Basic Skills Workshops

Last updated: 14 Apr 2008

Intent:

To provide an ongoing series of short workshops on computing-related skills that people outside of computer science expect that computer scientists have

Applies to:

Students, faculty and staff desiring to learn fundamental computing-related skills

Context:

Many of our students, most of our staff, and some faculty have never had the opportunity to learn about how to build and administer computers and networks in a safe environment. Most people who are not associated with a Computer Science program expect faculty and students in the program to know at least the basics of how to build and administer computers and networks; staff might want to know in order to understand the program better.

Basic Skills Workshops

The workshops are a series of one to two hour, non-credit workshops that provide hands-on experience in computer and network assembly and administration. The series run for several weeks at the beginning of each quarter. In addition, with adequate advance notice, faculty may provide input to the workshop leaders as to skills needed for their upcoming courses.

Institute lab staff teach these workshops, and may delegate the workshops to lab assistants or other student workers after the workshop content matures.

Prerequisite knowledge is assumed for any workshop.

VOTE! Please VOTE HERE for the workshops and times you would like. This will help us plan and schedule the workshops. VOTE!

Here are brief descriptions and links to workshop topics:

1. How to Assemble a Computer (2 hrs)

   Overview of components and tools; selection of components; safety and anti-static considerations; hands-on experience assembling a surplus computer; testing assembled computer.

   Prerequisites: none

2. How to Install and Configure Linux (2 hrs)

   Overview of Linux; selection of applications and services; hands-on experience installing on surplus computer; configuring some services; testing configurations

   Prerequisites: OS installation skill; knowledge of computer components

3. How to Create a Wired Network (2 hrs)

   Overview of ethernet network and TCP/IP basics; selection of equipment and cables; hands-on experience creating a small LAN; connecting to the Internet; security concerns; testing network

   Prerequisites: none

4. How to Create a Wireless Network (2 hrs)

   Overview of wireless network and TCP/IP basics; selection of equipment; hands-on experience creating a small wireless LAN; connecting to the Internet; security concerns; testing network

   Prerequisites: familiarity with a wired network

5. How to Administer Windows XP: The Basics (2 hrs)

   Overview of Windows XP and system administration; hands-on experience with basic administration tasks; testing results

   Prerequisites: use of Windows

6. How to Administer Linux: The Basics (2 hrs)

   Overview of Linux and system administration; hands-on experience with basic administration tasks; testing results

   Prerequisites: use of Linux

7. How to Work with Command Line Tools (2 hrs)

   Overview of Windows and Linux command shells and commands; hands-on experience with basic command shells

   Prerequisites: use of DOS, Windows or Linux

8. How to Automate System Administration: The Basics (2 hrs)

   Overview of Windows and Linux scripting and scheduling tools; hands-on experience with automating common tasks; testing scripts

   Prerequisites: how to administer a computer

9. How to Secure Windows (2 hrs)

   Overview of computer and network security and Windows tools; hands-on experience with securing Windows; testing security configuration

   Prerequisites: how to administer a computer

10. How to Secure Linux (2 hrs)

    Overview of computer and network security and Linux tools; hands-on experience with securing Linux; testing security configuration

    Prerequisites: how to administer a computer

11. How to Secure your Data (1 hr)

    Overview of data sensitivity and cryptographic tools; hands-on experience with securing data on various devices; testing data security

    Prerequisites: use of Windows or Linux