Specialized Computing Blog

Need to become CompTIA Network+ Certified? Join certified instructor Bill Ferguson in Virtual Training Company’s CompTIA Network+ Certification tutorial as he shows you everything you need to know to take and pass the test. He begins by introducing you to the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) model, then explains how network adapters allow computers to communicate, the relation between the topologies and technologies of networks, and how to control network traffic. Other topics he covers include remote connectivity, tools used for troubleshooting both hardware and software, and how to protect your network with Firewalls. Learn all you need to know for CompTIA Network+ Certification now by simply click one of the topics below.

Introduction and Overview

Overview Part 1

Overview Part 2

The OSI Model

What is the OSI Model?

The layers of the model

Network Adapters

Network Adapter Overview

Properties of Network Adapter Cards

Configuring a Network Adapters Resources

Configuring a Network Adapters Addressing

Troubleshooting Network Adapters

Network Cabling Communication

Network Cabling and Communication Overview

LANs vs. WANs

Communication Methods

Twisted Pair Cabling and Connectors

Coaxial Cable

Fiber Optic Cable

Topologies and Technologies

Types of Topologies

The Bus Topology

The Star Topology

The Ring Topology

The Mesh Topology

Hyid Topologies

Types of Technologies

CSMA/CD Access Method

Token Ring & Token Passing

Fiber Distributed Data Interface

Network Hardware

Network Hardware Overview

Bridges

Routers

Brouters

Switches

Remote Connectivity

Remote Connectivity Overview

Remote Communication Layers

Modems

Modem Standards and Features

Remote Connectivity Terminology

Flow Control and UART Protocols

Installing Modems

Troubleshooting Modems

Creating Dial-Up Connections

Troubleshooting Hardware

Environmental Conditions

Physical Layout

Common Network Tools

Troubleshooting Tips

Protocols

Network Protocols Defined

Access Protocols

Transport Protocols

TCP/IP

Overview

The Evolution of TCP/IP

TCP/IP Fundamentals

The TCP/IP Suite

The TCP/IP Suite continued

The TCP/IP Suite continued

Ports and Sockets

IP Addressing

IP Address Classes

Binary Numbers

Default Subnet Masks

Anding IP Addresses

IP Address Configuration

Subnetting and Routing

Routing Tables and Routing Protocols

Name Resolution

Name Resolution Overview

Host Name Resolution

NetBIOS Name Resolution

Name Resolution Steps

Firewalls and Proxies

Firewalls and Proxies

Firewalls

Proxy Servers

TCP/IP Tools

Tools from Command Prompt

Ping

TraceRT

Remote Access Protocols

Remote Access Protocol Overview

SLIP vs. PPP

PPTP vs. L2TP

Network Operating Systems

The Role of an NOS

Components of a Network

Types of Networks

Network Clients

Directory Services

Directory Services Overview

NT Trusts

NT Domain Models

NT Domain Controllers

Active Directory

Accessing Resources Through a Network

Share Permissions

NTFS Permissions

Sharing and Mapping Drives

UNC Command

Sharing Printer

Optimizing a Network

Tools for Networks

Event Viewer

Task Manager

System Monitor

Network Monitor

Troubleshooting & Ongoing Maintenance

Fault Tolerance

Fault Tolerance Defined

RAID

Backup

UPSs

Ongoing Network Maintenance

Patches and Service Packs

Virus Protection

Taking the CompTIA Network+ Test

Tips on Taking the CompTIA Network+ Test

Mac OS 10.6, aka “Snow Leopard,” is the latest update to the Unix-based operating system for Macintosh. It builds on previous versions of Mac OS X to provide an even more powerful and easy-to-use experience. Snow Leopard works with Apple’s newest hardware (Intel-based Macs) to provide faster and more responsive applications that require fewer resource to install and run. The course covers everything from the basics of setting up your computer and its preferences to using your computer remotely (Back to My Mac), Time Machine to keep your files automatically up to date, and synchronization with your iPhone, iPod, and MobileMe account. To begin learning today, simply click on the movie links.

