Desktop Operating Systems - 12/14/2005

Desktop class today consisted of me handing out grades and letting you know if you have to take the final next week.  Most of you do not, but if you have a star on the grade sheet that I handed out, I need to see you next week!

Otherwise, have a happy, healthy holiday and I’ll see you next semester!

Homework:

• Eat


• Drink


• Be Merry

Marketing - 12/13/2005

It was movie night tonight in Marketing class, and the featured presentation was Tommy Boy.  We watched this American classic from the standpoint of how Tommy handled personal sales and how he grew his talents.  For next time complete the worksheet I handed out after the movie and turn it in next week.  If you don’t have to come next week for the final, turn in the sheet to my mailbox.

Guys, I hope it’s been as fun for you as it has been for me!

Homework:

• Tommy Boy worksheet

CompTIA Network+ Training - 12/13/2005

Net+ was devoted today to Trandumper.  More next week!

Homework:

• No Homework!

MS Office - 12/12/2005

All we did today was review for the final.  Good luck studying!

Homework:

• No homework, just make sure you know the items on your study guide!

Desktop Operating Systems - 12/12/2005

Today we did PowerPoint presentations and, as promised, received your grades as to this point.  I passed out grade reports and if your had a star, I need to see you next week.  Otherwise, have a great Christmas!

Homework:

• If you have to or want to take the final next week, make sure you study using the provided study guide.

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS

Our class today was dedicated solely to practice exams.  The first half of the class dealt with the admittedly ridiculous Trandumper questions and then we shifted gears to the actual Transcender questions (thanks Kim!).  We’re going to do more of the same next week, so don’t forget your flashcards.  Hope to see everyone here!

Homework:

• No Homework muchachos.


• Muchachos isn’t even a word, is it?

Desktop Operating Systems - 12/7/2005

Today’s class was split between PowerPoint presentations (by the way, great job guys) and the second half of the second section of Access.  

Homework:

• Skill Assessment #3

Marketing - 12/6/2005

Marketing class today was devoted to Chapter Sixteen – the chapter on Sales.  We talked about various aspects of the selling process ranging from promotions to personal selling.  Remember, next week, we’re going to have a Personal Sales workshop, so make sure you know the seven steps of the sales process.

Homework:

• Question 6.1


• Question 6.2

CompTIA Network + Training - 12/6/2005

Today we worked through Transcender questions the entire length of the class.  More next week!  Be sure to read and understand the last two chapters of the book on your own!

Homework:

• No Homework!

MS Office - 12/5/2005

PowerPoint presentations were delivered today.  I also delivered grades and if your grades were high enough and attendance was satisfactory, today was your last class!  Those of you who had stars on your grade sheets (you know who you are) I need to see you next week to review for your final.

Homework:

• No Homework!!!  Woo-hoo!

Desktop Operating Systems - 12/5/2005

Today we worked on PowerPoint presentations.  Be ready to deliver them on the 12th!

Homework:

• No Homework

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/30/2005

Today we covered the first two sections of the Access section of our book.

Homework:

• Section 1: Skill Assessments 1-3


• Section 2: Skill Assessment 1

Marketing - 11/29/2005

Boy, it’s really quiet right now.  I’m sitting here watching you guys do some last minute cramming for the exam tonight.  This is all we’re doing tonight, after the exam, I’m sending you home with no homework.

Homework:

• Did you even read the paragraph above?!  No homework!  Yay!

MS Office - 11/28/2005

MS Office today consisted of finishing up your presentations.  Good luck with them, and let me know if you have any problems!

Homework:

• Finish up presentations!

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/28/2005

Today we covered the first PowerPoint section of the book.  We’ll finish up PowerPoint next week.

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/23/2005

Today we finished the PowerPoint portion of our book (section 2).  Next week we’ll start Access.

Homework:

• No homework due next week!


• Eat lots of turkey!

Marketing - 11/22/2005

Our class tonight was over Chapter Nine, the Product “P”.

We learned the product deals with everything received – both good and bad, from an exchange.  This includes the actual “thing” as well as any warranties, ideas, etc.

