Useful Sites
How Stuff Works
This site includes in-depth explanations of many of the technologies and processes covered during the course and is an excellent source for research.
Answers.com
Online dictionary, encyclopedia and much more. Some people consider this site to be an alternative to Wikipedia.
ComputerHope's Computer Dictionary
A general IT dictionary sponsored by ComputerHope.com
TechWeb: TechEncyclopedia
A general IT dictionary sponsored by TechWeb.com
Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms
A general IT dictionary sponsored by internet.com
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A user supported, free online encyclopedia.
Students can also get a list of definitions by including the special operator "define:" in a Google search with no space between it and the term you want defined. Teachers should be aware that this kind of search may turn up irrelevant or incorrect definitions.
Visit our Cool Sites page to find more generally useful websites!
FIT1.01
History of IT
This web page, originally developed for a university course, outlines the major developments in the early history of information technology. It shows how discoveries thousands of years ago evolved into innovations in recent centuries that set the stage for computer technology to develop rapidly during the 20th Century.
20th Century Inventors
This web page outlines the amazing progression of technology, science and inventions during the past century, and the people whose innovations changed the world.
NerdTV
This PBS website features video profiles of key IT innovators.
Electronics in the 20th Century
Visit this page for a look at how electronics transformed society between 1900, when the highest voltage transmission line was 60 Kilovolts, and 1999, when electricity was first mass marketed on the Internet.s
FIT01.02
Types of Computers
Did you know there are at least 10 different types of computers today? Read more in this page from How Stuff Works.
Motherboards (Wikipedia)
The motherboard is the central piece of hardware inside a computer, connecting all the other parts through which information flows. Get more information from this wikipedia page on Motherboards.
Computer Data Storage (Wikipedia)
Data can be stored on a computer in several ways. Read more on this wikipedia page.
Binary Numbers
Understanding binary numbers is important to anyone who wants to fully understand how computers and computer networks operate. Get a basic introduction here.
What is Digital?
From The Futures Channel: The information revolution is based on one idea: that all information -- numbers, text, sound, pictures, and videos -- can be translated into a string of 1's and 0's. Of course, in some cases, it takes a LOT of 1's and 0's.
Recyling Computers
From The Futures Channel: Information about the recycling of computers and computer parts.
Inside Dell
From The Futures Channel: A rare look behind the scenes at a major computer manufacturer.
ComputerUser High-Tech Dictionary
A general IT dictionary sponsored by ComputerUser.com
FIT01.03
WiseGeek: Different Types of Software
This site describes how software is obtained or licensed.
Buzzle.com: Software Types
This site describes the tasks performed by major types of software.
FIT01.04
What is Interactive Media? (Wikipedia)
The definition of Interactive Media may differ depending on who you ask. This is the definition from Wikipedia.
Multimedia Presentations
This web page from YouthLearn.org outlines what's most important in a multimedia presentation, and the tools for creating one.
Building Your Own Website
The Site Wizard outlines the steps in creating your own website, from obtaining a domain name to picking a web host and then building and uploading your site, testing it and promoting it. The web development community is inclined to share ideas and resources, so you may find other sites like this one through a Google search of your own. (A word of caution: some are created by web hosts who mainly want you to use their services. Make sure you investigate several options if you are really considering building a website of your own.)
Internet Ethics
This webpage from thinkquest.org lists links to numerous web pages focused on Internet Ethics, from privacy and security to intellectual property and copyright law.
FIT01.05
Network Topology (Wikipedia)
Computer networks can be laid out in different ways, impacting the way information flows and the way it is shared. Here's an explanation of network topology.
Computer Networks (Wikipedia)
Exactly what is a computer network? Here's a definition from wikipedia.
Peer-to-Peer Networks (Wikipedia)
Peer-to-peer networking is one common method for sharing information and resources on a network.
Client-Server Networks
The most common network setup in a business environment is client-server.
FIT01.06
Home Network Security Issues
This eye-opening overview of PC security focuses on common home network security issues.
