Computer Systems: How They Work and How this Applies to my World (part 3)

With each week, I continue to learn more about computer systems and how they work. I find that the projects I work on, the research I am conducting and the class discussions are all quite helpful and relevant to my world as an educator, a mother and a consumer.

I know that what I have learned up to this point in my coursework is going to make me better prepared if, and when, I am ever charged with the task of selecting hardware that is appropriate for the work I do with my students. I will know that if I am using interactive whiteboard technology, I will need a PC that can retrieve files quickly, as well as respond quickly with each command in order to function as a transparent instructional tool. In order to meet those needs, I will know that I should search for a PC with a lot of RAM and hard drive(s) with a high RPM to get the quick file retrieval and response time that I am looking for.

This course has also highly impacted my own personal growth in terms of my knowledge and what I can do as a parent to protect my children from inadvertently going to "unsafe" or inappropriate websites by installing a security product that allows parameters to be set for different users. I also have a better understanding of how to protect my personal information, and have developed and followed a plan for backup of my important files in the event that my computer is compromised; whether the source of the issue comes from the Internet in the form of a virus or from a hardware malfunction.

Finally, I have said this before, but I will say it again: I feel like I am a much better informed consumer having gone through this course. I have always felt like I had a good, solid understanding of PCs and what all of the specs referred to. I was missing the ability to "decode" the information provided. For instance, I didn't know that if I chose a computer because of the processor speed but it didn't have a lot of RAM that it could impact how fast or slow the PC ran. I didn't know that the platter rotational speed of the hard drive would impact the speed at which a file could be retrieved. I've now gained the understanding that a computing device is only as fast and efficient as its slowest component.

I realize I have only scratched the surface when it comes to knowing and understanding the inner workings of computer systems. I plan to continue to ask questions of those I know who are computer "nerds" in order to develop a better working knowledge of how the components work together. Computing devices are everywhere from our cars right down to our kids' toys, so learning about computer systems and how they work will continue to be relevant and applicable to the world I live in.

Computer Systems: How They Work...and how this class applies to my world Part 2

As I continue my journey through this coursework, I also continue to see how the course content is relevant to my world. This week one of our main tasks was to develop an individual disaster recover plan. Now, while that may sound rather ominous (and it probably would be devastating if it were to actually happen), the disaster I am referring to would occur in the form of a computer crash or a compromised system. I consider myself to be a responsible user of technology, and for the most part I have had little trouble with viruses or system meltdowns (knock on wood). With that being said, even though I haven't been face to face with disaster yet, it would be wise to have a plan in place should I ever run into trouble.

My backup plan consists of Internet/antivirus security and external storage. As I've listened and read about the potential dangers to my computer, my information and even my identity, I realize that my nonchalant attitude toward these security measures made me a prime target for threats. I now feel like I've considered these needs and have come up with a solution that fits my lifestyle and computing habits; which is important in order for me to stay on top of the plan that I've put together. I know that what I've set up for myself is not to the extreme, but it is a step in the right direction and is one I know I can maintain.

I anticipate that I will continue to hear about security options and needs/ideas both from my classmates and as new products are developed. I am willing to keep an open mind and I expect that I will adapt my plan as new information comes my way. As a responsible user it is my job to be aware of potential threats as well as the most current resources available to keep my computer and my information safe.