Post# 7 –Tech Topic Connection

 Title:  My Journey into Programming Languages

As someone who comes from a hands-on, problem-solving background in the military, I’ve always been interested in how things work, especially regarding technology. During this course, programming languages really stood out to me. At first, coding seemed like only tech experts or computer science majors could do. However, using visual tools like Scratch helped me understand that programming is less about being a genius and more about thinking logically and solving problems step by step.

Connecting Programming to the Foundations of IT

Throughout the TEC101 course, we covered everything from how computers work at a hardware level to how networks connect people worldwide. Programming languages are the glue that connects all of it. Whether building an application, managing data, or designing a secure system, you need code to tell the computer what to do. Programming languages help bridge the gap between humans and machines, and now I see them as a core part of nearly every IT system we’ve discussed.

History and How Programming Languages Work

Learning about the history of computers gave me a deeper appreciation for how far programming languages have come. In the early days, coding meant flipping switches or using punch cards. Today, we have high-level languages that make writing and understanding instructions easier. Harper (2012) explains that modern languages are built on layers of logic and syntax that let us write both readable and powerful code. Programming has evolved to be more beginner-friendly, especially with languages like Python, which many consider ideal for newcomers like me.

How Programming Relies on Computer Hardware

One thing that surprised me was how much programming depends on the hardware inside a computer. Every line of code eventually gets translated into machine language, binary instructions that a CPU can understand. Programs interact with memory, processors, and storage devices to carry out tasks. This helped me connect the dots between software and the physical components I’ve worked with. It also reminded me that writing efficient code isn’t just about style; it can affect speed, memory use, and power consumption.

Programming Languages and Execution Methods

Scratch gave me an easy way to test logic using drag-and-drop blocks, which run through an interpreter in real time. However, as Harper (2012) points out, compiled languages like C++ go through a process that converts all the code into a separate executable file before it runs. This difference affects how fast the program runs and how easy it is to debug or update. I also learned that interpreted languages like Python are better for quick testing and automation, things I’d love to use in my daily workflow.

The Role of Application Software

Programming languages are behind every application, from Microsoft Excel to mobile apps. During this course, I realized that many of the tools I already rely on were built with code, and now I’m starting to understand how. Even low-code platforms still use programming under the hood. Knowing how to write or tweak that code gives users like me a massive advantage in customizing apps to better fit specific workflows.

Databases and Programming

I didn’t expect programming to tie into database management as much as it does, but now I see how closely they’re linked. Pathak (2007) explains that database management systems (DBMS) often use query languages like SQL to allow users to interact with stored data. Programming languages let us automate that process, retrieving, sorting, or updating data without doing it manually. This is especially useful in environments where accuracy and efficiency matter, like logistics or maintenance tracking.

Programming and Network Security

Finally, programming languages also play a massive role in network management and security. Scripts and tools used to monitor traffic, detect threats, and encrypt data are all written in code. Learning to program opens up many opportunities in cybersecurity, another area I’m interested in. From writing automation scripts to customizing firewall rules, programming is a powerful skill that improves what you can do in a networked system.

My Final Thoughts

This course helped me move from just using technology to understanding how it works. Programming languages allowed me to explore that, even as a beginner. I’m not a subject matter expert yet, but I feel more confident diving into new tools, writing simple programs, and thinking like a developer. Whether I continue with Python, explore web development, or look into automation, I know programming will play a significant role in whatever I do next in the tech world.

References

Harper, R. (2012). Practical foundations for programming languages. Cambridge University Press. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ashford-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1113098

Pathak, N. (2007). Database management system. Global Media. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ashford-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3011378#

Post #6 – Network Security

 

Ransomware

In today’s world, individuals and organizations depend more on digital systems than ever. This growing reliance comes with serious risks. From financial theft to life-threatening disruption, the threats to our digital security are real and constantly evolving. Two of the most dangerous threats, malware and ransomware, can bring entire networks to a halt and even endanger lives.

The Importance of Network and System Security

Protecting information and systems is no longer just a technical responsibility—it’s a personal and organizational priority. Breaches don’t just cause inconvenience; they can result in massive financial losses, leaked personal data, or, in critical sectors like healthcare or transportation, physical harm.

Ping Commands as a Threat Vector

A lesser-known but real threat involves the misuse of ping commands. While ping is a standard tool for checking network connectivity, attackers can launch a Ping Flood (DoS) or Smurf attack. These overwhelm systems with excessive traffic or spoofed requests, causing network congestion and making systems unresponsive. Although less sophisticated than ransomware, these attacks can cripple servers and disrupt operations.