Introducing Snow Leopard

Welcome to Snow Leopard

New in Snow Leopard

Mac OS X Power & Integration

Using Snow Leopard Controls

The Snow Leopard Interface

Using Buttons

Working with Controls

Working with Text

Using Windows

Using Windows – The Basics

Window Drawers/Toolbar & Sidebars

Working with Window & View Menus

Working with Menus

Using Menus

Apple Menu pt. 1

Apple Menu pt. 2

Application Menu

Apple Menu – Services Submenu pt. 1

Apple Menu – Services Submenu pt. 2

File Menu

Edit Menu

Window & Getting He|p

Working with Files

Working with Files & Folders Basics

Looking at Files

Using Aliases

Working with Packages

Using Info & Inspector pt. 1

Using Info & Inspector pt. 2

Burning a CD or DVD

Using the Finder

Finder View Menu

Using View Options

Finder New Commands

Finder Preferences pt. 1

Finder Preferences pt. 2

Printing

Printing Documents

Using Preview & PDF

Using the Full Print Dialog

Using Print Options pt. 1

Using Print Options pt. 2

Setting Print Preferences

Adding a Printer

System Preferences

Using System Preferences

Appearance of Preferences

Desktop & Screen Saver

Dock

Expose & Spaces

Language & Text

Bluetooth

Energy Saver – UPS

Energy Saver – Battery/Power Adapter

Displays

Keyboard

Mouse & Trackpad

CDs & DVDs & Sound

Date/Time & Software Update

Startup Disk

Speech & Universal Access

Time Machine/Disks & Files

Using Time Machine

Using Archives

Using Disk Utility

Using Disk Utility Preferences

Creating Disk Images

Using Disk Images

Securing Your Computer

Security Preferences

Using File Vault

Sharing

Using the Firewall

Accounts pt. 1

Accounts pt. 2

Setting File Permissions

Keychain Access

Networking

Using Networking Preferences

Using Locations & the Assistant

Advanced Network Settings

Using TCP/IP pt. 1

Using TCP/IP pt. 2

Using DNS & Ethernet

Using Airport Utility

Configuring Airport Base Station

Manual Base Station Configuration

Using Mail

Getting Started with Mail

Setting Up an Account

Configuring an Incoming Account

Configuring an Outgoing Account

Sending & Receiving e-Mail

Using Mailboxes

Spam

Other Options

Using iCal

Introducing iCal

iCal Calendars & Mail

Using Notes & ToDos

Using Address Book

Address Book Basics

Advanced Address Book Features

Using MobileMe & Synchronizing Data

Introducing MobileMe

Setting iDisk Preferences

Setting MobileMe Preferences

Using MobileMe: Mail/Contacts & iCal

Back to My Mac & iChat

Getting Started with iChat

Exploring iChat Preferences

Dashboard

Introducing Dashboard & Widgets

Managing Dashboard

Spotlight

Searching with Spotlight

Spotlight Preferences

Automator

Introducing Automator

AppleScript: Recording & Dictionaries

Using the Web

Setting Up a Web Server

Using Safari

Parental Controls

Finder/Applications & Content

Time Limits & Logs

Troubleshooting

Activity Monitor

Console

Wrap Up

Introducing Text Edit

Plain/Rich Text & Text Wrap

Application Preferences

Working Across the Network

Credits

About the Author

Windows Server 2008 is Microsoft’s newest server operating system. This new version is not just ‘window’ dressing, there are major architectural changes and major new enhancements that administrators will welcome. Microsoft has concentrated on enhancing security by reducing the attack surface and making enterprise administration and configuration more consistent. In this course, Mark Long will introduce you to what is new and different about this new server operating system, while reinforcing the foundation of the world’s most popular server operating system. He will introduce you to the new management tools and scenarios, enhancements such as PowerShell, IPv6 and step you through the installation and basic setup of one of the most exciting new additions to the Windows Server family, ServerCore. To begin learning today, simply click the links.

