All posts by mistermarmolejo

Chap. 3 Lab – Operating System Installation – Windows 7

Objective:

Students will install and configure a common desktop operating system.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Software
  • System Software
  • Application Software
  • Operating Systems
  • Device Drivers
  • Utility Programs
  • GUI
  • Desktop OS

Assignment:

  1. This week we will be working in the lab with Operating Systems installation. We will be wiping and repartitioning the hard drives of our lab PCs, performing a basic operating system installation (Windows 7), and installing a specialized OS (Kali Linux) that we will use in the second half of our course.
  2. Collect your PC from the storage shelf and assemble it on the tables in Lab 212. Connect all peripherals and test it to ensure that it still boots to the desktop login window. You  do not need to log in.
  3. Windows 7 installation disks will be distributed. Boot from the Windows 7 installation disk to begin the installation process.
  4. You will be directed in class how to partition and format your hard drive. Once the hard drive is formatted to a single active partition, you may proceed with the installation process.
  5. Follow the installation process, paying close attention to all instructions and prompts.
  6. The required Account Name, Password and Machine Name naming convention will be written on the whiteboard in front of the room. Please make sure you type the Account Name and Password correctly, using capitals where indicated. Also, please take care to follow the correct Machine Name convention. DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN INFORMATION FOR THESE STEPS.
  7. Your Windows 7 installation is nearly complete when your machine boots to the desktop, and you have successfully logged into the Admin account. You should then browse to the Dell Support page, where you will download and install all required device drivers and support software. You will also be required to install the Microsoft Security Essentials virus and malware protection utility from the Microsoft website.
  8. Once all device drivers and the Microsoft Security Essentials application is installed, proceed to the Windows Control Panel, and click System and Security to access the Windows Update settings. Click the Check for Updates button to search for updates and service packs. Install all require service packs and updates that are available.
  9. Your Windows 7 installation is complete when all required device drivers, security software, service packs and system updates are complete. Next week, we will install a specialized OS called Kali Linux, that is specifically designed for offensive security and penetration testing
Assigned: October 29th, 2018
Due Date: November 2nd, 2018

Chap. 3 – Software – Sharpening the Saw

Objective:

Students will be able to identify and describe system software and application software, discuss the operating system and its principal functions, the characteristics of device drivers and utility programs, common features of the graphical software environment and how they relate to the keyboard and the mouse. Students will also be able to identify and describe common desktop, network, and portable (embedded) operating systems.

Students will also be able to describe the seven ways of obtaining application software and the tools to help learn it, as well as data files, program files, filename extensions, the purposes served by export/import, and data compression. Students will be able to identify and discuss several kinds of application software: word processing, spreadsheet, database, office suites, integrated packages, and specialty application software.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Software
  • System Software
  • Application Software
  • Operating Systems
  • Device Drivers
  • Utility Programs
  • GUI
  • Desktop OS
  • Network OS
  • Embedded OS
  • Files
  • Import/Export
  • Data Compression
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheet
  • Database
  • Office Suite
  • Integrated Packages
  • Specialty Applications

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter 3 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Thursday of this week. The Practice quiz consists of 90 questions.
  2. Check your score afterwards, and if you got less than 80 percent, try, try again!
  3. Go for 100%! The more you retry, the better prepared you’ll be for the final Chapter 3 quiz on Friday!
  4. Don’t forget to briefly review the material from Chapters 1 and 2, as Friday’s comprehensive quiz will include questions from all three of the chapters we have studied.
Assigned: October 22nd, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 25th, 2018

Chap. 3 – Software – LearnSmart

Objective:

Students will be able to identify and describe system software and application software, discuss the operating system and its principal functions, the characteristics of device drivers and utility programs, common features of the graphical software environment and how they relate to the keyboard and the mouse. Students will also be able to identify and describe common desktop, network, and portable (embedded) operating systems.