Homework:

• Answer these questions:


• What is a brand?  


• What is the difference between a brand name, a brand mark, a trademark, and a service mark?

Remember, we have a test over Chapters 6 – 9 next week!!!

CompTIA Network + Training - 11/22/2005

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming an MSE instructor, it’s that I like pie.  Mmmm, pie…

Anyway, today we covered two chapters worth of stuff: Chapters 15 and 16, dealing with TCP/IP’s role in the Internet and Remote Connectivity, respectively.  

Make sure you know what routers are, the difference between a gateway and a default gateway, and know about the various services that are available via TCP/IP (HTTP, E-mail, FTP, etc.)

As for Chapter 16, know that phone lines are phone lines and run only at 2400 baud.  It’s how much data your modem decides to put on those 2400 baud that determines the modem speed – therefore your speeds will be in multiples of 2400.  Make sure you can differentiate between DSL, ISDN, Cable, SONET, X.25, Frame Relay, etc.

Homework:

• You know what the homework assignment is… slackers…

MS Office - 11/21/2005

Today was day one of working on your Powerpoint presentation.  If I checked yours and gave you the go-ahead, I’ll see you when the presentation is due on December 5.  Otherwise, I’ll see you next week!

Homework:

• Continue to work on your Powerpoint presentations.  They’re due on December 5!

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/21/2005

Today was devoted to an Excel exam.  Next week, we will begin Powerpoint.

Homework:

• No homework for this week.  Come back next week ready to start Powerpoint!

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 11/17/2005

Today’s class talked all about installing Windows and on troubleshooting, maintaining, configuring, etc. Windows 9x (Chapters 14, 15).  Next week, I’ll show you an upgrade from Windows 95 to Windows Me and also show you some of the stuff we talked about in class.  

Homework:

• Chapter 14: 1-10


• Chapter 15: 1-10

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/16/2005

Today we took our Excel exam, and then did the first section of Powerpoint.

Homework:

• Activities 1-3

Marketing - 11/15/2005

The weather kept us from having class Tuesday night.  We’ll resume next week.

MS Office - 11/14/2005

Office class today consisted of two main parts: Excel and Powerpoint.

We took our Excel test today, which for many of you will be your last foray into Excel (in this class, anyway).  Some of you will feel sad, I have a feeling most of you are as giddy as a 4 year old on Christmas.  Overall, the test went very very well, with everyone scoring a B or better.  Nice job!

Next, we dove headfirst into Powerpoint, which is Microsoft’s presentation software.  I handed out requirements for our Powerpoint project (which I’ll include below) and then showed you two presentations: one on how to make a successful presentation, and the other one on what I don’t want to see.  Make sure you don’t get these confused guys!

If you are reading this entry because you missed this portion of the class, make sure you go through the exercises in the book on how to do the requirements that you aren’t quite familiar with.  

The Project
The Powerpoint project will be due on December 5.  In one way, I’m treating it as an assignment in that if you somehow miss December 5, I’ll knock 10% off like I would any homework assignment.  This is pretty big, because the whole presentation is worth 100 pts, just like a test!  Ouch!  Make sure you’re here on December 5!!!

The Requirements
As promised, here’re the requirements for the Powerpoint project.  This matches the handout I gave out:


For the Powerpoint portion of this class, we will be making a Powerpoint presentation and presenting it.  This presentation will count as your Powerpoint test.  There are several things I will be looking for as you give your slideshow:

• At least 12 slides


• Text should be easy to read from the back of the room.  Use the “Rule of 6” to determine this (stand 6 feet from your monitor and if you can easily read your text, you’re good).


• Use a Design template (either from the Web or from inside PowerPoint)


• Have at least three types of slide layouts.


• Use both animations and slide transitions on all slides


• Use some form of clipart on at least one slide


• Place a chart, table or graph on at least one slide


• Please do not use sounds (this is a personal rule of mine, it’s kind of a pet peeve…).


• Print a page of handouts to give to me on the day of your presentation.  There should be six slides per page.

Well, Ben, that’s all well and good, but what in the world am I going to do this presentation on???  I’m glad you asked!

