Category Archives: Networking and Operating Systems

Networking and Operating Systems Assignments and Information

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.3: Relational Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces the purposes, properties and operation of relational databases. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the purposes of a relational database.
  • Define basic relational database terminology, including fields, records, primary keys, foreign keys, and one-to-many relationships.
  • Define the term normalization as it relates to storing and retrieving data.
  • Answer basic questions about Microsoft Access table relationships.
  • Perform the following database design tasks in Microsoft Access:
    • Create a table.
    • Add fields to a table.
    • Change the data type and size of a field.
    • Set default field values.
    • Create table relationships.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Relational Database
  • Table
  • Field
  • Record
  • Primary Key
  • Foreign Key
  • Query
  • Form
  • Report
  • Normalization

Topics Discussed:

  • What are some primary keys that databases use to identify me?
  • What one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships do I encounter in a typical day?
  • How does normalization improve a database?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.3: Relational Databases and complete the 7.3.9 and 7.3.11 Labs/Activities and the 11 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 23rd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 24th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.2: Introduction to Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces fundamental database concepts. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the advantages of using a database rather than a flat file to store information.
  • Describe the role of data modeling in database design.
  • Compare and contrast operational data with analytical data.
  • Describe the purpose of a database management system.
  • Use Microsoft Access to explore database objects.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Database
  • Data Modeling
  • Operational Data
  • Analytical Data
  • Database Management System (DBMS)
  • Table
  • Query
  • Form
  • Report

Topics Discussed:

  • How do I use databases in my everyday life?
  • How do different kinds of database objects work together?
  • How are databases similar to spreadsheets? How are they different?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.2: Introduction to Databases and complete the 7.2.7 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 22nd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 23rd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.8: Networking Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section describes common careers in computer networking. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe various careers in computer networking, including network administrator, network architect, and network technician.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for computer networking careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Architect
  • Network Technician

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the work of networking professionals affect my daily life?
  • How can I prepare for a career in networking?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.8: Networking Careers and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 19th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 22nd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.7: Network Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to network troubleshooting and repair. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Diagnose and fix network connection problems such as:
    • Unplugged network cable
    • Incorrect TCP/IP settings
    • Faulty network cable
    • Network adapter problems

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Ping
  • Tracert

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the most common causes of network problems?
  • What network problems can be solved on your end? What problems need to be fixed by the ISP?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.7: Network Troubleshooting and complete the 6.7.3, 6.7.5 & 6.7.7 Labs/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 18th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 19th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.6: Application Delivery – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to application delivery methods, software licensing, and software installation. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast different methods of delivering applications to users.
  • Describe various ways software applications can be designed for greater scalability and maintenance.
  • Compare and contrast different software licensing models.
  • Use various methods to install and use software applications.
  • Install software patches and updates.
  • Configure a Windows system for automatic updates.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Local Installation
  • Network Hosting
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • One Tier
  • Two Tier
  • Three Tier
  • n-Tier
  • Platform Compatibility
  • Proprietary Software
  • Personal License
  • Enterprise License
  • Open Source Software
  • Software Subscription
  • Windows Update

Topics Discussed:

  • How does software get from its source to your device?
  • How is software delivery different now than it was twenty years ago?
  • Why is it important to keep software up to date?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.6: Application Delivery and complete the 6.6.12 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 17th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 18th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.5: Networking Protocols – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to common networking protocols. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe basic internet protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTP, FTP, and DHCP.
  • Describe common email protocols, including SMTP, POP3, and IMAP.
  • Identify common HTTP methods, such as GET, POST, and DELETE.
  • Interpret common HTTP status codes.
  • Describe how networking devices transmit data to the right location on a network.
  • Use the ipconfig command to find the following information for a workstation:
    • IPv4 address
    • Subnet mask
    • Default gateway address
    • DNS server address
    • DHCP server address
  • Configure the following IP version 4 TCP/IP settings for a workstation to connect to the local network and the internet:
    • IP Address
    • Subnet Mask
    • Default Gateway
    • DNS Server

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Internet Protocol (IP)
  • Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
  • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
  • Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)
  • Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)
  • HTTP Method
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Subnetting
  • Subnet Mask

Topics Discussed:

