How Computers Work Final Thoughts

     After the past few weeks of learning about how computers work I was in awe of what I did and did not know.  I consider myself one of those easy people who want the Plug and Play type computers.  THis class stretched my knowledge and comfort level.
     There were a few assignments that I was really scared to try.  Take apart a computer--Really?  What did I need to do that for?  Well I did not realize I actually needed to clean out the inside.  That is actually pretty gross in there.  Also there are many more fans and cooling systems in there that I had no idea about.  There is so much more in there than I thought.  Although I was really uncomfortable doing it, I really did learn a lot.  VERY WORTH IT!
     Another place I was stretched was the alternate Operating System assignment.  In the assignment explanation we were told not to do it wrong for it could wipe your hard drive.  Well I just bought a new computer for MEIT and I was not sure I was the guy who would be able to do it right without someone looking over my shoulder.  I went for it..........Success.  I was able to do it and not only did I explore a new system, but I learn a lot about install of new items on my computer and what else is out there.
     There was one thing that I really gained from this class when it comes to how computers work and that was CONFIDENCE!  I now know that I am capable of more than just the plug and play.  I know the options that are out there, the history of what is out there, and what I need to make sure I have to protect myself and computer.  It seemed like nonsense at the time.  Something I really did not want to do.....Lets just power up and play right?  NO there is so much power in knowing what you have and can do with it.  I am very empowered with what I have for knowledge and experience now.  Was it worth it the step outside of my comfortable place???  YES!!!!

Computer Safety and Backup

I ran two different diagnostic test on my computer this week.  The first test I ran was to see if the internet was running up to speed. The test was simple and it took merely seconds.  As the test was quick I was assuming that the test results would show that my internet was preforming much the same.  After the test was complete I was given the results below.  I tried the test again on a different internet connection, a public coffee shop connection, and found the numbers were almost cut in half.  Seeing the difference between a connection where you are mere feet from the wireless modem, to the connection where is is public use and you are unsure as to where the modem is was rather interesting to me.  

I also ran a test to check for any open ports that outsiders could access to gain entry to my computer.  There were, thankfully, no openings for hackers to get access to my machine.  This test can give one peace of mind if they are worried, yet if your results are unfavorable, you may be scared of what could happen or what has already happened.  Either way running these simple tests on ones computer can make a world of difference in the functionality and protection of their computer.

I have also had the chance this week to work on two Disaster Recovery Plans.  Have never even looked one over before has been rather interesting to me.  The amount of research and planning that goes into these plans, I am sure is directly correlated to the amount of personal and important data to be protected and saved.  My personal plan seemed to be more about preventing virus and backing up my files.  The organizational plan was designed to ensure the companies functionality and protection after a disaster.  I would be ok if my computer was down for a few days, but a company with hundreds of computers, valuable information, and hundreds to thousands of clients/customers needs to be up and running with in hours if not less time.