Business Development & Community Sun Microsystems Indonesia
    Materi: Peluang dan Tantangan Berbisnis dengan Open Source

  2. Andry Huzain - General Manager IT Detik.com
    Materi: Kemudahan Migrasi ke Open Source

Waktu dan Tempat Pelaksanaan

Sabtu, 7 November 2009, pukul 07.00-17.00 WIB
Bertempat di Hotel Jayakarta Bandung
Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 381 A, Dago, Bandung 40135

Publikasi dan Pemakalah terbaik

Makalah lengkap yang dipresentasikan oleh salah satu penulisnya dalam seminar akan dipublikasikan dalam bentuk prosiding dengan nomor ISSN. Dalam kegiatan seminar paralel akan dipilih 3 paper terbaik yang akan mendapatkan sertifikat dan hadiah dari sponsor.

Untuk selengkapnya, informasi mengenai Seminar Nasional Open Source (OSS) III dan Lomba Blog Open Source dapat anda kunjungi http://www.informatika.lipi.go.id/seminar/

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