Enterprise Security Risks
The Top 10 security risks in business are spelled out here.
FIT01.07
Programming Languages (Wikipedia)
What is a programming language? What does it do, why are there different languages, and how are they different? Those questions and more are addressed in this complex entry from wikipedia.
Most Popular Programming Languages
What programming language is most popular? LangPop.com attempts to figure that out. The results aren't scientific, but give a good list of languaages currently in use and an idea of which are most widely used.
Software Development Process (Wikipedia)
A software development process is a structured, step-by-step outline of how software is developed and deployed.
FIT02.01
Multimedia (Wikipedia)
Categories, characteristics, terminology and diverse usage of multimedia in industry from Wikipedia. Very good description of Linear Presentation.
Interactive Media (Wikipedia)
Definition, terminology and additional links about interactive media from Wikipedia.
Graphics (Webopedia)
Graphics and applications defined in Webopedia.
Internet Graphics Formats
What's the difference between a JPG, a GIF and a PNG? Find out here.
FIT02.02
Adding a Video to YouTube
This how-to from How Stuff Works shows the instructions for adding video to YouTube. Don't try this at school. :) There's also an interesting interview about 'people-driven browsers' with YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
Video Editing
An introduction to the video editing process from How Stuff Works.
E-Learning
A look at e-Learning from How Stuff Works.
FIT02.03
HTML Tutorial
this tutorial from w3schools begins with a tutorial but then includes numerous samples that you can play with.
HTML Code Reference
A quick list of key html tags.
Webmonkey HTML Cheat Sheet
Another quick reference site for the most important html tags.
Getting Started with Your Own Website
This section from about.com gives an overview and advice on building your own website.
Adobe Dreamweaver Tutorials
A set of free how-to videos is available at this page from tutorialized.com.
Browser Statistics
When building a website, seeing how it works in different browsers is critical. But which browseres are the most important and used the most widely? That changes over time. This site from w3schools has the latest statistics.
FIT02.04
Multimedia Pro
Considerations when planning a multimedia presentation.
Matching Fonts with Personality
Advice on choosing fonts for a website or presentation.
Multimedia and Hypermedia
Collections of audio files, clip art, maps and video.
What is Hypermedia?
Definition from Webopedia.
Hypertext
Definitions, history, systems, etc. from cyperartsweb.org.
FIT02.05
Virtual Reality (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia's explanation of Virtual Reality.
Science Daily
At this site you can find up-to-date news articles and descriptions of real world applications of Virtual Reality technology.
FIT02.06
U.S. Government GPS Site
A GPS website from the federal government.
Global GPS Cache Hunt Site
Learn all about geocaching at this site.
FIT02.07
Computer Ethics (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia's explanation of computer ethics.
What is Software Piracy?
Webopedia's page on copyright protection and software piracy includes a definition and numerous links.
Microsoft Piracy Page
The leading software maker has a wealth of background and information on software piracy.
FIT03.01
Encyclopedia of Networking
An online encyclopedia of networking terms and concepts.
Wikipedia - Network Topology
Information about various network topologies is explained in further depth in this collaborative online wiki page.
Network Design
This page from about.com explains the role topologies play in network design.
Networking Technologies Glossary
Glossary from Networking Technologies course.
NetworkWorld Encyclopedia
An online encyclopedia of networking terms and concepts. Sponsored by NetworkWorld.com.
Warriors of the Net
An animated video that illustrates how the Internet works, from the inside out. This clip helps students visualize the flow of information that occurs in downloading a file from the server, viewing a web page in a browser, or sending an email.
FIT03.02
LANs vs WANs
What's the difference? Size and distance mainly, but there's more to it. Find out more on this page from buzzle.com.
NetworkTutorials.info
This site has a great deal of information on networking topics, including a comparison on LANs and WANs.
Computer Networks (Wikipedia)
This is wikipedia's definition of a computer network. Also of interest are the site's pages on territory covered by networks (Wide Area Network or WAN vs. Local Area Network or LAN).
