Networking
101.01
Career Clusters
Students can use career clusters to investigate a wide range of career choices. The career cluster approach makes it easier for students to understand the relevance of their required courses and helps them select their elective courses more wisely.
TechCareer Compass
CompTIA's TechCareer Compass can provide you the tools to define your career goals, find out which certification(s) you need to get there, and help you establish yourself as an ICT professional.
The Key Steps to An Effective Presentation
The fear of public speaking ranks right up there with death and an IRS Audit for most of the population. What I will attempt to do here is give you a few tips & techniques and a bit of support when it comes time to make a presentation.
How to Give a Bad Talk
A humorous look at what NOT to do when giving a presentation. Other notes on Oral Presentation Advice is here too.
Nine Nontechie Skills that Hiring Managers Wish You Had
IT executives say they’re increasingly looking for staffers who have, in addition to technical chops, solid business acumen and so-called soft skills, like strong communication and listening abilities.
SkillsUSA Website
This is the official site of the Trade and Industrial Career and Technical student organization. This site has all the information needed for membership and leadership and skills competitive events.
FBLA-PBL Website
This is the official site of the Business and Information Technology Education student organization. This site has all the information needed for membership and leadership and skills competitive events.
ParliPro.org
Website promoting the study and teaching of Robert’s Rules of Order. This website has tutorials for motions and parliamentary procedure. It also has quizzes and scenarios to solve.
Goal Achiever
Personal goal setting website that includes six steps to achievable goals. Each step spells out a list of things for the goal setter to do to achieve the goal.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Professional Careers
This handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists many types of IT careers.
Ethics and the IT Professional
From a University of Canberra, Information Sciences and Engineering Seminar, 13 May 2005. A discussion of real day-to-day ethical problems faced by IT professionals, with examples.
Ethics in Computing
This North Carolina State University site directs you to areas such a privacy, computer abuse, and risks.
Various Licenses and Comments about Them
A listing of many of the free (and non-free) software licenses by the GNU Project of the Free Software Foundation
Top Ten Customer Service Skills
An article from a human resources professional blog about customer service. Customer service is not just an IT worry.
Customer Service - Skills - Hints and Tips
In this section you'll find short hints and tips to help provide better customer service, particularly with customers who are difficult, angry or potentially abusive. Much of the material here involves book excerpts.
Privacy: Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information
An FTC Consumer Alert. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encourages you to make sure your transactions — online and off — are secure and your personal information is protected. The FTC offers these tips to help you manage your personal information wisely, and to help minimize its misuse.
Federal Trade Commission - Privacy Initiatives
Not the most entertaining site, but extremely informative. The Federal Trade Commission is educating consumers and businesses about the importance of personal information privacy, including the security of personal information.
Nortel LearnIT
This site from the telecommunications company has a large selection of teacher materials including videos, lesson plans, and resources for IT careers, ethics, safety and more. The videos on 'soft skills' are very interesting.
Conducting Effective Business Meetings - For Dummies
An excerpt from: Complete MBA For Dummies, 2nd Edition. An easy to understand look at how to conduct an effective business meeting.
ParliPro.org
Website promoting the study and teaching of Robert’s Rules of Order. This website has tutorials for motions and parliamentary procedure. It also has quizzes and scenarios to solve.
How Stuff Works
Explains how computers and other machines work.
Techdirt Blog
Technology blogs are excellent sites to determine what the hot topics are today. Techdirt’s core mission is to help people make better business decisions consistently, by getting the right information to the right people at the right time.
Gizmag Emerging Technologies
All types of new technologies but you will have to look through them to pull out the computer technologies. This site has everything from new types of tires to VoIP innovations.
Google Advanced Search
Use this page to assist in finding specific results about emerging technologies.
Google Help: Cheat Sheet
Here's a quick list of some of Google's most popular tools to help refine and improve your search.
Online Dictionaries, References
A list of recommended online dictionaries and reference sites from QTL's Student Central.
How do I establish my career goals?
This site is actually designed for the Cultural Human Resources Counsel, so, it doesn't specifically deal with IT, but, gives a very good way to determine career goals and expectations.
Resume Writing - 10 Tips to Bullet Proof Your Resume
10 Helpful hints with links to other tips on improving your resume.
OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Computer Workstations - Hazards and Solutions
References to aid in recognizing potential hazards associated at computer workstations and give possible solutions to address those hazards.
ESD Fundamentals
A six-part series on Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) prepared by the ESD Association available in PDF format.
Static Electricity Lab
Simple Physics labs on static electricity using everyday household items.
