Tag Archives: Networking and Operating Systems

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.8: System Support Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

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

  • Describe common careers in system support.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for system support careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Managed Service Provider

Topics Discussed:

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

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.8: System Support Careers, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 6th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 6th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Impacts of Computing – HS.IC.C.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.7: Software Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to basic software troubleshooting steps. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common steps to follow in troubleshooting software problems.
  • Configure compatibility settings for Windows applications.
  • Use Windows Task Manager to:
    • View information on running processes.
    • Prevent applications from running at system startup.
    • Close unresponsive apps.
  • Repair a Windows program in Apps & features.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Software Crash
  • System Slowness
  • System Crash
  • Malicious Software Infection
  • Task Manager

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is resetting the computer often the first troubleshooting step for a software problem?
  • What should I do when an app becomes unresponsive?
  • Why is it important to keep apps up to date?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.4: File Management, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.7.4 & 4.7.6 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

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

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.6: Printing – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the installation and operation of common types of printing software and applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Open and print a document from Microsoft Word.
  • Describe Windows printing features.
  • Plug in and connect a printer to a computer.
  • Connect to a shared printer.
  • Configure the default printer.
  • Share a local printer with other users on a network.
  • Describe how 3D printing works.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Device Drivers
  • Shared Printer
  • Print Job
  • Print Queue
  • Print Server
  • 3D Printing

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a laser printer?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using an inkjet printer?
  • How has the advent of 3D printing affected the world?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.6: Printing, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.6.5 & 4.6.7 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 29th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 1st, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.5: Application Software – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to various categories of application software and gives you practice managing Windows applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify application software that increases personal productivity.
  • Identify application software that facilitates collaboration.
  • Identify some common business application software.
  • Run Windows applications.
  • Pin applications to the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Unpin applications from the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Create application shortcuts on the Windows desktop.
  • Explain how app stores are used to distribute application software.
  • Open, modify, and save a Microsoft Word document.
  • Open, modify, and run a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Productivity Software
  • Collaboration Software
  • Business Software
  • Netiquette
  • Windows Application
  • Windows 10 App
  • App Store

Topics Discussed:

  • How can software applications increase your productivity at home or at the office?
  • What software applications can assist you in collaborating with other people?
  • What makes a slideshow effective? What makes a slideshow ineffective?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.5: Application Software, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.5.11, 4.5.13 & 4.5.15 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 26th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 27th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.4: File Management – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the the features and functions of various file systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the features of various file systems.
  • Create folders in the Windows file system.
  • Copy, rename, and delete files in Windows.
  • Share a Windows folder with users and grant them specific access to files within the folder.
  • Use the Windows Recycle Bin.
  • Manage files using both a command line and a graphical user interface.
  • Explain how NTFS and share permissions work together to control access to Windows files and folders.
  • Add and remove users from access control lists.
  • Assign specific folder permissions to user groups.
  • Use the following Windows PowerShell commands.
    • Change directories.
    • View files and folders.
    • Make a directory.
    • Copy files to other folders.
    • Stop a process.
    • Map a drive to a shared folder.
  • Use the Linux command line to add, copy, rename, modify, and delete files.
  • Copy a file from a thumb drive to a folder on your hard drive.
  • Safely remove a thumb drive from a Windows system.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • File
  • File format
  • File system
  • File permissions
  • Journaling
  • NTFS
  • Command line interface

Topics Discussed:

  • How can you use a file system to organize files?
  • What is the relationship between files and directories?
  • Why is it important to limit a user’s file permissions?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.4: File Management, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.4.4, 4.4.6, 4.4.8, 4.4.11, 4.4.14 & 4.4.16 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 21st, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 23rd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.3: More System Software – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the BIOS, different types of system software, and utility software. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify and describe different types of system software.
  • Explain the purpose of a computer’s BIOS and other firmware.
  • Recognize and use utility software.
  • Use Windows Device Manager to update drivers.
  • Explain how virtualization can be used to extend the capabilities of computer systems.
  • Describe each step in the Windows boot sequence.
  • Enter the BIOS setup program on your computer.
  • Use BIOS settings to identify processor brand, installed memory, BIOS version number, number of hard drives, and NIC status.
  • Run an executable program to update the BIOS.
  • Clear CMOS settings on the motherboard.
  • Create a virtual machine with the following settings.
    • Startup memory
    • Network connection
    • Virtual hard disk
    • Minimum and maximum RAM

