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.
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.
Windows 7 installation disks will be distributed. Boot from the Windows 7 installation disk to begin the installation process.
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.
Follow the installation process, paying close attention to all instructions and prompts.
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.
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.
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.
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
I can demonstrate my understanding of Networking fundamentals by organizing and assembling a local area network in accordance with OSHA regulations and best practices.
TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Cable Management
Assignment:
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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?
As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
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
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.
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.
Examine the computer and peripheral components, front and back.
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 #).
Observe the boot process and determine the following information:
What is the speed of the CPU?
How much RAM is installed?
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:
Hard Drive
Optical Drive (DVD-Rom)
RAM sticks
Power Supply Unit
Motherboard
Students will acquire a philips head screwdriver from the tool cabinet and proceed to carefully remove the motherboard and power supply.
Students will use canned air to clean the PC case of lint and debris to ensure optimal airflow.
Students will reassemble the PC and its external peripherals, and reboot it to test its operation.
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
This week, we will be working on our Ethernet Cabling exercise, where we will assemble an Ethernet Cat5e cable to the EIA/TIA 568A and 568B standards.
Visit the web links provided above for instructions on how to build a Cat5e cable to the EIA/TIA 568A or 568B spec. Read through the instructions completely before proceeding. Pay particular notice to the difference between a “passthrough” cable and a “crossover” cable.
Visit the rolling cart to pick up your tools and materials. You will need a arm’s length of Cat5e cable, two RJ-45 cable ends (with load bars), and a crimper tool.
Follow the instructions to build your passthrough patch cable.
Once you have your passthrough cable built, test it using the provided cable tester. If your cable test is successful, you may proceed to build a “crossover” cable for extra credit.
Use clear tape and a marker to label your cables with your name and what type of cable it is (passthrough or crossover), and place it in the wire basket on the front table in the room.
Once they are graded, you are free to take your Cat5e cable home for your own use. Cables left behind will be deployed within the department.
Assigned: January 20th, 2017
Due Date: January 21st, 2017
I can demonstrate my understanding of Networking fundamentals by disassembling, organizing and reassembling a local area network in accordance with OSHA regulations and best practices.
TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Cable Management
Assignment:
This week, we will be working in one of the Computer Studies labs, where we will disassemble, organize and reassemble a local area network to function in a working classroom.
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?
Each student should select a portion of the classroom and begin disconnecting all network and power cables from the individual workstations, taking care to keep the cables organized and close to the workstations, as they will be used to reassemble the network once the workstations are moved.
All cables should be removed from the floor and metal cable channels and set aside for later use.
Refer to the in-class discussion on Network Topologies – which would be the best physical topology for the proposed class configuration, given the networking equipment we have on hand?
Once the classroom desks and workstations have been moved, 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.
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?
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?
As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
Participation points will be awarded for participating in the lab teardown/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 27th, 2016
Due Date: September 30th, 2016
