Friday, 23 December 2011

Creating login page using PHP

Creating login page in dreamweaver consist of a series of steps. But firstly we need to prepare table in PHP my Admin. Then follow the required steps to attach the table to dreamweaver.

Here are example of the login page that i have created using dreamweaver..

1) Login.php - this is the login page. Visitor will have to log in first before they can view their data. But to log in succesfully visitor must first register their details. They can go to the link 'register' in order to register. The link 'register' will bring them to the registration page in file register.php



























2) register.php - Visitor can register their details here. After succesfully register they will have an acces to view their details in file survey.php.



3) Warning.php -However if they failed to register (due to the use of same username) , the warning page will appear, and they will required to register again using different username.






















4) survey.php - If visitor succesfully register and logged in, the file survey.php will be executed :)

ASP vs PHP

It's been quite some time since I post my last topic..huhu.. This time I try to post some of the things that should be here a few weeks ago. I regard this as revision and preparation for final exam ;) Well this post will concern on ASP vs PHP.

ASP and PHP are both programming languages that are commonly used to create websites. Unlike the usual static html web pages, ASP and PHP websites are more dynamic and can allow users to interact and exchange information using the website's databases.


ASP is the short term for Active Server Pages, a type of program that works with Microsoft alongside IIS or Internet Information Server. ASP needs a Microsoft Server for the website to work. On the other, PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor, runs using Linux or Unix server. The more updated PHP programs can now run on an NT server.


PHP programs can also run in Windows, Solaris, Unix and Linux while ASP can only work with Window-based platforms. Just recently, ASP can now run on a Linux platform given that there is an ASP-Apache program installed on its server.


If you were a programmer adept with the C++ language, you would probably be more comfortable using PHP than ASP. PHP uses C/C++ as base language and most syntax are similar to each other. Because a big chunk of programmers are still using C++ language, PHP are by far more popular than ASP.


ASP is very much similar to the syntax and interface of Visual Basic programming. This is basically because Visual Basic is basically correlated with Microsoft products and programs. So if you were a programmer, choosing between ASP and PHP would basically depend on which language you are more adept with.


When it comes to costing and expenses, ASP programs needs to run on Windows with IIS installed on the server. You need to purchase both of these components in order for ASP to work. On the other hand, a PHP would only require running on a Linux server, which you can get at no cost.


PHP is very much flexible when it terms of database connectivity. It can connect to several databases of which the most commonly used is the MySQL. Note that MySQL would not cost you a thing to use. But if you were to use ASP, you need to purchase MS-SQL, which is a Microsoft product.


Loading speed is a big factor in maintaining a website. If you are particular about speed, then you need to go with PHP. PHP codes runs much quicker than ASP basically because it runs in its very own memory space while ASP uses an overhead server and is uses a COM based architecture.


In working with PHP, most tools associated with the program are mostly open source software so you need not pay for them. As for ASP, you might need to buy additional tools to work with its programs.


In conclusion, both PHP and ASP have its own advantages and disadvantages. It basically depends on which part of developing a website you are most concerned with. Are you worried about the cost of creating your website? Do you want to use a programming language that you are more familiar with? Do you want a more stable and faster website? Choosing between ASP and PHP basically depends on your own personal preference. It doesn't hurt to confer with other programmers or webmasters and research more information on which programming would best fit the requirements of your website.

Sunday, 20 November 2011

Assignment 1 : By group

The first assignment is mainly to develop a learning application by using flash. Previously, we had learn so many steps and technique in flash, now it's time to show whether we can really apply all the lessons to develop a simple standalone application. In this assignment we a required to work in group. What I like most about group work is we can share ideas and if we have problems, we can refer to each other. I was happy with my group members (Norzie, Ashikin and Farhana). I think we can work together professionally in order to complete this task.

This is how the flash file looks alike..(please wait a few seconds for the file to load ;)


I will divide this assignment into several phase. The first phase is planning. In the phase of planning, we carried out discussions together with all group members to determine which topic or subject should be use in our project. And finally we come to a conclusion to choose the primary 4 topic, Moving Around. The reasons that we choose this topic is that we have interest in developing the application for kids in primary school level using flash.

The next phase is structuring the ideas. In this phase we structured the details of each scene that will consist in this flash application. Because of time and distance limit, we cannot meet more often so we decided to divide the task to every group members. Everyone were assigned specific task to be completed, but we were sharing ideas, resources and technical support from each other. We use the medium of internet to work together.

