Computer Technology Training http://computertechnologytraining.net Computer technology training for certification and employment. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:33:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Computer Training http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-training/computer-training/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-training/computer-training/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:33:17 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=40 Computers are used for basically everything that we do now.  If you are unfamiliar with computers you will eventually find yourself falling behind in the business world.  Luckily for you there are computer training classes that you can take in order to gain the skills that you will need to get yourself and your business [...]]]> Computers are used for basically everything that we do now.  If you are unfamiliar with computers you will eventually find yourself falling behind in the business world.  Luckily for you there are computer training classes that you can take in order to gain the skills that you will need to get yourself and your business ahead.   You shouldn’t be embarrassed by you lack of computer skills.  You may just have to put your pride aside and sign up for one of the many computer classes that are available around you.

There are many different places that you can take a computer classes all you have to do is look.  If you live around a college campus you may be able to sign up for a computer class that is taught at the school.  These classes are nice because they are taught by college level professors so you will be sure to learn the skills that you will need.  The downside of this type of training is that it can be expensive.  Since it is taught at the university you will probably have to pay the class fees as well as student fees to the school.

If you look around the city you live in you will probably be able to find a computer shop that teaches computer training classes.  Make sure to find out what will be covered in the classes and how long they last.  Sometimes these classes are free for people that have purchased computers at the shop and require that other people pay a fee.  This option is usually the least expensive especially if you can get the classes for free.

Another option that you have are online computer training.  Online classes can be a great option, especially if you have a busy schedule.  These classes can often be done at your convenience and can be taught on almost any program available.  They are often free but sometimes require a small fee.

No matter who you are, you will probably have to use a computer at some point in your life.  Because these machines play such a big role in our economy and culture it is important that you know how to operate one.  Find a computer training programs that will fit your schedule and ensure that you learn all the skills that you will have to have to improve your business and life.

The Computer Technology Training website has additional information that you might find useful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-training/computer-training/feed/ 0 Computer Network Training http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-network-training/computer-network-training/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-network-training/computer-network-training/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:12:48 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=38 Many businesses today encourage and promote extra training to increase the knowledge base of their employees.  If a new computer network has been designed for a business, then it is important that network training be provided to the employees.  Basic training for all employees on principal networking functions is a must, but training specific employees [...]]]> Many businesses today encourage and promote extra training to increase the knowledge base of their employees.  If a new computer network has been designed for a business, then it is important that network training be provided to the employees.  Basic training for all employees on principal networking functions is a must, but training specific employees with an aptitude for computer network maintenance can be even more beneficial to the company in the long run.  Having an employee on-site who has in-depth computer network training will allow the company to perform many tasks within the organization, rather than having to constantly deal with and pay outside consultants.

Because computers and computer networks are an integral part of business today, network training is important to keep everyone connected and business running smoothly.  In-house network and computer systems administrators can analyze problems, monitor networks for functionality, and maintain the hardware and software that the network employs.  They may also coordinate and implement required security throughout the network.  Systems administrators can use current information on customer and employee needs that will help them keep the system upgraded and efficient.  Trained systems administrators will ensure that all components of the network function smoothly within the required parameters.  They will be able to recommend improvements and anticipate future needs.

If a computer crashes or the company intranet cannot be accessed to coordinate financial spreadsheets or to track shipments, the company can literally come to a grinding halt for a time.  If there is not someone in-house who can troubleshoot and resolve the network issues, additional time and money is required to bring in a specialist.  This is one reason why network training of employees is essential. By having employees who understand the ins and outs of your computer network, you will be able to have confidence in your network and its ability to maintain connectivity. Network training of specialized personnel can save a company both time and money.

Hiring an employee who has extensive network training, such as a bachelor’s degree or higher, is often at the top of a company’s list when implementing a new computer network.  Courses offered by career colleges are also an excellent choice when specialized network training is required.  There are many reputable colleges that offer courses and even degrees online.  This type of training is an excellent tool for employers to use with current employees.  The cost of the online computer network training will out-weigh the savings the company will receive by having employees, who are knowledgeable, and who can maintain the all-important computer network.