Malware: Silent, Destructive, and Evolving

Malware refers to any software designed to harm or exploit a system. It can hide in fake downloads, malicious ads, or infected email attachments. Once inside, it can steal data, spy on users, or disable machines.

• Why It’s Effective: Many systems are outdated or lack strong antivirus protection. Some critical infrastructure, like hospital devices or vehicles, runs on legacy systems, making them easy targets (Brody, Chang, & Schoenberg, 2018).

• Damage: Malware can slow systems, crash software, steal sensitive information, or cause equipment to fail.

• Defense Recommendations:

  1. Keep all systems and software updated to patch known vulnerabilities.

  2. Isolate sensitive systems (medical or industrial equipment) from the broader network to reduce exposure.

Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage

Ransomware is malware that encrypts files and demands payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to unlock them. These attacks are fast, damaging, and often successful due to human error or poor cyber hygiene.

• Why It’s Effective: Attackers often use phishing emails or weak remote access points to infiltrate a system (Silver-Malyska & Sheffield, 2020). Even inexperienced hackers can launch attacks using "Ransomware as a Service" tools purchased online.

• Damage: Victims lose access to vital data, suffer downtime, and may pay thousands in ransom. Healthcare providers, in particular, face high stakes when critical patient data is inaccessible.

• Defense Recommendations:

  1. Provide regular cybersecurity training to staff to reduce phishing and social engineering risks.

  2. Maintain frequent, offline backups so data can be restored without a ransom.

Some emerging technologies like Mirror Shielding offer even more resilience by allowing users to revert to clean file versions without relying on backups (Chung, 2018).

Final Thoughts

The threats of malware and ransomware are serious and growing. As technology evolves, so do the methods used by attackers. Organizations and individuals must stay proactive by:

• Updating systems

• Training users

• Backing up data

• Using advanced detection tools

Security isn’t just about protecting devices; it’s about protecting people, data, and operations. In a connected world, cybersecurity is not optional; it’s essential.

Post #5 – Computers in the Workplace

Paul Williams

In the aviation industry, computers are involved in almost everything. They help pilots fly planes, crews schedule flights, mechanics perform maintenance, and air traffic controllers keep planes safe in the sky. Modern aircraft have onboard computer systems that control navigation, communication, engine monitoring, and flight controls. Pilots use flight management systems and autopilot features, while ground crews track flights, weather, and delays using advanced software. Mechanics also use computers every day. They rely on digital tools to read fault codes, update software on aircraft systems, and log maintenance actions. Air traffic controllers use radar, mapping, and communication systems powered by computers. Every person in aviation needs to know how to use these tools to do their job well. That’s why computer literacy is so critical in aviation. If someone doesn’t understand how to use the software or systems, it can lead to mistakes, slowdowns, or even safety problems. Understanding how to read digital instructions, update systems, and enter data correctly is just as important as knowing how to use tools or follow safety rules. In the future, computers will play an even bigger role in aviation. Artificial intelligence will help predict problems with aircraft before they happen by analyzing sensor data. This can save money and keep flights on schedule. AI could also help air traffic controllers make better decisions and reduce delays. Cloud systems will let aircraft share information with ground teams in real time. Learning computer skills now will help aviation workers stay ready for what’s next as technology continues to grow.

- Paul 

Post #4 – Traveling Through a Network

 Network Reflection Essay

The ping and traceroute commands gave me a clearer picture of how data travels through a network. When I pinged Google.com, I received four replies with no packet loss. The round-trip times ranged from 23 ms to 57 ms, with an average of 33 ms. This confirmed that Google’s servers are reachable and the connection is fast and stable. The traceroute to Google.com showed that the data passed through 12 total hops. It started at my home router, moved through several internal ISP routers, and then onto larger backbone networks. One hop timed out, which is expected since some routers are set to block these types of requests. Still, the traceroute reached Google’s server successfully and gave me a complete path from my device to the destination. Next, I pinged arb.com.au, a site hosted in Australia. Surprisingly, the ping average was only 29 ms. This suggests the site is likely using a content delivery network with a server located nearby, possibly within the United States. The traceroute had 11 hops with just one timeout and showed a direct and efficient path. Then I tested toyota.jp, a site based in Japan. The average ping time was 53 ms, and the traceroute passed through 16 hops. Multiple timeouts appeared near the end, but the trace completed successfully. This route was longer, likely due to the distance and number of international routers. From these results, it’s clear that round-trip time is generally affected by geographic location. Sites that are farther away typically take more time to reach. However, routing techniques like CDNs can help speed things up, even if a site appears to be hosted far away. Ping and traceroute are both helpful in troubleshooting network problems. Ping helps confirm whether a site is online and how stable the connection is. Traceroute shows the data's full path, making it easier to spot where delays or failures happen. Timeouts in these tools can be caused by routers that don’t respond to ping requests or firewalls that block traffic for security reasons.

