Week 1 Blog Post
Hey there! Welcome to my blog, From Noob to Nerd. I started this blog as part of a college class on Computer Hardware and Software Management. While I’m definitely not an expert, I’ve been learning a lot and wanted to share some of my experiences as someone who’s fairly new to the world of computer tech. A couple of years ago, I took the leap and built my own PC after some encouragement from my husband. At first, the idea of picking out parts and putting everything together sounded way too overwhelming, but once I got into it, I loved the process and felt proud to create something on my own.
For one of our class assignments, I watched a video called Anatomy of a Computer (YouTube, 2008), and I have to admit I laughed a little at how outdated the PC was. But despite the old-school visuals, it was surprisingly spot-on with the basics. It actually reminded me a lot of the steps I followed when I built my PC. From installing the motherboard to connecting the fans and power supply, the core ideas haven’t changed much. It was a cool reminder that even though I still consider myself a beginner, I’ve already come a long way in understanding how all the pieces work together.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you learn something throughout this process!
Week 2 Blog Post
How Microsoft Took Over: From Underdog to Tech Giant
When Microsoft first got started, it was just one of many tech companies trying to make it big. What helped them stand out was landing a deal with IBM to provide the operating system for their personal computers. That system was called MS-DOS. Even though it wasn’t the best or flashiest option out there, it became super popular just because so many people were using IBM’s machines. Microsoft kept improving from there and eventually created Windows, which made computers easier to use for regular people. By making smart moves early on, they were able to build something that became the standard.
Microsoft also beat out the competition by focusing on software when other companies were focused more on hardware. They made programs like Word and Excel that businesses and schools started to rely on. They also allowed their software to run on lots of different types of computers, not just their own. This made their stuff more flexible and available to more people. Instead of locking everything down, they opened the door for others to use their systems, which helped them grow faster than their rivals.
Reference:
History.com Editors. (2010, September 29). Microsoft founded. History. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/microsoft-founded
Week 3 Blog Post
How much Ram/Memory do I really need?
Have you ever shopped for a laptop and gotten overwhelmed by all the memory options? You’re definitely not alone. The truth is, how much memory you need really depends on what you want to do. For everyday stuff like checking email, scrolling social media, or watching YouTube, 4GB might get by and usually comes at a lower price. But 8GB is a much better choice. It keeps things running smoother and can handle more open tabs without slowing down your system. If you’re working from home, juggling video calls, spreadsheets, and web searches, 16GB gives you some extra breathing room. It’s also a great pick for students or casual gamers who want solid performance without spending too much.
Now if you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who edits videos and runs multiple programs at once, 32GB might be the way to go. It can handle heavier apps and still keep things moving. For anyone using virtual machines, editing 8K video, or working with big design files, 64GB or more might be worth it, but for most people, that’s probably overdoing it. As Crucial explains, 8 to 16GB is plenty for most users, while Intel suggests 16 to 32GB if you are gaming or multitasking heavily. So before you drop a bunch of money on RAM, think about what you actually use your laptop for. You might be surprised at how much you do not need.
Refernce:
Crucial. (2024). How much RAM do I need? https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-much-ram-do-i-need
Intel. (2024). Gaming memory recommendations. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/how-much-ram-for-gaming.html
Week 4 Blog Post
NTFS: How your computer keeps track of your stuff
Have you ever saved a file on your computer and not really thought about where it goes? You are not alone. Most of us just hit "save" and move on. But behind the scenes, something called NTFS is working hard to keep all your stuff safe and organized. So what is NTFS? It stands for New Technology File System, but you do not need to remember that. Just think of it as the way your Windows computer keeps track of your files. Without NTFS, your computer would have no clue where your pictures, videos, or homework are. It would just be one big mess. NTFS helps your computer know where everything is and who is allowed to open or change each file.
Why should you care? NTFS keeps your files in order so they do not get lost. It also protects your files by letting you control who can open or change them. It handles big files with no problem and even has a safety system that helps fix small issues before they get worse. Most Windows computers use NTFS because it is safe, simple, and really good at keeping your stuff right where it should be.
Reference:
Microsoft. (n.d.). Overview of FAT, HPFS, and NTFS file systems. Microsoft Docs. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from http://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-vers
ions/windows/it-pro/windows-2000-server/cc976808(v=technet.10)?redirectedfrom=MSDN
Mitchell, B. (2022). What is NTFS? Lifewire. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-ntfs-2625970
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:
Week 6 Blog Post
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:
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/
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 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
