LM2

This learning module was filled with information. I learned a great deal about internet security.  I never realized how much information is collected and used in our cookies.  It's pretty scary, but also nice when it plugs our information in for us. It's think having a choice between being a bit lazy or secure. It sure is nice when it magically enters all of that information for me.
 Keeping your information safe also requires keeping your computer safe from hackers, viruses,and spy-ware. Keeping and up to date anti-virus, spy-ware detector, and firewall can help you stay protected.  There are also may websites full of information about keeping your information safe while online.
 This module also dealt with how the internet works. How information is sent from one computer, using tcp/ip the standard language used by computers to access the web.  I found it incredible how far your request must travel to a server access the information and return it it such a millisecond.  It is even broken own   into packets that don't even travel the same path, yet get there, are put back together, request answered and the process reversed. It's just amazing.
I really enjoyed this module.  I now have a greater understanding of WHY the internet works.  I also liked playing around with "jing"(I did get a microphone).  I can use that to help my mom send a picture through her email.
A few of the websites  I visited were:
http://www.networksolutions.com/  - used it find available url's (must be another "tracyhall"
http://network-tools.com/ - you can find the ip address or domain name for an ip address here
http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety this was a good source for online safety if you have kids
added to my vocabulary :
dynamic router-  a router that automaticly determines the best route to take
node - each computer or other device  on a network is a node
MAC address -the permanent  address of a computer on a LAN
LAN - local area network

In the next learning module I would like to get all 9 points in the class discussions.

LM1

This module I have learned a great deal of information. Many of the initials or abbreviations I hear on a daily basis now have meaning.  There has been such an advance in technology since I purchased my first computer in the mid 90's.  We had windows 3.1 and a POTS line.   I fell I have a better understanding of how web sites are retrieved from there server to be displayed onto my computer, how the information is sent ans received, and why such a vast amount of information can interconnect.  A few of the words I have learned are:
Base band - a single transmission line.
Portal - a gateway to a specific group of information such as yellow pages, weather, or sports.
Hot spot - a geographic location where there is a wireless connection(my home is a hot spot because of my wireless router).

During this module I found that I really need to set aside more time for the next module and plan ahead. I hope by the end of the next module I will have found a my grove.  I like to be ahead of the game - not pulling it together(almost) at the last second.