"Static Electricity" Misconceptions
Discussions of misconceptions about ESD, really cool site with links to lots of other information. Well worth a visit.
Static Electricity Generators
Make your own static electricity generators from hardware store components. Lots of other really cool stuff to make at the user's home page.
PhET Electricity, Magnets & Circuits Simulations
Really nice simulations of basic electricity, magnets, and circuits. Check out "Ballons and Static Electricity" and "John Travoltage" for ESD simulations.
Laser Safety from Answers.com
Article on Laser Safety from Answers.com. Draws heavily from Wikipedia article, but, should be accessible by most schools.
Fire Extinguisher: 101
Discussion of Fire Extinguisher Types. Also includes information on using a fire extinguisher and general fire safety tips.
Where to find MSDS on the Internet
This site is a clearinghouse for MSDS info. A little dry, but, solid info on what an MSDS is. Take a look at the FAQ's, Quiz, and the Fun stuff.
How to Convert from Binary to Decimal
Instructions on how to convert from Binary to Decimal from wikiHow.
How to Convert from Decimal to Binary
Instructions on how to convert from Decimal to Binary from wikiHow.
Binary Decimal and Hexadecimal
Another tutorial for converting these number systems.
"HEX to BIN to DEC
Simple calculator to do hex dec and bin conversions in one place.
Binary Clock
What time is it??
Convert Letters to Binary
Nice online application to convert Binary to ASCII codes. 01010110 01100101 01110010 01111001 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101111 01101100 00100001 00100001
The IBM 026 Key Punch
REALLY old school input device. One of the many reasons why we study number systems today...
Hex Color Codes and How to Use Them
Nice site explaining hex color codes. See "A Brief Introduction to Hexadecimal Numbers" for a really good intro to hex.
Sub-$2000 PC : System Builder Marathon: Mid Range System
Tom's Hardware article demonstrating a "virtual pc" shopping experience.
How To Build A PC - A Computer Building Guide
Step-by-step instructions on building a "Super PC". This is an excellent format to use if this is being attempted in your class.
Answers.com: server
An article about server hardware from Answers.com. The article borrows heavily from wikipedia and is closely aligned to the Handout.
What is Networking Hardware?
A very nice overview of networking hardware. Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards and other equipment needed to perform data-processing and communications within the network.
Beginners Guides: Wireless Home Networking
This article will cover purchasing and setting up home wireless equipment, look at the available standards for wireless networking, and cover some basic security guidelines.
Wireless Network Buying Guide
CNET article on buying wireless equipment for the home. Good overview of home networking and the requirements.
IBM and Microsoft Server
IBM’s home page for MS Server software.
Novell Netware Overview
An overview of Novell Netware.
LNAG
Linux Newbie Administrator’s Guide.
MAC OS X Server
Tech Specs for Apple Macintosh OS X Server.
Digibarn: OS Screen Shots
A nice collection of screen shots of various
operating systems, including vintage systems like Amiga.
ISC Networks OS Comparison
Good comparison of Microsoft vs. Novell presented in chart format with easy-to-understand explanations.
PCWorld - Open Source
An article describing the movement of some organizations away from Microsoft to Open Source software like Linux.
FlexBeta.net - Server Environments
Excellent detailed article comparing the top-end server environments of Microsoft and Novell.
FreeBSD
Home page for FreeBSD, an advanced operating system for x86 compatible and amd64 compatible architectures.
Linux.org
Linux’s non-profit web site.
Linux Professional Institute
The Linux Professional Institute is a non-profit site that instructs visitors on how to gain
IT Certification under the Linux operating system.
Red Hat
The home page for Red Hat Linux.
Caldera
A for-profit site that has lots of news and information on Linux and Unix platforms.
Novell and Linux
Novell’s “expert” page for Linux.
Turbo Linux
A leading supplier of Linux operating systems and applications in Asia Pacific. Lots of useful information on Linux.
Debian Linux
A free Linux product that uses the Linux O/S kernel.
SimplyMEPIS Linux
A simplified version of Linux that offers easy setup and a host of applications.
Microsoft Windows Server
The official website for Microsoft Server products.
Microsoft Windows
The home page for MS Windows.
Novell
Novell’s official web site, with tutorials and information on its operating system.
Linux Distributions
A good site for exploring all of the various versions of Linux.
The Elder Geek: Installing XP Pro
Great Screen shots of the installation process for Windows XP Pro. Also contains a link to XP Home.
Microsoft Press
This Academic Learning Series title on XP Professional from Microsoft includes 120-day trial version of XP Pro.
Directron
A source for removable hard drive racks.
Microsoft Fresh Start Program
Free copies of Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Professional software for donated PC’s.
