All posts by mistermarmolejo

Networking and Operating Systems

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 31st, 2017
Due Date: November 3rd, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

Test Your Might – Chap. 3 – Software

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. Click the https://connect.mheducation.com/ link to connect to the online testing website. Log in with your credentials that we set up in the second week of class.
  2. Navigate to the “Test Your Might – Chap. 3 Quiz”.
  3. The quiz is 100 questions, all multiple choice, and includes questions from Chapters 1, 2 and 3.
  4. Please put away all notes, study guides and other materials before starting the quiz.
  5. Please close all other documents and webpages and do not open any new tabs or windows until after you have submitted the quiz.
  6. Please remain silent until everyone has completed the quiz.
  7. Submit your test answers before the end of the class period today.
  8. When you have completed your quiz,  you may begin reading Chapter 4 in the online textbook.
Assigned: October 27th, 2017
Due Date: October 27th, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

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 2 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Thursday of this week. The Practice quiz consists of 85 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!
Assigned: October 23rd, 2017
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 26th, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

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 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 Thursday, October 19th. This Practice assignment consists of 100 questions.
  2. When you are finished with this LearnSmart assignment, you may study for the practice test.
Assigned: October 16th, 2017
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 19th, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 2 Lab – 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, reassemble 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 25th, 2017
Due Date: September 29th, 2017

Networking and Operating Systems

Test Your Might – Chap. 2 – The Internet and World Wide Web Quiz

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of Chapter 2 through a summative quiz.

Links:

McGraw-Hill Connect: https://connect.mheducation.com/

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 2: The Internet and World Wide Web

Assignment:

  1. Click the https://connect.mheducation.com/ link to connect to the online testing website.
  2. Navigate to the “Test Your Might – Chap. 2 Quiz”.
  3. The quiz is 85 questions, all multiple choice, and reflects material studied in both Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.
  4. Please put away all notes, study guides and other materials before starting the quiz.
  5. Please close all other documents and webpages and do not open any new tabs or windows until after you have submitted the quiz.
  6. Please remain silent until everyone has completed the quiz.
  7. Submit your test answers before the end of the class period today.
  8. The quiz will autosubmit at 12:30pm, so use your time wisely.
  9. When you have completed your quiz,  you may begin reading Chapter 3 on in the online textbook.

Assigned: September 21st, 2017
Due Date: September 21st, 2017

Networking and Operating Systems

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 on Thursday!
Assigned: September 14th, 2017
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 18th, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

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 Monday, Sept. 11th. This Practice assignment consists of 100 questions.
Assigned: September 7th, 2017
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 11th, 2017
Networking and Operating Systems

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: August 28th, 2017
Due Date: September 6th, 2017

Networking and Operating Systems

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!
Assigned: August 21st, 2017
Due Date: August 24th, 2017