Blogging Wrap up: Not really My Thing

Now that we have reached the end of this blogging assignment, I can say it was a different kind of learning experience. I would not say blogging is something I naturally enjoy. Coming up with titles and writing in a way that might catch someone’s interest felt a little outside my comfort zone. Still, I understand why this assignment was included in the course.

For my current job in operations, blogging is not something I use. My focus is more on leading teams and solving business challenges, so this kind of writing does not really play a part in my daily work. If I were in tech or product roles, I could definitely see how it might be more useful.

I do not think I would blog in the future just for fun or for work, but I can appreciate how this skill might help others. Being able to explain things clearly and share knowledge in an engaging way could be a real asset in certain areas of business. Even if it is not for me, I see the value in learning how to do it.

Week 10 Blog Post - Why Are We Still Using Printers?

It honestly blows my mind that we still use printers in 2025. With everything moving digital, you would think they’d be gone by now. But nope. Offices, schools, and even some homes still depend on them, so learning how to troubleshoot them is actually useful.

One of the most common issues is when the printer just won’t print. Usually, it's something simple like it not being set as the default printer or the driver needing an update. Paper jams are another classic problem. You have to carefully remove the stuck paper so you don’t damage anything. It’s annoying but fixable. Laser printers work by using static electricity to fuse toner onto the page, which sounds like science fiction but it’s real. Faded prints or streaks usually mean low toner or a dirty drum. And yes, turning the printer off and back on really does fix things more often than not.

Like it or not, printers are still hanging around, so it helps to know your way around one.

References:

HowStuffWorks. (n.d.). How laser printers work. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/laser-printer.htm

Meyers, M. (2019). CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Week 9 Blog Post - IPhone vs Android: Which is Easier to Support?

Have you ever asked a group of people whether they use iPhone or Android and suddenly it turns into a full blown debate? I have, and let me tell you, people get fired up real quick. Everyone has an opinion, and somehow it always spirals into a battle over who has the better camera, faster apps, or the "right" kind of text bubble. But when you are the one helping people fix their phones, all of that goes out the window. What really matters is how these systems are built and how easy they are to troubleshoot.

Let’s start with iPhones. Apple keeps things locked down and consistent. Every iPhone looks and acts pretty much the same, so when someone calls with a problem, it is easier to walk them through a fix. Updates come straight from Apple, and most people install them right away. That makes things more secure and keeps support simple. You do not get as much freedom to change settings or customize stuff, but you also do not have to dig through a bunch of menus trying to guess where things are. It just works.

Android is a different experience. There are tons of phone brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, and Motorola, and each one likes to add their own twist to how Android looks and runs. So even if two phones run the same version of Android, their settings menus could be completely different. That means you have to be ready for anything when someone asks for help. On top of that, Android updates are kind of all over the place. Some phones get them fast, others take forever, which can leave people stuck with old software and potential security risks.

An article from MakeUseOf pointed out that iPhones are easier for IT teams to support because they are more controlled, have tighter app rules, and get updates more consistently. Android gives users more freedom, but that also means more things can go wrong, especially if someone has not updated their phone in months.

So which one is better? From a tech support point of view, iPhones are more predictable and quicker to work with. Android gives you more flexibility, but it also means more setup, more variation, and more potential headaches. If you are planning to work in IT or support, it is a good idea to get familiar with both. You will figure out fast which one you prefer and which one you would rather not see on the other end of a help ticket.

References:

Buckley, J. (2023, October 20). iOS vs. Android: What IT Admins Need to Know. MakeUseOf. https://www.makeuseof.com/ios-vs-android-for-it-admins-support/

Meyers, M. (2019). CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education

Week 8 Blog Post - My Internet Got Crazy Fast with AT&T Fiber

Today I’m talking about fiber optics and why I love having AT&T Fiber at home. Fiber optic internet is a type of connection that sends data through tiny strands of glass using light. That light bounces through the cables super fast, kind of like how a flashlight beam can bounce between mirrors. This lets data travel way faster and cleaner than regular internet that uses old copper wires. It also means your signal does not slow down as much over long distances, and it is not affected as easily by things like bad weather or interference. Ever since I got AT&T Fiber, my internet has been running like a dream. No lag, no buffering, and I can stream, game, and work online all at the same time without the system even flinching. When I play Fortnite, my ping is usually around 12 to 15, which is way better than what I used to get.

What I like most is that everything just works. I can upload and download stuff quickly, and it does not slow down even when multiple devices are going at once. Whether I am on a video call, watching a show, or playing games, the connection stays strong. I used to think internet was just internet, but now I see how much of a difference fiber makes. If it is available where you live, it is totally worth it.

