Computer Network Workshop

[ Jefferson H.S.., LAUSD | Staff development | Technology Committee | Professional Dev. Committee | Computer Dept. ]

Jefferson H.S. Staff Computer Training Modules
Computer Network Workshop

July, 2000, by K. Ballash
DRAFT v2.0

The following training module covers computer networking fundamentals. The emphasis is on the workstation, not the server. Most of the examples are using Windows OS, but the Macintosh OS is covered too.

1. INTRODUCTION

1-1 Workshop Description and Goals: Learn basic networking terms, concepts, and capabilities. Participants will be able to do basic maintenance and configuration of workstations, reset configuration when required, and troubleshoot basic network problems. Setup simple file and print sharing. Observe server-based file sharing and web-based cgi examples. Increase awareness of network backup, security, and bandwidth issues.
1-2 Assessment: Teacher Computer Network Portfolio

2. GETTING STARTED

        2-1 Maintain good documentation: Hardware, drivers, IP addresses, passwords, save all software, drivers, keys.
                Share with other tracks.
        2-2 You need to be connected to the web for updates, drivers, patches, tech info, service communication.
        2-3 Run basic workstation maintenance: Create Startup disks, Scandisk, Defrag, Norton Utilities, Update Anti-virus
        2-4 Maintain FoolProof and other security. Do not share passwords and IP addresses.
        2-5 Installing non-compliant software can be dangerous, i.e. AOL, Net Zero, Juno.

3. WHAT IS A NETWORK?
        3-1 Workstations that communicate. Servers provide other services--file and print sharing, FTP,
                Remote ghosting, CD-ROM server, etc.
        3-2 Network Topologies: Peer-to-peer, Star, Mesh
        3-3 Network Hardware: Hubs, Switches, Routers, Bridges, Servers, AUI, Ethernet, BNC, Category 5
        3-4 Network Operating Systems (OS): Apple Share, Novell, Windows NT, UNIX/Linux
        3-5 Network Layers (summarized): Physical, Network OS, Applications

4. NETWORK INTERFACE CARDS (NIC)

        4-1 AUI, BNC, Ethernet
        4-2 NIC vs. Modems
        4-3 Installing Protocols, .... Client for Microsoft Networks, NetBEUI, TCP/IP,
        4-4 Installing the NIC into the Motherboard. PCI or
        4-5 Installing the NIC Driver. Plug and Play mode (PnP), Jumpers,
        4-6 Reinstalling a bad Driver. System devices

5. CONFIGURING NETWORK WORKSTATION FOR LAUSDnet

        5-1 Make sure proper protocols are installed: Client for MS Networks, NetBEUI, TCP/IP,
        5-2 Identification: Room_Computer Number
        5-3 Workgroup: Room Number
        5-4 TCP/IP Settings: LAUSDnet and Earthlink examples
        5-5 Configure E-mail
        5-6 Configure www browser. homepage, proxy (direct, manual, automatic), cache, cookies

6. TESTING and PINGING

        6-1 Check System Devices in Windows
        6-2 Some NICs have self-test software, i.e. 3Comm
        6-3 Go to DOS mode and use ping. Test workstation, switch, router, LAUSDnet
        6-4 VisualRoute, CyberKit and WhatRoute for Macs

7. WWW TROUBLESHOOTING

        7-1 Check proxy and socks, www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd.proxy
        7-2 Clear web cache
        7-3 Check input history
        7-4 Check and clear history
        7-5 Use settings and proxy to manage access
        7-5 Advantages of web base E-mail

8. LAN vs. WAN. T-1 vs. ETHERNET

        8-1 Bandwidth issues. 1.5MB vs. 10/100MB per second
        8-2 Caching web server. Squid on Linux
        8-3 Web Buddy and Web Wacker
        8-4 Local web server on Intranet. Apache on Linux
        8-5 Filtering Pros and Cons

9. FILE SHARING WITH WINDOWS 95/98

        9-1 Install NetBEUI and TCP/IP
        9-2 Allow file sharing in network setup
        9-3 Select folder (directories) | properties | sharing
        9-4 Can create passwords and groups (probably students or periods)

10. PRINTER SHARING WITH WINDOWS 95/98

        10-1 Configuring a NetBEUI printer
        10-2 Print Servers: computers and dedicated servers
        10-3 True network printers: cost, speed, reliability

11. MAPPING A NETWORK DRIVE

12. SHARING A CD-ROM DRIVE. CD vs. HDD. CD-ROM SERVERS

        12-1 Sharing a single CD-ROM drive
        12-2 Storing a few CDs on a 4G HHD, 7200 rpm, SCSI
        12-3 Large HDDs in CD-ROM Servers

13. LAB MANAGEMENT TOOLS

13-1 Apple Network Assistant (ANAT)
13-2 LabExpert

14. BACKING UP FILES

        14-1 Backup Mission Statement: How valuable is the information?
        14-2 Backup Media: Tape, HDD, CD-RW, RAID,
        14-3 Strategy: Daily, Weekly, Monthly
        14-4 Compressing with TAR, ZIP, SIT

15. SECURITY AND NETWORK MANAGEMENT

15-1 Security Mission Statement: Is network Mission Critical or simply supportive?

16. CURRICULUM AS PART OF SUPPORT SOLUTION

        16-1 Don't give kids the keys to the castle. Manage and use documentation
        16-2 Computer repair (A+), Network certification (N+), and Web Site Development Courses use school needs as projects
        16-3 Provide certifications for service
        16-4 Create internship with local schools and businesses

17. IS THIN CLIENT THE FUTURE?

        17-1 No floppy, CD-ROM, or hard drive (HDD)
        17-2 ROM chip on NIC
        17-3 Thin client gets applications and files from "big" server
        17-4 Manage and update all software from server
        17-5 Reduces time updating anti-virus definitions, software versions and licenses, network configurations
        17-6 Web based tests, surveys, courses, databases
        17-7 Linux Terminal Server Project and Diskless Workstations

18. FUTURE ISSUES

        18-1 Public image and student performance. AUPs
        18-2 Databases, Student Information, Bar Coded ID cards, Palm Pilots
        18-3 Intranet on a floppy

19. GLOSSARY

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