Tag Archives: Fall 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

NetOp1 Semester Exam 2019

Objective:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of hardware and software basics by completing a summative quiz so that they can assess and measure the progress that they have made.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Introduction to Computers
  • Networking
  • Databases and Programming

Assignment:

  1. Click the Testout Courseware link, log in and look for the “NetOp 1H Final Exam 2019” test.
  2. The exam consists of 132 multiple choice questions.
  3. Before starting the quiz, please put away all notes, study guides and other materials.
  4. Please close all other documents and webpages and do not open any new tabs or windows until after you have submitted the quiz.
  5. Please remain silent until everyone has completed the quiz.
  6. You have seventy-seven minutes to complete the test. Be sure to submit your test answers before the end of the class period today, and be forewarned that the test will auto-submit itself at the end of the class period, so work quickly!
  7. Congratulations on completing the first half of Networking and Operating Systems! I’ll see you in 2019 with TestOut Section 4, and a completely new set of projects focused on the fundamentals of networking and cybersecurity!

Have the Merriest of Christmases, the Happiest of New Years’, the Happiest of Hanukkahs, the most Peaceful of Kwanzaas, or just a restful two week break – whatever you may celebrate, enjoy it to the fullest!

Assigned: December 18th, 2019
Due Date: December 18th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 3.4 – Programming Terms and Concepts – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to basic programming concepts and careers. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast fundamental data types used in computer programming.
  • Describe the purpose of programming constructs such as variables, arrays, and functions.
  • Explain the advantages of Object-Oriented Programming.
  • Describe several careers in computer science.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Data Type An attribute attached to a value that tells the compiler or interpreter how the data should be used.
  • Identifier A user-defined name of a program element, such as a variable or constant.
  • Container A program element, such as an array or vector, that hold a set of values.
  • Function A computer routine or snippet of code that can be reused in a computer program.
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) A programming paradigm based on the concept of objects which can contain both data and programming code.
  • Encapsulation An OOP concept that describes how data and methods are bundled together within one unit or class.
  • Application Developer A person who creates applications for computers and mobile devices.
  • Web Developer A person who creates websites and other technologies that are delivered through the Internet.
  • QA Engineer A person who makes sure the quality of the finished application meets the standards of the company.
  • Database Programmer A person who writes code to design, create, implement, and maintain databases.

Topics Discussed:

  • How do programming languages store and manipulate different types of data?
  • What is object-oriented programming?
  • What careers are available in computer programming?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 3.4: Programming Terms and Concepts, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 15 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 13th, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 16th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 3.3 – Introduction to Programming – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to computer programming languages and logic. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Explain what computer programming is and why it is useful.
  • Describe the difference between developing computer programs and using software packages.
  • Compare and contrast different programming language categories.
  • Describe the purpose of programming logic, including branching and looping.
  • Analyze and understand pseudocode and programming logic flowcharts.
  • Identify and understand the purposes of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a web browser.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Assembly Language A human-readable, low-level computer language that is a symbolic representation of binary machine language.
  • Compiled Language A computer programming language, such as C and C++, that uses a software tool called a compiler to translate the code into binary machine language.
  • Interpreted Language A computer programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, and Ruby, that requires a program called an interpreter to execute the instructions written in the source code each time the application is run.
  • Runtime Engine A special interpreter that translates bytecode into computer specific machine language. Bytecode is a platform independent, low-level language that is compiled from source code.
  • Flowchart A visual representation of the logic in a program.
  • Branching The logic in a program that tells the computer to execute a different part of the program rather than executing statements one-by-one, in order.
  • Looping The login in a program that tells the computer to repeatedly execute a sequence of instructions until a condition is reached.
  • Algorithm Specific, step-by-step procedures that illustrate how a problem will be solved.
  • Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) A markup language interpreted by web browsers.
  • Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) A file associated with a web page that describes how HTML elements are to be displayed.
  • JavaScript A programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within a web browser.

Topics Discussed:

