Today I’ll walk you through the process of logging in to the computer for the first time.
Don’t forget your Plans for Success are due today! Make sure you get those turned in to me before you leave class.
Tomorrow, we’ll begin our introduction to the Macintosh operating system, so make sure you give me your Plan for Success and get logged in today so you’re ready for this week’s lessons.
I can agree to abide by the class policies by reviewing the established policies and procedures to help ensure the classroom is a safe and fun place for everyone.
Links:
None.
Topics Discussed:
Classroom policies and procedures
Assignment:
Welcome back! Today we’re going to go over the class rules, or as I like to call them, the policies and procedures.
Society’s based on policies and procedures. Without ’em, we’re no better than poo-flinging monkeys in the jungle. Humans agree to abide by laws so we can all get along and get things accomplished with a minimum of screaming, head-bashing and poo-flinging.
The policies and procedures are pretty straightforward, and they’re all posted in the front of the room where you can see them at all times. They’re all really based on one simple thing: respect.
I’m going to show you respect at all times in the classroom, and all I ask is that you return the favor.
I also ask that you treat everyone else with respect, so that they can do the same for you.
The chairs have wheels for a reason: if you need to scoot over to collaborate with a partner, that’s great. Don’t use them to scoot all over the room, and don’t get up and wander aimlessly. Move with purpose.
Have respect for other people who are trying to get work done, and don’t bother them. Don’t steal anybody’s work (or stuff, for that matter).
Treat my stuff and the school’s stuff with respect, so that it can stay in good shape for you and for everyone else. Let me know right away if anything is marked, damaged or missing so I can address it immediately.
We’re going to have a lot of opportunities to critique the work of others in this class. Keep it respectful, positive and constructive, please. Don’t feel bad if someone else critiques your work, it’s only going to help you improve and get stronger.
I’ve got a lot of cool stuff to teach you in this class. Please don’t make it any harder for me than it already is by disrupting my class, or making it harder for the people around you to pay attention.
I promise not to come to your room and mess it up; can you do me the same courtesy? I’d appreciate it.
Don’t leave the room without my permission. I need to know where you are at all times. If you need to leave the room, please sign out on the digital sign-out sheet provided.
Read your Student Handbook! We all (you and me both) are required to abide by its policies, so it’s important to know exactly what those policies are so you don’t violate them unintentionally (Or intentionally!).
Do any of the class policies seem strange? Like something you shouldn’t have to be asked not to do? Guess what: the reason that policy’s in place is because some knucklehead decided to be a creep and had to be asked to stop. Please: Don’t be that guy.
If you can agree to abide by these policies and procedures, then we can all get along. If there’s anything you feel like you can’t agree to here, let me know and we can talk it over.
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.
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:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
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
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.
Productivity Software Software that is used to perform common tasks in a business or home office such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web browsing, and visual diagramming.
Collaboration Software Software that facilitates the sharing, processing, and management of files, documents and other data between members of a team. This software includes message boards, screen sharing, conferencing software, email, calendaring, instant messaging, text messaging, and online workspace and document sharing.
Business Software Software designed for advanced or specialized business functions such as database management, project management, customer relationship management, accounting, desktop publishing, graphic design, and computer aided design.
Netiquette The rules of etiquette that should be observed while using computer networks, such as the Internet.
Windows Application A traditional desktop application or program.
Windows 10 App A Windows program that is installed and maintained through the Windows Store and uses the type of interface you would typically see on a touchscreen device.
Shared Printer A printer that is attached to one computer but allows printing access to multiple computers and devices connected to the same network.
Print Job A file or set of files that have been submitted to a printer.
Print Queue A container that holds print jobs that are waiting to be sent to a printer that may be too busy to accept the print job.
Print Server A device or computer that connects client computers to printers. Client computers send print jobs to a print server that may hold them in a print queue before forwarding them to a printer.
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 components are required to send a document to a printer?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.7: Application Software, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 14 question Exam to complete the Section.
Remember that Friday, October 4th is the end of the term. All past due work must be turned in by Thursday, October 3rd to receive credit. Please plan accordingly.
Assigned: October 1st, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: October 3rd, 2019
This section introduces you to computer file system features and gives you practice managing files and folders on Windows. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
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.
Create folders in the Windows file system.
Copy, rename, and delete files in Windows.
Share a Windows folder with other users and grant them specific access to files within the folder.
File The smallest container within a computer’s storage system that is used to store information such as data, settings, and commands used in a computer program. A file is the smallest container that can be copied, deleted, or moved within a file system.
File Format The way in which a file is organized. Often, a file type is indicated by the file extension such as .jpg, .gif, .png., .mp3, .wav, .wma, .mp4, .avi, and .wmv.