Microsoft Trial Store
Microsoft’s Trial Software.
Microsoft E-Learning
Microsoft E-Learning site offers options for learning about Windows.
MSDN Academic Alliance
Great Windows licensing program for schools.
XP Upgrade Advisor
Determine whether that old PC can take XP (also works with Server 2003).
Vista Upgrade Advisor
Determine whether that new PC can take Vista.
Tech Net Briefings
Microsoft’s site for Tech Net Briefings.
Windows Supersite: Server 2007
A review of Server 2003.
Server 2003
Home for Server 2003.
Visual Windows Server 2003
Tutorials for Server 2003.
IT World: Network OS
Overview of network operating systems.
Cable Types
Simple readable source of basic information about cable types.
Fiber Optics
Very good brief introductory site to fiber-optic cable.
ThinkQuest: Networking
Really good introduction to networking page with an excellent section on cabling.
Making CAT5 Cable
Solid site with pictures and diagrams on how to make a category 5 UTP cable.
UTP Wiring, Crossover Cables
Must-see site for diagrams on UTP wiring. Some good stuff on crossover cables as well.
Network Cabling Basics
Another good site for basic information on network cabling.
Data Center Definitions
Nice link providing uses and comparisons of the different categories of twisted pair cabling.
TechNet - Networking
Strong introduction to networking site which contains some good material on analog and digital signaling.
Character Encoding
Readable history of character encoding schemes in North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Character Encoding Details
Good site for in-depth research on character encoding.
Dynamoo: Encoding Standards
Brief, but good, contrast offered between ASCII and EBCDIC. Links to tables for both standards.
LookupTables.com
Provides a good ASCII table with a section on the Extended ASCII Codes, also.
Basement Computing: ASCII
Good clean ASCII table.
Handheld Basic: ANSI
ANSI table. Good format.
Flump's ASCII Art Page
Very good ASCII Art tutorial.
More on ASCII Art
Everything you ever wanted to know about ASCII Art is offered here.
Allen Wyatt's Word Tips
Cool site for learning how to use ASCII and ANSI characters in Word. It was the source for the second activity on the worksheet.
RootsWeb
Neat site providing ASCII and ANSI codes used in genealogy and email.
TCPIP Guide
Good overview of the distinctions between simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex modes.
How Stuff Works: Wireless
Excellent guide to WiFi. Readable and fairly comprehensive.
Diagnostic Imaging: Wireless
This may seem like an odd recommendation, but if you ignore the medical introduction, the section on microwave, infrared, and radio wave transmissions is really quite good.
WiFi Planet: Implementing Wireless
An article regarding the 802.16 wireless implementation.
About.com: WI-FI
An article comparing 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. Links to other good articles are also provided.
Computer Networking - Network Design
Straightforward introduction to topologies.
Webopedia Topologies
Very simple but good page on topologies with diagrams.
USF Networking Topologies Page
Really good page on the basics of topologies, including advantages and disadvantages.
Customer Management Insight Intro to Topologies and LANs
A thorough, if somewhat difficult, introduction to topologies and other LAN fundamentals.
Del Mar College
Must-see site for media access methods. Well-written and detailed.
Microsoft Press
Part of a chapter from a Microsoft book on preparation for the Network+ Certification exam. A little technical, but some good material. Some true/false questions given at the bottom.
Token Ring Info
A good site for Token Ring information. A little technical.
Token Ring/FDDI Networks
Really good Token Ring site. Includes some material on FDDI.
How Stuff Works
“Encyclopedic” site on Ethernet. Would serve as a good resource for basic networking information, also.
Wikipedia Ethernet
Absolutely must-see site on Ethernet. Lists and details many of the flavors of Ethernet.
The OSI Model
Tabular presentation of the functions of each layer of the OSI model. Protocols and network devices associated with each layer are also presented.
about.com on the OSI Model
Amazing site for illustrations and diagrams of the workings of the OSI model’s layers. Great place to start.
The Corky.net OSI Model
A clean and simple set of OSI model layer descriptions and diagrams.
Tech Exams
Excellent site for summary of OSI model. Clean layout and lots of good details.
Study Notes - Protocols
Overview of protocol stacks provided. It is also an excellent graphic on the OSI model.
Protocols.com
A site for all things protocol. It is well-organized and fairly comprehensive.
IP Subnetting
Good site for the basics of IP addressing, subnet masks, and subnetting. It is clearly written with good basic diagrams/graphics.
Redmond Magazine
A truly excellent website which explores the use of protocols in the computer and real worlds. Great for illustrating the importance and function of protocols.