  • Why must computer programs be precise in giving instructions to the computer?
  • What products and services that I use were created by programmers?
  • How do popular programming languages help programmers create software for multiple platforms?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 3.3: Introduction to Programming, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 14 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 11th, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 12th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 3.2 – Interfacing with Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to database access methods, big data, and careers in working with databases. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Explain what SQL is and interpret a basic SQL query.
  • Compare and contrast different methods of accessing data from a database.
  • Define the term Big Data and describe its related challenges and opportunities.
  • Describe various careers in working with databases
  • Use Microsoft Access to perform basic queries on a database.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Data Definition Language (DDL) Database commands that change the structure, or schema, of the database.
  • Data Manipulation Language (DML) Database commands that modify the records within the database and not the schema itself.
  • Direct Access A method of accessing a database directly using the database management system itself.
  • Query Builder A method of accessing a database using a graphical user interface that allows users to select what actions they want to perform on a database.
  • User Interface Access A method of accessing a database using forms that allow users to interact with the database.
  • Programmatic Access A method of accessing a database using custom computer programs.
  • Data Extraction The process of gathering and organizing big data.
  • Data Mining A broad and open-ended analysis of extracted big data.
  • Big Data Analytics The process of asking specific questions to help interpret big data.
  • NoSQL Nonrelational databases that arise from big data.
  • Database Administrator A person who is responsible for designing, maintaining, backing up, and securing an organization’s databases.
  • Database Developer A person who designs and implements databases, usually by writing SQL code and conducting performance tests to ensure database optimization.
  • Data Analyst A person who specializes in gathering and analyzing data to inform business decisions.
  • Data Scientist A person who focuses on data analysis, especially as it relates to data mining and big data analytics. These positions require even more advanced programming and analytical skills.

Topics Discussed:

  • How can you access and analyze data that’s stored in a relational database?
  • What kinds of questions can be answered by analyzing Big Data?
  • What career opportunities are available in working with databases?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 3.2: Interfacing with Databases, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 9th, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 10th, 2019

Uncategorized

Section 3.1 – Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to databases and gives you practice using a relational database management system. 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.
  • Describe the basic functions of a non-relational database.
  • Describe the purpose of a database management system.
  • Use Microsoft Access to explore database objects and create table relationships.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Database A structured set of data held in a computer, usually in a way that that is accessible in multiple ways.
  • Relational Database A database that is structured to recognize relationships between items of information.
  • Table A container in a relational database that is comprised of fields (columns) and records (rows).
  • Field A single attribute of each record in a table.
  • Record A single instance of an object stored in a database table.
  • Primary Key A field in a table that uniquely identifies a row.
  • Foreign Key A field in a second table that matches the primary key in another table.
  • Query A method of asking questions about the data stored in a database.
  • Form A graphical interface that allows users to query a database by filling in information on the form.
  • Report An easy-to-read listing of the results of a query.
  • Structured Query Language (SQL) A computer language used by most relational databases for creating queries.
  • Structured Data Data that can be divided into discrete categories.
  • Unstructured Data Data that doesn’t follow a clear pattern.
  • Semi-Structured Data Data that has some discrete categories but also other information that doesn’t follow a clear pattern.
  • Database Management System (DBMS) Software that allows users to define, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data stored in a database. Examples are Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, and Microsoft Access.

Topics Discussed:

  • What databases do you interact with in your everyday life?
  • What are the advantages to storing data in a relational database? Are there disadvantages?
  • What is the purpose of a database management system?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 3.1: Databases, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 14 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 4th, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 6th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

DIY Directional Antennas 2019 – Final Reflection

Objective:

I can complete the DIY Directional Antenna Project by reflecting on and evaluating what I learned throughout the course of the activity by completing an online reflection form.

Links:

DIY Antennas Project Final Reflection Form:

Google Classroom

Topics Discussed:

Wireless Networking
802.11 Wi-Fi spec
Directional Antennas
Waveguide Antenna
Yagi Antenna
Helical Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we will complete our directional antenna project. Our goal was to sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m) with a minimum signal strength of -67 dBm. Many of the Pringles can yagi antenna designs struggled with this task, but one came out on top with a very respectable -66 dBm signal and 34% sustained signal quality over a distance of 100 yards. Please congratulate Erwin N. and Brandon A. for their outstanding Pringles can yagi antenna assembly that conquered all other designs. They will be enjoying pizza and wings for lunch today as the rest of the class completes this final reflection assignment.

The link for the reflection assignment can be found here. Please follow the instructions on the form, and answer each question group with a paragraph comprised of at least three complete sentences. Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation and grammar as you compose your paragraphs. This assignment is to be written in a professional tone in an academic voice, and it will be graded based on the criteria described on the form. Each team member must submit their own form, but can work together on the wording of the individual submissions. You are encouraged to type your answers in a separate Google Doc to ensure your answers are saved, then transfer your answers to the Google Form for submission. This assignment is effectively your final project assessment which represents the major portion of your project grade, and should be addressed accordingly.

Good luck, and thank you for all your hard work on this project. Do your best on your reflection and then it’s back to the TestOut LabSim software to finish up our last few chapters before Winter Break!

Posted: December 3rd, 2019
Due Date: December 3rd, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.4 Lab – DIY Directional Antennas Project 2019: Build Phase and Testing

Objective:

I can demonstrate my understanding of computer networks, network operating systems and wireless networking by assembling a directional antenna with the intent of establishing and sustaining a 2.4 GHz wireless signal at a distance of greater than 100 yards.

