Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Computers

User Accounts: To use the Unix operating system you must have a user account that consists of user name (login) and password (password). User accounts are created by the administrator in Unix is a special user called root.
User Groups: All users belong to at least one group that is the main user group, also called user's primary group but can belong to more groups. If you belong to more groups, these are secondary groups.
Root: The root user, sometimes called root, is the user administrator. Is identified with the user number zero (uid = 0) and has permissions on the entire system without any restrictions. The root user can access any file, run, install and uninstall any application, modify the system configuration files and manage users.

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Data

Data is the collection of facts considered in isolation. It describes an organization and carries meaning, but generally is not useful by itself.

Information

Information is data that has been manipulated and is useful to someone. Information must have value; otherwise, it would be considered just data. Information tells people something that confirms what they knew or suspected. (What, who, and when?)

Why? Because telecommunication networks transmit data, the networks do not identify meanings (information). The objective of networking is to take data from one place to another.

Data Types

• Analog: Continuous
• Digital: Discrete

Symbols limited by their use and origin:

• Alphanumeric
• Graphic
• Image
• Audio
• Video
• Multimedia

Model of a Basic Communication System

Components:... Continue reading "Data, Information, and Network Communication Essentials" »

DNS Protocols and Services

In data networks, devices are labeled with a numeric IP address so they can participate in sending and receiving network messages. However, most people spend much time trying to remember these numerical addresses. Therefore, domain names were created to convert the numeric addresses into a simple and recognizable name.

The DNS protocol defines an automated service that matches resource names with the numeric network address requested.

Top Level Domains (TLDs)

The different top-level domains represent the kind of organization or the country of origin. Examples of top-level domains are:

• .au: Australia
• .co: Colombia
• .com: A firm or industry
• .jp: Japan
• .org: A nonprofit organization

The Application Layer

The application layer is... Continue reading "Understanding DNS Protocols and Network Naming" »

Key Networking Concepts and Components

Definitions of Wireless and Wired Technologies

• Wi-Fi: Short for Wireless Fidelity, this term names the set of protocols for wireless networking through radio frequency.
• Bluetooth: A wireless communication protocol that uses radio frequencies and allows a range of up to 10 meters.
• Switch: A device used in cable network connections that toggles or selects the position to prioritize information at any time, ensuring data packets reach only their intended recipient.
• Hub: A device that allows the connection of multiple computers using a wired network. Data received are sent to all computers connected to it.
• PCI Bus: A bus or connector device located on the motherboard. Sound cards, network cards, capture cards, TV

Level 1: Processor Management

Objectives

• Share CPU between processes without blocking the system.

Functions

• Initial startup synchronization between processes.
• CPU switching.
• Memory management.
• Interrupt management.

Level 2: Memory Management

Functions

• Allocation and release of memory.
• Control of access violations.

Level 3: Process Management

Objectives

• High-level process management.

Functions

• Creation and destruction of processes.
• Message exchange between processes.
• Detention and booting of processes.

Level 4: Device Management

Objectives

• Manage I/O based on existing process devices.

Functions

• I/O creation.
• Allocation and release of I/O devices.
• I/O scheduling.

Level 5: Information Management

Objectives

• Manage logical namespace, storage, and information protection.

Functions

• Creation

Networking Essentials: TCP/IP Concepts

TCP Flow Control Purpose

Why is flow control used for TCP data transfer?

• To synchronize the speed of data sent.
• To synchronize and order sequence numbers so data is sent in complete numerical order.
• To prevent the receiver from being overwhelmed by data.
• To synchronize window size on the server.
• To simplify data transfer to multiple hosts.

Analyzing Network Output: Key Information

Refer to the exhibit. What two pieces of information can be determined from the output shown? (Choose two.)

• The local host is using well-known port numbers to identify the source ports.
• A request for termination has been sent to 192.135.250.10.
• Communication with 64.100.173.42 is using secure HTTP.
• The local computer is accepting HTTP requests.

Understanding Firewalls

A firewall is a point between two or more networks, acting as a component or set of components through which all traffic passes. It enables the control, authentication, and logging of all network traffic.

Note: A firewall does not authenticate or protect data from viruses.

Key Features

• Packet Filter: Performs selective packet routing by analyzing data from headers.
• Proxies: Analyzes packets at the application layer.
• Bastion Hosts: Dedicated equipment with minimal services installed, kept at the latest version, to offer services to the internet.

Network Address Translation (NAT)

• Converts invalid or reserved IP addresses into valid, routable addresses.
• Solves the shortage of valid IP addresses.
• Provides masking for the internal

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Networks

Integrating Multimedia Services with ATM VPN

The integration of voice and image services within Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) creates a Multimedia Virtual Private Network (VPN). This innovative approach allows services previously provided on separate networks to be consolidated into a single, unified network.

ATM VPNs are based on the concept of a Virtual Private Network, offering resources dedicated exclusively to the client. This is achieved through a shared network infrastructure and a single access point to the network. Integration is facilitated by deploying an integration device at the customer's premises.

ATM Integration Device Capabilities

The integration device can consolidate data, voice, and... Continue reading "ATM and FDDI Networks: Advanced Data Transmission Solutions" »

Software Fundamentals

Software: Part of computer logic. All programs managed by the computer. A set of rules and instructions.

1. System Software (SW Base)

A set of programs that control the computer and form the base of application software. It allows the inner workings and facilitates user interaction and machine-to-machine communication.

1.1 Operating Systems (OS)

The closest layer to the machine, it acts as an intermediary between the user and the machine. It is the first program loaded into memory and is essential to operate the machine. Two types of interfaces exist: text and graphics.

Functions of an Operating System:

• Planning, supervision, and load initialization when running a program.
• Manage all system resources.
• Initiate and control I/O units

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a service responsible for translating IP addresses into domain names and vice versa. It follows a client-server architecture and consists of a massive distributed database managed by specialized software.

Hierarchical Structure of DNS

• Root DNS Server: There are 13 super-servers scattered globally that work in unison. They contain the master tables for name resolution, though most operational work is delegated to other servers.
• Top-Level Domains (TLD): Maintained by internet authorities, these resolve top-level domain names.
• Second-Level Domains: These resolve second-level domain names and are maintained by domain owners or Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
• Subdomains: Added to the left of the domain name,