graphics, play sound, movies, and other multimedia
files. Hyperlinks are embedded in a web page providing a quick
link to another location on the same or an entirely different
web page. Two of the most popular web browsers are Internet
Explorer (IE) and Netscape Communicator. While identical in the
tasks they perform, there are differences between these two
browsers. Some websites may not support the use of one or the
other, and it can be beneficial to have both programs installed
on the computer. Netscape Navigator: - The first
popular browser
- Takes less disk space
- Displays HTML files, performs e-mail and file transfers,
and other functions
Internet Explorer (IE):
- Powerfully integrated with other Microsoft products
- Takes more disk space
- Displays HTML files,
performs e-mail and file transfers, and other functions
There are also many special, or proprietary, file types
that standard web browsers are not able to display. To view
these files the browser must be configured to use the plug-in
applications. These applications work in conjunction with the
browser to launch the program required to view the following
special files: - Flash – plays multimedia files,
which was created by Macromedia Flash
- Quicktime – plays video files, which was created by
Apple
- Real Player – plays audio files
In order to install the Flash plug-in, do the following:
- Go to the Macromedia website.
- Download .exe
file. (flash32.exe)
- Run and install in Netscape or IE
- Verify installation and proper operation by accessing
the Cisco Academy website
Beyond getting the
computer configured to view the Cisco Academy curriculum,
computers perform many other useful tasks. In business,
employees regularly use a set of applications that come in the
form of an office suite, such as Microsoft Office. Office
applications typically include the following:
- Spreadsheet software contains tables consisting of columns
and rows, and it is often used with formulas to process and
analyze data.
- A word processor is an application used
to create and edit text documents. Modern word processors allow
the user to create sophisticated documents, which include
graphics and richly formatted text.
- Database
management software is used to store, maintain, organize, sort,
and filter records. A record is a collection of information
identified by some common theme such as customer name.
- Presentation software is used to design and develop
presentations to deliver at meetings, classes, or sales
presentations.
- A personal information manager
includes an e-mail utility, contact lists, a calendar, and a
to-do list.
Office applications are now a part of
every day work, as typewriters were before the personal
computer. Lab Activity Lab Exercise: Web Browser
BasicsIn this lab, the student will learn how to use a web
browser to access Internet sites and become familiar with the
concept of a URL. Web Links Surf the Web: Web Browsers
http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/ 12browser.htm
Content 1.1 Connecting to the Internet
1.1.9 Troubleshooting Internet connection problems
In this troubleshooting lab, problems exist in the hardware,
software, and network configurations. The goal, in a
pre-determined length of time, is to locate and repair the
problems, which will eventually allow access to the curriculum.
This lab will demonstrate the complexity in configuring even
the simple process of accessing the web. This includes the
processes and procedures involved with troubleshooting computer
hardware, software, and network systems. Lab Activity
Lab Exercise: Basic PC/Network Troubleshooting ProcessIn this
lab, the student will learn the proper sequence for
troubleshooting computer and network problems and become
familiar with the more common hardware and software problems.
Web Links How do I troubleshoot Internet connection
problems in Windows XP? http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBJ/tip4800/
rh4873.htm
Content 1.2 Network Math
1.2.1 Binary presentation of data Computers
work with and store data using electronic switches that are
either ON or OFF. Computers can only understand and use data
that is in this two-state or binary format. 1 is represented by
an ON state, and 0 is represented by an OFF state. The ones and
zeros are used to represent the two possible states of an
electronic component in a computer. They are referred to as
binary digits or bits. The American Standard Code for
Information Interchange (ASCII) is the most commonly used code
for representing alpha-numeric data in a computer. ASCII uses
binary digits to represent the symbols typed on the keyboard.
When computers send ON/OFF states over a network, electrical,
light, or radio waves are used to represent the 1s and 0s.
Notice that each character has a unique pattern of eight binary
digits assigned to represent the character. Because computers
are designed to work with ON/OFF switches, binary digits and
binary numbers are natural to them. Humans use the decimal
number system, which is relatively simple when compared to the
long series of 1s and 0s used by computers. So the computer
binary numbers need to be converted to decimal numbers.
Sometimes binary numbers need to be converted to Hexadecimal
(hex) numbers which reduces a long string of binary digits to a
few hexadecimal characters. This makes it easier to remember
and to work with the numbers. Web Links Data
Representation and Number Systems
http://scholar.hw.ac.uk/site/computing/
subindex_f1ncomp5topic1.html ASCII Code Chart
http://www.jbase.com/knowledgebase/ manuals/3.0/
30manpages/man/ AsciiChart.htm
Content 1.2
Network Math 1.2.2 Bits and bytes A binary
0 might be represented by 0 volts of electricity (0 = 0
volts). A binary 1 might be represented by +5 volts of
electricity (1 = +5 volts). Computers are designed to use
groupings of eight bits. This grouping of eight bits is
referred to as a byte. In a computer, one byte represents a
single addressable storage location. These storage locations
represent a value or single character of data, such as an ASCII
code. The total number of combinations of the eight switches
being turned on and off is 256. The value range of a byte is
from 0 to 255. So a byte is an important concept to understand
when working with computers and networks. Web Links Data
Representations http://csep1.phy.ornl.gov/guidry/phys594/
lectures/performance_prog/data.html
Content 1.2
Network Math 1.2.3 Base 10 number
system Numbering systems consist of symbols and rules for
using those symbols. The most commonly used numbering system is
the decimal, or Base 10, numbering system. Base 10 uses the ten
symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. These symbols, can be
combined to represent all possible numeric values. The decimal
number system is based on powers of 10. Each column position of
a value, from right to left, is multiplied by the number 10,
which is the base number, raised to a power, which is the
exponent. The power that 10 is raised to depends on its
position to the left of the decimal point. When a decimal
number is read from right to left, the first or rightmost
position represents 100 (1), the second position represents
101 (10 x 1= 10). The third position represents 102 (10 x 10
=100). The seventh position to the left represents 106 (10 x 10
x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 =1,000,000). This is true no matter how
many columns the number has. Example: 2134 = (2x103) + (1x102)
+ (3x101) + (4x100) There is a 4 in the ones position, a 3 in
the tens position, a 1 in the hundreds position, and a 2 in the
thousands position. This example seems obvious when the decimal
number system is used. Seeing exactly how the decimal system
works is important because it is needed to understand two
other numbering systems, Base 2 and hexadecimal Base 16. These