Students will also be able to describe the seven ways of obtaining application software and the tools to help learn it, as well as data files, program files, filename extensions, the purposes served by export/import, and data compression. Students will be able to identify and discuss several kinds of application software: word processing, spreadsheet, database, office suites, integrated packages, and specialty application software.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Software
  • System Software
  • Application Software
  • Operating Systems
  • Device Drivers
  • Utility Programs
  • GUI
  • Desktop OS
  • Network OS
  • Embedded OS
  • Files
  • Import/Export
  • Data Compression
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheet
  • Database
  • Office Suite
  • Integrated Packages
  • Specialty Applications

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter LearnSmart module, due Friday, October 19th. This Practice assignment consists of 100 questions.
  2. As we begin the 2nd term, we are moving into more complex topics. By now you should have established a routine that works for you in terms of reading the chapter and answering the LearnSmart module practice questions.
  3. Once again, I urge you to ensure that you read the entire chapter at least once, rather than selectively reading to answer the LearnSmart questions. While this practice will get you through the LearnSmart module, it will leave gaps in your knowledge that will make it more difficult for you to succeed on the final quiz.
  4. Remember to complete the LearnSmart module by Friday, as scores posted after October 19th will not be recorded in my grade book.
Assigned: October 15th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 19th, 2018

Chap. 2 Lab – Local Area Network Assembly

Objective

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of Networking fundamentals by organizing and assembling a local area network in accordance with OSHA regulations and best practices.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 2: The Internet and World Wide Web
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Local Area Network
  • Network Topologies
  • Hubs vs Switches
  • TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • Cable Management

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will be working in one of the Computer Studies labs, where we will organize and assemble a local area network to function in a working classroom.
  2. Observe the lab that we are working in. Section 1910.22(b)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act states: “Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repairs, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.” Do you see any conditions in the lab that might violate this standard?
  3. Each student collect their Dell PC from the shelf where they are stored, as well as all of the necessary cables and peripherals, taking care to keep the cables organized and close to the PC. Students should also take note of the collection of network cables, as they will be called upon to select one of an appropriate length when it is time to assemble the network.
  4. Refer to the in-class discussion on Network Hardware and Network Topologies – which would be the best physical topology for the proposed class configuration, given the networking equipment we have on hand?
  5. As a class, we will decide on the best arrangement for the desks and tables, given the room’s existing network infrastructure and the technical and physical requirements of our class, as well as OSHA regulations and best practices.
  6. With these requirements in mind, assemble the network according to the instructor’s directions. Take care to bundle network and power cables and to ensure that they do not protrude from the desks and present a snag hazard, or cross walkways and present a tripping hazard.
  7. Are the networking devices we are using hubs or switches? How can you tell the difference? Can you tell just by looking at the device?
  8. What type of cable are we using? Why are we using this type of cable? Why are we even using cable instead of connecting the workstations to the Wi-Fi network? What are the benefits of wired networking over wireless?
  9. As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
  10. Participation points will be awarded for participating in the lab rebuild. You must be in attendance and participate each day of the lab to receive credit, so don’t miss class and don’t miss out on some easy lab points!

Assigned: September 28th, 2018
Due Date: October 4th, 2018

Chap. 2 – The Internet and the World Wide Web – Sharpening the Saw

Objective:

Students will be able to describe the Internet and the World Wide Web, and the difference between the two. We discuss the ways of connecting to the Internet, both narrowband and broadband, and the types of Internet access providers. We cover the basic structure of the Internet and who controls it. We also consider the parts of the World Wide Web—websites, web pages, browsers, URLs, web portals, search tools, and search engines. We probe the mysteries of HTML and hyperlinks.

In the second half of the chapter, we consider the riches of Internet use, and then we look at the risks. Among the riches are email, instant messaging, FTP, newsgroups, and mailing lists. We also have telephone, multimedia, webcasting, blogs, e-commerce, and social networking. Among the risks: snoopers, spam, spoofing, phishing, pharming, cookies, spyware, and malware such as viruses..

