PC ProSchools – TechTalk

A home computer lab allows you to build your ideal computer, experiment with hardware configurations and learn different software programs. By having your own computer lab, you can develop skills with industry standard technologies. These skills help you to prepare for certifications. Certifications depend on hands-on training with the products and concepts that you will be tested on. A home lab is a great way to get hands on experience.

What do you need to build a home computer lab?

1. Workspace. Not everyone has the space to build a “computer lab”. If you live in an apartment or a small home, you need to carve out a small space for your computer lab: a closet, corner of a room or a space under the stairs. Check out Lifehacker.com’s Featured Workspace for ideas.
2. One or more computers. Many IT professionals have one or more computers. A mix of desktop and laptop allows you to build experience with different hardware configurations. If you are on a budget, purchase the best computer that you can afford. Make sure you get a computer with as much CPU, RAM and hard disk space as possible. The more RAM you put into the computer, the better performance you’ll get out of it.If you don’t have a computer, you can get a good deal on one by:
   • Checking with your schools’ computer purchase program. Many schools have deals with computer manufacturers that allow students to purchase computers at a good price. PC ProSchools has a Computer Purchase Program. For details, check it out on the Student Portal.
   • Contacting companies in your area. You may be able to purchases or take a used computer off their hands for free.
   • Checking online for computer deals from PCMall, Dell and Gateway.
3. Virtualization Software allows you to work with multiple operating systems, configure a virtual network without purchasing additional computers and use on a laptop for a mobile computer lab. You can use Windows Virtual PC or VMware.
4. Operating Systems. Most company networks have multiple operating systems. You should install a mix of Microsoft Windows and Linux. If you want to broaden your experience, include a Linux OS. The more experience you have with multiple operating systems, the more employable you become.

   Where can you get the software for your computer lab? You can download Ubuntu Linux for free. Microsoft has trial or evaluation versions of software and operating systems. Many certification training books include evaluation versions. Evaluation software stops working after the trial period ends. If you place these versions on a virtual machine, you can recreate it and start over. When you join Microsoft TechNet, you receive access to Microsoft Evaluation software without time limits.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mother’s day is a special day celebrated throughout the world for honoring your mother. So, it is only fitting to remember a few mothers of invention. Women in the past have earned patents related to traditional female occupations like health care, childcare and housework. More recently, women have been solving problems in other industries including technology. The following women have helped to create the “Digital Age” that we now currently enjoy.

• Barbara Askins
  Inventor of a New Film Developing Method (1978)
  She created a method for enhancing images even after the picture was developed. Her method was adopted by NASA and used for improving old photographs and x-rays.
• Heddy Lamarr
  Invention of Spread Spectrum Technology (1941)
  Heddy Lamarr became a pioneer in the field of Wireless Communications. Heddy Lamarr and her co-inventor George Anthiel developed a “Secret Communications System” that eventually led to wireless communications, such as cell phones that we all now use.
• Erna Schneider Hoover
  Computerized Switching System for Telephone Traffic (1971)
  Erna Schneider Hoover designed a computerized switching system for telephone call traffic which earned her the first software patent. The principles of her switching system are still in use today.
• Louise Kirkbride
  Computer Database Systems for Customer Service
  Louise Kirkbride became a pioneer in computer technologies for customer service. She developed and patented a problem solving technology for customer service. It helps companies communicate with their customers better through help desk automation.
• Radia Perlman
  Spanning Tree Algorithm
  Radia Perlman developed the algorithm for the Spanning Tree Protocol. Her algorithm solved a difficult problem with information routing. Radia Perlman became known as the “Mother of the Internet”.

To learn more about inventors, read MIT’s Inventor of the Week.

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