IT Career JumpStart E-Book

Naomi J. Alpern

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 488

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

A practical approach for anyone looking to enter the IT workforce Before candidates can begin to prepare for any kind of certification, they need a basic understanding of the various hardware and software components used in a computer network. Aimed at aspiring IT professionals, this invaluable book strips down a network to its bare basics, and discusses this complex topic in a clear and concise manner so that IT beginners can confidently gain an understanding of fundamental IT concepts. In addition, a base knowledge has been established so that more advanced topics and technologies can be learned over time. * Includes a discussion of the key computer components, such as the processor and memory * Covers the basics of data storage as well as the input/output process * Zeroes in on basic hardware configuration including how to install hardware and software drivers * Introduces various computer operating systems, including the Windows OS family, Linux, and Mac. * Looks at basic networking concepts and design IT Career JumpStart is an ideal starting point for anyone looking for a career in IT but doesn't know where to start.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Publisher's Note

Dedication

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Introduction

What This Book Covers

Making the Most of This Book

Chapter 1: The Computer’s Brain: Processors and Memory

Introduction to Processors

The Intel Processor Lineup

Stacking Up the Competition

Using Multiprocessor and Multicore Computers

Physical Memory

Bus Architecture

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 2: Storing Your Files: Data Storage

Keys to Data Storage

Understanding Hard Drive Basics

Performance with SDD Drives

Performance with SCSI Drives

Organizing Disks

Understanding Partition Types

A Primer on Disk Drive Configurations

Types of Offline Data Storage

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 3: Data Movement: Input/Output Devices

Understanding Ports

Understanding Monitors

Connecting a Keyboard and Mouse

Touch Screens

Making Remote Connections

Choosing a Printer

Choosing PC Cards

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 4: Hardware Configuration

Installing Hardware

Installing Software Drivers

Updating Software Drivers

Handling Interrupts

Using Base Memory and Identifying System Resources

Using I/O Memory

Using DMA

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 5: Desktop Operating Systems: A Comparison

In The Beginning: Understanding DOS

Understanding Windows

Understanding Unix and Linux

Apple Operating Systems

Dual-Booting between OSs

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 6: Command Shell 101: Basics Every Administrator Should Know

Introducing the Command-Line Interface

Creating a Directory Structure

Copying and Moving Files

Using Command-Line Wildcards

Understanding File Attributes

Changing the Time and Date

Using Timesaving Keyboard Shortcuts

Introducing PowerShell

Understanding PowerShell Modules and Snap-Ins

PowerShell Functions and Scripts

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 7: Graphical Interface: Windows 7 Basics

A Quick Introduction

Introduction to the Windows 7 Desktop

Using the Start Button

Managing the Computer’s Settings: Appearance and Personalization

Accessing the Computer Window

Accessing Network Resources

Using the Recycle Bin

Creating Shortcuts

Using Wizards

Using Windows Explorer

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 8: A Communications Framework

Understanding OSI Model Basics

Data Transfer in the OSI Model

Layer 1: The Physical Layer

Layer 2: The Data-Link Layer

Layer 3: The Network Layer

Layer 4: The Transport Layer

Layer 5: The Session Layer

Layer 6: The Presentation Layer

Layer 7: The Application Layer

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 9: Network Models

Considering Peer-to-Peer Networks

Viewing Network Configurations for Windows 7 Computers

Considering Client-Server Networks

The Directory Services Model

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 10: Data-Link and Network Layer Protocols

Introduction to Topologies

Ethernet Communication Architecture

Using TCP/IP

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 11: Network Operating Systems: A Comparison

Introduction to an NOS

Windows Server 2003 R2

Windows Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 R2

Unix Servers

Linux

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 12: Windows Server 2008 R2 Origins and Platforms

Understanding the Origins of Windows Server

Understanding NT 4

Understanding Windows 2000/Windows Server 2003

Understanding Windows Server 2008/Windows Server 2008 R2

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 13: Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 Active Directory Domain Services

Features of the Active Directory Domain Services

Structure of the Active Directory Domain Services

The Physical Network

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 14: Account Management

Structuring the Active Directory

Using and Creating Groups

User Accounts

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Chapter 15: File and Print Management

