Blog Post # 7 - Computer Networking

 Computer Networking:

I chose computer networking because it is something many are familiar with even if they are not aware that they are (i.e. my parents).

Even way back before the internet as we know it became widely used there was a much simpler form of computer networking known as “sneakernet” where a user would save work onto a floppy disk and physically walk it over to another user to add their input or for use at a different computer (https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1880/sneakernet) .

Many moons ago, computers were these huge clunky things that took up entire rooms and performed basic operations now found in handheld calculators. Thankfully, computing has evolved further than early computer users may have hoped. Imagine where humanity would be without the advances in science that can be attributed to computer science... I am sure some of the world’s best minds would figure out a way to work things but at what pace? Much, much slower without access to computers and computer networks.

Computer networking requires special hardware to access a network whether via Wi-Fi or hardwired Ethernet. For a computer to interact with network cards the computer needs to know how to do so reliably and with minimal interference; that is where computer programming comes into the picture. The hardware requires software known as device drivers to properly interact and do what the computer is asked to do by the end user.

Application software regarding computer networking provides for a more user-friendly experience through a graphical interface. Troubleshooting a network connection or just connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot would hardly be practical without application software.

Please enjoy my very basic illustration of the importance of strong network management and security. In this diagram you can see the network firewall successfully thwarting hackers, phishing and spam.

Blog Post # 6 - Network Security

Network Security

Ping attack types: 

The ping utility uses the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) to deliver its packets. Two types of attacks using the Ping utility are Ping Flood and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service). The ping utility is typically used to test network connectivity; Ping has been used for many years to diagnose hardware and networks to troubleshoot and narrow down the cause (s) of issues.

In both Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and Ping Flood attacks, the attacker attempts to overwhelm the target system with packets. Using software designed to send large amounts of packets to an intended target repeatedly, an attacker may impact the target system’s ability to process regular traffic; the target system receives packets and must send reply packets thus increasing network traffic overall. These attacks are usually the result of a coordinated multi-user attack aimed at larger systems but ultimately affects the end-user by denying access to the site under attack.

For the second part of the Network Security Paper, I chose to explore the Phishing and Social engineering topics. Phishing and Social engineering are two types of attacks that go together. Social engineering is the act of coercing or tricking people through lies and deceit to extract information. Phishing is pretty much the same idea, only less human to human interaction.

Consider the following definitions retrieved from www.dictionary.com: Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Social engineering is (in the context of information security) the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. In a nutshell, Phishing involves tricking users into entering personal or account information which is then logged and used later to gain access to systems or defraud the victim. Social engineering involves more person to person contact via phone call or online chat session, for example.

The four phases of social engineering are information gathering, gaining trust, exploitation, and exit (G. Rajendran, .2016). Each of these phases depends on the previous one to successfully “hack” a person. Before engaging with a potential target, the attacker will collect some information on their victim to gain their trust and feel them out for possible vulnerabilities to exploit. The attacker might take a glimpse into their personal life via social media or through a series of phone calls to gauge their weakness and gullibility. Once a target is successfully vetted, the attacker will exploit all information gained from the interaction and begin covering his or her tracks to avoid detection upon completion.

Phishing is a more impersonal but effective way of gaining access to information from a potential target or targets; phishing scams, while easier to detect with software, can reach further than social engineering alone. Phishing, a form of social engineering, can include fake emails that look legitimate as well fake links which will redirect the user to a fraudulent website that may look and feel like a real one, to collect information (Adil, M., Khan, R., & Nawaz Ul Ghani, M. A. (2020).

Both computer security incidents previously mentioned are challenging to address because the common denominator is human error. Unfortunately, the more successful a corporation, the more extensive their network of computers is likely to become which in turn means a larger workforce for hackers to phish from and social engineer. An attack on a network will likely result in loss of revenue and depending on the severity of the attack, system downtime, and neither is cost-effective.

Fortunately, preventative measures are available to lower the chances of an employee being compromised. First is education; an I.T. department should routinely hold a seminar, webinar or in-service to properly educate employees on how to identify as well as handle malicious emails, websites and phone calls. Secondly, the corporation should require users to change their passwords more frequently or add secondary credentials such as biometrics or pins to access their workstation and account.