Course Overview

Welcome

Prerequisites

Course Overview

History of Windows Server

Windows Server 2008 Overview

Windows Server 2008 & Vista

Windows Server 2008 Basics

System Requirements

First Look at Server 2008

Windows Server Architecture

The Vista Connection

Virtualization

Roles and Features pt. 1

Roles and Features pt. 2

Roles and Features pt. 3

Installation & Deployment

Differences About this Installation

Pre-Installation

Windows Imaging Format

Windows Automated Installation Kit

Installing Windows Server 2008 pt. 1

Installing Windows Server 2008 pt. 2

Microsoft Solutions Framework

Windows Deployment Services

Network Services

New In Network Services

Network Access Protection pt. 1

Network Access Protection pt. 2

IPv6 pt. 1

IPv6 pt. 2

TCP/IP Config

Toredo

Active Directory

Active Directory Overview

Active Directory Organization

New In Active Directory

Creating A Domain Controller pt. 1

Creating A Domain Controller pt. 2

Domain Functional Levels

Read-Only Domain Controllers

System Management

Group Policy

Group Policy Basics

Managing Group Policy pt. 1

Managing Group Policy pt. 2

Forcing Group Policy Updates

Troubleshooting Group Policy

New in Group Policy

File System

File System Basics

New in the File System

Full-Volume Encryption

Managing Windows Server 2008

Differences About Server Management

ICT Console

Server Manager

MMC

Storage Manager

Task Scheduler

Command-Line Tools

PowerShell

PowerShell

Installing PowerShell

Command Guide

Scripts

Security

New in Security

Security Configuration Wizard

Terminal Server

TS Basics

Remote Desktop

Installing TS

Remote Applications

Server Core

Server Core

Server Core Installation

Managing Server Core pt. 1

Managing Server Core pt. 2

Managing Server Core pt. 3

Course Wrap Up

Course Wrap Up

Credits

About The Author

The new Apple iPad has gotten a ton of hype leading up to the release of it. Is it as good as the company claims? Will it really bring about the death of laptops, as many believe? Here are eight of its notable features, to help you decide for yourself:

#1) Long-lasting battery

The company says the average lifespan for the battery is about ten hours. However, many people say it’s really longer than that. Some claim you can get it to go eleven hours or more.

This will save you a lot of money if you use mobile devices often. This enables you to watch five two-hour long movies before needing a replacement.

#2) Speakers

The quality of the sound is pretty good, even when turned up loud. Many were worrying the sound clarity would be subpar like a lot of mobile devices, but this really isn’t the case.

It’s not as crystal clear as a quality television. However, when considering the size of the iPad, it’s pretty decent.

#3) Screen width

The screen is 9.5 inches wide, which is quite large when compared with other mobile machines. While it’s obviously not as big as a laptop, 9.5 inches is easily big enough that you won’t have to strain you eyes when watching the screen contents.

It’s even sufficient for more than one person to comfortably view it at the same time. So if you have friends that want to see a movie, you are in luck.

#4) Cool temperature

If you are familiar with Apple laptops, you probably dread holding them on your lap for a long time. As the system heats up, they tend to become extremely warm, which makes holding them very uncomfortable. However, the iPad stays cool even after hours of use.

#5) Third party applications

The iPad can use third party applications without needing the use of modifications. In other words, it’s more adaptable than many expected.

#6) Storage space

Even the least expensive iPads contain sixteen gigs of room. This is more than anticipated.

#7) Tiny size

It’s very easy to carry around, weighing in at one and a half pounds. So you can easily carry it in your pocket without it being a burden.

#8) Built-in dictionary

The iBooks application has a dictionary that provides fast explanations of words when browsing the net. And it’s also capable of finding specific words within e-Books, which is a rather advanced feature.

