Week 6 - File Systems and Disk Defrag

 This week, we discussed file systems and disk defragmentation. It was an eye-opener to learn that FAT32, the older file system, had a max capacity of 4GB and is mainly used for USB flash drives. 
    Now we have advanced to NTFS, the default file system for modern Windows devices, which is used for Windows drives, enterprise environments, and large or mission-critical storage. NTFS has such a large file limit that it is considered theoretical in size. However, I did find a claim from Wikipedia that the maximum implemented file size is 9 (PB). 
    Next, we reviewed disk defragmentation. Disk defragmentation takes chunks of files that are scattered across a Hard Disk Drive and consolidates them to improve performance. Disk defragmentation is only necessary for Hard Disk Drives. Solid Disk Drives use a process called TRIM.
    I recommend that readers learn about file systems and drive optimization to maintain performance across all drives and reduce HDD workload.

Week 6 - Name Mapping and Ports

     This week, we reviewed network ports and name resolution. This was an interesting week that gave us a closer look at how the network uses names and translates them to IP addresses and MAC addresses. 
    DNS helps computers translate a name into an IP address. Without DNS, we would have to remember all the website IP addresses. One could use a local text file to aid name mapping, but this is not common practice for large networks like the World Wide Web.
    Within a local network, computers use the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). ARP translates an IP address into a MAC address. 
    Both DNS and ARP use a layered approach with rules of precedence to handle most cases of network topology and information sent through the network.
    Combine the previously mentioned methods with an open port, and one can begin to understand the process of network communication from the web to your local network. Sometimes, it is necessary to set a rule in a computer's firewall to allow communication to flow successfully.
    I urge all readers to advance their networking knowledge; by doing so, you will be able to troubleshoot common network issues.

Week 5 - Network Layer and Routers

    This week, we reviewed the software side of routers and performed "WhoIs" and "Traceroute" on 5 different companies. Running the "Traceroute" command helped me visualize the hops taken as frames of information are sent through the network layer. 
    It was interesting to see how the various companies controlled what information was available when running the "WhoIs" command. I found that most companies paid a domain address provider to use generic information to help protect their privacy and prevent Phishing and probing. Some companies also use firewalls and prioritization to prevent "WhoIs" or "Traceroute" from completing.
    We were also required to research routers to present to a business. I found that most routers support 10-Gigabit internet ports and are hardwired. There are routers available for various purposes. It is important to understand how a router will be used and how many people will use it to inform business decisions. Other key aspects to consider are cost and future growth.
    What types of routers does your company utilize? Do your company's routers support expansion as the company grows, and is your company's website secure from probing and phishing attacks?

Week 5 - Peripherals and Windows Installation

    This week, we reviewed peripherals and Windows installation. We also wrote a paper on installing an optical drive.
    It was interesting to learn that most peripherals are supported by generic drivers provided with Windows. However, to utilize a peripheral's full potential, it may be necessary to download the specific driver for that peripheral. 
    We reviewed steps to install an optical drive. This enabled me to see the advancement from PATA\IDE to SATA. PATA/IDE used to use master and slave settings for drives, whereas SATA connects directly to the motherboard, allowing each drive to operate independently.
    In the discussion we had about installing an operating system, I received a reply that a person was required to remove laptops from Intune and add them again after performing a fresh start. I have never run into this issue, so it sparked my interest in what might cause it. I found that misconfigured policies could require removing a device from Intune and adding it again. This further supports the need for accuracy in an IT position. 
    Have you run into any issues that were caused by poor attention to detail or poor documentation? What was the situation, and how did you overcome it?

Week 4 - Installing the Physical Network

    This week, I will be touching on some basic concepts of installing a physical network.
    When installing a physical network, there are many factors to consider. Where will my network closet be located? How long will the runs be? What cables should I be using? These are some of the basic questions that should be asked. 
    It is important to locate your telecommunications room in a central location to achieve optimal data speeds, especially in large buildings. Also, you will need to consider how long the runs will be and whether a secondary closet is necessary due to the cable's limitations. Some other factors to consider for a telecommunications room are power, humidity, and cooling.
     For long, non-moving cable runs, use a solid-core Ethernet cable with a maximum length of 100m. Solid core is more corrosion-resistant than twisted pair and offers higher signal quality.
    Twisted pair offers greater flexibility and is better suited for workstations and patch cables.
    After you have your cables in place, it is important to test your cables. There are specialized testers for various cables that can be used to complete these tests. These testers can help determine signal loss.
    NICs are often overlooked as a networking issue. It is important to ensure the proper drivers are downloaded, and the NIC can utilize the signal it is receiving.
    It is common practice to utilize a floor plan and map your cable runs. Mapping the runs and proper documentation can help should you run into an issue down the road and need to troubleshoot a network connection.
    Many components come together to make a network function, and ensuring the proper hardware is paired with the proper drivers and signals is the most basic component to check.

Week 4 - Motherboards, Power Supplies, & Data Storage

     This week, we learned about Motherboards, Power supplies, and mass storage technologies. 
    It was very interesting to learn that we cannot see all the traces on a motherboard, as the printed circuit boards are 4 or more layers thick. At 305 x 244mm, the ATX form factor is the most commonly used motherboard form factor today. We previously touched on chipsets, and the ROM chip provides part of the BIOS for the chipset. The general knowledge of working with computers and installing drivers was a refresher for me. If you have not used a computer before, I recommend unplugging your device whenever you are not using it. Keeping device drivers up to date is important. This week, we presented the hardware installation wizard, which is pretty straightforward.
    The next topic touched on was power supplies. The one thing I did learn in this chapter is that it is not a good idea to replace the fuse in a power supply if you hear a pop. This indicates an internal issue with the power supply, assuming you are not attempting to plug it into an outlet that is too powerful or has electrical issues.
    Finally, we visit the realm of network data storage. This consists of multiple options based on network needs. These options are listed as RAID levels, and each has a best-case use scenario. These RAID levels include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and hybrid RAID 10. There are other RAID levels, but these are the most common. I believe RAID 6 and RAID 10 are the most secure and useful for storing data, but it is still important to back up all data using the rule of 3.
    We will touch on more useful information as we progress through the intriguing world of computers.

Week 3 - CPU-RAM- Firmware

     This week, we will cover CPU, RAM, and Firmware. The CPU is like the brain for a computer. The CPU performs calculations and uses the external data bus to move data and commands between the RAM and itself. 
    RAM comes in several varieties, but the most commonly utilized at this time is DDR4 and DDR5. However, we are starting to see DDR4 phase out. Most of the chips on RAM sticks are made by one of three companies, so variations in memory performance are minimal.
    Firmware is the glue that bonds all the hardware together. When a device boots up, firmware ensures all hardware is running correctly by providing inter-component communication the peripherals can send commands from the CPU.
    This is the basic breakdown of the week's information. Join me next week for more information.

Week 3 - Ethernet and Switches

             This week, we reviewed information on network topology and Ethernet cables. 
    Ethernet coming in, whether fiber or twisted pair, typically goes to a modem or a switch. Most Ethernet networks within larger businesses run off a switch. The switch typically uses twisted-pair Cat6 with RJ-45 connectors and has multiple ports. A switch maintains a source address table to forward frames to the appropriate receiving device quickly.
    On larger networks, fiber is typically used for its speed and long-distance capabilities. However, there are different types of fiber utilized in networking. Multi-mode fiber is less expensive and is used for shorter runs up to ~300 meters, while single-mode fiber is used for longer distances up to 40 km.
    There is a vast array of wire and fiber choices. Be sure to research which wire is best for your application.