Blog Post # 5 - Computers In The Workplace

Computers In Healthcare

For my discussion post, I chose the healthcare industry since I have been employed within a hospital for the past eighteen years. In that time, I have seen many upgrades and advances in technology. 

While I do not provide direct patient care, I am familiar with some aspects of a Healthcare facility and computer Literacy is an essential requirement. From the minute a patient walks into a Healthcare facility, patients are greeted by a member of the registration department or the information desk. Both of them are usually seated right by one or more computers running different types of software. 

Without a working knowledge of computers and the necessary software, the two employees mentioned above would not be able to serve the patient accurately. Nurses and Doctors rely heavily on computerized charting software and their workstations on wheels (W.O.W.) to view lab results and patient history; these computers are equipped with barcode scanners that are used to scan a patient’s I.D. bracelet. 

Considering the healthcare industry’s resources and the importance of keeping up with the competition, I have seen a lot changes in technology. Within the next ten years and healthcare’s need to remain on the cutting edge, I feel that technology such as augmented reality could be used to diagnose and even reduce wait times as well as the need for a patient to be at a doctor’s office physically.

With internet speeds and network security advances, it may someday be commonplace for a surgeon to perform entire operations from a separate location miles away using robotics.

I received some insight on my post from classmate "JG"; her feedback helped me to rethink the need for prep work in operating rooms by nurses and other staff members who may not benefit from a Doctor being offsite. 

"JG" wrote: " I completely agree about telemedicine replacing the need for patients to physically be in the doctors' office, not sure what you mean by augmented reality can be used to diagnose and reduce wait times, can you elaborate?  Also, I'm not quite sure at this point in time if medicine is ready for the doctor to be in a separate location while performing operations, although it might be safer with the concerns about the coronavirus. You'd still need nurses to prepare the patient for surgery and to get all the surgical instruments ready though, maybe that will be ready in the next 15 years but I think there is a lot more preparation before that happens."

Blog Post #4 - Traveling Through a Network

Traveling Through a Network 

Ping Activity:

            When I pinged Google.com I received one “request timed out” notification and three replies:

Request timed out

2607:f8b0:4006:804::200e time=19ms

2607:f8b0:4006:804::200e time=19ms

2607:f8b0:4006:804::200e time=14ms

            My ping sent four packets of which three were received and one was lost with an average round trip time of 17ms. One of my packets failed to reach Google.com whereas the other three did.

            For my next two pings, I selected news.com.au and japantimes.co.jp the results are as follows:

When I pinged news.com.au, I received replies from all four packets

23.205.210.206: bytes=32 time=75ms TTL=59

23.205.210.206: bytes=32 time=18ms TTL=59

23.205.210.206: bytes=32 time=15ms TTL=59

23.205.210.206: bytes=32 time=14ms TTL=59

Average roundtrip of 30ms (0% Loss)

When I pinged japantimes.co.jp, all 4 of my packets failed “request times out” (100% Loss). My best guess is that the packets did not reach their destination within the TTL of 59 seconds.

Request timed out

Request timed out

Request timed out

Request timed out

Traceroute activity

When I ran a traceroute on google.com, the results showed that my packets passed through 11 routers; at router number 5, there appears to be a transmission failure through hop #6 then again at hop # 9.

When I ran a traceroute on news.com.au, my packets passed through a total of seven routers successfully with all three packets of information ranging from 5ms to 29ms.

When I ran a traceroute on japantimes.co.jp, I noticed a considerable difference in the number of routers my packets passed through as well as the amount of time it took. There were several requests timed out messages but the traceroute continued possibly being rerouted to different routers in an attempt to reach the site. Trace completed at 30 hops with several packets not reaching their destination. Times ranged from 5ms to 256ms.

After running three traceroutes, I concluded that geographical location impacted the number of router hops as well as the length of time it took for the packets to reach or attempt to reach their destination. The Japanese website went through all 30 hops and resulted in more packet loss compared to Google.com and the Australian site news.com.au.