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Internet
  • World Wide Web
  • Narrowband
  • Broadband
  • Internet Access Provider
  • Websites (pages, browser, URLs, web portals, search tools and search engines)
  • HTML
  • Email
  • Instant Messaging
  • FTP
  • Newsgroups
  • Mailing Lists
  • Telephony
  • Multimedia
  • Webcasting
  • Blogs
  • E-Commerce
  • Social Networking
  • Online Privacy
  • Online Threats

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter 2 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Monday of next week. The Practice quiz consists of 65 questions.
  2. Check your score afterwards, and if you got less than 80 percent, try, try again!
  3. Go for 100%! The more you retry, the better prepared you’ll be for the final Chapter 2 quiz next Thursday!
Assigned: September 21st, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 26th, 2018

Out Today – September 17th, 2018

Good morning! Sorry I couldn’t be there with you today, but I’m taking care of some personal business off campus.

Continue working on the Chapter 2 LearnSmart module today. Don’t forget that it is due on Wednesday, Sept. 19th, so you have time to work but no time to waste.

Certification track students should continue studying for your A+ Certification Exams – I will be doing a progress check soon, so make sure you have some progress to show me.

Everyone has work to do. Do not make the mistake of using my absence as an excuse to use this day to chill, watch movies, play UNO or research Yugi-Oh card prices (You know who I’m talking to…).

Be nice to the substitute teacher, thanks for all your hard work, and I’ll see you tomorrow!

-mm

Computer Studies Magnet Program Survey Fall 2018

Computer Studies Magnet Program Survey Fall 2018

Please take a few moments today to fill out the following surveys. Click the link below, and the survey form will open in a new page. Answer all questions to the best of your ability, click “Next” to advance through the pages, and make sure you have answered all questions before clicking the “submit” button at the bottom of the form. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Social Media Survey Link: 

Magnet Program Social Media Survey

Computer Science Attitudes Survey Link: 

Computer Science Attitudes Survey

Thank you in advance for your participation! When you have completed the survey, please check your grades on StudentVUE to ensure that all the work you have turned in was properly recorded, and that you are getting the grade you have earned on this week’s Progress Report. Notify me immediately if you see any discrepancies, and I’ll work with you to fix them.

We’ll continue working on the Chapter 2  LearnSmart module when we return on Monday. Thanks for all your hard work over this past six weeks!

Posted: September 14th, 2018

 

Chap. 2 – The Internet and the World Wide Web – LearnSmart

Objective:

Students will be able to describe the Internet and the World Wide Web, and the difference between the two. We discuss the ways of connecting to the Internet, both narrowband and broadband, and the types of Internet access providers. We cover the basic structure of the Internet and who controls it. We also consider the parts of the World Wide Web—websites, web pages, browsers, URLs, web portals, search tools, and search engines. We probe the mysteries of HTML and hyperlinks.

In the second half of the chapter, we consider the riches of Internet use, and then we look at the risks. Among the riches are email, instant messaging, FTP, newsgroups, and mailing lists. We also have telephone, multimedia, webcasting, blogs, e-commerce, and social networking. Among the risks: snoopers, spam, spoofing, phishing, pharming, cookies, spyware, and malware such as viruses.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Internet
  • World Wide Web
  • Narrowband
  • Broadband
  • Internet Access Provider
  • Websites (pages, browser, URLs, web portals, search tools and search engines)
  • HTML
  • Email
  • Instant Messaging
  • FTP
  • Newsgroups
  • Mailing Lists
  • Telephony
  • Multimedia
  • Webcasting
  • Blogs
  • E-Commerce
  • Social Networking
  • Online Privacy
  • Online Threats

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter LearnSmart module, due Wednesday, Sept. 19th. This Practice assignment consists of 100 questions.
Assigned: September 13th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 19th, 2018

Chap. 1 Lab – PC Hardware Disassembly, Inventory & Reassembly

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of PC Hardware fundamentals by disassembling a PC, inventorying the parts and successfully reassembling the PC.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Information Technology
  • PC Hardware Fundamentals