FIT03.03
How Stuff Works - Networking Channel
From this page you can find a wealth of information about computer networking, from an explanation of how a home network operates to how components such as servers, switches, routers and ethernet work.
Network Cards from Answers.com
Everything you ever wanted to know about network interface controller (NIC) cards. Network cards are normally built into PCs and laptops these days rather than being external devices that are inserted into a slot.
FIT03.04
About Computer Networking
Learn all the basics in this section of About.com that includes networking terms, FAQs, and specific topics like computer architecture and home networking. Some nice visuals can be found from this page.
Computer Networks (Wikipedia)
This is wikipedia's definition of a computer network. Also of interest are the site's pages on different types of networks (peer-to-peer or client-server), as well as the OSI model and print servers.
FIT03.05
Find the Cause of Your Computer Problem
From About.com, this section on PC Support lists common problems and how to fix them.
Home Network Troubleshooting
Having trouble with your home network? This site lists things that can go wrong, and ways to avoid common problems.
Basic Network Troubleshooting
This page from ComputerHope.com walks you step-by-step through issues to investigate when you're troubleshooting network issues. Understanding what can go wrong with network communications can help you understand how networks operate.
Diagnostic Flowcharts
Foner Books offers diagnostic flowcharts that can help troubleshoot a multitude of computer problems.
Network Troubleshooting Slide Show
A nice slide show on common troubleshooting steps.
FIT03.06
Careers in Computer Technology
A ComputerWorld site with information and news about careers in the computer and networking fields.
Networking Careers
Another strong resource from About.com.
FIT04.01
CompTIA's A+ Certification
Computer Engineering I & II will help prepare you for CompTIA's A+ Certification - the leading entry-level certification for IT technicians. With a little extra study and exam preparation, you should be able to take and pass the exams, and qualify yourself for a higher-level job as you enter the workforce or work your way through college. Find out more in this CompTIA Education to Careers video (high-speed broadband needed)..
CompTIA Strata Fundamentals Exams
While A+ certification is a great goal to prepare you for an IT Career, CompTIA's Strata Fundamentals Exams are a new way to enter the certification pathway and begin your journey. From this site, learn about the skills and knowledge you would need to earn this new industry certificate.
FIT04.02
What's a Relational Database Management System?
Here's a good, succinct description from Webopedia.
SQL Tutorials
These free tutorials on SQL Server will show you how to program and use SQL at the simplest level.
Building a Music Reviews Database
This is an example of a Relational Database Management System (RDMS) used to store music reviews.
Domo-Qt/Database based Music Organizer
A free download of a music storage relational database for students to explore.
Access 2007 Training Courses
Free online video tutorials from Microsoft on how to learn to use Microsoft Access 2007.
FIT04.03
IPCONFIG
A good tutorial on IPCONFIG.
Using PING
An explanation of the "four steps to using PING."
Network Commands
This page from ComputerHope.com explains other DOS networking commands beyond PING.
The TCP/IP Guide: IPv6
This site is billed as "a TCP/IP reference you can understand," and this specific page has information about IP version 6, which will replace version 4 which has been in use for years.
POST Test (Wikipedia)
An overview of the Power On Self Test (*POST) from Wikipedia.
Related ExplorNet Video Tutorials::
IPCONFIG (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
Find information about your computer and its Internet connection using IPCONFIG.
Join a Domain (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
Connect a Windows computer to a domain with these steps.
NSLOOKUP (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
All about NSLookup.
PING_(ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
An introduction to the DOS diagnostic tool called PING.
Remote Assistance (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
Help out a friend or off-site co-worker using Remote Assistance.
System Restore (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
Recover from disaster using System Restore.
TRACERT (ExplorNet/QTL tutorial)
Trace the route of data using this utility.
FIT04.04
Why Documentation is Important
When designing, troubleshooting, or repairing a computer or network, or writing a program, it's important to write down what occured and why. Taking a little time now can save a LOT of time later. This article explains why.
