Muddest Point Blog

After listening to the video of Dr. Veak and Dr. Brown I say that the most confusing topic is metadata. I understand that metadata is data about data, but I have many questions about the retrieval of information embedded in documents. According to the Microsoft web site information such as your name, initials, name of your computer, the network server, hidden text, comments, and other personal information can be retrieved. They go on to explain that this can happen in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft PowerPoint files, and Microsoft Word documents.  It has been common knowledge to me for a time now that IP addresses can be tracked, but I had no idea that copy and paste could contain personal information I did not want to share. I use copy and paste each time I post to discussion board posts or to blogs due to the number of times I have lost my post at the time of submission. I usually copy and paste, but now I see that is not the correct thing to do.

This is information I can use now and later in my career. I need to inform my students and colleagues of this information, but first I must find some answers. How can I stop this from happening? I don’t really understand all the information available through metadata or why anyone would want it. As a future leader in the field of technology I need to be prepared to train those around me to handle information safely and ethically.

 Reference

Microsoft office. (2012). Retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/find-and-remove-metadata-hidden-information-in-your-legal-documents-HA001077646.aspx