Do it on ANYTHING you want!  I want to be educated!  Do it on a hobby, a passion, something completely random, something you’ve already done research for in another class, something.  There are no right or wrong topics here (ok, nothing pornographic, but you get my point).  

Some examples:

• How to change your oil


• Why we should invade Canada


• Why Michael Jackson is guilty/innocent


• A history of your favorite rock band


• How to tame horses


• How to take blood


• How George Dubya is ruining/saving our nation


• Why you shouldn’t buy milk from Wal-Mart.


• Your stance on gun control, etc.


• Planning a vacation


• Unique investment strategies

You’ll have the next few weeks to work on this presentation.  We’ll give them December 5.

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/14/2005

Today we covered Section 3 of the Excel section which covers such topics as the NOW, IF and PMT functions, printing gridlines and column headings, centering a spreadsheet on a page, margin changing, making charts, etc.

IF Statement
The IF statement is made up of three parts: the logical test, what to do if the test comes out positive, and what to do if the test comes out negative.  Here’s how it’s set up:

=IF(logical_test,value_if_true,value_if_false)

IF is great in telling Excel how to behave in certain situations.  The example we used in class calculated an employee’s bonus depending on how long that employee had worked.  If that employee had worked longer than 4 years, they got a bigger bonus, if less than 4 years, a smaller one.  Make sure you know how to construct an IF statement.

PMT Function
The PMT function allows us to figure out loan information based on the term of our loan, the initial loan amount and the interest rate that we have obtained.  Remember to use cell references when using the PMT function so that your payment information can change real-time as you change your variables – changing “hardwired” formulas sucks.

Homework

• Activities 1-5

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 11/10/2005

Today’s class covered Chapters 23 & 24 which dealt with Networking and The Internet.  

Homework:

• Chapter 23: 1-10


• Chapter 24: 1-10

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/9/2005

Today we covered section 3 of the Excel section.

Homework:

• Activities 1-5

Marketing - 11/8/2005

Tonight’s marketing class was dedicated to marketing research – the differing methods and the different reasons for using it.  

Homework:

• Questions 3.1 – 3.4

CompTIA Network+ Training - 11/8/2005

Today in Net+ we covered chapters 13 & 14, which covered Sharing Resources and TCP/IP, respectively.  I ridiculously forgot about the exam that was scheduled for today, so we will be taking it next week.  Again, I apologize, for not having it ready.  Hopefully, the extra time for studying will help!! :)

Homework:

• Chapter 13 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 14 – Ques… you know, why even type them?  You know already…

MS Office - 11/7/2005

Office class today covered the fifth chapter of the Excel unit.  We covered a variety of topics including cut/copy/pasting between the same worksheet, different worksheets, different workbooks and different applications.  We also fooled around with 3D references as well as Freezing Frames and Splitting Windows.

Homework:

• Activities 1-5

Remember, we have a test next week!!

Desktop Operatings Systems - 11/7/2005

Today in class we did the second section of Excel, which mainly covered various ways to format your spreadsheets to make them more pleasing to the eye.  Specifically, we covered how to edit the content inside of cells, moving and copying cells, changing fonts, sizes, etc. yada yada yada.

Homework:

• Activities 1-5


• Make sure you print each activity after you are finished, even though the book doesn’t mention printing!!!

Blog-only info: 5 points extra credit to anyone who tell me what ### signs in your cells mean.  E-mail your answers to bbedo@draughons.edu before 11/14!

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 11/3/2005

Today we took Test 3 and then covered Chapter 12, which dealt with the basics of Microsoft Windows.  Remember, you guys are responsible for the Win9x portion of the Chapter.  

Homework:

• Chapter 12 – Questions 1-10

Sorry for being a day late with this.  Forgive me?  Please? (not a command, just a plea) :p

Desktop Operating Systems - 11/2/2005

Today we covered Excel Section 2.

Homework:

• Completion 1-10


• Activity #4 (Use WBInvoice instead of Excel SRwhatever)

Marketing - 11/1/2005

Hola.  I cancelled class tonight because of (I think) a stomach virus has rendered me, well, worthless.  Let’s just say that you don’t want to know from where I’m typing this right now.  Ha ha.

