Computer science: network tutorials

Computer Science: Network Tutorials
Computers today have become ubiquitous and touches almost everything and anything that people do to go about their daily lives. Some people may not know much about computers in a highly-technical sense but it pays to know some of the basics about it, such as networking. This is a vital piece of information even if that knowledge on computers may be superficial at best but it helps to know a little of everything, computers included. This brief paper is about the computer networking essentials on knowing enough about networking to qualify for a certification.
What the tutorial teaches – it is divided into six major topics connected with the subject of computer networking, in order to make the learning process more knowledgeable for a reader. The six broad areas covered are more or less arranged in a logical sequence of presentation, but a reader can jump from one section to another if necessary without losing sight of the essentials. It consists of the following specific topics: network technologies, network media and topologies, network devices, network management, network tools and finally, network security. The earlier tutorial (Network+ 2005) had consisted only of four topics (domains) but this later version of the same tutorial (Network+ 2008) had been expanded to the six topics mentioned above and the old version had been folded and integrated into the various topics of Network+ 2008 wherever they are considered relevant and appropriate. What this tutorial contains is the basic knowledge about networking and is intended primarily to test the working knowledge of entry-level technicians. It enables employees, employers and clients (of technicians working as free-lance consultants) to make a baseline comparison between two persons professing to possess the same qualifications. In other words, it sets a minimum standard for network technicians by which to measure and also to make sensible comparisons with regards to knowledge, experience and qualifications.
How good it is – this particular tutorial has been updated to reflect new developments in the fast-changing world of computer technology. It may need revisions later down the road so it can reflect and incorporate new or future changes as well. The language used in the tutorial also is simple and direct; it avoids tech-speak as much as possible although ironically, it is supposed to be intended for highly technical people such as computer networking technicians, but its entry level context is perhaps just appropriate. It explained various concepts with sufficient technical complexity in simpler terms by using some real-life analogies not related to computing. However it reduces somewhat its credibility by using Wikipedia sources instead of getting the information from computer-related or technical magazines, journals or other peer-reviewed publications.
Helpful to some people – the tutorial is extremely useful and handy for some people that contemplate going into becoming a certified networking technician. It is a good reference guide also for those working already in the field as networking professionals but may need to consult on a particular topic if a problem stumps them in their work and they need a quick guide on it. It is also good for ordinary people to know some of the basics to serve as foundational knowledge. At any rate, knowing about networking is good for anyone as the world keeps getting more wired and the rate in the use of computers keeps rising: from banking to shopping, to dating, to doing a research work on-line, to social networking sites, to communicating, etc.
Other aspects – the tutorial provided some basic information and knowledge needed for entry-level technicians but it should have also given some links to suggested readings or sites for additional information relevant to a particular topic if the reader wishes to go further on it. The highly-relevant but related topic on the subject of routing (page 8) did not mention redundancy.
Reference
Reis, J. (2008, July). Network+ 2008 tutorial. Learn That. Retrieved May 10, 2012 from http://learnthat. com/2008/07/network-2008-tutorial/