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Tech Topic Connection: Why Network Architecture and Management Are the Real MVPs of IT

  When you think about technology, you probably picture powerful computers, sleek smartphones, or maybe even artificial intelligence. But here’s the thing: none of that works without networks . Behind every TikTok video you stream, every email you send, and every Zoom class you attend, there’s a carefully designed network architecture and a whole lot of network management going on in the background. These two concepts may not always steal the spotlight, but they’re absolutely the backbone of modern IT. How It All Connects to IT Fundamentals At its core, information technology is about moving, storing, and using data. Network architecture is the blueprint —it’s how we decide whether data flows through a client-server model, a peer-to-peer connection, or a massive cloud system. Then there’s network management, which is like the coach keeping everything running smoothly: monitoring traffic, troubleshooting, and making sure things don’t fall apart when everyone logs on at once. Wi...
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Network Security: The Importance of Protecting Information Systems

  Network Security: The Importance of Protecting Information Systems     Introduction Information and system security are essential for both individuals and organizations. In today’s digital age, sensitive data such as financial records, personal identities, intellectual property, and healthcare information are stored and transmitted through computer systems. Without effective security practices, individuals may suffer identity theft and financial loss, while organizations may face data breaches, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm. As cyberattacks grow more advanced, recognizing key threats and security needs is essential for effective protection.  This paper will explore the significance of system security and examine ransomware and phishing in detail, highlighting vulnerabilities, consequences, and prevention strategies. Importance of Information and System Security The primary purpose of information security is to preserve the confidentiality,...
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The Role of Computers in the Manufacturing Industry

  In today’s manufacturing industry, computers are essential for keeping production efficient, accurate, and competitive. They run automated machinery through Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems, help design and refine products using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, and manage operations through Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Many plants now use sensors and computer vision to check quality in real time, cutting down on waste and ensuring products meet strict standards. Computers also support predictive maintenance by analyzing machine data, which helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and production delays (Brettel et al., 2014). Computer literacy is now a must-have skill for nearly everyone in manufacturing. Machine operators need to know how to set up and monitor computerized equipment, engineers rely on software for design and testing, and managers use dashboards to track production metrics. Without these skills, employe...
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Ping AND TraceRoute Activity

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  Ping to Google.com I ran a ping command to Google.com and got responses from the server each time. All 4 packets were sent and received successfully with no loss. The response times were very consistent, ranging from 11 ms to 14 ms, with an average of 13 ms. Ping to  www.amazon.de  (Germany) Next, I pinged Amazon's German website. Again, all 4 packets went through with 0% packet loss. The response times varied slightly, ranging from 11 ms to 14 ms, with an average of 12 ms. This suggests a stable connection. Ping to  www.costco.co.kr  (South Korea) Lastly, I pinged Costco’s Korean website. All 4 packets were successfully received as well. Response times ranged from 10 ms to 15 ms, and the average was 12 ms. Despite the long physical distance, latency stayed low. Part 2: Traceroute Activity Traceroute to Google.com The traceroute to Google.com showed 8 hops in total. Each hop had a low response time, between 8 ms and 15 ms. There were no errors or timeouts, and...
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A DAY IN MY LIFE

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  A Day in My Life   1.      Completed a 1-hour workout (chest, shoulders, triceps) 2.      Morning meeting with Platoon Sergeants 3.      Briefed Command Sergeant Major 4.      Brown bag lunch with junior Soldiers 5.      Conducted Company Training meeting 6.      Completed administrative tasks 7.      Briefed Company Commander 8.      Ran 3 miles 9.      Cooked dinner 10.   Started homework   Today was a productive and structured day filled with both professional and personal responsibilities. My morning began early with a 1-hour workout focused on my chest, shoulders, and triceps. This gave me the energy I needed to move into the workday with momentum. After cleaning up, I conducted a morning meeting with my Platoon Sergeants to discuss the upcoming tasks for th...
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App Review: Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

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  Waze is a free GPS navigation app developed by Waze Mobile, a subsidiary of Google. Known for its real-time traffic updates and crowd-sourced alerts, Waze has become a go-to solution for drivers seeking the fastest routes and avoiding delays. This review assesses Waze’s usability, design, and functionality, and provides recommendations for improvement. Usability Waze excels in usability. The app launches quickly and automatically detects the user’s location. Its primary functions, setting a destination, viewing traffic conditions, and receiving alerts, are intuitive. The search bar is prominently placed, and voice commands enable hands-free operation, a crucial feature for drivers. Turn-by-turn navigation is clear, with both voice and on-screen instructions. Traffic incidents, such as police presence, hazards, and accidents, can be easily reported with just a few taps.   Design Waze employs a minimalist and colorful design that strikes a balance between form and function. Th...
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Exploring Programming Through Scratch

  Exploring Programming Through Scratch   Building a program using Scratch was a fun and insightful experience. Using Scratch’s visual drag-and-drop interface, I created a project called Dancing Cat Adventure. The program features the Scratch Cat moving across the screen, changing colors, dancing with costume changes, and playing music. The user can interact with the cat using keyboard inputs like the spacebar and arrow keys. I included over 30 blocks, covering motion, looks, sound, control, and event handling. One key insight I gained was how foundational programming concepts like loops, sequencing, and conditionals can be understood through visual programming. Scratch made it easy to experiment with code without worrying about syntax errors. I quickly saw how small changes in block order could affect the program’s behavior, which is a fundamental aspect of computational thinking. When I compared this experience with the textbook’s Section 10.1 activities on compiled,...
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