Ping and traceroute can be used to troubleshoot and rule out suspected connectivity issues. Using both tools, a user can determine if the failure to reach a site is due to their connection or if the site is experiencing trouble.

Two possible reasons for traceroute and ping time out or return error responses could be a short TTL or low maximum hop count.

One of my classmates "JG" experienced similar results when using the traceroute utility to send packets to a site in a land far, far, away... 

JG wrote: "Eddie, great job on explaining ping and traceroute. I had the same experience as you did when using traceroute on a Russian website, it timed out as well.  It's quite amazing how all the technology works together behind the scenes to help us surf the web and find the information we need."  

Blog Post #2 - Web/Mobile App Critique

Web/Mobile App Critique

⬇

Google Keep

For this discussion, I chose to write a review on Google keep, a note-taking app.

Using Google Keep, I can seamlessly access notes, web links, shopping lists, and pictures needed for quick reference. I save passwords, account numbers and directions. One of my favorite features is one that permits me to select images and files and save them directly to Google keep using the share symbol.

Google keep is such an essential tool in my daily life that strongly recommend it to anyone who may need a cross-platform cloud-based solution to note-taking. I especially enjoy this app because I am notoriously forgetful so that I can set reminders for bills. When looking for an old password or account number, the search feature within the app eliminates the need for endless scrolling and sifting through saved notes to find one thing.

I was recently able to assist my mother in the hospital (she's fine) with identifying her medications because I took pictures of her medications as well as her insurance cards. Being a die-hard Android user, Google keep's integration with my phone, computers and tablets add a bit of much-needed convenience to my hectic life. On my windows computer, I simply open a web browser and go to Google’s home page, then select it from a list of web apps, I prefer Google chrome so I installed a plugin that give me quick and easy access to Google keep. During my last online class, I saved links and videos quickly and conveniently.

More recently, I have made use of the “Checkbox” list feature for my shopping; as I go through my list at the grocery store, I simply tap on the item, and it gets crossed off and sent to the bottom of the list as completed. While making the list, the app recognizes everyday items and makes suggestions which can be seen in one of my screenshots.

I've personally used the "draw" feature to create directions and take down measurements when time was of the essence. I find Google keep being more user friendly than other apps I've used such as Evernote.

I've used Google keep's audio recording feature to remind myself of a variety of things, or just to quickly record an idea that I may use for work or an assignment.

I would like to see Google add bio-metric protection to this app in addition to my phones integrated security. Some of my other apps give me the option to use my fingerprint to access them. It would be a welcomed feature for me since many of my notes contain sensitive information.

I would also like to see Google add a video recording feature to the list of features.

Lastly, I would recommend better integration within the Android platform’s calendar app. I would like to see events in the calendar app automatically update in Google Keep and vice versa.

In response to my discussion post one of my classmates suggested using different email addresses for each category and boy was I glad I took her advice! I'm not ashamed to admit that organizational skills are not on my list of accolades. For the sake of privacy my classmate's initials are "NN", see part of her reply below. 

NN wrote: "I use a different email account for each category of notes to keep it all organized, a shared email for household things (shopping lists, reminders, to do lists, etc), one that is for work things (or things I think of at work but would otherwise forget by the time i get home, and the other way around), and one for my personal things (random notes, projects I'm working on, etc)."  

In addition to "NN's" reply I received a recommendation from my classmate "JG" for an app called Evernote. While I have tried Evernote in the past, I am willing to revisit it now that I know Evernote provides a fingerprint security feature. See "JG's" reply below. I edited a name out for this blog post.

JG wrote : "It makes me want to try it out, especially since "NN" is a big fan of the app as well.  You've both sold me on this as well.  I love apps that let me use my fingerprint as it makes it easier to sign in to the app instead of entering my username and password.  That's a feature that Evernote has so hopefully, they will add that to Google Keep."