The following phase is to develop the scene. The problem start to arise as we start to develop the application. As for myself, I had difficulties in finding suitable images and background to be used in my flash project. Most background in the internet has a white background that is not appropriate for flash movie. In finding the solutions, I finally learn an adobe Photoshop skills to remove the white background from the images. I relieved that finally the problem is solved.

In developing the lessons, I want it to be interactive, so I apply the technique that we learn in Farm activity class to complete this part. I import the images, convert it to button symbol and put the text and sound for each symbol. I did not have much problems with the technique because it has been practice in class earlier, but I have problems on how to arrange each element to make it look appropriate. So I recall the lessons that I  had learn previously on media design class.Next step after constructing the scene is to test the scene, whether it is working as desired or not. And each time I test the scene I will evaluate what to improve and how to make it look better. If I have problems, I will consult to my group members.

After completing the scenes, we share our work and everyone of us will drop comments on how to make our flash project better in each scene. Then, after satisfied with our work, we combine our work to form the full application. I was quite satisfied with our work so far, but of course there is a lot more to be improve next time.

Here, I want to share the detailed steps on developing the lessons part;

1) Insert new scene

2) Import background picture

3) Create another layer for object. I prefer to work on separated layer to make it more systematic.

4) Import the desired image to stage.( I choose image type of .gif and .png)














5) Import selected sound to library ( i choose the sound format of .wav and .mp3)















6) Convert image to BUTTON symbol

7) Now we can edit the symbol by double-click it. To do this, we need to create a keyframe and on each frame, we can edit the symbol. We can put sound by dragging the sound from the library to the stage.



















8) Finally we test the scene to make sure the we get the desired outcome.

Friday, 21 October 2011

Playing around with Text

We had been introduced to three types of text which is static text, input text and dynamic text.

Static Text :

Static text is the standard type of text that you would use in Flash that is created by typing in Flash. Static text is used when you need to add text to the Stage, Buttons or any text that doesn't need to change or load from an external source.

Input Text:

Use input text when you want the user to type into a text field. You can take that text and send it to the ActionScript or a database and have it manipulate something in the SWF file, and more.

Dynamic Text :

Use Dynamic text when you need to load text from the ActionScript, a text file, database, or change the text when the SWF file plays in Flash Player.

In the first exercise I create the simple form, where the user can type their answer as an input text. After the user hit the button 'ENTER' , the screen will display the dynamic text that contain the data that the user key in earlier.





For the second exercise, I have developed a multiple choice question. It consists of buttons that applied the actionscript such as stop and gotoAndPlay to the desired frame. User just hit the button and it will go to the specific response.








Friday, 14 October 2011

Farm Activity

In this week, we learn abot how to use button interactively. In this farm activity we learn on how to convert images to button and apply mouseclick or mouseover effect to it. Firstly, selected image must be convert into symbol (button) and after that we can edit the symbol. We can add keyframe and put the desired effect by dragging it below the column of up, over, down or hit. The outcome could be very interesting and useful in creating learning application especially to kids..


https://sites.google.com/site/millyrezz/authoring-stuffs/farm_activity.swf?attredirects=0

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Week 4 Activity

In week 4, there is no class, but we were required to do some tasks regarding on action script. When first reading the notes, I'm quite blank and feel difficult to understand it. However after try it step by step, I'm start getting a brighter picture on how to use the action script.

Basically the most important thing is we should add another layer for action. I always tend to forget to put the new action layer on each scene. Then I always keep that in mind. So this is the result of the first trial using action script 'stop' and 'gotoAndPlay'..




Another task is to create a simple menu navigation that consist of few scene that linked to the main menu. I admit that I need to polish my creativity to produce something more attractive and interactive..huhu..but here are the outcome..

Saturday, 1 October 2011

Third week of flash CS3

Entering the third week of class..I've found that there are a lot more skills to be explore in Flash cs3..In this week we  learn how to make animation using motion guide. I think this skill is very useful after all.
Well, let's take a look of what have I done so far on this week...

