The Reason...

     Y'know, I never talked about why I became interested in Networking/IT. Hahahaha, I actually do not remember in great detail but my earliest memory was in second grade. We (the students) spent about one hour each day doing activities on the computer. However, we did not go on the internet. I was seven in 1995 to put the situation in perspective. The internet barely existed in public volume. In all actuality, it existed sometime the same year for consumers. I fell in love with computers as soon as I used it. I still remember doing reports, messing around with the computer's local graphic arts program, and playing amazon trail.

    I think part of the reason was at home I still had my mom's old typewriter and liked writing mock I Love Lucy scripts and the computer was more vast and unexplored, at least it felt that way to an uneducated seven year old. I remember begging my mother for a computer, knowing she could not afford one, she did next best thing, she bought me a V-Tech educational learning computer. These computers were cheap and had an interface similar to a digital watch or a graphic calculator of that time. She actually bought me two one for early elementary and one for late elementary to early middle school. I loved it; You need to understand my knowledge for learning in my younger years was insatiable although video games clashed with it from time to time. I even played two player on the math portion with other people like my mom; I had the best time.

     It was not until early seventh grade, in 2000, I got my first computer a Hewlett-Packard with only 256 MB to be fair it was quite old when we bought it new. Until this day, it still sits in my basement with my second computer collecting dust. I will eventually use to practice how to install and uninstall hardware in the back of it. That is pretty much the story. Even to this day, my love for technology has not waivered, and I hope it never will.

Ironies about career

     As we (the world) become more modernized, the way we live changes. Every second of every minute of every hour, day, week, month, and year people go through the realization that there is some action they perform will go the way of "old yeller". To clarify, I am referring to people's jobs, lifestyle, even the process of social interaction. In this post, however, I am going to talk about some jobs and career that are not as "booming" as they were in their heydays.
     Accounting, is a great field especially when it comes to taxes. Unfortunately, due to user-oriented software no one wants to sit in an office for an hour to get taxes calculated by professionals when they could use turbotax or other related software and get it done from the safety of their home. I would know, I kind of got laid off for that exact reason.

    If people liked renting video's well they were in luck, instead of traditional methods of renting DVDs, movies and videogames from the local rental shop. In modern times, people do not go to blockbuster or hollywood video to pay $4.99 to rent videos, they would use Netflix or Hulu instead. Subsequently, this would spell the end of job for the minimum wage workers at  rental stores.

Newspapers are a good source of information that requires time and accuracy to ensure that articles are trustworthy. But guess what, paper and ink costs money and stopping the presses takes time to start up after halting production. The more the internet gains publicity, the more competitive the print industry gets. As of now, the physical industry is falling behind. Why pay fifty or one dollar-fifty cents when people can gather information for free and at a faster rate? In addition, there is an infinite amount of copies people can view on the internet while how many copies the press makes before they run out of ink?

Ironically while the listed jobs are disappearing over time, and were front runners in the past, tech field jobs have boomed and did not exist in large numbers until the 80's. Not only did this boom advance solutions to previous lifestyle inadequacies, these jobs provided employment for people gifted or who wanted to learn the ins and outs of tech. The biggest point to notice is the reason all the jobs listed above went obsolete due to tech, accounting with computer software, renting videos with an online variant, and newspapers with an internet business social media advantage.

Memory Lane

        So...I was talking to my tech teacher, Mark Hammond in regards to the next semester. He started talking to Mike and I about Networking Fundamentals and I immediately got a  surge of nostalgia from the same class I took at a local college, which will not be named. I started remembering  anding (subnetting a subnet mask), the command prompt, Rip v1. and v2, OSPF, binary (0's and 1's or on and off) hexadecimal (base 16, which includes A, B, C, D, E and F), octal (base 8), some of the commands like ping. I have not taken a networking class since 2010.

        In addition, when I looked at my schedule for next semester, I saw Hardware and Operating systems. At first, I was taken aback at what that class could possibly be, then it dawned on me, Hardware and Operating systems is synonymous with my Maintenance of a PC class from the same school I learned it from before. That will mean remembering the motherboard, IDE SATA and ATA, Simms, Rimms, Dimms, SOdimms, hard drives, video and sound cards, The shell(desktop), kernel(software i/o  translator) and HAL(hardware). Dual booting and virtualization may also be a thing. Dual Booting is installing two different operating systems on the same PC while virtualization where a program is downloaded that represents a virtual OS system and allots a specific amount of Hard drive memory to simulate the virtual OS inside a real OS. I also have not taken a computer hardware class since 2010.