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Utility Software
  • Device Drivers
  • Firmware
  • Windows Settings App
  • Windows 10 App
  • Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
  • CMOS
  • Power-on Self Test (POST)
  • UEFI
  • Virtualization
  • Virtual Machine

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the relationship between the BIOS and the operating system?
  • How can I use utility software to improve the performance of my computer?
  • What are some situations where virtual machines would be helpful?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.3: More System Software, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.3.4, 4.3.8, 4.3.10, 4.3.12, 4.3.15 and 4.3.17 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 15th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 20th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.2: Operating Systems – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to operating systems and gives you practice using both the Windows and iOS interfaces. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common operating systems, including systems designed for mobile devices.
  • Describe the basic functions of different types of operating systems.
  • Identify and describe components of the Windows 10 operating system.
  • Change display settings in Windows.
  • Use the Settings app to view system information.
  • Configure a screen saver through the Settings app.
  • Describe the purpose of the configuration settings stored in the Windows registry.
  • Use iOS on a mobile device to check email account settings, Wi-Fi settings, Bluetooth settings, and the iOS version.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Operating System
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Command Line Interface
  • Disk Management
  • Application Management
  • Service Management
  • Device Management
  • Access Control/Protection
  • Windows Settings App
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Registry
  • Registry Editor

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the operating system coordinate the work of hardware and software?
  • How are mobile and desktop operating systems similar? How are they different?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.2: Operating Systems, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.2.8, 4.2.10, 4.2.12 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 13th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 14th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.7: Computer Hardware Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section explores career opportunities related to Computer Hardware. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe common careers in computer hardware, ranging from PC repair technician to electrical engineer.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for computer hardware careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • PC Repair Technician
  • Electrical Engineer

Topics Discussed:

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

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.7: Computer Hardware Careers, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 9th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 9th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.6: Hardware Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces and explains hardware troubleshooting methods. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify the proper sequence of steps to follow in the troubleshooting methodology.
  • Diagnose and resolve common motherboard problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common computer memory problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common processor problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common disk storage problems.
  • Diagnose and resolve common computer display problems.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Troubleshooting
  • Data Corruption
  • Power-on Self Test (POST)
  • Beep Codes

Topics Discussed:

  • How does a malfunction in one part of the computer affect the rest of the system?
  • What is the most effective way to troubleshoot a problem?
  • Why should I troubleshoot a problem before implementing a potential solution?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.6: Hardware Troubleshooting, and complete the 3.6.8, 3.6.10, 3.6.12, and 3.6.14 Lab Activities, as well as the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 7th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 8th, 2024

AZ CS Standards: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1, Troubleshooting – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 3.5: Storage – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces and explains storage devices and file systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the features of different external storage devices, including hard disk drives, optical drives, flash storage, and solid state drives.
  • Describe common file system features, including compression, encryption, permissions, journaling, and file naming rules.
  • Compare and contrast common file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32, HFS, and Ext4.
  • Describe disk partitioning and formatting methods.
  • Describe disk maintenance procedures, including defragmentation, repair, and cleanup.
  • Describe emerging storage technologies.
  • Install SATA hard drives in a computer.
    • Connect drives to the motherboard.
    • Plug in the power connector from the power supply.
  • Install an eSATA port connector to a computer by connecting the cable to an available motherboard port.
  • Boot a computer into the BIOS and verify that newly installed hard drives are detected.
  • Initialize new disks using the MBR partition style.
  • Create a volume on a disk with a specific volume size, drive letter, file system, and volume label.
  • Format a flash drive with the FAT32 file system.
  • Convert a drive to use NTFS instead of FAT32 without destroying any existing data on the disk.
  • Run Disk Cleanup on a local hard drive.
  • Configure disk defragmentation to run on a schedule.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Optical Drive
  • Flash Storage
  • Solid State Devices (SSD)
  • External Hard Disk Drives
  • Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording
  • 3D Flash Memory
  • Synthesized DNA Strands
  • File
  • File Format
  • File System
  • Compression
  • Encryption
  • File Permissions
  • Journaling
  • Drive
  • Partitioning
  • Fragmentation
  • Defragmentation

Topics Discussed:

  • How is storage different than memory? How are they similar?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of each storage medium?
  • How does storage relate to input, output, and processing?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 3.5: Storage, and complete the 3.5.5, 3.5.12, 3.5.14 and 3.5.16 Lab Activities, as well as the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 5th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 6th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1