Blog Post # 3 - Documenting a Day

Documenting a Day

When I started this assignment, I felt confident in using Microsoft Word since I use frequently at work. When using Microsoft Word, I enjoy all the available options for customizing and editing my documents, from using the strikethrough feature to the ease of creating a bulleted or numbered list when typing out instructions for my staff or creating signage. Word makes it easy for anyone with basic knowledge to format a document using one of the many templates available, I mean who hasn’t created a resume using Word? One disadvantage I encountered using Word is although it can be very user friendly, one mistake can alter the entire document and if the user does not how to undo their mistake the simplest project can turn into a nightmare.

Every program within the Microsoft Office suite has its own use and while I am not proficient in all of them, after completing this assignment I have a better understanding of their application in real world scenarios. I used Microsoft Excel for a previous class and found it to be far more user friendly and useful than a website that was recommended as an additional resource for crunching numbers; I had no idea how versatile Excel was. One disadvantage that I find when using Excel is that it can be extremely overwhelming and intimidating; the amount of cells alone gave me anxiety the first time I was introduced to it. I quickly learned that each cell is almost infinitely customizable and can be used as reference point when using formulas.

When I created my PowerPoint presentation, I was a bit nervous about it since it was my first time. I had some fun playing with the features and learning about animations, transitions and inserting icons. I was very impressed with how when using the animation pane, I was able to select how each side was activated, I chose the option to “start after previous” to avoid having to click to activate each part. That’s not to say that I do not see the purpose of clicking to activate each part of a slide as I have sat through my share of PowerPoint presentations at work and always wondered just how they did that. I found that with PowerPoint it is very easy to get lost in the customization aspect of it all, every single detail can be altered which I understand can make for creating amazing presentation but can might also create a distraction.

Instructor's feedback:

In today's business environment it is vital that you have a solid understanding of the Microsoft Office Applications. In fact, many employers assume this knowledge so much that it is not necessary to add it to your resume unless you feel the need. If you are interested in more training (free) I encourage you to review GCF Learnfree at the following website: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/office2016/

I am glad to have received this feedback because I instinctively add that I have a working knowledge of MS Word whenever preparing  resume, granted I have not done so in quite some time. I will likely explore the website provided in my spare time.

Blog Post # 1 - Programming Languages

Happy Reading!

Here is the Link to my Scratch project:

I had a pretty good time working on this. At first I was a bit frustrated with the blocks but as I continued to experiment with the different blocks, sounds and sprite characters I felt more relaxed. I kept having an issue where my characters would glide or move totally out of the picture until I found the ' if on edge bounce block' which cleared that up... sort of.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/382626131

My instructor feedback was:

There are high- and low-level languages. The high-level programming or programmer friendly languages and low-level languages are assembly and machine code languages. Also, the have been 5 generations of programming languages.

• First generation - Machine language
• Second generation - Assembly language
• Third generation - FORTRAN, BASIC, C, JAVA  
• Fourth generation - SQL
• Fifth generation- PROLOG (Logic programming languages)

Next, software programmers make six figure incomes, so this can be a lucrative career field. If you have a LinkedIn Premium account (which is available to military vets for free for one year-just Google it) encourage you to check out their programming languages training videos/certifications.

After reading the instructor's feedback I looked into programming jobs and while at this stage I am not sure if I could handle programming for a living, it is a well paying but competitive field. My current plan is to retire from my current profession within the next seven to ten years so who knows. 

Moving right along, I also looked at some of the other programming languages and came across one I have never heard of called Ruby which is used by Hulu, shopify and airbnb; check out the link 👇. I also found it very interesting that there are over three hundred programming languages! 😲

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/career-resources/tech-jobs/decoding-coding-languages-comparing-11-popular-programming-languages/

I copy and pasted some text from my Week 1 assignment below:

Based on the exercises in chapter 2, machine language, it would probably take someone of superior intellect to program using the binary code presented, just did not make sense but then again, it’s intended for a computer to read. Assembly language while more straight forward and English based still left me a bit stumped. Higher-level languages like the Python exercise made much more sense but yet a far stretch from being an easy thing to learn in my opinion. I found the Python language easiest to use because I could see where once learned, a programmer could easily give a computer instruction on what to do next in a human language friendlier format.