Westin's Introduction to Networking: 2010

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Today we learned about how basic networks are configured. We simulated this with Cisco Packet Tracer using two PCs,a switch, and a server. First, we set up all devices and then configured the IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateway. Next, we connected the PCs through the switch and the switch to the server using copper straight through cables Lastly, we used the command prompt with "ipconfig" to check that the configurations were accurate and "ping" to check that the devices were connected.

Activity 7 Configurations

Activity 7 Summary

Today we learned about how network addresses work and are configured. First, we talked about the different IDs (network and Host) and also the three main address classes. Next, we saw how the address numbers would appear in binary and decimal. Lastly, we learned what ANDing is. By adding the subnet mask to an address, we can find out what the whole network ID is. We discovered this by using the graphing worksheet and binary numbering. After finishing this, I scanned the worksheet and posted in my blog.

Counting from 0 - A in binary

0 - 0000 0000
1 - 0000 0001
2 - 0000 0010
3 - 0000 0011
4 - 0000 0100
5 - 0000 0101
6 - 0000 0110
7 - 0000 0111
8 - 0000 1000
9 - 0000 1001
A - 0000 1010

Coded ASCII Message

Activity 6 Journal Entry

Today we talked about the binary and hexadecimal numbering systems. I learned that Macs don't use the 255 numbers to show colors, but use the hexadecimal system. With the hexadecimal, it uses numbers and letters. For example, white would be FF-FF-FF. Next we saw how to count in hexadecimal from 0 to 15, and saw the binary conversions. Lastly, we found out that the ASCII system is used to represent characters such as letters, and I decoded the worksheet. I scanned and posted this, and also created a post of counting from 0 to A in hexadecimal.

Counting from 0-15 in binary

0 - 0
1 - 1
2 - 10
3 - 11
4 - 100
5 - 101
6 - 110
7 - 111
8 - 1000
9 - 1001
10 - 1010
11 - 1011
12 - 1100
13 - 1101
14 - 1110
15 - 1111

Binary/Decimal conversion sheet.

Activity 5 Summary

With this activity we learned the difference between the binary system and the decimal system. The binary systen is what computers use and consists of the two numbers, 0 and 1. We also learned that there are 8 bits in a byte, which is the unit of measure computers use to store information. Next, we found out how to count using the binary system. It was interesting to see how the numbers 0 and 1 came together to make up numbers from the decimal system. Lastly, we completed a worksheet that converted numbers from binary to decimal. This showed how the binary system has different place values (128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, and 2).

Activity 4 Definitions

Physical Connection - The cables or Wi-Fi that connect the computer to the router.

Physical Address - the numbers (like a Social Security number) that are found on the device.

Network (IP) Address - like your router's phone number, which could be used with different computers.

Default Gateway - the doorway into your router/network

DNS Service - the phonebook for your network.

Screenshots of general and support tabs

Screenshots of IP configuration/all

Activity 4 Summary

Today we learned about network connections and their addresses. First we talked about how the computer connects to the router with a cable through the default gateway. We learned that each device has its own physical address, and that each router/network connection has its own IP address, which is like a phone number and can be used with different devices. The DNS server(which is like the phonebook) has two addresses just in case one doesn't work, so that we can still be connested. Next, we watched a movie about the new iPad from Apple. It demonstrated the various features of the iPad, and was another example of new and changing technology with applications, an operating system, and network connections. Lastly, I gathered the information and screenshots for my blog.

Three Input and Output Devices

Input Devices:

Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone

Output Decices:

Monitor
Printer
Speaker

Operating System Screenshot

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Activity 3 Journal Entry

Today we learned about all the different parts that make up a computer. These include the hardware, operating system, and applications. First we took a look at the new iPad from Apple, which was a great example of the different components of a computer. The iPad itself is a computer, and it has many different applications on it (photos, iTunes, and a browser). It has its own operating system, while other examples of systems are Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows 7. In addition, we talked about the two types of applications: local and network. Local applications would be listening to music on iTunes, and network applications would be downloading music from the iTunes store. Finally, I uploaded all my screenshots and wrote my journal entry.