References:

HowStuffWorks. (n.d.). How fiber optics work. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://computer.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic.htm

AT&T. (2024). What is fiber internet? Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://www.att.com/internet/what-is-fiber-internet/

Crucial. (2024). How fiber-optic internet works. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-fiber-optic-internet-works

Week 7 Blog Post - Virtualization 101

Virtualization 101

Virtualization is the process of running a virtual computer inside your physical computer using special software. This allows one machine to act like multiple separate systems, each with its own operating system and files. It is commonly used in IT for testing, learning, and running programs safely without affecting the main system. A virtual machine, or VM, is a software-based computer that runs like a real one. You can install an operating system on it, use programs, and even make mistakes without causing problems for your actual computer. Programs like VirtualBox make it easy to get started. You create a virtual machine, install something like Linux or another version of Windows, and then use it just like a regular desktop. One of the biggest benefits of virtualization is safety. If something goes wrong inside the VM, you can reset it without losing anything important. It is also a great way to practice skills and explore new systems. For anyone new to computer hardware and software, virtualization is a helpful tool that can make learning easier and safer.

References:

Oracle. (2025). VirtualBox. https://www.virtualbox.org/

Meyers, M. (2019). CompTIA A+ certification all-in-one exam guide (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

YouTube. (2012, February 3). Introduction to Virtualization [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLJbP6vBk2M 

Week 6 Blog Post - Users, Groups & Permissions (A Newbie's Guide)

Users, Groups & Permissions:

If you’ve ever used a computer at work or shared one at home, you might have bumped into the terms such as users, groups, and permissions. These are just ways to control who can do what on a computer, which helps keep things safe.

What is a user?

A user is someone who has their own login account on a computer or network. Every user gets their own space and identity.

What are groups?

A group is a collection of users. Instead of setting up permissions one by one, you put people in groups like “Managers” or “Staff” and give permissions to the whole group; much easier to manage.

Microsoft explains that security groups allow admins to assign permissions to shared files, folders, printers, and more. Once a group has certain permissions, every user in it gets those rights too.

What are permissions?

Permissions are the actual rules that decide what users or groups can do. The basic levels are things like:

• Read (view files)

• Write (save changes)

• Modify (change or delete)

• Full control (do everything)

Permissions are part of Windows’ NTFS file system, which handles local and network access. The most restrictive permission between NTFS and network-sharing rules is what users actually get.

So why does any of this matter?

Setting up users, groups, and permissions properly protects your files. It prevents people from accidentally deleting stuff or accessing areas they shouldn’t. It keeps things organized, safe, and under control. For anyone using Windows, at home or at work, this is a simple way to make sure your computer stays secure.

References:

Dell. (2023, February 3). Understanding file and folder permissions in Windows. Dell Support. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000137238/understanding-file-and-folder-permissions-in-windows

Microsoft. (2024, May 10). Understand security groups. Microsoft Learn. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/understand-security-groups

Netwrix. (2022, April 25). Windows user management: Key tips and best practices. Netwrix. Retrieved July 6, 2025, from https://blog.netwrix.com/windows-user-management/

Week 5 Blog Post - Windows Versions: What are the differences?

If you are like me and just getting into computers, figuring out the differences between Windows versions can be confusing. Windows has changed a lot over time, but each version is made to work a little better than the one before it. The most common versions you hear about are Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Each version has new features, updates, and different looks. For example, Windows 11 is built for better speed, security, and working with new apps. The chart below shows some key differences to help make it easier to understand.

Chart showing the differences in versions:

Question: Which version should I choose?

Answer: Windows 7 is simple but old and no longer safe to use because it does not get security updates anymore. Windows 8 was made for touchscreens and has a tile look that confused many people. It is also not supported anymore. Windows 10 is a good choice for most people. It is fast, easy to use, still supported, and usually costs about $139 for a Home edition license. The classic start menu makes it easy to use. Windows 11 is the newest version. It looks modern and works best on newer computers. It is built for speed, security, and using newer apps. Home edition costs around $139, while the Pro edition goes for around $199. If someone has an older computer, I would recommend Windows 10. If they are buying a new computer or already have one and their system meets the hardware requirements, I would recommend Windows 11 Home. For users who need extra features Windows 11 Pro might be worth paying a bit more for.

Reference:

Microsoft. (2024). Compare Windows 11 versions. Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare-windows-11-home-vs-pro-versions