Google.com

Toyota.jp

Arb.com.au

Post #3 – Documenting a Day

Over the past few weeks, I’ve worked with several Microsoft Office applications, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as part of our course assignments. While I’ve used these tools often in my professional and personal life, this assignment allowed me to dig deeper into how each one works and where they’re most effective. Here’s a breakdown of how I used each app, what I learned, and what I believe are the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Microsoft Word – Writing with Ease

I used Microsoft Word for the journal entry assignment to document a typical day. Word remains my most-used application because it’s straightforward and flexible. I was able to quickly format my text using headers, bullet points, spacing, and alignment tools to make the journal look clean and professional.

Advantages of Word:

• Excellent for writing and editing documents.

• Easy to format text, add images, and use built-in styles.

• Ideal for memos, reports, and Air Force performance bullets.

Disadvantages:

• Not designed for complex data handling.

• Limited visual presentation tools compared to PowerPoint.

I often use Word at work to write evaluations, create how-to guides, or draft award nominations. It's efficient and gets the job done fast.

Microsoft Excel – Data at Your Fingertips

Although Excel wasn’t central to this assignment, I’ve used it plenty in other areas, like tracking maintenance data, creating budgets, or calculating time allocation. If I wanted to break down how I spent each part of my day, Excel would’ve made it simple to analyze that data with formulas and percentages.

Advantages of Excel:

• Great for calculations, tracking trends, and managing large sets of information.

• Offers powerful tools like charts, filters, and pivot tables.

• Helps organize data visually with tables and graphs.

Disadvantages:

• It can be intimidating for beginners due to complex formulas.

• Not ideal for word-heavy documents or storytelling.

I’ve used Excel to track performance metrics, inspections, and time management. It’s a must-have for any kind of structured analysis or recurring reports.

Microsoft PowerPoint – Visual Storytelling

To turn my journal into a visual format, I used PowerPoint. I added images, picked a professional template, and used animations to make the slides more engaging. PowerPoint is perfect for breaking content into digestible parts and is useful when briefing leadership or presenting to a team.

Advantages of PowerPoint:

• Combines visuals, text, and animation to enhance presentations.

• Great for summarizing key points and showcasing progress.

• Customizable layouts and transitions improve engagement.

Disadvantages:

• Too many animations or texts can overwhelm the viewer.

• Not suitable for detailed documents or data-heavy tasks.

I use PowerPoint for safety briefs, event slideshows, and leadership updates at work. It’s an excellent tool for sharing ideas quickly and visually.

What I Learned

Even though I’ve used these apps for years, I still picked up new tricks from the CertMaster Learn Tech+ labs. I learned how to lock cells in Excel and use SmartArt in PowerPoint more effectively, and I was reminded that these tools are full of hidden features that become easier to discover when you just explore.

Final Thoughts

Out of the three, Word was the best tool for documenting my day because of its writing and formatting features. However, each application serves a unique purpose:

• Word: Best for writing and structured documents.

• Excel: Best for calculations and data analysis.

• PowerPoint: Best for visual presentations and summaries.

Knowing when to use each one is key to working smarter. Whether I’m writing reports, crunching numbers, or building presentations, these tools help me stay organized, clear, and efficient in class and on the job.

Post #2 – Web/Mobile App Critique

 I chose the Signal app for this review, mainly for professional and secure communication. I’ve been using the iOS version for a while now, and it’s become one of my go-to tools for quick, reliable group messaging. Whether I’m trying to get information out fast or tag a specific teammate to respond, Signal makes that part of my day easier and more efficient.

Usability
One of the things I appreciate most about Signal is how easy it is to use. The layout is clean and straightforward, with just enough features to stay functional without becoming cluttered. Creating new chats, adding people to groups, and sending messages all feel natural. I never had to look up instructions or tutorials to get started. Even tagging someone with the @ symbol in group chats feels like second nature. The interface works smoothly and doesn't overwhelm users with too many options or distractions.

