Tag Archives: IT Fundamentals

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.8 Online Research – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the online research resources. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Use a search engine to find and evaluate web content.
    • Use Advanced Search forms.
    • Use search operators to refine searches.
  • Identify reliable academic sources online.
  • Distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
  • Explain how to avoid plagiarism when using online sources.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Academic Source
  • Consumer-level Source
  • Primary Source
  • Secondary Source
  • Tertiary Source
  • Citation Style
  • Plagiarism

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is it important to verify that information found online is reliable?
  • What are the key differences between scholarly and consumer-level resources?
  • When is it appropriate to use primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.8 – Online Research, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 5th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 8th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.7 – The Internet of Things – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT). After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Define the Internet of Things.
  • Identify some of the most common devices that make up the Internet of Things.
  • Use a home security app to install and configure smart devices such as cameras, light switches, locks, thermostats, and outlets.
  • Describe the features of digital assistants such as Siri, Cortana, and Google Assistant.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Digital Assistant

Topics Discussed:

  • If digital assistants are free to use, why do companies spend millions of dollars to develop and support them?
  • Are there any IoT devices that I might find helpful?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.7 – The Internet of Things, and complete the 5.7.5 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 4th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 5th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.6 – Internet Communcations Technologies – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to internet-based communications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the differences between downloading, live streaming, and on-demand streaming.
  • Distinguish between synchronous and asynchronous communication.
  • Describe safeguards to follow when using email.
  • Display proper email etiquette by using Reply, Reply All, Cc, and Bcc appropriately.
  • Explain the differences between texting, messaging, and online chat.
  • Explain the communication technology that allows Voice over IP calls.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Voice over IP (VoIP)
  • Synchronous Technology
  • Asynchronous Technology
  • Netiquette
  • Texting
  • Messaging
  • Online Chat
  • Streaming
  • Live Streaming
  • On-Demand Streaming
  • Buffering
  • Downloading

Topics Discussed:

  • When is it best to answer an email with Reply All? When is it better to use Reply?
  • How is VoIP similar to traditional telephone services? How is it different?
  • What are the advantages of streaming vs downloading? What are the disadvantages?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.6 – Internet Communcations Technologies, and complete the 5.6.5 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 3rd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 4th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.5: Social Media – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to social media and its uses. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common web applications, including Webmail, Google Docs, Facebook, and YouTube.
  • Define social media and describe its uses.
  • Compare and contrast the uses of common social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Recognize the risks and responsibilities of using social media.
  • Explain why it is important to manage and protect your online identity.
  • Create an effective social media profile.
  • Describe the basics of social media marketing and crowdsourcing.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Social Media Platform
  • Crowdsourcing
  • Social Media Marketing

Topics Discussed:

  • How has social media helped society? How has it hurt society?
  • How can I better use social media to reach my personal goals?
  • Why is it important to cultivate a healthy online identity?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.5: Social Media, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 27th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 28th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.4: Cloud Computing – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the concept of Cloud Computing, how it works, and its uses in our personal and business activities. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Define and describe the uses of cloud computing.
  • Copy files from the local Windows file system to OneDrive.
  • Explain the relationship between cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS).
  • Discuss the features of cloud computing business solutions, including Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Cloud Storage
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Software Subscription
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Microsoft OneDrive

Topics Discussed:

  • What do we really mean when we talk about “the cloud”?
  • What cloud services do I already use?
  • How can cloud computing help businesses?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.4: Cloud Computing, and complete the 5.4.8 Lab/Activity, and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 25th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 27th, 2024

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