Anyway, please read Chapter 7 and answer question 1 for next week.  If you have any questions, problems, etc. PLEASE let me know either by e-mail or by phone.  Thanks, and see ya next week!

Homework:

• Read Chapter 7


• Question 1

CompTIA Network + Training - 11/1/2005

Today we covered (gurgle gurgle) Chapter 12 which covered various Network Operating Systems.  We talked about Windows, Netware and Unix and the differences between the three of them.

Also, remember that there is a test next (gurgle gurgle) week on Chapters 7-12.  Know your shiz!

Homework:

• Chapter 12 – Questions 1 –(gurgle gurgle) 10.

MS Office - 10/31/2005

Today we covered Chapter Four in the Excel unit.  Chapter Four covers various ways to enhancing a spreadsheet, including headers/footers, page breaks, print areas, find and replacing data, filters and lists.  We decided to go back to a Snap/lecture format, where I lecture in class, but make the Snap available for you to use.  Again, I highly recommend that you use Snap – it will definitely help you.

Homework:

• Completion 1-16


• Skill Assessments 1, 3, 4 ,5

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/31/2005

Happy Halloween ya bunch’a pansy wuss-balls.  Woo Skynyrd!!!!

Today we did the first unit of Excel, covering simple things like navigation, formulas, and very simple cell formatting.  As I explained, we dropped the Snap! system for in-class stuff, but I HIGHLY recommend going through the tutorials at your own leisure.  

Homework:

• Procedures Check 1-15 (pg 27)


• Skills Activities 1 & 2 (pg 28)

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS

Today’s class focused on Printers and Portable PCs.  We talked in depth about the different types of printers, from impact to ink jet to laser.  Make sure you know about how to troubleshoot and maintain these types of printers.

We also registered some folks.  That was fun.

After lunch we talked about portable computers – namely, laptops.  Know about the different types of batteries and their specs.  Also know about the various peripherals (USB, etc.) and power management applets associated with laptops.

Homework:

• Chapter 21 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 22 – Questions 1-10

Desktop OS 10/26/2005

Today we took our Word exam on Snap! and then, at the suggestion of some students, shifted the focus of the class (yet again) back to a lecture base.  I hope you like it – I’m tired of shifting and frankly I refuse to anymore.

Remember, optional Snap tutorials are available.

Homework:
Excel Questions 1-15 (Section 1)
Activities 1 & 2.  Make sure you print Activity 1.

CompTIA Network + Training - 10/25/2005

Today in Network + we covered Chapters 9, 10, and 11 – which covered wireless networking, protocols in general and the TCP/IP protocol in specific detail.  Great class today guys, we really covered a lot!

Homework:

• Chapter 9 – questions 1-10


• Chapter 10 – questions 1-10


• Chapter 11 – questions 1-10

Marketing - 10/25/2005

Business Marketing.  It’s really more interesting than it sounds.  I promise.

Business marketing is the act of targeting products towards businesses – more realistically anyone other than final consumers.  We talked about the ends and outs of the business market and how it differs from the consumer market.

Homework:

• Question 1.1


• Question 2.2 (which refers to question 1.1)

MS Office - 10/24/2005

More Snap Stuff today.

Today we did the tutorials for the third chapter in the Excel unit.  It seems like everyone is at least doing OK with the Snap tutorial system.  I may toy around with assigning two chapters of Snap next week which will allow us to get more learnin’ in – which can only be good, right?

Homework:

• Chapter 3 – Completion (pg 93)


• Skill Assessments 1, 2, 3

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/24/2005

Today’s class involved finishing up the Chapter Three tutorials that crashed out on us last week, and then taking the Snap! version of the Word Test.  As I’m typing this, it seems like most of you are plugging right away with these tutorials, and we’ve even had one student finish the test.  Overall, I feel like this system has been a success.  

There is one thing I feel like I need to address: please control your stress levels while working with this system.  We’ve established that Snap! is very picky, even finicky, to the point of pixel-accurate clicking requirements.  That is why I do not grade how you do on tutorials.  Getting mad and swearing, banging keyboards and mice and general huffing and puffing is not only distracting to other people, but it’s kind of childish too.