The bottom line is, the iPad does have some neat features and it’s shaping up well. It may not be time to throw out your other mobile devices yet, but that time just moved a few steps closer.

The use of Smartphones is on the rise. And unfortunately a lot of businesses are paying no attention to this increase.

Recently, a leading research company stated that in 3-4 years, mobile users will be greater in number than laptops or computers. While mobile users obviously encompass more than just Smartphones, this outlines the importance of making your site mobile ready.

The reality is, you can’t target Smartphone browsers like regular internet users. Since the screens are smaller than laptops, you have to make your website smaller to accommodate them. If you don’t, the smaller screen will force the mobile users to constantly scroll up or down to view anything.

Most people will not be willing to do this, and will simply click away. Therefore, not having a smaller version of your site can cost you sales.

Should you have two different pages for this? You could do this option, but then you would have to get two separate pages ranking in the search engines. This is almost impossible, so is not really an option.

Another method is to have a clickable link on your main page that goes to your mobile page. However, this is going to reduce conversions because a certain percentage of people are not going to click through.

Therefore, the best strategy is to utilize user agent detection. This is a system that finds out what browser the visitor is using, and adjusts the webpage accordingly.

This means the site will automatically change the dimensions of the webpage based on the browser of the visitor. This is when your ability to target Smartphone users will really take off.

What about your page content?

Now that you know how to change your dimensions, you have to have quality content. The main thing needed is simplicity. This is how to target mobile users successfully. Here are three ways to make it more simple:

#1) Have the same navigation on every page

This is important, because if there is different navigation the user will become frustrated and leave.

#2) Put the navigation lower on the page

When it’s at the top, it often forces Smartphone users to have to toggle down to view the page. This is very annoying and a guaranteed way to lower your sales.

#3) Limit the use of graphics

This is another way to improve the simplicity. You probably want to avoid one of those annoying introductory flash pages that pops up before the main page.

So the most important things to keep Smartphone users in mind is to have different dimensions for mobile devices and keep your pages simple. Catering to this growing market is a smart move.

Today, there are more forms of memory than you can shake a stick at. Technically, memory can be anything used to store data, but today it is most commonly referred to as quickly accessed forms of storage. Just think about how slow your computer would be if it had to access the hard drive every time it needed to process a command. For this very reason, the computer selects a temporary memory device to store all of the commonly used commands so they can be pulled back up quickly. The different types of quick-pull memory include flash memory and various types of random access memory and read only memory. Let’s take a look at these different types of memory and see what sets them apart from each other.

Read Only Memory

ROM is a type of memory where information has been pre-recorded and is only available to be read. There is a slight variation, called PROM, or programmable read only memory, which is a set of memory devices, like a read only CD, that can be programmed, but then never changed. Once the memory is on the device and the session is closed, the memory cannot be added to or changed.

Random Access Memory

While read only memory can be accessed in a certain order, like a cassette tape, random access memory can be accessed from any point at any time, as long as you know the exact location of the cell the memory is stored in. Most of a computers’ quick access memory is stored in RAM, but there is an issue when the computer looses power; the memory is erased.

Flash Memory

Finally, the most notable type of memory today is flash memory. This memory comes in the form of flash drives, also known as thumb drives, and even the cards you insert into your digital camera. Flash memory is considered non-volatile, which means that it can be electronically erased and reprogrammed when deemed necessary. Today, each flash drive can be erased in pieces and parts, whereas, five years ago, if you wanted to erase a portion of data on the flash drive, the entire drive had to be wiped clean.

Flash memory is also more cost-effective than any other type of memory produced today. There are currently developments being tested in hopes of making hard drives only from flash memory. The reason this is the wave of the future, there are no moving parts in flash memory. No moving parts mean that there will be far fewer failures with the memory.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of memory. Each type has a certain purpose for which it was made. Computer memory is a basic storage device, just like your brain. The only difference between your memory and a computer’s memory is the way in which the information is recovered and the space available to store information. The next time you try to do something on an electronic device, see if you can identify what type of memory is being used.