Sharing Folders

Assigning Permissions to Users and Groups

Using NTFS

Understanding Share and NTFS Permission Interaction

Accessing Resources

Sharing Printers

Terms to Know

Review Questions

Appendix A: Review Question Answers

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Appendix B: Common Acronyms

Glossary

Index

Senior Acquisitions Editor: Jeff Kellum

Development Editor: Susan Herman

Technical Editor: Rodney Fournier

Production Editor: Liz Britten

Copy Editor: Rebecca Rider

Editorial Manager: Pete Gaughan

Production Manager: Tim Tate

Vice President and Executive Group Publisher: Richard Swadley

Vice President and Publisher: Neil Edde

Book Designer: Judy Fung

Compositor: Craig Johnson, Happenstance Type-O-Rama

Proofreader: Louise Watson, Word One, New York

Indexer: Ted Laux

Project Coordinator, Cover: Katherine Crocker

Cover Designer: Ryan Sneed

Cover Image: © Comstock Images / Getty Images

Copyright © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-1-118-20615-7

ISBN: 978-1-118-22859-3 (ebk.)

ISBN: 978-1-118-23299-6 (ebk.)

ISBN: 978-1-118-26572-7 (ebk.)

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for choosing IT Career JumpStart. This book is part of a family of premium-quality Sybex books, all of which are written by outstanding authors who combine practical experience with a gift for teaching.

Sybex was founded in 1976. More than 30 years later, we’re still committed to producing consistently exceptional books. With each of our titles, we’re working hard to set a new standard for the industry. From the paper we print on to the authors we work with, our goal is to bring you the best books available.

I hope you see all that reflected in these pages. I’d be very interested to hear your comments and get your feedback on how we’re doing. Feel free to let me know what you think about this or any other Sybex book by sending me an email at [email protected]. If you think you’ve found a technical error in this book, please visit http://sybex.custhelp.com. Customer feedback is critical to our efforts at Sybex.

Best regards,

Neil Edde

Vice President and Publisher

Sybex, an Imprint of Wiley

To our bears, the work that went into this book was always for you.

—Naomi and Joey Alpern

To Penny—Your patience, love, and understanding made this possible.

—Randy Muller

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our superb Acquisitions Editor, Jeff Kellum, without whose determination and follow-through this book would never have come to fruition. He was a steady force throughout all the ups and downs during the roller coaster ride this book took before taking shape and becoming a reality—even if he did originally ask if we could write two chapters a week and be done in six to eight weeks. Huge thanks, also, to our co-author, Randy, for working through chapters in parallel, allowing us to meet Jeff’s new set of more down-to-earth timelines and also helping to lighten the load. Randy: We’re looking forward to the next chance meeting!

Many thanks go out to Susan Herman, our Developmental Editor, and Liz Britten, our Production Editor, for pushing hard to get drafts turned in on time and reviewed and returned promptly, even when the universe decided not to cooperate and continued to throw obstacle after obstacle in the way.

Thanks also to the rest of the team and all the rest of the editorial staff at Wiley for all the work behind the scenes that is required to bring a book to print. Finally, we want to thank our kids, Darien and Justin, for putting up with long weekend afternoons spent with mommy and daddy clicking away on keyboards. In the end it’s all for them.

—Naomi and Joey Alpern

About the Authors

Naomi J. Alpern currently works for Microsoft Consulting Services as a Senior Consultant specializing in Unified Communications and IT Architecture and Planning. Since the start of her technical career, she has worked in many facets of the technology world, including IT administration, technical training, and most recently, full-time consulting. Naomi holds a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Services Management from Florida International University. Additionally, she holds many Microsoft certifications, including an MCSE and MCT, as well as other industry certifications such as Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator, Security+, Network+, and A+. Naomi lives in Charlotte, NC, where she spends her spare time, along with her husband, Joey, chasing after their two young sons, Darien, 8, and Justin, 4. On the odd occasion that she runs into some alone time, she enjoys curling up with a cheesy horror or mystery novel for company.

Joey Alpern currently works as an independent consultant specializing in web development and database component integration. Since the start of his technical career, he has worked in various industries, ranging from the creation of internal systems for technical staffing agencies to dotcom startups; his most recent adventure occurred in the luxury cruise industry. Joey holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Florida International University. With over 13 years of development and coding experience, he is comfortable with multiple languages, including C++, Java, Visual Basic, .Net, and even Pascal. Additionally, he is Java certified and often finds working with computers easier than working with people.

Randy Muller is an independent trainer and consultant specializing in Unified Communications and Security. Randy was an army officer stationed in Germany where he began his IT career. Since then he has been an IT consultant, author, and a technical trainer. Randy holds degrees from Indiana University in History and Geography and has numerous Microsoft certifications including MCT, and also has certifications in Security+, CEH, and CHFI. Randy lives in Stevensville, Montana, with his wife, Penny and her three sons, Jack, Andy, and Chris. When he is not travelling to his training assignments, Randy enjoys planning his next house.

