Computer Technology
Class overview
Computer Technology provides foundational knowledge in the areas of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting for secondary students. This course integrates academic and technical preparation and focuses on career awareness, career exploration, and skill preparation in the information technologies trade. This pathway emphasizes the processes in which computers are built, run, and interact with their environment. The units of this course are sequential in nature, competency-based, and prepare students for certification within the field of information technology.
Security
This week we are talking about security. Should you password protect your computer? What about screensavers, is it okay to just leave your computer unattended while you step away? If I get rid of an old computer can my personal information really be stolen from that device even if it wasn't working?
I highly recommend putting a password on all you digital devices. Computers and laptops are what many of us use for online banking and bill paying and we want to keep others from our personal information like account numbers and the like its generally a good idea to have your computer secured with a password at least 8 characters long (the longer the password the more difficult it is crack) with a combination of upper and lower case letters as well as numbers and special characters.
If you use one password for everything you need to stop that and consider a password manager. A password manager requires you to remember one master password and then opens a program that allows you to label as many accounts with login credentials and passwords as you need. Then if you forget you simply open the manager and look up the password you set.
Another option is to keep a password journal. Yes you can write down your passwords if that is what you like but the journal shouldn't just sit on your desk. If you want to keep a password journal in needs to stay in fire proof safe or at the least a locked drawer.
Meme of the Week
Screensavers - can be a nice thing if you are busy and step away from your computer frequently and you don't want to have to shut it down every time. However, you should probably enable the "On resume, display logon screen." This can be slightly annoying but it keeps your device secure and if your computer were to get stolen the thief wouldn't be able to readily get to your information.
What about old computers? Can information really be recovered from my broken computer? In short yes. If you take it to someone to recycle you should ask about their policy on old hard drives? Some shops will simply instal over the old drive. With the correct software some or all of your old files may still be recoverable. The safest route is to have the drive drilled or degaussed. These forms are the most difficult to recover any data from.
About me
I graduated Pittsburg State University with a Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems. Last year was our first year for this program and we had a very promising start. I am excited to see what this new year has in store.
Resources
Class Codes
Computer Tech AM: 5sbneik Networking AM: lkpvgqv
Computer Tech PM: o6rp4yz Networking PM: zq5ktyl