Which came first, hardware or software? This is a rather difficult question, seeing as how hardware doesn’t do much of anything without having software installed on it, and software can’t do what it is programmed to do without the hardware to host it. So, what exactly is the difference between hardware and software, and why are their functions so different?

Hardware

Hardware is defined as a device with the task of storing and running installed software. The hardware is the physical piece of machinery, such as the hard-drive, mouse and keyboard, video and graphics cards. These devices serve as the host system for the software. Hardware is changed far less often than software.

The reason it is called “hardware” is because the physical device in not readily created, modified or erased on the CPU. These devices are hard put and usually consist of wiring and solder to hold them in place. Everything about the name speaks to what the devices are like; hard wired, hard to make, hard to install and hard coded with instruction. The easiest way to think of hardware, is that it is the part of the computer that you can physically touch.

Software

On the completely opposite hand, software is the program aspect of the computer. It cannot be physically touched and is easily created, wiped out and replaced in an instant. Software is the programming that allows you to perform the specific task you need to complete.

Software holds the collection of instructions that enables users to issue a set of commands and have the computer respond with a certain result. Programs are examples of software, like PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, and even your Internet. Basically, anything that you can point and click at on your screen is tied to some type of software.

Hardware and Software Must Work Together

It is only when hardware and software come together, that things begin to happen. Without either of the two, you have an expensive paperweight or a group of coding that cannot live up to its purpose because there is no host to help display the outputs. Software makes it possible for hardware to work and the user to interact with the software. For example, it is software that runs the mouse programming, which allows the mouse hardware to click on and interact with the software on the computer.

Software developers cannot show off their skills and talents without the hardware developers keeping up with the latest and greatest improvements. It is an ever-changing reality that pulls one behind the other. Hardware becomes useless if it out-paces software and vice versa. Only until the two entities start working together, can any lasting improvements be made and advancements can be covered in leaps and bounds. So, in the world of which came first, it doesn’t matter since one is completely useless without the other.

Next week, we’ll look at the different types of memory your computer uses…

Types of Networks

Just as there are different levels of groups of friends together, there are different levels of networks. The three most common are Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). Let’s take a look at what makes these networks different and what types of hardware they commonly use.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

PANs are relatively short-ranged networks, usually intended for communicating between a couple of devices. This would be like you and your friends getting together and networking over lunch. PANs are usually found in homes, between a couple of computers and possibly a printer and scanner through the use of a router.

Local Area Network (LAN)

The local scene is an example of a LAN where many people can come together. This location is big enough for everyone, but they do not have to be in the same place. LANs are usually found in office spaces, where the server room may be in one area and the physical computers in another area. These types of networks generally use network interface cards, which are adapters installed on a computer with the responsibility of connecting that computer to the network.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

The last of the three types of networks is the WAN. This network would be similar to instant messaging with your friends or chatting with them via Skype. This type of network uses switches and hubs to help control the flow of data and communications over a long distance. Companies who have national or international conglomerates uses WAN’s to keep everyone in the company connected.

Going In-Depth With Computer Networking

It is simple to think about networking if you can imagine physical interactions between people. Computer networks work the same way. If you would like a more in-depth understanding of computer networking, seek out local classes or go sit with your IT department during your lunch. The art of computer networking truly is a fun world.

Next week, we’ll talk about Hardware and Software in general, and how it all works together to create a “personal computer”…

Networking

When you get together with your friends, you are networking. When you go to a party and meet new people, you are networking. When you use online media to communicate with others, you are networking. So it stands to reason computer networks work along the same guidelines. Computer networks relate to a group of computers, which are linked together, communicating, in order to share information and available resources.