Links:

Team Agreement 2019Download
Team Work Plan 2019Download

Do It Yourself Wireless Antenna (Pringles Can Yagi): https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

How to Build a Tin Can Waveguide WiFi Antenna: https://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

DIY Bi-Quad Directional Wi-Fi Antenna:  https://lifehacker.com/5964111/diy-wi-fi-antenna-cheaply-extends-your-wireless-network

$10 Wi-Fi 16dBi Super Antenna: https://www.instructables.com/id/10–WIFI-16dBi-Super-Antenna-Pictorial/

Topics Discussed:

Wireless Networking
802.11 Wi-Fi spec
Directional Antennas
Waveguide Antenna
Yagi Antenna
Flickenger design Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we will continue the build phase of our directional antenna project. Remember that the goal is to sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m).

All tools and equipment are on the metal cart in the front of Room 225. The transmitter testing cart is in the front of Room 225, and the username and password is on a piece of tape on the side of the cart. Use the velcro strap to secure your can to the tripod and use the tripod handles to angle your can to point at the upright antennas on the target router located on the receiver cart. The receiver cart (with the target router) is in the back of the room, and the username and password is located on a stickynote on the PC case.

Please use this time to make progress on your project. On Friday, November 21st, I will set up the testing carts on both ends of the hallway outside my room in the 200 building so we can test all completed antennas to allow those with working products to see the results and modify their designs if necessary. You should have a finished antenna prepared to test at that time so you can tweak the design if necessary before the final test on the week of the 25th!

We will conduct final tests on Tuesday, November 25th. To be considered a success (and receive credit for the project), your antenna design must be able to sustain at least a -67 dBm wireless signal over a 100 yard distance (the length of the football field).

Reminder: The team (or individual) that produces the antenna that can reliably sustain the highest quality signal (as measured by Signal Quality percentage and Signal as measured in decibels) over the longest distance will receive a personal pizza and wings party, to be held on Wednesday, November 26th while everyone else writes a four paragraph personal reflection describing their participation in this project.

Good luck, and remember: Your antenna doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be better than everyone else’s.

Posted: November 21st, 2019
Due Date: November 26th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.4 Lab – DIY Directional Antennas Project 2019

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of computer networks, network operating systems and wireless networking by assembling a directional antenna with the intent of establishing and sustaining a 2.4 GHz wireless signal at a distance of greater than 100 yards.

Links:

Team Agreement 2019Download
Team Work Plan 2019Download

Do It Yourself Wireless Antenna (Pringles Can Yagi): https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

How to Build a Tin Can Waveguide WiFi Antenna: https://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

DIY Bi-Quad Directional Wi-Fi Antenna:  https://lifehacker.com/5964111/diy-wi-fi-antenna-cheaply-extends-your-wireless-network

$10 Wi-Fi 16dBi Super Antenna: https://www.instructables.com/id/10–WIFI-16dBi-Super-Antenna-Pictorial/

Topics Discussed:

  • Wireless Networking
  • 802.11 Wi-Fi spec
  • Directional Antennas
  • Waveguide Antenna
  • Yagi Antenna
  • Flickenger design Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we are going to begin a focused short-term project that is to be completed before the Thanksgiving Break. The goal is simple: design and build a directional antenna that will sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m).

The stretch goal is a little more complex: design and build a directional antenna that will extend that 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal as far as possible.

  1. Use the links I have provided to learn about do-it-yourself directional antenna designs. There are many designs to choose from, so do your research and select the design that you think will be most effective in extending and sustaining the Wi-Fi signal over the longest range.
  2. You may work with a partner, or choose to go it alone. If you choose to work with a partner, you will need to pick up and complete both a Project Team Contract and a Project Team Work Plan (available in the Student Pickup Folder in the Marmolejo NetOp 1-2 subfolder on the StudentsTempFiles network share).
  3. Even if you are working by yourself, use the Project Team Work Plan to identify and prepare for the steps of this project (i.e. research, acquisition of materials, installation, configuration, building, testing, modification and upgrades). Submit a completed Project Team Work Plan to the instructor as soon as it is completed.
  4. Proceed with the first identified steps in your Project Team Work Plan. Do your best to follow the plan, but don’t be afraid to amend or alter the plan as the need arises.
  5. You may work in Room 225, but you will need to notify the instructor if you need access the tools in Room 212.
  6. All tools and equipment are located in Room 212. Testing PCs (sender and recipient) will be provided on rolling carts to allow for testing of antennas.
  7. Please use this time to make progress on your project. We have time provided to complete the project, but no time to waste. It is highly likely that your first antenna design may not be your final design, and you will need time to test and make adjustments to your design to achieve optimal results. Use the time given to build, test, modify and retest to get the best results!
  8. We will conduct initial tests the week of November 18th. To be considered a success (and receive credit for the project), your antenna design must be able to sustain at least a -67 dBm wireless signal over a 100 yard distance (the length of the football field).
  9. Upon completion of initial tests, you will have a week to revise and retest your design before the final testing during the week of November 25th.
  10. The team (or individual) that produces the antenna that can reliably sustain the highest signal strength over the longest distance on the final testing day will receive a personal pizza and wings party, to be held while everyone else writes a four paragraph personal reflection describing their participation in this project.

