Hardware & Networking

How are hardware & networking skills relevant and valuable in the technical support career?

Being able to troubleshoot more efficiently and effectively.

Why is this knowledge important?

Being knowledgeable about the hardware and networking is important because again this is the foundation to understanding what I need to troubleshoot. 

What were the most important things that you learned about hardware and networking?

I didn’t know that much about computers except how to turn it on and know the basic cords like mouse and keyboard before Bluetooth. Now I know how to install VMware because I know the basic knowledge of what it means to be on the correct network.

The Learning Evidence:

Example of Hardware & Networking knowledge, skills, and/or abilities: 

1. PC Build (IT HS/SW – familiarization with computer/networking topology, VMware)

2. Setup Documentation (Cisco 1 – computer/networking topology, setup network, CLI)

3. Cisco 1 (CCNA: Introduction to Networks)

4. Raspberry Pi (IT Exploration: Signage)

What level of knowledge did you have of how to create this artifact before you began?

I would say I went in with not that much but the basics like where the cords go and turning it on. 

How did you learn how to do it?

With instructions and hands on learning and repetition after learning about the purpose of each individual connection in the topology was very helpful in my understanding of how a computer functions and importance to know what each command does. 

What did you learn from the process?

I learned that there is another way than the GUI interface to set up a computer. My dictionary of IT verbiage has also increased. 

What challenges or barriers did you have to overcome to complete it?

For me I am a visual hands-on learner. You can tell me what these commands do but until you have me run them and see what it does, I cannot retain it. So being able to take screenshots (I don’t trust my own handwriting) I completed those command lines and understood what command I ran. 

What level of knowledge do you have now? What strength/skill/knowledge does it demonstrate?

I’ve gained a lot more IT words and I apply it by looking at my notes I’ve taken so I can update it as needed. I like knowing that I can fall back on my notes because it means I’m understanding the course even if I can remember the command lines completely (Which comes with repetition.)

Reflection:

What does this artifact mean to you? What does it "say" about you and your abilities? 

My PC Build and Setup Document meant that I understood the process and the purpose of each command line. Proper note taking made it very easy for me to follow through on the hands-on labs and if asked I knew how to troubleshoot my network if a connection did not work. Knowing the topology or physical location and knowing how what each component does helps make troubleshooting quicker. 

What is the importance in relation to your personal or professional growth?

Learning that you don’t have to know everything, but I want to be able to communicate with the person working on my network or computer. 

How will you use it (and/or this skill) as a career professional to benefit a business? 

I will definitely be using topology when building my network or computer builds. Budgeting is always important in most business decisions I make.