1. NETWORKING & SYSTEM UPDATES
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1.4
Computer Basics
NETWORKING & SYSTEM UPDATES
NETWORKING AND SYSTEM UPDATES
Before coming to class, students should have watched the three videos for this section (1.4.1, 1.4.3, and 1.4.5).

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Computer Networks
Internet (through an ISP)
Campus Computer Network
Corporate Business Network
Airport WiFi Network (public)
Home WiFi Network (secured)
Home Computer Network
Library Database Network
Airline Flight Network
Credit Card Network
ATM (Banking Network)
“ATTENTION” SLIDE: COMPUTER NETWORKS
Talk about different computer networks, some of which students might not be as familiar with. To which of the above networks have students recently authenticated?

3. Section Skill Overview
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Section Skill Overview
Create a new Windows user account
Manually configure a wireless network connection
Connect to a wireless network
Configure Windows Update to install updates automatically
SECTION SKILLS OVERVIEW
Use this slide to introduce the tasks students will be learning in this section.

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KEY Terms
AES
Network
Network Administrator
Network Connection
Network Interface
RJ-45
User Account
Windows Update
Wireless Network
WPA2-Personal
KEY TERMS
Introduce key terms for this section. Ask students if they have questions about particular terms.
If students have not watched the videos in this section, you may choose to play one or more videos to introduce features. Videos include:
Wired and Wireless Networks (3:31)
Windows User Accounts (3:13)
Windows Update (3:14)

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KEY DEFINITIONS
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): A symmetric 128-bit block encryption technique.
Network: A group of two or more interconnected computer devices that can communicate and share resources with each other.
Network Administrator: A computer professional who installs, manages, secures, and updates computer networks by using network-specific computer hardware, software, and tools.
KEY DEFINITIONS
As needed, define key terms that students do not understand.

6. KEY DEFINITIONS (continued)
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KEY DEFINITIONS (continued)
Network Connection: A connection point used by a computer or computing device to connect to a network. Network connections can be made by using a network cable or a wireless network connection.
Network Interface: A hardware component (network adapter or network interface card) that allows a computer to connect to a wired or a wireless network.
RJ45 (Registered Jack 45): A cable connector specification commonly used in Ethernet networks. An RJ45 has an 8-pin connector that can be attached to a twisted pair cable.
KEY DEFINITIONS CONTINUED
As needed, provide more definitions for key terms.

7. KEY DEFINITIONS (continued)
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KEY DEFINITIONS (continued)
User Account: Created for a user so that the operating system, website, or application software can authenticate that the user is a valid user and is authorized to access specific resources.
Windows Update: A Microsoft service that delivers periodic bug fixes and feature upgrades to keep your systems and programs current.
Wireless Network: Uses radio waves instead of wires to connect computers and computing devices together.
WPA2-Personal: A wireless security access protocol designed to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access.
KEY DEFINITIONS CONTINUED
As needed, provide more definitions for key terms.

8. Wired Networking Components
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Wired Networking Components
Computer Systems
Network Interfaces
Connecting Media
Wired Network Interface
Switch Ports
OPTIONAL SLIDE: WIRED NETWORKING COMPONENTS
Illustrate and discuss each component required for a network to function. You might also want to explain that networks need to use common standards or protocols to enable computer systems to communicate with each other through network interfaces and media.
We start with computer systems that need to communicate with each other.
Network interfaces must be installed in each computer to connect them to the network media. Network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, hubs) facilitate network traffic.
Some type of network media must be used to connect the computers together. This is usually done with copper wiring (for wired networks) or radio signals (for wireless networks).
Internet Connection

9. Wireless Networking Components
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Wireless Networking Components
Computer Systems
Network Interfaces
Connecting Media
Wireless Antenna
Internet Connection
OPTIONAL SLIDE: WIRELESS NETWORKING COMPONENTS
Explain that networking components required for wireless networks are similar. This slide shows a wireless networking hub with an antenna.
We start with computer systems that need to communicate with each other.
Network interfaces must be installed in each computer to connect them to the network media. Network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, hubs) facilitate network traffic.
Some type of network media must be used to connect the computers together. For wireless networks, this is usually done with radio signals.
Internal Wireless Interface

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In-class Practice
Complete the first lab in this section, Applied Lab – Create a User.
Let me know if you need help on a task.
OPTIONAL SLIDE: PRACTICE
Use this slide if you want students to spend time during class completing the labs. Time permitting, students can work through the other two Applied labs instead of doing them as homework.

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Class Discussion
What are the characteristics of a strong password?
What is the purpose of Windows Update?
What hardware components are needed for a wired network? For a wireless network?
CLASS DISCUSSION
Possible answers to the discussion questions include the following:
Strong Passwords:
Difficult to guess.
At least seven characters long.
Uses both lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Does not contain personally identifying information, such as names of family members or birthdates.
Windows Update:
Helps keep your operating system up to date with bug and security fixes and new features.
Can also update Microsoft applications, such as Office.
Networking Hardware – Required Components:
Computer systems that need to communicate with each other.
Network interfaces, such as a Network Interface Card (NIC) or a Wireless Network Adapter.
Connecting media, such as network cables or radio signals. (Standard networking protocols are also needed to enable the computer systems to send and receive data over the connecting media.)

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Class Activities
Search the Internet to learn more about different types of network media:
Twisted pair cables (e.g., RJ45)
Coaxial cables
Fiber optic cables
Radio waves
Infrared light
Observe properties of network interfaces on your personal computer:
Identify Ethernet ports and/or the wireless network adapter switch
Open Device Manager and observe properties of Network adapters in Windows
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Time permitting, ask students to participate in one or more of these classroom activities.
Students can open one of the labs in this section to explore the properties of a network interface card installed on a typical desktop computer. From the Start menu, select Control Panel > System and Security > System. Open Device Manager and select Network adapters.

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Summary
Wired network components
Wireless network components
Authentication with a Windows user account
The importance of strong passwords
Windows Update
OPTIONAL SLIDE: SUMMARY
Use this slide to highlight some of the more important points covered during class.
Connecting a computer to a wired network requires a network interface card, cabling, and a common network protocol.
A wireless network connection requires a wireless network adapter.
A Windows user account lets you authenticate to a computer system and obtain access to network files and other resources.
Create a strong password to prevent other users from accessing your system.
Windows Update is a feature that can keep your operating system constantly updated with new features and security and bug fixes.

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Homework Assignments
Complete the labs in this section:
Applied Lab – Create a User
Applied Lab – Connect to a Wireless Network
Applied Lab – Configure Windows Update
Prepare for the next class:
Video – Computer Security Risks
Video – Windows Security
Video – Web Browsers and
Video – Internet Safety and Security
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Warn students that the videos in the next section are longer than most (a total of about 30 minutes for all four).