The Computer Technology Training website has additional information that you might find helpful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-network-training/computer-network-training/feed/ 0 Firewall Software http://computertechnologytraining.net/firewall-software/firewall-software/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/firewall-software/firewall-software/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:27:53 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=35 Imagine you are the information technology director of a medium sized company. You have two hundred employees and each of them have their own workstation. One guy may be watching a football game on his computer. Another one may be chatting online with an old friend. Another employee may be downloading music or a video. [...]]]> Imagine you are the information technology director of a medium sized company. You have two hundred employees and each of them have their own workstation. One guy may be watching a football game on his computer. Another one may be chatting online with an old friend. Another employee may be downloading music or a video. Another is having a video conference with a client. As the director of information technology it is your job to make sure that there is nothing illegal or illicit going on with all the computers in your company. Antivirus software is one option but that only defends against malicious code and it is limited to one way (incoming) communication. If you really were in this position, you would want something more substantial than just antivirus software that has to be installed on each individual computer. It is in these types of situations where being a networked company is a huge advantage. You already have the infrastructure to add what you need to have in order to maintain safety. That is firewall software.

A firewall is a security measure that is designed to block any unauthorized access or use of a network. Firewalls can work on both outgoing and incoming communications and typically includes antivirus software as part of its security program. Firewalls are particularly effective at securing networks instead of just one computer because a firewall can be added at the access point of the local network to the internet. So any user who tries to gain access to the network through the internet is given the same security treatment as a user trying to access the internet from the internal network. A firewall is fairly straight forward in its security methods. There are a few different ways that firewall programs go about determining if a certain communication is allowed or if it’s illicit.

One common way that firewalls are set up is by packet filtering. This involves a fairly significant investment of resources to keep it operable but it does provide supreme security. All information that is sent over local intranets or the broader internet is broken down into packets. Any packet that tries to go through the firewall software, either out from the network to the internet or vice versa is picked up and inspected to make sure it complies with all the defined rules of the company’s network. Most of this process can be automated but the advantage in this system lies in the fact that an actual human being can oversee the whole thing. This allows more focus to be put on increasing the overall security and efficiency of a network instead of pouring over the minutia of each packet that tries to gain access to the network.

The Computer Technology Training website has additional information that you might find useful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/firewall-software/firewall-software/feed/ 0 Network Switches http://computertechnologytraining.net/network-switches/network-switches/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/network-switches/network-switches/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:40:56 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=30 If you are setting up a home networking system, you will need to make sure that you understand the integral role of network switches.  The switch actually bridges the different segments of the network.  You might find it also referred to as a packet switch.  In other words, the switch allows the computers on the [...]]]> If you are setting up a home networking system, you will need to make sure that you understand the integral role of network switches.  The switch actually bridges the different segments of the network.  You might find it also referred to as a packet switch.  In other words, the switch allows the computers on the network to talk to each other.  The network switch may connect two or three computers or even twenty or thirty computers.  The switches allow each computer to communicate with the other computers. These switches play a key part of a network design project., whether it is an initial project or a re-design.

In a small or large business, it can be important for specific groups of workers to have access to what the other users in the group are doing.  If a particular type of document must be reviewed and signed by more than one person, the network switches allow the computers to connect so the document can go from person to person and all can have access.  Having access to each others machines can allow one person to see what is on the others screen so that both can benefit.  Printers and fax machines or other types of equipment can be connected to the network through these switches.

Network switches can also be connected together.  This is helpful when you have multiple groups in multiple locations. Larger businesses will want to consider the number of employees who need to be connected to each other as well as to the overall system when determining the proper switches for their network system. Connecting the groups internally and then all together can allow switch-port data to be sorted appropriately and allow for full connectivity between the various groups.  The switches can also record information such as the address of all devices connected to them, providing additional security.

Determining  your network needs is an important step before purchasing network switches. Knowing what you need your network to do will help you to choose the correct switches.  The design features of each switch will vary, so knowing what is required is imperative.  Scalability, proper software compatibility, performance, availability and other equipment features need to be balanced with cost as you work within your budgeting guidelines.  Some switch features that need to be considered include whether there are enough chassis slots, what switching modules are available, and what power supply wattage is required.  As your needs are determined, you will be able to select the proper network switches to enable full connectivity of your business, whether large or small.

The Computer Technology Training website has additional information that might be of interest.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/network-switches/network-switches/feed/ 0 Computer Input Output http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-input-output/computer-input-output/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-input-output/computer-input-output/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:48:30 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=26 The PC computer input output (I/O) uses many ports for communicating and exchanging

Computer Input Output

data with the CPU.  These ports can be either cabled or wireless.  The mouse and keyboard are the primary computer input devices and use an IBM PS2 6 pin port, USB port, or a wireless port.  However, many computer peripherals [...]]]> The PC computer input output (I/O) uses many ports for communicating and exchanging

Computer Input Output

data with the CPU.  These ports can be either cabled or wireless.  The mouse and keyboard are the primary computer input devices and use an IBM PS2 6 pin port, USB port, or a wireless port.  However, many computer peripherals use the USB port because of its increased bandwidth.