The Ant Nest Tutorial



This animation using the motion guide is quite simple..it can be enhance by making the ant turn left of right by using the rotation function..i'll try it later maybe..huhu

The Traditional Animation



Personally, I like this kind of animation because it give us freedom to express what is on our mind..but this kind of animation require us to draw image 'frame by frame' and sometimes it's quite difficult to determine the next frame after each frame. But I really enjoy doing this part ;)

Animation using Series of Image



This kind of animation is supposed to be easy because we just import the 'readymade' series of picture to the stage and convert it to clip symbol, it also require our creativity to make the motion path.. But I didn't manage to make it move smoothly as desired.. May be I'm missing certain step..It's quite confusing to me sometimes to differentiate the moving guide layer with the symbol layer.. But i'll try to fix it later..

Monday, 26 September 2011

My First Flash movie

https://sites.google.com/site/millyrezz/authoring-stuffs/flashmovie.swf?attredirects=0

Well, this week is quite a busy week for me because there are a lot of school stuff to be done. By the way,  manage to steal some time to make a very simple flash animation. Yes, may be there is so much more to improve but this is just for a beginning ;)

In this simple animation, I draw the image of the cat using onion skin tools technique..it's quite easy because the drawing is a simple one. But I really have trouble to make the image of the cat looks 'moving'. .I really confused whether I should use motion tweening, shape tweening or just draw the different animation on each frame. Because I have totally no experience with this flash stuff before. So I just try based on my current understanding so far..

So if anyone have any suggestions to improve this movie, just let me know..I really appreciate it..I'm still learning to be good user of Flash CS3

Saturday, 24 September 2011

First Session with Flash CS3

For week 2, we had session with flash. It's quite a new things for me. The learning points are the introduction of Flash CS3, the user-interface and the tools. The first skill I've tried in Flash CS3 is Tracing image with  onion skin tools. I think this skill is very interesting and useful in creating graphics in Flash.

Tracing Image with the Onion Skin Tools

We were required to sketch the image of duck by using this skill. The original image of duck is shown as follow:



The step by step process are:


1.   Open a new flash file by selecting File > New. 

2.   Import the picture you want to trace by selecting File > Import and then 
      selecting the image from it’s location on your computer.   

3.   Resize the image to a size suitable for tracing by selecting the image          
      and using the Free Transform tool (pictured here). 

4.   Your image will currently be located on keyframe 1 of layer 1 of the timeline.   
      To be able to trace the image we are going to add another keyframe.  To do  
      this, select the frame next to the current keyframe and select Insert >  
      Timeline > Keyframe.  Your timeline will now have two keyframes with the  
      picture appearing in both. 

5.   Click on the second keyframe and then select your image on the stage. 
      Delete the image from the second keyframe by selecting the Delete key 
      on your keyboard.  Alternatively just cut the image by selecting Ctrl + x. 
       Your timeline should now look like this.  In this first keyframe on your  
      timeline, you will see that the circle is filled in.  The second keyframe  
      contains an outline of a circle.  This means it is currently empty.   This second  
      keyframe is where you are going to draw your image.     
   
6.   Click on the second keyframe in your timeline and click on the onion skin  
      tool.   This will enable you to see a faint version of your image in the second  
      keyframe. 

7.   Using the drawing tools of your choice, trace over the faint image in the  
      second keyframe to create your own drawing. 
   
8.   Once you are happy with your image, you no longer need the original  
      graphic in your Flash file.   Remove it by deleting the first keyframe in the 
      timeline.  To do this, select the first keyframe and then right click on your 
      mouse and select Remove Frames from the menu that appears. 

9.   You will find that you now just have one keyframe containing the image that 
      you have drawn.   This image is now ready to be converted to a symbol, 
      animated or even exported to use in another graphics application. 

10.   Your final step is to turn the onion skinning off.  Click on the Onion Skin  
        Tool button to do this.  

HINTS: This trick is great if you aren’t really confident at drawing.  Just 
remember to ensure that your image isn’t exactly the same as the 
original.      



And the outcome (after I put some editing) looks like this..

17 QS

Standalone Applications and Web.

1. Are both using the same technology?

Yes in some extent..depends on the objective or purpose of the applications. As for example in the stage of design process and the choice of material, they could use the same technology such as Flash, Dreamweaver etc. as a tool to create the content.
The obvious different is that the web application can be accessed though internet. In the other hand, standalone application can work offline i.e. does not necessarily require network connection to function.

