Last updated: 9 Oct 2008
To provide an ongoing series of short workshops on computing-related skills that people outside of computer science expect that computer scientists have
Students, faculty and staff desiring to learn fundamental computing-related skills
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.
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.
SET 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.
Here are brief descriptions and links to workshop topics:
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
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
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
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
Overview of Windows XP and system administration; hands-on experience with basic administration tasks; testing results
Prerequisites: use of Windows
Overview of Linux and system administration; hands-on experience with basic administration tasks; testing results
Prerequisites: use of Linux
Overview of Windows and Linux command shells and commands; hands-on experience with basic command shells
Prerequisites: use of DOS, Windows or Linux
Overview of Windows and Linux scripting and scheduling tools; hands-on experience with automating common tasks; testing scripts
Prerequisites: how to administer a computer
Overview of computer and network security and Windows tools; hands-on experience with securing Windows; testing security configuration
Prerequisites: how to administer a computer
Overview of computer and network security and Linux tools; hands-on experience with securing Linux; testing security configuration
Prerequisites: how to administer a computer
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