USB Port

The USB has become popular because of the increased bandwidth and they are hot swappable.  The bandwidth for USB 2 is now 480 bits per second and the port can be detected by the CPU (hot swappable) and configured without having to reboot the computer.  This makes it very handy and compatible with a large number of devices.  The USB port can also be used to power or recharge devices.

Serial Port

The older 9 pin serial port was configured as COMM 1 or 2 and used as the original mouse port.  It was also used for modems and other serial communication devices that use the RS –232 protocols.  Some computers still have them and we use them today for programming robots and reconfiguring devices that can communicate using RS-232.

Printer Port

Most printers today use either USB or wireless connections.  However older printers used the 25-pin printer post that can still be found on some computers.

Video Port

The standard 9-pin VGA port is still found on most computers but is being replaced with the newer DVI (digital visual interface).  The DVI can be converted and used with the newer HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) which is compatible with the newer LCD and LED televisions and monitors.

S/PDIF Port

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) is a digital audio port.  Many of the newer home theater systems use this newer improved audio format.

The Computer Technology Training website has additional information that you might find useful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-input-output/computer-input-output/feed/ 0 Computer Hardware http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-hardware/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-hardware/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:31:23 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=22 PC computer hardware consists of a CPU (central processing unit), supporting chipset, RAM

Computer Hardware

memory, video, motherboard, and I/O (input and output devices).  The CPU’s and motherboards have made considerable improvements from the early days of 8 bit computing to the newer 64 bit devices and PCI express motherboards.  The supporting chipsets provide the CPU [...]]]> PC computer hardware consists of a CPU (central processing unit), supporting chipset, RAM

Computer Hardware

memory, video, motherboard, and I/O (input and output devices).  The CPU’s and motherboards have made considerable improvements from the early days of 8 bit computing to the newer 64 bit devices and PCI express motherboards.  The supporting chipsets provide the CPU with access to the RAM memory, video card, and I/O devices.

The I/O devices along with the CPU use binary numbering systems to communicate and exchange all the data that is processed.  Binary numbers consist of just 1’s and 0’s and have become a powerful and reliable processing system.  Binary in the computer is like a light switch and is either on (1) or off (0).  With the advent of the semiconductor and transistor, electronic gates were developed that either allowed current to flow or stopped current.  This on or off state is easy to detect which makes computers a very reliable processing platform that includes self-error correcting features.

Binary is easy to translate to the English language, decimal number system, or any other language or numbering system.  This also provides a very reliable input and output communication and data exchange.  The Internet technology protocol TCP/IP was never expected to be able to handle such large amounts of world traffic, but using the binary number system is has been able to expand quickly to handle the growth and bandwidth needs.

A mouse, keyboards, monitors, printers, hard drives, flash drives, CDs, and DVDs all use the binary numbering system.  Storage devices store these ones and zeros are either magnetized spots of metal platters or as pits or bumps on CDs or DVDs.

Bits are a single character either a one or a zero.  A byte is 8 bits of data and a byte is a common form or group or data.  A byte can be a number from 0 to 255.  To convert binary to decimal you use a base 2 system where each additional bit doubles in value.  A single bit could have a value of 0 or one.  When you add a bit this doubles the value to 2.  The next bit would be 4 and so on until you reach the eighth bit, which would have a value of 128.  It will become necessary from time to time to be able to convert an 8 bit number to decimal so some exercises are needed to develop this skill.