TechRepublic Article on Documentation
Another article that outlines the need for documentation in IT.
FIT04.05
Essential PR Skills
Public relations skills and why they are important to an IT Professional.
Importance of People Skills
This study, reported by CNET News, found people skills may be even more important to employers than advanced IT skills.
FIT04.06
Why are Illegal Music Downloads Illegal?
This Webopedia article examines the legal ramifications of downloading and copying'free' music that's not meant to be free.
Copyright Warning List
An examination of online sites that may not be as legal as they seem.
Password Protection
Microsoft's tips on how to create a "strong" password.
FIT04.07
Bureau of Labor Statistics IT Jobs Handbook
This is a great overview of IT job data from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Microsoft Certified Database Administratori
This overview describes Microsoft's MCDBA Certification - what skills and knowledge are needed, and what jobs it may qualify a person to do.
Other Microsoft Certifications
An overview of Microsoft certification options.
CompTIA Certifications
An overview of CompTIA Certification options.
Cisco Certification
An overview of Cisco certifications.
FIT05.01
Programming Language Syntax
Contains information regarding the syntax difference between many programming languages.
The Free Dictionary: Programming Languages
Provides a timeline for the development of key hardware and software components related to programming languages.
FIT05.02
Recreation Programming: Program Development Cycle
A detailed report explaining the Programming Development Cycle.
Software Development
A simple example of the Programming Development Cycle.
Flowchart Symbols
This commercial software website provides a list of common and advanced flowchart symbols and uses.
FIT05.03
Data Types
This page includes a list of and explains several data types that are standard across many common programming languages.
Variables in VB.NET
An article that contains detailed information about how to declare variable in Visual Basic .NET.
FIT05.04
Intro to VB Part 1
This site includes a tutorial for creating a simple program in Visual Basic.
Visual Basic Part 2
The continuation of VB Part 1 includes more information and another tutorial for creating a program in Visual Basic.
FIT06.01
Good Character
This website has teacher strategies to teaching teen goal setting. Included is a section on how to set goals, discussion questions, activities, and writing assignments.
Goal Achiever
Personal goal setting website that includes six steps to achievable goals. Each step spells out a list of things for the goal setter to do to achieve the goal.
National FBLA Website
This is the official site of the Business and Information Technology Education student organization. This site has all the information needed for membership and leadership and skills competitive events.
ParliPro.org
Website promoting the study and teaching of Robert’s Rules of Order. This website has tutorials for motions and parliamentary procedure. It also has quizzes and scenarios to solve.
Parliamentary Procedure
Website from California State-Chico explaining Parliamentary Procedures and related vocabulary.
FIT06.02
Occupational Outlook Handbook
This handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists many types of IT careers.
CompTIA Strata Fundamentals Exams
CompTIA is a computer industry association that maintains certifications for IT professionals beginning at entry level and continuing into highly specialized fields of IT. CompTIA's Strata Fundamentals Exams are a way to enter the certification pathway and begin your journey. You might even be ready for one of those exams after completing this course! Later A+ certification is a great credential for computer technicians and is a certification that many high school students earn before they graduate, qualifying themselves for higher-level jobs as they enter the workforce or work your way through college. Computer Engineering courses would prepare you for that,earn this new industry certificate. Find out more in this CompTIA Education to Careers video (high-speed broadband needed)..
IC3 Certification
Another great certification for entry level IT workers is Certiport's 3-exam IC3 certification.The three exams cover computing fundamentals, key applications, and 'living online.' The total cost of the three exams is under $100.
Nortel LearnIT
This site from the telecommunications company has a large selection of teacher materials including videos, lesson plans, and resources for IT careers, ethics, safety and more. The videos on 'soft skills' are very interesting.
Soft Skills (Wikipedia)
A simple definition and examples of interpersonal skills.
Monster.com
Career search website with other nice features like help with resumes and interviews.