  • When might it be better to use TCP? When might it be better to use UDP?
  • Why is it important for computers to use communications protocols?
  • What is the relationship between subnet masks, IP addresses, and the binary number system?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.5: Networking Protocols and complete the 6.5.8 & 6.5.10 Lab/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 16th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 17th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.4: Internet Connectivity – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the technologies and infrastructure that makes Internet connectivity possible. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the relationship between ISPs and the internet.
  • Compare and contrast internet service options.
  • Use a cable modem to connect a small home office network to the internet.
  • Explain how successive generations of cellular technologies impact mobile internet speed.
  • Describe how to use a virtual private network (VPN) to create a secure connection over the internet.
  • Configure a wireless infrastructure for internet connectivity.
    • Install a cable modem to a WAN connection.
    • Install a wireless router.
    • Connect the internet port on a router to a cable modem.
    • Connect a computer to a LAN port on a wireless router.
  • Configure an iPad to use SSL to securely communicate with an email server.
  • Connect an iPad to a secure wireless network.
  • Configure a VPN connection on a laptop computer with the following settings.
    • VPN server address.
    • Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP).
    • Secure password-based authentication protocol.
  • Connect a laptop to a VPN.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Dial up
  • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
  • Cable
  • Fiber optic
  • Satellite
  • Cellular
  • Wi-Fi
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Uplink
  • Downlink
  • Hotspot/tethering

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the relationship between an ISP and the internet?
  • When might it be beneficial to use a VPN?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of different types of internet connections?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.4: Internet Connectivity and complete the 6.4.4, 6.4.6, 6.4.9 & 6.4.12 Lab/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 12th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 16th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.3 – Wired and Wireless Networking – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to wired and wireless computer networking devices and connections. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the most common networking cable types, including twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic cables.
  • Use an Ethernet cable to connect a workstation to a local area network.
  • Compare and contrast wireless networking standards, including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth.
  • Connect to a public Wi-Fi network.
  • Connect to a secure wireless network.
  • Describe best practices in installing and configuring a wireless network.
  • Describe the most common ways to set up printing over a network.
  • Install a wireless access point, including the appropriate cable connections.
  • Configure a laptop to connect to a wireless network.
  • Share a printer with other users on a local network.
  • Add a shared printer to the list of available printers on another workstation.
  • Pair Bluetooth speakers with a mobile device.
    • Discover available Bluetooth devices.
    • Connect a mobile device to Bluetooth speakers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Network Cable
  • Coaxial Cable
  • Twisted Pair Cable
  • Electromagnetic Interference
  • Twisted Pair Category
  • Fiber Optic Cable
  • Registered Jack 11 (RJ-11) Interface
  • Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) Interface
  • Ethernet
  • Router
  • Switch
  • IEEE 802 Standards
  • IEEE 802.11 Standards
  • IEEE 802.11 Encryption Protocols
  • Frequency
  • Attenuation
  • Interference
  • Speed
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the advantages of a wired network connection? What are the advantages of a wireless connection?
  • How are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth similar? How are they different?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.3: Wired and Wireless Networking and complete the 6.3.4, 6.3.8, 6.3.11, 6.3.13 & 6.3.15 Lab/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 11th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 12th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.2 – Networking Basics – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to computer networking devices and gives you practice setting up wired network connections. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Define some advantages of computer networking.
  • Explain the difference between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
  • Describe common network topologies, including bus, ring, star, and mesh.
  • Explain the role of clients and servers on a network.
  • Describe standard devices and interfaces used in wired networking.
  • Describe standard devices and interfaces used in wireless networking.
  • Describe different network storage options.
  • Select and install a network interface card.
  • Use an appropriate network cable to connect a computer to the local network.
  • Use Network & Internet settings in Windows to confirm that a workstation is connected to the local network and the internet.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Network Interface
  • Network Cable
  • Wall Jack
  • Local Area Network (LAN)
  • Wide Area Network (WAN)
  • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  • Internet Service Providers (ISP)
  • Bus Topology
  • Ring Topology
  • Star Topology
  • Mesh Topology
  • Physical Address
  • Logical Address
  • Default Address Class
  • Internet Protocol (IP)
  • Modem
  • Router
  • Switch
  • Access Point
  • Firewall
  • Home Router
  • Registered Jack 11 (RJ-11) Interface
  • Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) Interface
  • Bluetooth
  • Radio Frequency ID
  • (RFID)
  • Near Field Communications (NFC)
  • File Server
  • Mail Server
  • Web Server
  • Database Server
  • Gaming Server
  • Client
  • Server
  • Client-Server Model
  • SOHO

Topics Discussed:

  • What hardware components are needed for a wired network? A wireless network?
  • What roles do servers play on a network?
  • What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.2: Networking Basics and complete the 6.2.11 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 10th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 11th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.9: Internet Technology Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section describes common careers in internet technology. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe common careers in designing and configuring internet technologies, including web design, social media marketing, and internet service support.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for internet technology careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Web Designer
  • Social Media Marketer
  • Internet Service Technician

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the work of internet technology professionals affect my daily life?
  • How can I prepare for a career in internet technology?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.9: Internet Technology Careers, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 8th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 9th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1