Lab – Binary to Decimal Conversion

128 – 64 – 32 – 16 –  8 –  4 –  2 –  1

0      0      0      0     0     0     0     0   =  0

0      0      0      0     0     0     0     1   =  1

0      0      0      0     0     0     1     0   =  2

0      0      0      0     0     0     1     1   =  3

1.  Convert 8 binary 00000011 to decimal.                        2.  Convert decimal 2 to 8 bit binary.

The Computer Technology Training website has some additional information you might find useful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-hardware/computer-hardware/feed/ 0 Computer Technology http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-technology/computer-technology/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-technology/computer-technology/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:16:31 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=16 The PC computer technology has evolved in to a remarkably powerful machine over the last

Computer Technology

30 plus years.  Some say it is hundreds of times more powerful than the computers used to land us on the moon.  However, PC gamers are still trying to squeeze a little more performance out.  Fortunately for all of [...]]]> The PC computer technology has evolved in to a remarkably powerful machine over the last

Computer Technology

30 plus years.  Some say it is hundreds of times more powerful than the computers used to land us on the moon.  However, PC gamers are still trying to squeeze a little more performance out.  Fortunately for all of the PC gamers have been the principle motivators to push the computers to new and ever improving performance levels.  Without the gamers I doubt if we would have come this far this quickly.

However, with all its power and performance the operating systems have struggled to keep pace.  The problems that the typical user faces are daunting.  Viruses and worms, hard drive fragmentation, registry corruptions, network connectivity issues, bandwidth concerns, wireless security, malware threats, are just some of the major concerns.

Computer technology training will take you on a journey from the computers early development to today’s most sophisticated computer technology.  The information presented requires no prior experience and can help the user to better understand the issues today to maintain and successfully master this wonderful technology.  Many people from a variety of backgrounds who study this material and attend my computer technology classes go on to become successful computer and network technicians.

The CompTIA A+ certification and technology training is needed today for entry-level work that

CompTIA A+

starts from $15-$25 per hour.  The Craig’s list is one of the best resources for finding work.  Most of the jobs offered are short term but the experience you acquire is valuable and will lead to a full time position quickly.  Then after only a few short years there is potential to make well over $100,000 as an, computer network analysis, computer security specialist, or computer network administrator.  As the computer industry continues to grow and the needs for skilled computer technicians will increase.  If you can install Windows, replace hard drives, and upgrade memory you could become the next computer technician.  Many of my former students have gone on to very successful careers in this exciting Information Technology industry and you could to.

The Computer Technology Training website has some addition information you might find useful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-technology/computer-technology/feed/ 0 FIXMBR http://computertechnologytraining.net/fixmbr/fixmbr/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/fixmbr/fixmbr/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:35:22 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=9 The FIXMBR recovery console command can be used to fix the MBR file.  The MBR file is

FIXMBR

the first sector (512 bytes) on the hard drive and therefore can be subject to virus infections and other problems.  This file contains hard drive partition information, boot record pointer information, and information for boot strapping the operating system. [...]]]> The FIXMBR recovery console command can be used to fix the MBR file.  The MBR file is

FIXMBR

the first sector (512 bytes) on the hard drive and therefore can be subject to virus infections and other problems.  This file contains hard drive partition information, boot record pointer information, and information for boot strapping the operating system.  The Fdisk DOS utility will do the same thing in the DOS that FIXMBR does in Windows Recovery Console.

The Windows Recovery Console can be started by booting the computer using the Windows install CD to run FIXMBR.  If your computer didn’t come with a Windows install CD.  You can make one using nLite and the i386 folder on your computer.  nLite is a great free utility that can be used for creating a custom Windows install CD that is fully automated and setup to include all drivers, service packs, security patches, and other important files you might need.  You can also use nLite remove keyboards, languages, and other files to lighten the size of the Windows install disk which will provide a faster installation.

The Computer Technology Training website has some additional information you might find helpful.

]]> http://computertechnologytraining.net/fixmbr/fixmbr/feed/ 0 Computer Technology Training http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-technology-training/computer-technology-training/ http://computertechnologytraining.net/computer-technology-training/computer-technology-training/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:17 +0000 gf http://computertechnologytraining.net/?p=5 The completion of computer technology training is needed for certification

Computer Technology Training

and employment in the IT (Internet technology) field.  There are many certifications available for new prospects.  However, employers are requiring CompTIA A+ for entry level positions.  The A+ certification provides employers the confidence that new techs can hit the ground running and fix [...]]]> The completion of computer technology training is needed for certification

Computer Technology Training

and employment in the IT (Internet technology) field.  There are many certifications available for new prospects.  However, employers are requiring CompTIA A+ for entry level positions.  The A+ certification provides employers the confidence that new techs can hit the ground running and fix computer problems.  The next certification is usually the CompTIA Network+ which once obtained will lead to greater job responsibility and higher pay.  After achieving these two certs the tech has the choice of either going the Microsoft MCSE track or the Cisco CCIE track.  Either of these two tracks will lead to many great and well paying IT positions.

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