File System The methods and structures that an operating system uses to organize files on a storage device like a hard drive. File systems often use directory structures to keep track of files.
Compression The process of making data consume less storage space.
Encryption The process of converting information so that it cannot be understood without decrypting it using a key, especially to prevent unauthorized access.
File Permissions The use of user and file attributes that control which users can read, write, move, or delete each file.
Journaling The process of tracking changes to a file so that a file can be repaired or restored in case of file corruption or data loss.
Topics Discussed:
How do operating systems keep track of documents and other files?
What are the most common file system features?
What is the main purpose of Windows file extensions?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.6: File Management, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 8 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: September 23rd, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 25th, 2019
Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of basic operating system installation by installing and configuring a common desktop operating system so that they can prepare common desktop PCs for deployment.
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 10), 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 10 installation media will be distributed. Boot from the Windows installation USB 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 10 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 support updates for your PC. Use the Dell support tag located on the top of the machine to determine your required updates on the Dell Support site. See me if your Dell support tag is missing.
Once all device drivers and support software installations are complete, use the Control Panel to access the Windows Update settings. Click the Check for Updates button to search for updates and service packs. Install all service packs and updates that are available.
Your Windows 10 installation is complete when all required device drivers, 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: September 18th, 2019 Due Date: September 24th, 2019
This
section introduces you to operating systems and gives you practice using the
Windows user interface. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Identify
and describe different types of system software.
Identify
common 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.
Recognize
and use utility software.
Use
Windows Device Manager to update drivers.
Use
Windows Task Manager to prevent applications from running at system startup.
Operating System A computer program that makes it so people, hardware, and software can interface with each other in a meaningful way.
Graphical User Interface An operating system interface that allows a user to interact with the computer by displaying pictures, icons, and other images on a screen to represent files, folders, and system controls and by accepting input from a mouse or a touch screen.
Command Line Interface An operating system interface that allows a user to interact with the computer by displaying text on a screen and accepting input from the keyboard. The input is entered as commands. The command line is used primarily by IT and other tech professionals.
Disk Management A role of the operating system that helps keep storage devices well organized and maintained.
Application Management A role of the operating system that manages applications or programs that are installed on a system. Applications are run, configured, and deleted through application management.
Service Management A role of the operating system that runs processes or programs automatically in the background. These programs are services that perform functions like indexing files for better searches, verifying that software is up to date, and backing up files.
Device Management A role of the operating system that determines the hardware that is connected to the system, interprets instructions from the hardware, and sends instructions to it. Device management includes managing device drivers.
Access Control/Protection A role of the operating system that requires users to log in with their credentials before accessing sensitive information on the computer. It also manages antivirus and antimalware software to prevent malicious files from accessing the computer.
Utility Software Software that analyzes, configures, and optimizes the computer including backup software, compression software, disk cleaners, and antivirus software.
DeviceDrivers Software that allows an operating system to communicate with hardware devices, such as printers, video cards, scanners, and cameras.
Firmware Preinstalled, read-only software on a device that tells it how to work.
WindowsSettings App In Windows 10, an application that organizes the settings and customizes how the computer looks and functions.
Topics Discussed:
What
is the difference between hardware, system software, and application software?
What
is the purpose of an operating system?
How
can the Windows operating system be configured through the Settings app?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.5: Software, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 12 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: September 16th, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 17th, 2019
This section introduces you to the internal components of computer systems, including processing, storage, and memory. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Describe the most common internal components of a typical computer system, including processor, RAM, motherboard, power supply, GPU, NIC, and cooling system.
Compare and contrast the features of different external storage devices, including hard disk drives, optical drives, flash storage, and solid state drives.
Distinguish between the two main types of consumer-level CPUs.
Identify the proper sequence of steps to follow in the troubleshooting methodology.
Identify the proper cable to connect a computer to an Ethernet port.
Set up a desktop computer system, including peripherals, power cables, and networking cable.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) The most important part of any modern computer system that controls the other parts of the computer.
Random Access Memory (RAM) The main memory of a computer that can be quickly accessed by the CPU and where the computer stores data and instructions that it is actively using.
Motherboard A large, flat computer component that connects the important components of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and the BIOS chip. It also has power and other communications connections.
Power Supply The component of a computer that supplies the right amount and form of electricity to the motherboard and other computer components.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) An additional computer processor that provides graphics processing, providing better performance by relieving the CPU of this duty.
Network Interface Card (NIC) A component, sometimes built into and sometimes plugged into the motherboard, that provides wired or wireless (or both) network connectivity.