John's Closet Protocols and Network Fundamentals
Nice section on the importance of protocols and a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of a network.
About.com - Computer Network Types
A great resource for definitions of different network types and the distinctions between them. A must-see.
UseWisdom.com - Bandwidth
An excellent site for bandwidth comparisons. Even has a link to a cool network unit converter.
Practically Networked File Sharing Page
Remarkable site for file sharing using Windows XP. Comprehensive and very readable. Screenshots are provided.
BustedComputer.com
Animated displays of different versions of Windows connecting with shares through Network Neighborhood and My Network Places.
DUXCW.com - Windows Networking
Good how-to on networking Windows 9x computers. Excellent screenshots and explanations are provided.
WOWN.com - Windows Networking
Another great step-by-step how-to on networking Windows computers.
Geek Girls on Home Networking
Basic tutorial on setting up a Windows XP home network.
Home Networking Help
Networking tutorial for Windows 2000 and XP.
PriceWatch.com
The ultimate resource for finding the best price on computing items.
Reseller Ratings
A source for determining the reliability and quality of an on-line reseller.
Numion.com Test Your Speed Page
Great speed test site. Along with other useful information, it provides a record of your last 25 speed tests with a graphical display.
InformIT.com Articles
Compares and contrasts client/server and peer-to-peer networks. Also contains useful diagrams.
TechSoup
Useful informational page on peer-to-peer networks. Also includes a setup guide.
Linksys Network Types
Good FAQs section from Linksys on client/server vs. peer-to-peer networks.
K12LTSP.org
Portal page to everything you ever wanted to know about the K12LTSP project, the Linux centralized computing OS used in schools.
Everything2 - Throughput vs. Bandwidth
Provides a nice discussion on distinguishing throughput from bandwidth.
Defoenet - Network Segmentation
Brief, but good page on reasons for segmenting a network.
BrainBuzz - LAN Segmentation
An article discussing LAN segmentation.
PC Pitstop - Bandwidth
Discussion of the factors which affect bandwidth that is easy to understand.
ACNC.com - RAID
An excellent resource for RAID. Lists advantages, disadvantages, and characteristics in an easy-to-read format, and provides links to some good benchmarking tools for measuring storage device performance.
Corky.net - RAID
A good overview of RAID that provides brief, understandable explanations of the different levels.
EnSync Solutions - RAID
An excellent tutorial on RAID that is very well organized and cleverly presented.
RaidWeb - Levels of RAID
Provides a very good chart comparing levels of RAID.
PC Guide - Backups and Recovery
A must-see guide to backups and disaster recovery. Detailed and complete.
ASPSYS.com - Clusters
Excellent site for a brief overview of clusters.
Storage Review - RAID
Linked to a multi-page discussion of RAID that is quite detailed.
Grid.org - Distributed Computing
A wonderful site detailing real-world examples of distributed computing.
Symantec
Excellent page on viruses, worms, and Trojan horses that also provides a good section on what viruses can and cannot do. However, this page is a little technical in places.
University of Hawaii - Security Threats
Provides a brief overview of the differences between viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses.
Virus List
An encyclopedic website on viruses and other malware.
PCs vs. Networked Computers: Security
Page discussing the different vulnerabilities of stand-alone and networked computers.
HoaxBusters.com
Good site on Internet hoaxes.
National Institutes for Health - Password Guidelines
Good site for password guidelines.
Password Protection
Good site on choosing good and avoiding poor passwords.
Windows Networking - Passwords
Great page on share-level and user-level access control in Windows 9x that provides screenshots and explanations.
EEI Communications
Provides a well-written introduction to encryption.
Web Developer's Virtual Library
An article to help distinguish between public and private key encryption.
Surfer Beware: Firewalls
Site on securing ports that has an excellent activity students could do at home.
HackerWatch
Site for port exploration that is not very interesting behind a secure network firewall, but could be quite enlightening for home broadband users.
PCFlank
A really good site offering different tests for computer vulnerabilities.
How Stuff Works: Firewalls
Beginner’s guide to firewalls that contains clear and fairly complete explanations.
PC Stats: Firewalls
A comprehensive site for beginners seeking to learn something about firewalls – also a great site for further explorations.
PC World: Anti-Virus Overview
An overview of viruses and antivirus software that is detailed and comprehensive.
PC World: Anti-Virus Configuration
A site providing step-by-step anti-virus software configuration with screenshots that would probably be good to go through as a class.
Browser Statistics
When building a website, seeing how it works in different browsers is critical. But which browseres are the most important and used the most widely? That changes over time. This site from w3schools has the latest statistics.
