Week 1 - Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Toni, and I’m thrilled to share a little about my journey into the world of Information Technology. After dedicating 15 years to managing operations at a major retail company, I realized it was time for a new direction. So, I made the decision to go back to school to pursue a career in tech. Fortunately, my employer is fully supportive of my educational pursuits, covering the entire cost of my degree!

Initially, I thought about earning a business degree since my management background already showcases my skills in that area. However, I found myself increasingly drawn to a different field, Information Technology. I want to expand my technical skills and open doors to new opportunities within the tech industry.

One aspect I truly enjoy about this new path is my love for reading and lifelong learning. I spend time exploring books and articles on topics like computer networks, cybersecurity, and troubleshooting strategies. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how networks function so I can troubleshoot issues more effectively. I find real satisfaction in solving technical problems and sharing my solutions with others, whether through writing guides, engaging in online forums, or assisting colleagues. This curiosity and eagerness to learn more about computer networks fuel my motivation every day as I work toward building a successful future in IT.

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Week 9 - Firewall Basics

Firewall Basics Your First Line of Defense in Cybersecurity What Is a Firewall? Think of a firewall like a security guard for your computer or network. Its job is to watch over incoming and outgoing traffic, things like emails, files, or website visits, and decide what gets in and what stays out. It’s like a bouncer at a club, checking IDs and making sure only the right people come in. Why Do You Need One? Without a firewall, your computer or network is pretty much open to the wild west of the internet. Hackers, viruses, and malware can sneak in if you're not careful. A firewall acts as a barrier, blocking suspicious or harmful stuff before it can cause trouble. How Does It Work? Firewalls use a set of rules, like a guest list, to decide what traffic is safe and what isn’t. For example, it might block certain websites or prevent unrecognized devices from connecting to your Wi-Fi. These rules can be simple or complex, depending on how secure you want to be. Types of Firewalls...

Week 4 - Understanding Routers

Understanding Routers Your Guide to a Faster, Smarter Internet If you’ve ever wondered how your internet gets from the modem to your laptop or smartphone, chances are, a router is involved. But what exactly is a router, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Router? Think of a router as the traffic cop of your home network. Its job is to take the internet signal coming from your modem (the device that connects you to your internet service provider) and direct it to all your devices, like your phone, tablet, smart TV, or gaming console. It also manages the data coming back from these devices and sends it out to the internet. In short, without a router, your devices wouldn’t know how to talk to each other or access the internet efficiently. Why Do You Need a Good Router? Not all routers are created equal. The quality and features of your router can affect how fast your internet feels, how many devices can connect at once, and how secure your network is...

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