Information Technology 1 - IT Fundamentals 2020-2021 Assignments

In this activity, you will identify recent examples of cyberattacks that have exposed private information and damaged businesses and financial institutions.
Conduct online research to answer the following questions.
What major institutions have announced significant cyberattacks within the past three years?
Approximately how many people have had their private information exposed as a result of each attack?
Approximately how much money has each institution suffered in damages from each attack?
What security vulnerabilities did hackers take advantage of in each attack?
How could each attack have been prevented?
Write a one-page summary of your research.

While RSS feeds are not nearly as popular today as they were several years ago, they can still serve a valuable purpose. Subscribing to an RSS feed is also a good exercise in learning about internet technology in general. In this activity, you'll use a feed reader to subscribe to an RSS feed. Do the following:
Install an RSS feed reader of your choice. Free readers include Feedly, The Old Reader, and many more.
Use the feed reader you've installed to subscribe to an RSS feed of your choice. Examples include news, weather, and government websites that regularly publish new content and include RSS feeds for that content. For example, you could use nasa.gov/content/nasa-rss-feeds to select from a number of different NASA feeds. Some websites include the orange and white RSS logo to show that a feed is available.
After a few hours or perhaps a day or two, open your RSS feed reader again and check for new content that has been published in the feed to which you've subscribed

Using Microsoft Office - Word - Write a 1 page paper (12 point font, times new roman) 3-5 paragraphs/250 words explaining what the internet is to someone who is unfamiliar with the technology or terms used to describe it. For instance, if George Washington was able to travel through time and ask you about the term, how would you describe it? AVOOID all words that he wouldn't know, like computer, wifi, service providers etc. 


some ideas: Explain how someone would use it, what they'd do with it, how it's changed things, how its good or bad, what it took to create, how it's use changed over time

Submit a WORD document sharing your feelings about class so far. Answer the following questions using COMPLETE sentences. 


1. How do you like class so far?


2. What would you like to change?


3. What do you expect for next years Microsoft office class?


4. What are you most looking forward to learning?


5. Is this class easier or more difficult than you expected?

Recommend desktop computer systems based on the following scenarios. You can select a prebuilt system OR build one out using the website pcpartpicker. some possible brands are Dell, HP, NZXT, Apple. Some websites to try are amazon, bestbuy etc.

Older grandparent looking to keep in touch with family, on a tight budget but wants something good that will last. Needs to be able to video chat, listen to music, go online and print photos

Hardcore gamer who has no budget and wants the best gaming experience possible

Photographer looking to store all photos and edit with no lag

College student looking for a computer that will last 4 years, play games and is good for homework

LAST: Spec out the most EXPENSIVE system possible from either apple, alienware or pc part picker

A gamer is looking to get the best CPU available from either intel or AMD. Compare and contrast the best of the best cpu's currently available for these companies. Answer the following then explain which one you think is better and why.


Intel Model
intel speed in ghz
intel # of cores
intel Price
What technologies does this include



AMD Model
AMD speed in ghz
AMD # of cores
AMD Price
What technologies does this include


Which CPU do you recommend and WHY?

A high end computer buyer wants better performance out of his new purchase and has tasked you with reviewing and installing a new sound card, video card and network card. Using the internet, find high end options and suggest them below.


Sound card:
Make:
Model:
Price:
Reason for selection:
Link to product:


Video Card:
Make:
Model:
Price:
Reason for selection:
Link to product:

Network Card (NOT wireless):
Make:
Model:
Reason for selection:
Link to product:

In this activity, you will perform research to determine the most appropriate computing device for your current or future vocation.
Answer the following questions about the computing needs of a future job/career. Think about a career you'd like to have some day and answer the following.

What do you primarily use a computing device for?

Does this job require frequent traveling?

Approximately what percentage of your time do you work at the same desk?

What software applications do you need to install and use most frequently?

Do these applications demand high-end graphics capabilities?

How often do you need to keep multiple application windows open at the same time?

Which of the following computing devices would best address your needs?

High-end desktop computer system
Basic desktop computer system
High-end laptop computer system
Economical laptop computer system
Tablet (e.g. Apple iPad, Microsoft Surface Pro)
Smartphone (e.g. Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S)

Write a one-page summary of your answers to the above questions.

In this activity, you will compare and contrast media files with different settings. Write a short paragraph on each of the following topics.

1.Explain the concepts of sampling and sampling rate. Then, listen to this 2 kHz file, this 8kHz file, and this 44.1 kHz file and compare their sound. Depending on your speakers, you may not notice any difference.

2.Explain the concept of compression and the difference between lossy and lossless compression. Then, compare this 601 kB file and this 33.7 kB file. Was lossy or lossless compression used? How did compression affect the image?

3.Explain the concept of bit depth in audio recordings. Then, listen to this 8-bit recording and this 32-bit recording and compare their quality.

4.Describe the difference between raster and vector images. Then, compare this raster image and this vector image. In both images, the bottom TestOut logo is an enlarged version of the top logo.

5.Describe the concept of image resolution. Then, compare this 94 x 140 image and this 604 x 900 image.

Create a timeline of the history of computers discussed in class. Use a piece of paper OR use the computer. Once complete, upload here.

1. Select an information systems or information technology career that most interests you. Possibilities include network administrator, programmer, security analyst, and data scientist.

2. Conduct online research to answer the following questions regarding this career. What are the typical job responsibilities?
What are the required skills, experience, and education?
What IT certifications are available in this field?
What is the salary range for an entry-level position?
What aspects of this job do IS or IT professionals find the most rewarding? What are the most challenging day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

3. Write a one-page summary of your research.

1. Watch the following documentary. We will be having a discussion on this movie so pay very close attention.
1.a If unable to stream OR you prefer to download the file, please install VLC player. The installers for MAC and Windows are below. If you're a Chromebook user, please download the VLC player chrome extension on the google play store

1.b If for some crazy reason you cannot stream OR download, Go to Netflix and search for and watch The Social Dilemma (you'll need to have access to a Netflix account)

Once your day one survey is complete Create a video summary introducing yourself to the class. You can use any video recording device available to you including cell phone, laptop, etc. Many IT companies require such videos during the interview process and use them to make hiring decisions. Dress as professionally as possible (without buying anything) and tell us about yourself. If using a mobile device DO NOT HOLD YOUR PHONE VERTICALLY (IT people know better!).

Introduce yourself to the class here. Tell us a little about yourself, what interests you in technology and how this class will help you. You will use this and you survey to create a video due Friday. To get credit, you must first post THEN respond to 2 classmates.

1. Please open the link below
2. Sign in to your CPS email account if asked to do so (or if you're signed into a personal account)
3. Fill out form completely giving as much detail as possible.
4. Submit form