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will visit the lab, where each student will be allowed to pick out a PC to use in their lab activities throughout the year.
  2. Each student should first assemble their PC, connect it to power, boot to the Windows operating system and confirm that it is in working order.
  3. Examine the computer and peripheral components, front and back.
    1. In a Google Doc or Form, create an inventory list of the external components. Provide the component name, manufacturer, description, characteristics and any identification numbers available (serial #, part #, model #).
  4. Observe the boot process and determine the following information:
    1. What is the speed of the CPU?
    2. How much RAM is installed?
  5. Next, each student will open up their PC, and remove and inventory (record any available information such as manufacturer, model, serial # and capacity) all easily removable components:
    1. Hard Drive
    2. Optical Drive (DVD-Rom)
    3. RAM sticks
    4. Power Supply Unit
    5. Motherboard
  6. Students will acquire a philips head screwdriver from the tool cabinet and proceed to carefully remove the motherboard and power supply.
  7. Students will use canned air to clean the PC case of lint and debris to ensure optimal airflow.
  8. Students will reassemble the PC and its external peripherals, and reboot it to test its operation.
  9. Submit the completed PC Inventory document to the Google Classroom assignment labeled “Chap. 1 Lab” by Wednesday, Sept. 6th.

Assigned: September 4th, 2018
Due Date: September 7th, 2018

Chap. 1 – Introduction to Information Technology – Sharpening the Saw

The Lumberjack Story – excerpted from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People

It was the final of the annual lumberjack competition, only 2 competitors remained, an older experienced lumberjack and a younger, stronger lumberjack. 

The rules of the competition were quite simply he who could fell the most trees in 24 hours was the overall winner.

The younger lumberjack was full of enthusiasm and went off into the wood and set to work straight away, he worked all through the day and all through the night, he felt more and more confident with every tree he felled that he would win, because he knew that he had superior youth and stamina than the older lumberjack that he could also hear working away in another part of the forest. 

At regular intervals throughout the day the noise of trees being felled coming from the other part of the forest would stop, the younger lumberjack took heart from this thinking that this meant that the older lumberjack was taking a rest, whereas he could use his superior youth and strength and stamina to just keep going.

At the end of the competition the younger lumberjack felt confident he had won, he looked in front of him at the piles of felled trees that were the result of his superhuman effort.

At the medal ceremony the younger lumberjack stood on the podium still confident and expecting to be awarded the prize of champion lumberjack, next to him stood the older lumberjack who he was surprised to see also looked a lot less exhausted than he did.

When the results were read out the younger lumberjack was devastated to hear that the older lumberjack had chopped down significantly more trees than he had, he turned to the older lumber jack and said,

“How can this be”?

“I heard you take a rest every hour whilst I worked continuously through the night”,

“and I am younger, stronger and fitter than you old man”!

The older lumberjack turned to him and said;

“Every hour I took a break to rest and sharpen my saw”

Today, we will take the first Practice Quiz for Chapter 1, and by reviewing what we have already learned, you can “sharpen your saws” to ensure that you do your best on the final quiz on Friday.

Objective:

Students will explore how computing and the Internet affects their lives. Students will explore smartphones, the Internet, the World Wide Web and other aspects of the electronic world.

Students will also learn how Information Technology can benefit them, and what the different varieties of computers are. Students will discover how a computer works, and what goes into a personal computer, including hardware and software. Students will then explore the directions that computer and communications development are heading in the near future.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Information Technology
  • Mobile Devices
  • Email
  • The Internet
  • Cyberspace
  • Tech Smarts
  • Computer Varieties
  • Basic Computer Operations
  • Computer Development
  • Communications Development

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter 1 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Friday of this week. The Practice assignment consists of 83 questions.
  2. Check your score afterwards, and if you got less than 80 percent, try, try again!
  3. I urge you to retake the Practice quiz until you score 100 percent to ensure maximum preparedness for Friday’s summative quiz.
  4. The Chapter 1 quiz will take place on Friday, August 31st.
Assigned: August 27th, 2018
Due Date: August 31st, 2018