Design
The app’s design is minimal but still feels polished. I like that you can customize the look of each chat by assigning different colors and nicknames. This is especially helpful when juggling multiple groups or chats that are active at the same time. The overall visual style is modern and clean, and the dark mode looks sharp and helps save battery life on my iPhone. It also helps reduce eye strain when using the app at night or in darker environments. Signal allows you to personalize notification sounds and chat wallpapers, which I find helpful when keeping track of different conversations. The ability to mute individual chats or control alerts gives you more control without leaving the app entirely.

Functionality
Functionally, Signal performs very well. Messages are sent fast, even with attachments like pictures or voice clips. Calls, both voice and video, are clear and secure. I’ve used it to send sensitive or time-sensitive information without any worries about leaks or delays. It also works reliably across Wi-Fi and cellular networks, so I can count on it even when not in a strong signal area. The app also supports group video calls, which are helpful when coordinating with teams or small work groups.

What Could Be Better
Even though I like the app, there are a few things I think could improve the overall experience:

1. Shared Files Section: It would be helpful if group chats had a dedicated section for shared files. Scrolling through hundreds of messages to find one attachment can be frustrating.

2. Pinned Messages: A way to pin important posts, like reminders or addresses, at the top of a group chat would make keeping track of key info easier.

3. Photo Library View: It would be a game-changer to have a built-in photo library. Viewing all shared images in one place, regardless of which chat they came from, would save time and effort.

Final Thoughts
Signal has been a solid app, especially in a professional setting where secure and transparent communication matters. It’s simple, reliable, and does its job well. It could easily go from good to great with just a few extra features like file and photo organization. I highly recommend Signal to anyone looking for a no-nonsense, private way to communicate effectively with groups or teams.

        

Post #1 – Programming Languages

 Scratch Project URL: [Free Sprite]

Getting started with programming can be intimidating—but Scratch made it feel fun and approachable. In this post, I want to share my experience building a Scratch project, what I learned along the way, and how it compares to other programming languages like Python, assembly, and SQL from our textbook.

My Scratch Project: From Confusion to Creation
What I Learned About Programming
Comparing Scratch to Other Programming Languages
What Was Easiest? What’s Most Popular?
Final Thoughts

For my Scratch project, I created a small animation where a Sprite moves across the screen, changes appearance, plays sounds, and responds to different events. At first, I was a little confused about how the blocks worked together. But after experimenting with motion, looks, sound, and control blocks, it started to click. I ended up using over 30 blocks in total—more than I thought I would!

The visual nature of Scratch helped me stay engaged. It was satisfying to see my Sprite respond instantly to the commands I gave it. It wasn’t just coding—it was interactive storytelling with logic. Even when I made mistakes, it was easy to go back and test different ideas.

Scratch helped me understand some important fundamentals of programming:

• Programs are built from sequences, decisions, and loops.

• Every instruction matters—just one misplaced block can throw things off.

• Trial and error is part of the process.

Most importantly, I learned that programming is about problem-solving and logical thinking, not just typing lines of code.

In Sections 2.8 through 2.11 of the textbook, we explored a range of languages, from low-level machine code to higher-level interpreted languages. Here’s how I see the differences:

• Scratch (Visual, Interpreted): Great for beginners. You focus on logic without worrying about typos or syntax.

• Assembly Language: Very low-level. It felt like talking directly to the hardware—hard to read, but powerful for specialized systems like firmware or device drivers.

• Compiled Languages (like C++): These need to be translated before they run. They’re more efficient, but harder to debug. They're best for things like video games or system software.

• Interpreted Languages (like Python): Easier to test and tweak. Python is great for automation, data analysis, or quick scripts.

• Query Languages (like SQL): Used to pull or update information from databases. Very different from coding actions or animations—this is more about managing and retrieving data.

Scratch was the easiest to use—hands down. Not having to worry about formatting or punctuation made it easier to focus on logic and flow.

When it comes to popularity, Python seems to be leading right now. It’s widely used in education, web development, and data science because of its readability and flexibility.

This project helped me build confidence in my programming journey. Seeing my ideas come to life on screen made the learning process feel exciting rather than overwhelming. While I know I have a lot more to learn, using Scratch gave me a strong start in understanding how computers interpret and follow instructions.

Each programming language has its place. Whether you’re building an app, analyzing data, controlling a robot, or just trying to learn how code works—there’s a language designed to help you get there.