If you find yourself getting frustrated (and believe me, you will), just get up and take a break – even work on other homework for a few minutes if you have to.  As long as you get the tutorials done before class is out (and you have plenty of time), it’s cool with me.

Before you get bent out of shape, remember how good we all have it.  We all have enough food to eat.  We all have clothes on our backs.  We all have a way to get around town (or at least to school).  We all have it good enough that a silly computer tutorial system can actually stress us out. (  

Homework:

• Again, no written homework for next time, but do be ready to go on the Excel section of your book.  I’ve gone ahead and posted the Excel tutorials we’ll be doing next week.  Get a head start on them if you’d like!

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS- 10/20/2005

In class today, we took Test Two, which covered Chapters 9, 10, 11, 17 & 18.  After class, we jumped to Chapter 20 and talked about sound cards.  Make sure you know the two types of sound that a soundcard deals with (MIDI and Waveform) and make sure you know the three factors that contribute to sound quality (frequency, bits and tracks).

After that, we broke for a lunch that was apparently too long.

Coming back from lunch (I had Chick-fil-A, what did you have?), we talked about Chapter 19 – SCSI.  Know that SCSI devices are serial devices that can be chained together and that all SCSI devices use something called bus mastering, which allows them to bypass the computer’s CPU.  Know the various “flavors” of SCSI (mine is Cherry, what’s yours?) and know the specs of each.  Also, make sure you know about the formats that are poised to take overtake SCSI in the coming years.

Towards the end of class, we got a great lesson from Brett and Marty about dead people.  

Homework:

• Chapter 19 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 20 – Questions 1-10

Blog only info: Quiz next week on Chapters 19 & 20!    

Marketing - 10/18/2005

Tonight we had the pleasure of hearing Nick Brown, a multimedia coordinator at WBKO speak about his career and the impact that marketing has on his everyday business life.  He talked at length on how the demographics of the average viewer of a given show play into how businesses choose their advertising options.  If you enjoyed what Nick had to say, I’d encourage you to drop him a e-mail at nick.brown at wbko.com.

We also took the first test of the semester tonight which covered Chapters 1-3, and 5.  

Homework:

• No homework for next time.  We’ll jump in fresh next Tuesday!

CompTIA Network + Training - 10/18/2005

In today’s class we had Josh Smith (“Critter”) from Peterbilt in Goodlettsville drop by and give us a presentation on working our way into the IT field.  Josh gave some great advice on obtaining certifications, the interview process and what to know to function in the day-to-day life of a typical IT professional.  If you enjoyed Josh’s presentation, I encourage you to send him an e-mail at smith_jd at comcast.net and let him know.

Homework:

• No homework today, we’ll resume normal class operations next week.

MS Office - 10/17/2005

Snap.  Made from the Best Stuff on Earth.

Oh, wait.  That’s Snapple.  Anyway…

Today, we took our first exam, over the MS Word section of your book.  Everyone did remarkably well (especially since I carelessly included the answers on about half of the questions!).  I will have to say that you guys have done the best on the assessment (with the table of contents) of any group I’ve had, so congrats!

After that, we pioneered the Snap tutorial/testing delivery system conveniently written by your textbook publisher.  My reasoning for doing this is that it allows those of you who are computer pros to come in, sit down, get your stuff done and go home.  For those of you who need it, it allows me to offer more one-on-one assistance than I would otherwise be able to provide.  It’s a win-win.

In today’s tutorial, we covered Chapters 1 & 2.  As I’m typing this, the room seems pretty quiet, which is a pretty good sign!

If you’re reading this, please take a moment and comment and let me know what you think of the system – good or bad.  I’m interested in what you guys think of it.

Homework: (yes, there is homework, back off!)

• Chapter 1 – pg 29: Identifying (not the completion!)


• Chapter 2 – pg 64: Completion; pg 65, 66:

Correction: Do Skill Assessments 1 & 2!!