How Networking Works

Networks can consist of a multitude of machines, down to just a few. These may include laptop computers, desktop computers and a server, but also may encompass printers, scanners, data storage devices, fax machines and just about any other communication equipment you could think of. Of course, whether you are meeting with people in person, or online, there has to be someone available to help guide the conversation and keep everything on track. In the computer world of networking, this is known as the “data center,” usually located in the server room.

The data center is the headquarters of the networking team. All of the equipment necessary to maintain smooth operation of the network is kept inside an air-conditioned room. It is imperative to keep this equipment in top shape. If equipment starts to deteriorate, something could go wrong and there would be a negative effect on the entire network. If a connection comes un-soldered, the whole file storage department might be lost. If a cobweb shorts out the data communications side of the house, no transmissions will be able to get in or out of the network.

Of course, not everything has to be physical to go wrong. Since all of the devices are interconnected within this network, if something happens with one computer, it could damage the entire network. Think about the Christmas tree lights; when one goes out, the whole string goes out. If one computer is infected with a serious virus, the network may actually assist in spreading the virus between computers. Of course that is the worst case scenario. The first computer with the virus may be able to terminate it before spreading throughout the network, only sustaining damage to the communications portion of the network.

Next week, we’ll look at the different types of computer networks…

Virtualization

People were practicing virtualization long before computers. Architects were drawing buildings, contractors were making detailed sketches and engineers were developing their systems; all with a pen and paper. Today, we can do far more than the simple 2-D drawings of the past. Virtualization allows us to build complete cities, in high detail 3-D imagery, then with a click of the mouse, decimate and rebuild in a completely different manner. Not to mention, virtualization is starting to become a mega-trend in the health industry. Doctors and health care professionals are able to create life-like replicas of situations and see the possible side effects and outcomes of different procedures.

In the computer world, virtualization has the same connotation, but with different aspects. For instance, instead of mapping out cities or hearts, Information Technology workers are creating virtual workstations, servers, operating systems and network resources.

Computer virtualization allows you to have a network of computers, running two or more completely different environments, on a single piece of hardware. For example, Apple can run their standard Operating System (OS), while having the ability to mimic a Dell PC and run the Windows OS. Virtualization splits computers from their applications, by creating a virtual machine (VM), which gives it the ability to act as a host to a larger number of systems.

There are a wide variety of virtual specialties, including Operating Systems, network, server, hardware and even storage. Let’s take a look at what each discipline entails.

Hardware Virtualization

You probably know a little about virtualization if you have ever decided to partition your hard drive into logical divisions, creating basically two hard drives in one. This is hardware virtualization. This discipline is tasked with partitioning the computer’s memory into separate and isolated virtual machines to simulate multiple machines within one physical computer.

Operating System Virtualization

This type of virtualization allows the computer to take a step back and act as a simple display for different operating systems; much like Apple started doing a few years ago. This uses software to allow a piece of hardware, such as a computer, to display different operating system windows at the same time because it is not tied to either of the two systems.

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization combines all of the available resources in a network by splitting up the available bandwidth into channels. Each of these channels is completely independent of each other and can be devoted, or reassigned, to a particular server or individual in real time. This allows the complex network to be separated into manageable parts that can be worked on or devoted to different tasks without affecting the other ones.

Storage Virtualization

This type of virtualization pools physical storage locations from multiple devices within a network and allows it to act as a single storage device. If you have a single drive to save all of your documents where you work, this would be an example of storage virtualization.

Server Virtualization

Bandwidth is a large issue for companies; a hot commodity within the IT world of corporations. Server virtualization hides the identity of each user from the physical server and keeps users from having to understand and manage the ever-daunting task of server resources. It also increases the ability to share resources and gives the company the ability to expand in the future.

Conclusion

While we have been working with virtualization before the digital age, the technology we have access to now changes the entire game. These categories of virtualization can actually lead the way into autonomic computing; where IT teams will be able to manage the systems based on perceived activity and resources used, allowing clients to only pay as resources are needed.

Next week, we’ll look more in-depth at computer networking…