Senior Thesis Logs

We've asked several seniors to share the preparation of their senior thesis with you. 

Here are their logs.  The first one is from Alex.  He's been at Wakefield for several years.

Alex's Log

9/11/08 - My first log entry

When one first is introduced to the computer world they face a lot of tough decisions that would drive even the sanest person crazy.

So my thesis is a guide to help those lost souls make a choice between the two; whether you are a college student, a lonely old Grandma or the hardcore game fiend.

My thesis will also have a history of the two computer tyrants, and how Bill Gates over came the odds of starting second to win the battle early on. It will also examine how the Mac is becoming popular again.

Stay tuned for more coverage on the everlasting battle between Steve Jobs of Apple and Bill Gates of Windows.

10/03/08 - Log entry

I am still in the research phase of my thesis. As boring as this sounds, it is actually incredibly interesting. I had no idea that Microsoft was so sneaky. I say this because they stole almost all of Appleʼs original user interface options. All of the drop-down menus and even the mouse were originally designed by Apple. It seems like the only one with original ideas is Xerox (of all companies), considering that Apple got their user-friendly personal computers from them.

10/31/08 - Log entry

I just turned in my final research check, which brings my note card total up to two hundred. I still feel like I need more research but I hope to begin the first couple of pages soon. It is very interesting to see how Steve Jobs saved Apple from an almost certain doom. It is also fun to see how Steve came up with the rebel idea for Apple which I thought just happened because it was bucking up against the fad of PCʼs and Windows.

So far, all I have done is research. Things should start getting more interesting now.

12/11/08 - Log entry

I just finished my final outline, and I am about to begin writing my first pages. I must say the stress of thesis that I heard so much about in years past is really starting to set in. I can already feel writers block starting, and I am just praying I can even begin my thesis. Other than that it is all going very well.

02/16/09 - Log entry

I am on my own. There are no more due dates or deadlines preset by my thesis teacher. I have to set and do everything else from here until completition. And I must say it is very nice. It is a nice feeling being completely on your own. I have completed eighteen pages of my thesis so far and feel like six more will be perfect. I am also working on completing my website which will be used for the medium of my thesis project. I am pretty sure this is a first at Wakefield so wish me luck.

05/05/09 - Log entry

I defended my thesis last Friday, May 1st and I passed. I still have to do some revisions, some typos got past me but after that I will be completely done with my website.

Thesis defense was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Everyone on the commitee was very kind and enjoyed my website. Stay tuned for my last thesis blog which will have a link to my website as well an update.

06/03/09 - My website and thesis

Check out my website and read my thesis at MacVsPC.

Alex - when he's not working on his senior thesis!