Tag Archives: Networking and Operating Systems

Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 5 Lab – Hardware: Printers and Hardcopy Output

Objective:

  • Students will be able to identify different printing methods and printer hardware in current use.

Student-Friendly Objective:

  • I can tell the difference between different types of printers, and what they’re used for.
Links:
Deconstructed: Inkjet Printers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcc69NPBc2M

Deconstructed: Laser Printers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kRenCa5e6k
NetOp Printer Study Guide
Please access the class textbook at https://connect.mheducation.com/.

 

Topics Discussed:
  • Chapter 5

Assignment:

  1. Review Chapter 5 in the class text.
  2. Watch the Deconstructed videos to see the inner workings of an inkjet printer and a laser printer.
  3. We will be in the lab starting tomorrow to conduct a hands-on disassembly of a laser printer. Remember: Attendance at lab demonstrations is required to receive lab credit.
  4. Download the NetOp Printer Study Guide to direct your observation and study. This completed study guide is due by Friday, December 14th.

Assigned: December 10th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 14th, 2018

Networking and Operating Systems

Test Your Might! – Chap. 5 Quiz – Hardware: Input and Output

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of Chapter 5 through a summative quiz.

Links:

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

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 5: Hardware: Input & Output

Assignment:

  1. Click the https://connect.mheducation.com/ link to connect to the online testing website. Log in with your credentials.
  2. Navigate to the “Test Your Might – Chap. 5 Quiz”.
  3. The quiz is 93 questions, all multiple choice.
  4. Contrary to what I have been announcing this week, the quiz questions are entirely drawn from Chapter 5 material. Depending on how well you studied Chapter 5, this may work to your advantage.
  5. Please put away all notes, study guides and other materials before starting the quiz.
  6. Please close all other documents and webpages and do not open any new tabs or windows until after you have submitted the quiz.
  7. Please remain silent until everyone has completed the quiz.
  8. Submit your test answers before the end of the class period today. The test will autosubmit at the end of the class period, so please manage your time wisely.

Assigned: December 7th, 2018
Due Date: December 7th, 2018

Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 5 – Hardware: Input and Output – LearnSmart

Objective:

The first half of this chapter describes input, the second half output. Students will be able to describe and explain the three categories of input hardware: keyboards, including terminals; pointing devices, including mice, touch screens, and pen-based devices; and source data-entry devices, ranging from scanners to bar-code readers, audio-input devices, image recognition, speech recognition, and sensors.

Students will be able to  describe various kinds of output hardware—softcopy output, including varieties of display screens; hardcopy output, covering all kinds of printers; and mixed output, describing sound, voice, and video output devices.

Students will also be able to discuss the importance of ergonomics—what to do to avoid the negative health effects of computers.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Keyboards
  • Terminals
  • Pointing Devices
  • Mouse
  • Source Data-Entry Device
  • Softcopy
  • Output
  • Display Screens
  • Hardcopy
  • Printers
  • Mixed Output: Sound, Voice, & Video
  • Quality of Life
  • Ergonomics

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter LearnSmart module, due Friday, December 30th. This Practice assignment consists of 80 questions.
  2. When you are finished with this LearnSmart assignment, you may work on any assignments that are past due (like the Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt Lab that many of you have not completed).
Assigned: November 26th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 30th, 2018
Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 4 Lab – Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt

Objective

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of modern and legacy ports and connectors by producing a document identifying each port visually.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • System Unit
  • Expansion Cards
  • Modern vs. Legacy
  • Ports
  • Connectors
  • Male / Female Ports & Connectors
  • Serial Communications
  • Parallel Communications

Assignment:

  1. Today, we will be working on a Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt activity, where you will be tasked with identifying 27 different expansion ports and connectors common to PC workstations.
  2. Using the list below, and the Internet for research, you will hunt all around my room to find each of the 27 ports on the hardware devices located throughout Room 225. Hunt high and low, and dig through the provided hardware bins to find them all!
  3. Use your cell phone, the iSight camera on your iMac, or ask for a digital camera to take pictures of each port. You must provide original photos of each port (No borrowing from the Internet!).
  4. Produce a document (Google Doc, Google Slides, etc.) and place your pictures in the document. Use text labels to identify each of the 27 ports.
  5. Submit your completed Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt document with all the required pictures to the Google Classroom assignment labeled “Chap. 4 Lab – Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt” by Wednesday, November 21st.
  6. If all 1st Year students complete the Lab by turning in an original document containing all 27 photos correctly labeled by end of day on Wednesday, the entire class will receive a pizza party after the Thanksgiving holiday.
  7. Good luck, and happy hunting!

Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt List:

Legacy Multifunction Ports

D-Sub Ports:

25-pin serial port (female)
9-pin serial port (male)
25-pin parallel port (female)
36-pin IEEE 1284B Centronics connector (male)

Standard Single-Function Ports

PS/2 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard port (purple)
PS/2 6-pin mini-DIN mouse port (green)

Video Ports

15-pin D-Sub VGA port (female)
DVI port (female)
RGB Component ports (female)
Composite Video port (female)
Mini DisplayPort port (female)

Audio Ports

1/8-inch mini-audio port (female)
S/PDIF coaxial audio port (female)

Multimedia Ports

RG-6 coaxial port (female)
S-Video port (female)
Composite Audio port (female)

MIDI/Joystick Ports

DB-15 Joystick/Game port

Modem Ports

RJ-11 modem port (female)

Network Interface Ports

RJ-45 network port (female)
BNC Port (female)

Modern Multifunction Ports

USB A port(female)

USB 3.0 A port (female)
USB B port (female)
USB mini port(female)
Firewire 400 IEEE 1394a port (female)
Firewire 800 IEEE 1394b port (female)
SCSI Ultra 320 port (female)

Assigned: November 19th, 2018
Due Date: December 21st, 2018

Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 4 – Hardware: The CPU and Storage – Sharpening the Saw

Objective:

Students will be able to describe how a computer operates in processing data. We will discuss transistors and microchips, show how data is represented electronically in the computer, explore the inside of the system unit—including the power supply, the motherboard, and microprocessors—and outline the operations of the central processing unit and the machine cycle. We will then discuss the different kinds of main memory and conclude this unit by showing how expansion cards, bus lines, and ports give a computer more versatility.

Students will also be able to describe the various devices used to store data before and after it is processed—hard disks, optical disks (CD, DVD, Blu-ray), flash and solid-state memory, smart cards, and cloud-based (online) storage.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Microchips
  • Transistors
  • Integrated circuits
  • Chips
  • Microprocessors
  • Machine language
  • System Unit
  • Power Supply
  • Motherboard
  • Central Processing Unit
  • The Machine Cycle
  • Memory
  • RAM
  • ROM
  • CMOS
  • Flash Memory
  • Expansion Cards
  • Bus Lines
  • Ports
  • Secondary Storage
  • Hard disks
  • Optical disks
  • Smart cards
  • Cloud storage

Assignment:

  1. Complete the Chapter 4 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Thursday of this week. The Practice quiz consists of 50 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 4 quiz on Friday!
  4. Bear in mind that the Chapter 4 Quiz will consist of material from Chapters 1 through 4, and use any spare time after completing this practice quiz to study accordingly.
Assigned: November 9th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 15rd, 2018
Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 3 Lab Part 2 – Operating System Installation – Kali Linux

Objective:

Students will install and configure a specialized desktop operating system in a Dual-Boot configuration alongside Windows 7.

Link:

Topics Discussed:

  • Software
  • System Software
  • Operating Systems
  • Device Drivers
  • Utility Programs
  • GUI Install
  • Specialized OS
  • Live Boot
  • Dual Boot
  • Partition Management

Assignment:

  1. This week we will be working in the lab with a specialized Operating System installation. We will be repartitioning the hard drives of our lab PCs to prepare for a Dual Boot configuration, and installing a specialized OS (Kali Linux) that we will use in the second half of our course.
  2. Use the link to the Kali Documentation: Making a Kali Bootable USB website to discover the process for producing a Live Boot USB for Kali Linux. Note the differences, advantages and disadvantages of a Live Boot OS versus a Hard Disk installation. You will be provided with a USB in class, and we will walk through the steps of producing a Live Boot USB drive that we will use to complete the Kali installation.
  3. Next, visit the Kali Documentation: Dual Boot Kali with Windows to get an overview of how we will use our newly created Kali USB to perform a hard drive installation of Kali alongside Windows 7.
  4. You will be directed in class how to Live Boot from the Kali USB installation, and use the gparted utility software to repartition and format a 30 GB secondary partition on your hard drive. Once the hard drive is prepared with this second partition, you may proceed with the installation process.
  5. Reboot from the Kali USB, and select the GUI Installer.
  6. Follow the installation process as outlined in the Kali Documentation Dual Boot Installation Procedure, paying close attention to all instructions and prompts.
  7. Use the information provided by the instructor for the username and password. Make sure you set the time zone correctly (no DST), use the information on the board for the Host name and Domain, and choose “no” when asked to use a network mirror.
  8. Remove the Kali USB and reboot to test your installation. Your installation is complete when the PC automatically reboots to the GRUB loader and boots into Kali without prompting.
Assigned: November 5th, 2018
Due Date: November 9th, 2018
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 29th, 2018
Due Date: November 2nd, 2018
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 3 “Sharpening the Saw” Practice quiz, due Thursday of this week. The Practice quiz consists of 90 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!
  4. Don’t forget to briefly review the material from Chapters 1 and 2, as Friday’s comprehensive quiz will include questions from all three of the chapters we have studied.
Assigned: October 22nd, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 25th, 2018
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 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 LearnSmart module, due Friday, October 19th. This Practice assignment consists of 100 questions.
  2. As we begin the 2nd term, we are moving into more complex topics. By now you should have established a routine that works for you in terms of reading the chapter and answering the LearnSmart module practice questions.
  3. Once again, I urge you to ensure that you read the entire chapter at least once, rather than selectively reading to answer the LearnSmart questions. While this practice will get you through the LearnSmart module, it will leave gaps in your knowledge that will make it more difficult for you to succeed on the final quiz.
  4. Remember to complete the LearnSmart module by Friday, as scores posted after October 19th will not be recorded in my grade book.
Assigned: October 15th, 2018
Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 19th, 2018
Networking and Operating Systems

Chap. 2 Lab – Local Area 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, assemble 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 28th, 2018
Due Date: October 4th, 2018