Week 10 - Cloud vs Microsoft Policies and Procedures

Cloud vs Microsoft Policies and Procedures

This week, we studied some controversial policies and procedures that Microsoft had in place when providing Microsoft 365 apps to other cloud providers. It was interesting to see the price gouging and how it was dealt with. It was found that Microsoft was not creating a fair market by gouging competitors and was also creating an antitrust market. Through collaboration, the playing field was leveled to give other companies a chance to compete while still allowing Microsoft to make gains. This platform offers the best options for growth in cloud computing and consumer trust.

Wrap-up

Writing this blog was a great way to learn the material in depth and revisit it for retention. I regularly applied the information to my job as a Help Desk Analyst.

 Blogging is a great way to highlight skills and demonstrate to future employers that one can understand topics. However, due to time constraints, I do not see myself voluntarily blogging in the future.

This was a fun experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to explore blogging.

This is Cody, signing off.

Week 10 - Printer Configuration Idea and Wrap-up

Printer Configuration Idea
This week, we wrote about the part of the printing and faxing configuration we would improve if we were a Microsoft developer. Containerization built into spooling services, paired with AI for monitoring and self-healing, would be a huge advancement. This is currently possible, but it requires additional hardware, licensing, and script configuration.

By adding this to an OS as a standard feature, we would create a more user-friendly environment that enables seamless printing without spooling errors or memory leaks. 

I hope to see this feature added, maybe as virtualized containers, to reduce the ticket volume for this minuscule issue. Until then, we will restart spooling services to resolve the issue.

Wrap-up
 I enjoyed gaining knowledge for my job as a Help Desk Analyst, and revisiting the topics we went over in class through this blog helped me to remember the information. 

I am not sure I will voluntarily blog in the future due to time constraints, but could see blogging as a good way to demonstrate knowledge for future employers.

This is Cody, signing off.

Week 9 - Cell phone Transmission and Network SNMPs

This week we discussed the various ways cell phones transmit data and network SNMPs. 

Cell Phone Transmission Methods 

Cell phones utilize different transmission technologies to accommodate the various needs. For data, text, and voice, cell phones transmit data at a higher power to accommodate the longer range the data will need to transmit. This transmission will generally be in the 2.5Ghz to 5Ghz range and will eventually connect to a hard-wire copper or fiber optic line where the digital packets can travel the network as a home computer’s packets would. Bluetooth has a shorter range, and operates on 2.4Ghz. Since Bluetooth operates on a different protocol than the aforementioned method, they can run simultaneously. NFC is even a shorter range than Bluetooth and runs at 13.56MHz on another protocol.


Simple Network Management Protocol 

SNMP is a software that monitor hardware components, network lines, and internet traffic. It acts as a network doctor allowing for implementation of fixes when alerted. SNMP typically comes with a dashboard for reviewing events which can be shown down to the device using visual network maps. There are different software options available for SNMP and they all provide similar functionality with different features.


Conclusion

Various technologies operate on different protocols and require different software to monitor issues. Utilizing the proper SNMP can help reduce downtime by monitoring these networks. 

Is your network monitored to prevent downtime?

Week 9 - Mobile Operating Systems and Laptop Upgrades

This week, we reviewed preferred mobile operating systems and laptop component upgrades.

iOS vs. Android

The big debate for the preferred mobile operating system is generally between Android and iOS. They both have their strengths. iOS is known for its front-end security, but Android has better device security that will help alleviate issues if a device becomes compromised. Both devices are taking on AI for their security needs to protect against malware and threat detection. Android leads with its vast customization options, thanks to its open-source platform that allows for app freedom, file management, hardware diversity, and true multitasking.

Laptop Component Upgrades

Next, we delve into laptop component upgrades. The main components that can be upgraded are the memory (SSD & RAM) and the battery. SSD and RAM are more expensive than the battery, but a laptop will perform better if all three are upgraded. These upgrades will permit better performance and longer battery life. It is recommended to ensure that new components are checked for compatibility before installing and to consult the manufacturer for replacement instructions.

Conclusion

Mobile devices such as laptops and cell phones are customizable and upgradeable to an extent, and one should consider what each manufacturer offers before deciding which device to purchase.

Have you purchased a mobile device only to be disappointed by the available options?

Week 8 - IPv6

This week, we learned about IPv6 and the problem it addresses.

What is IPv6

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) assigns unique IP addresses to devices so they can communicate over the internet.

IPv6 was created because IPv4 addresses were limited to 32-bit addresses, and there were only about 4.3 billion addresses available. With the increase in devices on the internet, we were running out of available IPv4 addresses.

IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses and has approximately 340 undecillion unique address combinations.

Will IPv6 Takeover

The increase in available address combinations can accommodate the growing number of devices on the internet. However, it is unlikely that we will ever switch to IPv6 completely, since the internet is huge and old, and it would be expensive to change. Also, IPv6 is not backward-compatible with IPv4 devices without translation. We will likely see IPv4 fade into the background, but it will not be totally removed from the internet. 

Why Learn IPv6

Learning the ins and outs of IPv6 can help you avoid confusion as we move into this protocol. It will help with troubleshooting and make modern networking easier. It is recommended to stay up to date on new developments in the IT world, and IPv6 knowledge is a great place to start.

Week 7 - Hardware Lifespan and Troubleshooting Resources

This week, we delved into hardware lifespan and fail rate. We also discussed resources for troubleshooting.

Hardware Life Span and Fail Rate

In reviewing hardware lifespan and failure rates, I found it interesting that unit costs can be associated with the quality of internal components. Typically, budget-friendly devices have a shorter lifespan and a higher failure rate, while higher-cost devices have a longer lifespan. This is attributed to the quality of the components inside a device. 

While higher-end components may last longer, there is always the concern that devices will become outdated due to advancements in hardware and software.


Troubleshooting Resources

When dealing with components that may fail, it is important to know the available resources for troubleshooting and resolving issues.

While technical support from a hardware/software manufacturer may resolve your issue, it is important to have backup resources for times when tech support is unavailable. The resources I have found valuable are solved tickets, locally stored documentation, manuals, and other members of the IT department.Utilizing these resources can provide an efficient and effective resolution.


Conclusion

It is important to keep in mind the lifespan of computer components and how quality factors into purchasing decisions. These components will eventually fail, and when they do, it is a good idea to use all available resources to find the most time-efficient and effective method for resolving the issue.

What resources will you use when issues arise?

Week 7 - TCP/IP and Network Security

This week, we reviewed TCP/IP and Intrusion Protection/Intrusion Prevention.

What is TCP/IP

TCP is like sending a package with tracking and a signature required. When you send data, TCP ensures it arrives, and if anything gets lost, it resends it. If frames arrive out of order, TCP reorders them.IP is the system that gives every device an address so data knows where to go.

TCP/IP is not very secure and relies on external sources, such as encryption and authentication, to help ensure security.

Intrusion Protection/Intrusion Prevention

Intrusion Protection/Intrusion Prevention is a multi-layered security approach that relies on firewalls, network security monitoring tools, antivirus software, web filtering, and VPNs, among others. This multi-layered approach allows a backup method to catch what another method may have missed. These layers must stay up to date as advancements are made to ensure top-tier network security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TCP/IP, paired with Intrusion Protection/Intrusion Detection, ensures data is transferred safely and reliably.

You should learn more about these methods on your own to ensure your security is up to date.