Gabrielle's TEC101 Blog

 Post #6: Network Security  In today’s digital era, the significance of information and system security cannot be overstated. Both individuals and organizations depend on computer systems to store, process, and manage a vast amount of sensitive information, from personal data to critical organizational records. Effective cybersecurity measures protect this information, maintain system integrity, and safeguard against financial and reputational harm. For individuals, robust security means safeguarding privacy and personal assets. For organizations, it involves protecting proprietary information and ensuring continuity of operations and compliance with regulatory standards. When compromised, security can lead to a cascade of issues, from identity theft to operational paralysis, underscoring the importance of preventative measures. This paper will discuss two specific security threats: Security holes/vulnerabilities and Phishing. These incidents highlight how cyber threats exploi...

  Post #5: Computers in the workplace In the healthcare industry, computers play crucial roles across various functions, from patient care to administrative tasks, making computer literacy essential for all employees.  Functions of computers in healthcare using... EHR ( Electronic Health Records) are digital versions of patient medical histories, accessible by authorized personnel across departments. They streamline patient data management, allowing easy access, secure sharing, and more accurate records. Patient monitoring systems: Computers enable real-time monitoring of patient vitals through devices connected to a centralized system, which helps healthcare professionals respond promptly in critical situations.  Diagnostic and imaging systems: Computers power diagnostic equipment like MRI, CT scanners, and ultrasound machines, which help generate detailed images, store data, and diagnose.  Computer literacy is crucial in healthcare because it ensures that employees...

  Post #4: Traveling  Using the ping and traceroute commands is an effective way to understand how data packets travel through a network and diagnose network issues. These tools give insight into packet routing, latency, and network paths, helping identify where delays or connectivity issues might occur.  I used the ping command to test connectivity to google.com. Ping sends data packets to a specified IP address and waits for a reply to measure network connectivity and speed. The low response time indicates a fast connection with minimal latency, likely due to Google's nearby servers or a fast network infrastructure.  Ping and traceroute are valuable troubleshooting tools for identifying network connectivity issues. If a website is not loading or the connection is slow, using ping can help confirm if there's a connection issue by showing packet loss or high response times. Traceroute goes further by identifying where the delay occurs in the network path. For instanc...

  Post 3: Documenting Day   This was the documenting-a-day assignment, where I had to compare word processor functions, spreadsheets, presentations, and database applications. I reflected on my experience creating a journal entry, calculating percentages, developing a presentation, and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each application.  Feedback from my instructor: " Hello Gabrielle, this assignment was to explore and complete the functions and interfaces of four different application software programs as you document the events that take place in one day of your life. I am assessing the quality of your work based on the scoring rubric listed here to review the criteria. Keep up the good work!"

  Post #2- App Critique  Headspace  is a popular meditation and mindfulness app designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. It offers guided meditation sessions, sleep aids, mindful workouts, and breathing exercises. I've been using this app consistently for a few months, and here's my assessment based on its usability, design, and functionality.  Usability  Headspace is incredibly user-friendly, even for those new to meditation. Upon opening the app, users are greeted by a simple and intuitive interface, which guides them through various types of meditations based on their needs, such as stress relief, sleep improvement, or focus. The onboarding process is smooth, with a brief questionnaire to personalize the user's experience and recommend meditations tailored to individual goals. The app uses clear labels and a color-coded system to help users easily navigate between sections. It's easy to find what you're looking for...

Post #1- Programming languages  https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted Building a program in Scratch was a creative and fun, yet difficult experience. The drag-and-drop interface made it intuitive to piece together elements like motion, looks, sound, and control. I created a simple animation in which a sprite (a character) moved around the screen, changed colors, and made sounds on command. The ability to stack blocks and see instant visual feedback as the program ran made it easy to grasp the basics of programming logic, such as sequencing and looping. My main challenge was understanding how to make the sprite perform multiple actions simultaneously. Initially, I attempted to move the sprite and change its appearance simultaneously but encountered issues with block placement, which caused delays in the sprite’s reaction. Some of the features were hard to understand, such as how to use them for block placements. The participation activities in sections 2.8, 2....