Cooling System Heat sinks and fans that keep computer components, especially the CPU, from overheating.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) The most common type of long-term storage that uses thick, magnetic disks encased in a protective housing to store data.
Optical Drive A storage device that uses light instead of magnetism to store information. This include CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray devices.
Flash Storage A compact, portable storage device that uses special memory chips to store data. Flash storage devices can be removed from a power source and its contents will remain intact.
Solid State Devices (SSD) A device with similar capacity to an HDD that uses flash storage instead of magnetic disks to store data. SSDs are much faster and more durable than hard disk drives but usually are more expensive.
External Hard Disk Drives An HDD that can be connected as a peripheral to a computer.
x86 Processors A family of processors manufactured by Intl and AMD that use a common instruction set, or list of commands that the processor can execute.
Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) Processors A family of processors most often used in smartphones due to its lower power requirements. This is accomplished by reducing the processors’ instruction set.
Troubleshooting A process that combines knowledge, experience, and intuition to quickly solve a variety of problems.
Topics Discussed:
How does a computer processor use internal memory?
What are the most common types of external storage devices?
What are the key steps in troubleshooting most computer hardware and software problems?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.4: Processing and Storage Hardware, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 15 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: September 11th, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 13th, 2019
I can demonstrate my understanding of modern and legacy ports and connectors by producing a document identifying each port visually, so I can maintain a working knowledge of what ports are available on a given PC just by looking at it.
Today, we will be working on a Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt activity, where you will be tasked with identifying 28 different expansion ports and connectors common to PC workstations.
Using the list below, and the Internet for research, you will hunt all around my room to find each of the 28 ports on the hardware devices located throughout Room 225. Hunt high and low, and dig through the provided hardware bins to find them all!
Use your cell phone, the iSight camera on your iMac, or a loaner digital camera (just ask me) to take pictures of each port. You must provide original photos of each port (No borrowing from the Internet!).
Produce a document (Google Doc, Google Slides, etc.) and place your pictures in the document. Use text labels to identify each of the 28 ports.
Submit your completed Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt document with all the required pictures to the Google Classroom assignment labeled “Section 1.3 Lab – Ports and Connectors Scavenger Hunt” by Monday, September 9th.
If all 1st Year students complete the Lab by turning in an original document containing all 28 photos correctly labeled by end of day on Monday, the entire class will receive a pizza party on lucky Friday the 13th!
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 video port (female)
DVI Video 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 (female)
Modem Ports
RJ-11 modem port (female)
Network Interface Ports
RJ-45 network port (female)
BNC Port (female)
Modern Multifunction Ports
USB Type A port (female)
USB 3.0 Type A port (female)
USB Type B port (female)
USB Type C port (female)
USB mini port (female)
USB micro port (female)
Firewire 400 IEEE 1394a port (female)
Firewire 800 IEEE 1394b port (female)
Assigned: September 5th, 2019 Due Date: September 9th, 2019
This section introduces you to computer hardware components and gives you practice setting up external devices for desktop systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Identify
common peripheral devices by sight.
Identify
common ports and connectors by sight.
Connect
cables and peripherals to a computer system.
Select
appropriate cables and hardware devices for particular scenarios.
Troubleshoot
common problems when installing external devices to a computer system.
Peripheral A device, usually external to a computer, that is plugged into a computer’s communication port or is connected wirelessly. Common peripherals are keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, and printers.
Touch Screen A display device that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching, tapping, and swiping areas on the screen.
Scanner A device that can be connected to a computer or network that scans paper documents and converts them into digital files.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) A common interface used to connect peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and digital cameras to a computer.
FireWire Another common interface used to connect peripherals such as digital cameras and external hard drives to a computer.
Video Graphics Array (VGA) Connector A connector, identified by its blue color and three rows of pins, that is used to connect older monitors to a computer.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Connector A connector, typically white with three rows of eight pins, designed to connect digital monitors to a computer.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Connector A connector used to connect a computer to an HDMI monitor or TV.
Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) Connector A connector used to connect a computer to a wired network.
Thunderbolt An interface primarily used on Apple computers that typically connects a monitor to a computer and can also provide DC power.
Infrared A communication technology that uses light waves to transmit information through the air.
Bluetooth A short-range wireless communication technology used to connect peripherals such as wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers to a computer, including smartphones.
Topics Discussed:
What
hardware components are generally required for a desktop computer system?
What
are the most commonly used interfaces for computer peripherals, displays, and
networking devices?
How
do you connect a computer monitor and other peripheral devices to a desktop
system?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.3: Peripheral Devices, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 11 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: September 3rd, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 4th, 2019
