Open vs. Closed

As the world gets smaller and smaller thanks to technology it becomes a question of which side do you choose Open or closed? Android OS is built on a platform of free enterprise. Driven by Linux, it has been given a robust set of tools to accomplish the task of being a solid operating system. iOS on the other hand, though given the same tools, comes from a different thought process. Apple, the parent company, control the OS explicitly. No new software is allowed on iOS without first being vetted by Apple. This creates continuity across all products, and an ease of use rivaled by no one in the industry. This also means anything Apple deems unfit to be on their software is blocked. Android, however, does not do this. Allowing it to be more versatile for various hardware, but that may be its greatest strength and weakness.

Fragmentation is the term for the many version being supported for both operating systems. While Apple manages roughly 3 versions at a time, Android has many more to maintain and many devices not being patched with security updates due to this open policy.

There are downsides to Apple's business model. They tend to cannibalize the best apps on the current OS for the next version. This kills off or lessons the competition in a specific app space and since they control the software, they can block competitors in a specific space. Doesn’t seem fair, but it’s their standard business practice. Android, while more flexible, is prone to more virus attacks and exploitations.

So how to choose? Well. I find it best to stick with what has worked best for you the longest. And protect your device accordingly. Apple is on top of offering updates for their three most current operating systems so keep your phone up to date. Android has many antivirus options and you should choose one and run its updates frequently. So it boils down to do you prefer it to be open or closed?

The University Bubble

The University Bubble! What does that mean you ask? Is it the rainbow that shines over the institution? The events that welcome you into the school? Or is it the belief that this is it! This will land me a successful career!

Working at a university during the day and going to Moorpark at night you see some clear distinctions between the two. No I am not talking about the education, or the campus. I am talking about the culture. Many big universities protect there students from the world. For example, if a student at our university injured them selves on test day, even if its just a paper cut, they can go to the disability department and get a special time to take the test later. Not so at Moorpark. The first week of school, parents are welcomed to meet with there children's professors and ask questions about the class. Mind you they cannot cross the boundaries of the FERPA laws, but they get close. Many students complain to their parents about a bad grade, and the parents in tern call the school to argue on behalf of the student, in some cases, ending in a retaking of a quiz or re-submission of a paper. Mind you no one took time to ask if the student studied in the first place. They high light there most successful students, but don't tell you the full story of how they got to where they are. One of our success stories went to school full time for his BA, MBA, and JD while working full time at the university. How is that possible you ask? Well, his parents were friends with the president. He was allowed to work to pay the bill in full and allowed to leave work to take class. Praised for his success, but no one talks about the un-usual circumstances that allowed his story to come to fruition. Many students graduate with a large bill, not working in the field they went to school for, and struggling to find a decent paying job. So is college necessary?

The truth of the matter is that networking, the circles you associate with, and having a clear plan is the most important part of the equation. That and actually picking a field you know you will enjoy, instead of hoping that the one you chose will pay you a large salary will get much further than any ideology being thrown at you about education. The name of the school may open some doors, but what you know, who you know, and how you apply that knowledge will keep you there.

Personally, I believe people should take a year of two off from school, after high school, and learn about different fields they are interested in. Maybe talk to the universities you are considering and do an internship before college in a career your interested in and make sure it will count towards your degree. That way you know before you go to school that this is what you truly want to do! This should be required. Most of the universities want you to have a world view on various subjects, how is that possible if you have no true knowledge of the world?