2. What are the differences?

A web application is an application that is accessed over a network such as the internet or an intranet. The term may also mean a computer software application that is hosted in a browser-controlled environment (e.g. a Java applet) or coded in a browser-supported language (such as JavaScript, combined with a browser-rendered markup like HTML) and reliant on a common web browser to render the application executable.

Standalone applications stands on its own without requiring a connection to a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN).

3. When is the appropriate time to develop standalone applications or web-based application?

Web based application is develop when the internet connection is easily accessible among the targeted user or community while the standalone application is developed when the objective of the software does not require additional internet links and have sufficient content to work offline (suitable to be use without internet connections).

4. Which one you prefer?

Standalone application is restricted to certain resource only. I prefer web applications because it provide broader source for the user to explore.

Courseware

1. What is an educational courseware?

Courseware is a term that combines the words 'course' with 'software'. Its meaning originally was used to describe additional educational material intended as kits for teachers or trainers or as tutorials for students, usually packaged for use with a computer. The term's meaning and usage has expanded and can refer to the entire course and any additional material when used in reference an online or 'computer formatted' classroom. Many companies are using the term to describe the entire "package" consisting of one 'class' or 'course' bundled together with the various lessons, tests, and other material needed. The courseware itself can be in different formats, some are only available online such as html pages, while others can be downloaded in pdf files or other types of document files. Many forms of e-learning are now being blended with term courseware. Most leading educational companies solicit or include courseware with their training packages.

2. What are multimedia elements that can be integrated into a courseware?

Multimedia element such as text, graphics, audio, video and streaming links can be integrated to develop an educational software.


3. How to distribute a standalone multimedia courseware?

Standalone multimedia courseware can be distributed by using CD-rom or DVD


Web

1. What is a webpage, website, portal?

Webpage : A document connected to the World Wide Web and view able by anyone connected to the internet who has a web browser

Website : A computer connected to the internet that maintains a series of web pages on the World Wide Web

Portal : A web portal or links page is a web site that functions as a point of access to information on the World Wide Web

2. What are multimedia elements that can be integrated into a webpage?

Multimedia element such as text, graphics, audio and video can be integrated into web page

3. How to integrate graphics into a webpage?

Integrate graphic into webpage by using authoring software such as Dreamweaver to insert desired graphics.

4. What are the graphics file extensions that can be accepted in WWW medium?

The PNG, JPEG and GIF format are often used in WWW medium

5. How to integrate audios videos into a webpage and what are the file extensions?

By using authoring software like Dreamweaver. The common file extension are .avi, .flv, .mov and .swf

6. How to integrate animations into a webpage and what are the file extensions?

By using authoring software like Dreamweaver. The common ffile extension are .fla, .gif and .swf

7. What are the software that can be used to develop a webpage?

Software such as Adobe Dreamweaver, HTML editor, Flash and Photoshop can be used to develop webpage

8. How to make your webpage interactive?


Make webpage interactive by putting the element of interaction between user and the webpage. The webpage
not just include text, but have a balance between other multimedia element such as graphic, video, audio or animation (where necessary).

9. What are the skills that you have to learn to make your webpage interactive?

Skill to integrate all the multimedia elements into an interactive webpage


10. What are ASP, JSP, Cold Fusion, PHP etc?

ASP - Active Server Pages commonly known, is Microsoft’s first server side scripting engine that enables you to make dynamic and interactive web pages


JSP - JavaServer Pages (JSP) is a Java technology that helps software developers serve dynamically generated web pages based on HTML, XML, or other document types


PHP - Hypertext Preprocessor is a widely used, general-purpose scripting language that was originally designed for web development to produce dynamic web pages..

Cold Fusion - is a programming language based on standard HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) that is used to write dynamic webpages

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Greetings ;)

Today is my first day on first week of this course..
after a long long break..it's some kind of blues to walk in again to the class room
but that's okay..i hope i will get over it soon..hopefully ;)
For today's class i'm so relieved to see some of familiar faces, looks like i'm not 'alone' in this course..
really hope that i can cooperate well with the classmates..
and the lecture also got a warming impression to me..after all she makes us excited to offer us to join the 'ipad2 learning experience'
i cant wait ;p
actually i don't really have a strong basic in authoring..i used to learn authorware in college..and have some basic knowledge of basic programming using C++ in university..that's all and i'm afraid the knowledge is outdated..i hope i can learn fast in this couse..by the way i'll try my best..