Good luck, and remember: the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Posted: November 12th, 2019
Due Date: November 27th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.2 Lab – Kali Linux in VirtualBox VM Installation

Objective:

Students will install and configure a specialized desktop operating system in a VirtualBox VM environment.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Software
  • System Software
  • Operating Systems
  • Linux
  • Kali Linux
  • Specialized OS
  • VirtualBox VM
  • Virtual Machine

Assignment:

  1. This week we will be working in the classroom with a specialized Operating System installation. We will be using a Virtual Machine software called VirtualBox to installing a specialized OS (Kali Linux) in a virtual environment that we will use in the second half of our course.
  2. I will distribute the required files in class today. If you did not receive the files or if you were not in attendance today, you will need to see me and I will show you where to download the files directly.
  3. In your Downloads folder, you should have a subfolder called “VirtualBox 6.0”. Inside this folder, you should have four files: a VirtualBox .dmg file, a Kali Linux 2019 .ova file, an Oracle_VM .vbox-extpack file, and a UserManual.pdf file. If you are missing any of these files, please see me immediately to get them.
  4. I will instruct you in-class on Thursday how to install VirtualBox VM in OSX, and how to load the VirtualBox extension pack and the preconfigured Kali Linux package.
  5. We will walk through the configuration and testing of Kali on Friday, and I will explain some of the unique and powerful features of this specialized flavor of the Linux operating system.
  6. Kali Linux will be required for the second half of the class, and you must complete your VirtualBox VM Kali Linux installation in class by Friday, October 25th to receive credit for this Lab Activity.

Assigned: October 23rd, 2019
Due Date: October 25th, 2019

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.2 – Web Browsers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to Web browsers and gives you practice using search engines, navigating web pages, and configuring basic browser settings. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Use a web browser to access the World Wide Web.
  • Use browser features such as private browsing, bookmarks, and downloading files.
  • Use a search engine to find and evaluate web content.
  • Identify reliable academic sources online.
  • Distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
  • Describe key browser and website features, including plug-ins, client-side scripting, certificates, caching, and proxy settings.
  • Configure browser privacy and security features such as pop-up blockers, location tracking, and cookies.
  • Clear a browser’s cache.
  • Troubleshoot common browser problems.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Web Browser An application for accessing information on the World Wide Web.
  • Web Search A search of the World Wide Web using a web browser, often done by visiting a web search engine site such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo.
  • Academic Source Books or articles written by experts who have credentials in a particular field of study.
  • Consumer-level Source Resources such as personal websites, online forums, news websites, and online magazines whose audience is consumers of information — people looking for practical information to solve a problem, make a purchasing decision, or just become better informed on current events and issues.
  • Primary Source Resources such as original speeches, letters, poems, laws, scientific fieldwork, and artwork.
  • Secondary Source Resources such as articles or books that review, analyze, or describe primary sources.
  • Tertiary Source Resources that compile or summarize material from other sources including bibliographies, abstracts, and online article indexes and databases.
  • Citation Style The format used for citing academic sources, including author, date of publication, and journal title.
  • Cookie A small piece of data sent from a website and stored on a user’s computer by the web browser while the user is browsing. Cookies are designed to help websites remember information such as items in an online shopping cart and entries in a web form so that the website can customize a web page for the user.
  • Browser Extension Software that adds functionality to a web browser.
  • Client-Side Scripting The process of transferring source code from a web server to a web browser and running that code directly in the browser.
  • Certificate A digital document that contains encryption keys and is used for encryption and identification.
  • Caching The storing of images, sounds, web pages, and other information associated with particular websites that allows a browser to redisplay data without having to reload it from the website.
  • Proxy Server A device that stands as an intermediary between an application such as a web browser and the Internet. A proxy server intercepts all requests and can use filter rules to allow or deny internet traffic.
  • Pop-up Blocker A feature of most web browsers that prevents pop-up windows such as advertisements from being displayed.

Topics Discussed:

  • What web browser settings are most important for online safety and security?
  • How can you evaluate online information and determine if it’s reliable?
  • What can you do to troubleshoot common web browser problems?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 2.2: Web Browsers, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 14 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: October 21st, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 22nd, 2019