Boy, I’m just batting 1.000 today, aren’t I?  Assessment 5 needs Assessment 1 to work, so just do assessment 1 instead of 5.  

I’m going to go sit in the corner and cry now.
    

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/17/2005

My apologies to anyone who read this entry on the 17th or the 18th – something happened in the uploading process I use to record entries and my afternoon entry got recorded over my morning entry.  Oops!

Anyway, today we switched gears and introduced the Snap system to class.  We had a slightly unique situation in that the entire school lost its connection to the Internet, which rendered Snap useless.  But, hopefully, you still got a good taste for what the system has to offer and hopefully will enjoy using it.

Again, my main reasons for using this system is to both allow those who feel they have a good grasp on computers to get in, get out, be done, while allowing me to have more time to spend with people who need one-on-one attention.  As far as I can tell, everyone wins.

Please, if you’re reading this, leave a comment (it can be anonymous if you want) and let me know what you think of the Snap system, good, bad or indifferent.  I’m very interested in knowing what you think.

Homework:

• Because I’m just pretty much the best teacher in the universe, no homework.  Sing and rejoice.

    

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 10/13/2005

In today’s class we covered Chapters 17 & 18, which covers CDs and Video, respectively.  Remember, we have a test next week (like you suggested), which will cover Chapters 9, 10, 11, 17 & 18.  We’ll briefly review before the test, where you can ask me questions and then we’ll dive right in.  Remember:

KNOW YOUR IRQ TABLES FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

Homework:

• Chapter 17 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 18 – Questions 1-10

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/12/2005

It’s a Snap!

Or not.  Today we tried using Paradigm (the people who print your book) Publishing’s new online delivery system called Snap.  What did we learn?  Well, we learned that the system is incredibly picky, but that it is possible to do well as long as you do exactly (and wooahh, do I mean exactly) what the instructions ask you to do and that you remember “the poison is in the tip of your arrow” (click with the tip of your arrow).  Thanks for being patient as we all get used to this new system.

Homework:

• Concepts on pg 65


• Activity 4 & 6

Marketing - 10/11/2005

In the latest installment of Marketing class, we discussed the various factors that influence consumer decision making.  Afterwards we discussed the test that will happen next week: Chapters 1-3, 5.  Make sure you know the four Ps as well as everything else on the study guide I provided!

Also, next week we will have a guest speaker – Nick Brown – who is a marketing coordinator for WBKO.

Homework:

• Chapter 5 – Question 1.1

CompTIA Network + Training - 10/11/2005

Today’s Network + class covered chapters seven and eight.  We first talked about other network technologies that exist other than Ethernet (they are out there!).  After that we discussed installation techniques and actually attached a RJ-45 connector to CAT5 cable!  Other topics of discussion today included stereo equipment, a brief flirtation with politics, and the fact that David actually prefers to be called Brett.  

Homework:

• Chapter Seven – Questions 1 – 10


• Chapter Eight – Questions 1 – 10

Microsoft Office - 10/10/2005

Today we covered Chapter Four which covered Formatting Documents.  

Homework:

• pg 142 – Concepts Check 1-15


• Skill Assessments 1 & 2

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/10/2005

Today we started the second section of the Word unit covering various formatting options available to us.  

Homework:

• pg 65 – 1-12


• pg 67 – Activity 4

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 10/6/2005

It’s all about drive.  Specifically, hard and floppy drives.

Covering Chapters 9 & 10, we learned about the various types of storage capabilities that each floppy disk type is capable of; how to determine what drive letter a particular drive will obtain, and how to configure the floppies within the CMOS.

On the hard drive front, we talked about storage capabilities as well as the specific parts of the hard drive.  Andrew sliced his thumb open obliterating the casing around a hard disk so that we could see the platters, etc. inside.  

Homework:

• Chapter 9 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 10 – Questions 1-10

Per your request, we will be having a test in two weeks!!!  Be prepared:

KNOW YOUR FREAKIN’ IRQ TABLES!!!

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/5/2005

Word up.

Today, after taking our test, we covered the first section of MS Word.  We covered topics including document navigation, AutoCorrect, etc.

