A+ Class 4/13/10

Today we talked some operating system utilities and troubleshooting issues
1) Defrag:
- What it's purpose?
- Where is it found?
- Differences between XP and Vista

2)Disk Management

3)Troubleshoot:
- Chkdsk command:try to repair any corrupt file.

4) MSconfig:
- Startup tab
- Disable

FYI:
- Do not add toolbars to your internet because they also require loading that slows your internet down.
- The boot manager will replace any corrupted file.

A+ Class 4/8/10

Today we wrapped up our disscusion on laptops. Our topics covered:
Storage- the HD size (not capacity) of a desktop is 3.5 and for a laptop it's 2.5.
Input - Both consist of a keyboard but only the laptop comes with a touchpad now days and a desktop comes with a full size mouse.

This was just a few things that we covered. We also covered about what to connect to a laptop to give it some functions of a desktop that it lacks. This accessory is called a docking station. The last topic of our discussion was on laptop batteries. There were 4 types:
• Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
• Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
• Feul cell

Network+ Class 4/7/10

Today we discussed NAT. NAT(Network Address Translation)really helps in two areas; Security and Cost. NAT changes the LAN IP address to a WAN IP address so a "man in the middle attack" (where someone tries to take over your computer) cannot be performed on the system. There are three forms: static (network administor changes each one), Dynamic and PAT(Port Address Translation).

A+ Class 4/6/10

Today we continued our discussion on the differences and similarities to desktops. The focus was on:
• portability
• cost
• performance
• expandability
• quality of construction
• Motherboard
• Processor
• Memory
One thing to keep in mind is that not too many people try to build laptops for one main reason, ALL motherboards are proprietary when it comes to the lapptops that encases them. There is no set standard(s) for laptop motherboards and they are specially made to fit only that specific laptop series.

A+ Class 3/25/10

Today we started to discuss the differences and similarities between laptops and desktops. Some of the main points that we started to discuss were; cases, motherboard, processors, memory, and storage.

Network+ Class 3/24/10

Today we talked about servers and how to load a small business server. Most people have a misunderstanding about what a server is. A server is nothing more than software. A server does not have to be a seperate piece of equipment ( unless its a large organization), it can be as small as your computer. When setting it up you must check and see if the mothrboard can handle RAID. When installing a server you are really installing an operating system, thats how easy it is to set up. Just an FYI, Microsoft recommends two partitions (1 for the O.S and 1 for the data).

A+ Class 3/23/10

Today we focused on laser printers. Laser printers consist of a 6 step process before it even puts out a sheet of paper:
1) Cleans
2) Charges
3) Writes
4) Develops
5) Transfers
6) Fuses
This process is what’s going on in the printer from the time it says “Warming up” to the time it pushes out its first page.