Introduction

Computers are very common today, and just about any computer is connected to a network. People with the knowledge and expertise to configure and maintain networks are needed in any organization. Networking can be a complex topic, especially for those new to the field of Internet technology (IT). Having a basic understanding of the various hardware and software components used in a computer network is key for any IT professional. By stripping down a network to its bare essentials and discussing this complex topic in a clear and concise manner, we hope to help the beginner understand fundamental IT concepts, and thus create a base knowledge for more advanced topics and technologies.

This book covers all the prerequisites for anybody looking for a career in IT. It is designed for the novice user who wants to become familiar with how computers work and eventually wants a career in IT.

What This Book Covers

Before you begin pursuing a career in IT, you should have certain prerequisite information:

A working knowledge of an operating system such as Unix, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2008 R2Proficiency with the Windows interface and a working knowledge of Windows ExplorerAn understanding of networking concepts such as networks, servers, clients, network adapter cards and hardware, protocols, network operating systems, and driversAn understanding of computer hardware, including processors, memory, hard disks, communication ports, and peripheral devices

This book covers these prerequisites in easy-to-understand language with graphics to illustrate the concepts. Information is presented in small chunks so that it won’t be overwhelming.

Based on the knowledge you need to begin your certification preparations, this book is organized as follows:

Chapters 1–4 These chapters deal with computer hardware. They cover computer processors, data storage, input/output devices, and hardware configuration issues.

Chapters 5–7 These chapters cover software. You will learn about the different local operating systems, get a good overview of the command line, and learn the basics of the Windows 7 interface.

Chapters 8–11 These chapters cover common networking concepts such as the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, peer-to-peer and client-server network models, network topologies, networking hardware, network protocols, and common network operating systems.

Chapters 12–15 These chapters focus on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, covering their history, the platforms, user and group management, and file and print resource management.

Making the Most of This Book

At the beginning of each chapter of IT Career JumpStart,you’ll find a list of topics that you can expect to learn about within that chapter.

To help you soak up new material easily, we’ve highlighted new terms in italics and defined them in the margins of the pages. In addition, several special elements highlight important information:

Notes provide extra information and references to related information.

Tips are insights that help you perform tasks more easily and effectively.

Warnings let you know about things you should do—or shouldn’t do—as you learn more.

At the end of each chapter, you can test your knowledge of the topics covered by answering the chapter’s Review Questions. (You’ll find the answers to the Review Questions in Appendix A.)

There’s also some special material for your reference. If you’d like to quickly look up the meaning of a term, the Glossary contains terms that have been introduced throughout the book. If you are wondering what acronyms stand for, refer to Appendix B, which shows the acronyms in this book spelled out.

Chapter 1

The Computer’s Brain: Processors and Memory

Processor performanceProcessor typesHistory and evolution of Intel processorsIntel’s competition—AMD, multiprocessor computersPhysical memoryBus architecture and bus types

pro•cess v: to complete a series of actions

Every computer consists of a microprocessor and memory. Without the two, the computer would not function. The microprocessor, commonly referred to as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the computer. Like the human brain, the CPU is responsible for managing the timing of each operation and carrying out the instructions or commands from an application or the operating system.

The CPU uses memory as a place to store or retrieve information. Memory comes in several forms, such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory provides a temporary location for storing information and contains more permanent system configuration information.

Introduction to Processors

The most central component to the computer is the processor. It is responsible for executing the instructions that are given to the computer. The processor determines the operating systems you can use, the software applications you can run on the computer, and the computer’s ability and performance. It is also typically one of the major factors in computer cost. Computers that contain newer and more powerful processors are more expensive than computers with less complex processors. This has led processor manufacturers to offer several different lines of processors for the home user, business workstation, and server markets.

Processor Performance

The goal of processor performance is to make applications run faster. Performance is commonly defined by how long it takes for a specific task to be executed. Traditionally, processor performance has been defined as how many instructions can be completed in each clock cycle, or instructions per clock (IPC), times the number of clock cycles. Thus, performance is measured as

IPC Frequency

Processor Types: A First Look

So many types of computer processors, also referred to as microprocessors, are on the market today that it can be quite confusing to wade through them all. All processors are not created equal, and each processor has its own characteristics that make it unique. For instance, a processor that is built around an architecture common to other processors of the same time period may actually operate at double or triple the speed. Fierce competition among the various chip makers lays the groundwork for new technological innovations and constant improvements.