Homework:

• Completion 1-12 (pg 28-29)


• Activity #5

CompTIA Network + Training 10/4/2005

Today’s class consisted of Test One, which covered Chapters 1-6.  Since I’m such a great guy and everything (bringmebrownies!) I let class out after the test.  

No Homework!  Yay!

Marketing 10/4/2005

Tonight’s class focused on Ethics and the Marketing Environment (Chapter 3).  Judging by the looks on various faces, this topic was either interesting or … notsomuch.

We talked about the differences where companies fell on the Pyramid of Social Responsibility, ranging from Economic to Philanthropic.  We also talked about the external environment, and the various factors that effect (affect?) it.  

Homework:

• Question 2 (All three subquestions) on pg 98


• Question 5 (Again, all three subquestions) on pg 99.

Heads-up: Test in two weeks over Ch 1-4!

Microsoft Office 10/3/2005

Today we learned about formatting paragraphs, including indents, spacing, tabs, borders, shading, etc.  Make sure that you know and can perform exercise 21 by heart, as you will definitely be seeing it again (hint, hint, poke, poke)

Homework:

• Ch3 Concepts Check 1-17


• Ch3 Skill Assessments 1, 4, 7 & 8

Remember!  Test in two weeks!!!  (10/17)

Desktop Operating Systems - 10/3/2005

Word, word, word is the word.

Today we did the first section of the Word unit which involved such activities as navigation, undo, selection techniques, AutoCorrect, etc.  

Homework for today was:

• pg 28 – Completion 1-12


• pg 30 – Activity #5

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 9/29/2005

Class today consisted of discussions of motherboards and power supplies.  Some key concepts to make sure you know:

• Know the differences between AT and ATX motherboards.  


• Know why ATX motherboards had to come about


• Know about the “in-between” boards like LPX and NLX


• Be able to describe soft power


• Be able to tell me about the three main chips that are in a motherboard’s chipset and what each does (Northbridge, Southbridge and Super I/O)


• Know the steps in choosing a new motherboard


• Know about basic troubleshooting a motherboard


• Know about the different types of electrical current and which one comes before and after the power supply


• Be able to differentiate between AT and ATX power supplies


• Be able to tell me what a molex connector is


• Know what each wire coming from the power supply does and how much voltage it carries


• Know both types of power switches found on an AT power supply (plunger and rocker)


• Be able to tell me what ESD is and why its bad news for a computer.


• Be able to describe different types of UPS systems

We also had hot dogs.

Homework:

• Chapter 7: Questions 1-10


• Chapter 8: Questions 1-10

Remember!  Test next week over Chapters 1-8!!!

Desktop Operating Systems - 9/28/2005

Today we covered the Internet Explorer section in our book.  We experimented with a “do-it-yourself” approach to learning – meaning you guys went at your own pace and I hung out in the wings to answer any questions that might have come up.  If you’re in this class and reading this, please feel free to comment (anonymously, if you’d like) and let me know if you prefer me teaching straight out, or be allowed to work at your own pace.  There are no right or wrong answers, just let me know whatcha think!

Remember, test next week!! (10/4)

Homework:

• IE section, pg 14 – Questions 1-7.

Marketing - 9/27/2005

Tonight we covered Chapter Two – Strategic Planning for Competitive Advantage.  What this meant was basically covering the parts of a strategic/marketing plan.  I covered the main sections that every good plan should include:

1. Mission Statement


2. Marketing Objective(s)


3. SWOT Analysis


4. Target Market Selection


5. Marketing Mix (4 Ps!)


6. Implementation

Homework:

• Questions 1.1, 1.2, 4.1

CompTIA Network+ Training - 9/27/2005

Today we covered Chapters 4, 5 and 6, which dealt with Network topologies and Ethernet – both past and present.  Key topics (not the only topics) for today’s discussion included:

• The four basic topologies: bus, ring, star and mesh.


• The two hybrid topologies: star-bus and star-ring


• Cable types: coax, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP) and fiber optic


• IEEE standards


• Ethernet frames


• CSMA/CD


• 10Base5 & 10Base2


• Repeaters, Bridges & Switches (Oh my!)


• 10BaseT


• TIA/EIA 568A/B standards


• 10BaseFL


• Fast Ethernet Flavors


• Full Duplex vs. Half Duplex

Homework:

• Chapter 4 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 5 – Questions 1-10


• Chapter 6 – Questions 1-10

Remember, test next week on Chapters 1 – 6!!!

MS Office - 9/26/2005

Today we covered Chapter Two in the Word section, which dealt with Formatting Characters.  Remember, most of these settings will be found under Format, Font.  

Homework:

• Completion: 1-13 – pg 60


• Skill Assessment #2 – pg 61

Desktop Operating Systems - 9/26/2005

Today we covered the Internet Explorer section of our book.  Make sure you know about search engines and how to use the advanced search portion.  

Homework:

• IE Explorer Section (Green): pg 14 1-7

Remember, test next week over Windows and Internet Explorer!!

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 9/22/2005

Today we covered Chapters 4, 5 and 6 which dealt with RAM, BIOS and the Frontside Bus respectively.

Things you should probably know:

• Know what DIPP, SIPP, SIMM, DIMM and RIMM stand for and mean.


• Know about banking – specifically how to calculate how many sticks of a given type of RAM in order to work with a given processor.


• Know the difference between System BIOS and CMOS.


• Know about the CONFIG.SYS, SYSTEM.INI and Registry files.


• Be able to recreate the list of IRQs that I gave you in class.  YOU WILL SEE THIS ON A TEST!


• Know about the different expansion slots – specifically the ISA, PCI and AGP slots.

Homework:

• Chapter 4 – Review Questions 1-10


• Chapter 5 – Review Questions 1-10


• Chapter 6 – Review Questions 1-10

Blog-Only Information:

• Pop-quiz next week on the above information!!!

Desktop Operating Systems - 9/21/2005

Today we covered the Windows unit of our book.

Homework:
* pg 14 – Questions 1-8

Marketing - 9/20/2005

Tonight we covered Chapter 1 – specifically looking at the four marketing philosophies: production, sales, market and societal.  Make sure you know the differences between these and can identify which philosophy a company subscribes to by viewing their behaviors.

Homework:

• pg 20 – review question 2 (this includes all 3 subquestions!)


• the 12 define it terms

Make sure you have each of these ready to turn in next week!

CompTIA Network+ Training - 9/20/2005

Please Do Not Take Supplies Please Ask.

Today we covered Chapters Two and Three, covering what Networking is, and Networking with the OSI model, respectively.  Remember that the goal of Networking is to share resources in a way that makes them appear local to your computer.  

Homework:

• Chapter 2: Questions 1-5


• Chapter 3: Questions 1-10

Try not to look at the answers to the questions before answering them.

Next week, 9/27, we will be having a quiz!  Make sure you’re ready!

MS Office - 9/19/2005

Today we covered the first chapter in the Word section of our book.  Make sure you know all of the keystrokes and mouse shortcuts that we went over!

Homework:

• Pg 31: Matching 1-10


• Pg 32: Completion 1-12


• Pg 32-33: Skill Assessments 1 & 3.

Arr!

Desktop Operating Systems - 9/19/2005

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Today we made introductions and dove headfirst into the Windows unit, learning about the various aspects and features of the Windows 2000 operating system.  

Homework:

• Windows Section, pg 14: 1-8

Make sure you have this ready to turn in next week!  Arrr!

CompTIA A+ Hardware/OS - 9/15/2005

Today we had class introductions and covered Chapters 1 – 3.

Homework:

• Chapter 2: Questions 1-10


• Chapter 3: Questions 1-10

Remember, quiz over processors next week!  Know them inside and out!

Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to my weblog (or blog)! This blog will allow you to keep up with what's going on in class this semester. I plan on making brief posts after each class which will summarize what we've done that day and have any assignments.

Look to the right -->
There are a number of links that you will find useful. If you’re in my A+ or Network+ classes, be sure to check out the links that detail your upcoming certifications.

Make sure you check this blog often -- even if you haven't missed class -- as I will put class announcements here (this may include extra credit possibilities!!!)