To be honest, I am very excited about next semester. I only have to go to class two days of the week, although I plan on tutoring next semester. I have four classes, two of which are online, one of the classes is my Hardware and Operating systems class I will be taking the second half of the spring semester. As of now, I am aware and happy to say I have passed all of my classes. Which tops my personal best for any college year since this is my first semester, I took 6 classes, and I have A's in most of my classes. I am definitely looking forward to taking classes in the future.

    

Facebook Addiction

         From what I've read in the article, there seems to be a lapse of judgement in both professionals and other types of users on the internet. People do not realize what a "picture of a person with its head lobotomized" means. In today's world, the internet not only exists to help keep medical files via an EMR, the internet also records stupidity. Since this picture was on Facebook, its really easy for anyone to spot the ignorant post especially potential employers.

       I think this also ties in to my previous post about the ignorance of younger users of the internet, I will repeat this in case any of those people are reading this, once you post something on the internet cloud, it is assumed that it is hard to get it out of the cloud. That means even when users put something on the internet and delete the post, in some server in the world it is possible that the post still exists.

Not only that, taking unwanted pictures of other people without their consent could be grounds for a lawsuit on a legal front, getting terminated for violating company policy and may sanction the perpetrator of the crime from working in the field they are in. It doesn't take rocket science to use the internet but it does take common sense to utilize the internet wisely.

Typical "childhood naivete" or unaware consumers

           So I just finished a paper from my English class where I focus on what companies do with consumers information when they are on the internet, how the government factors in and why the government shouldn't use information to make laws to censor the internet.

           In between the three week process the teacher gives us to prepare for our research essay, I got a pep talk (or rather the class got a pep talk) in internet ethics (did not use conversation in paper) which refers more to consumer awareness more than the companies .

            Nonetheless, the relevance was staggering because depending on how consumer use specific businesses (like Facebook, or Google) those companies give part or all of peoples information to 3rd party or affiliate companies. In turn, those companies give a portion of that information to the government. Now the government may not be given information directly if the information is not relevant to the information they want. The data the government gets most likely in my (naive honest) belief goes toward surveys and consensus. Some of the information however does get kept.

         With that being said, peoples information is being used, and if not by the government on a national level, then it is being used by companies on a corporate level which is a problem.

          So I did a survey/experiment/analysis/conversation with some classmates, I told two women about what the social network company, Google via Google+ does with their information and asked them to Google themselves and one of the classmates found pictures of a younger relative on Google image search. That relative's face was all it took for her to close down her account which says something and it is not just the fact that she felt virtually violated.

           The biggest problem is that younger adults use the internet without understanding how the internet works and are willing to display content to people across the world that they wouldn't show their parents. Teens and 20 somethings should be careful, when you post something on the cloud: 1) it is assumed you can't get it back and 2) you directly or indirectly say its OK for the internet to store and keep your information, uploads, data, accounts etc. This is usually due to emotional naivete or reckless disregard.

          I admit when I was a teen, I was unaware of how certain aspects of the internet worked, but a 17 when I did several types of odds and end jobs on the internet, I gave consent that companies used my information(especially since I got paid). Hell I used my information so much the companies did not want to give me credit since I did a similar job on their company's network. \

The point is consumers should be aware of what they are getting into when they use the internet and expose their information, because once it is out their it is pretty hard to get it out of the cloud. The government may or may not be able to protect consumers as hinted above.





        

A teacher's interview (cont'd)

              Here is the one page essay of the interview that I did with my tech teacher a few weeks ago:

Logbook #5 due 2/19

As per Logbook five, I asked one of my professor’s for a rather impromptu interview. I did not just ask him because of the assignment required me; I asked him because unbeknownst to myself, I had questions about my career and my future. I admit, I am still unsure about myself (typical) and where I fit in the spectrum of the Information Technology/Systems field. So, I asked my tech class professor, Mark Hammond, a few questions to defog a few unanswered questions and uncertainty I might have had. I must say even though on a few questions he only used a word or two, I could tell by how he responded that those phrases go a long way.

I asked him a series of ten questions, most of which were related to my field. I will only speak of the field related ones. One of the very first questions I asked was what got him interested in the field of Tech, and I was shocked to hear that his math teacher taught him programming. I wish my math teacher knew that. As a teacher himself, Mr. Hammond stated that the best part of his job is “His first job computer related was in fiber optics, a network technology type field: Network Technology is when computer related devices are connected together via a medium like wires, and routers. (Fiber wire is a tiny cable wire that is used for connecting devices, like TV’s, phones, internet, but usually computers and is faster than a typical Ethernet connection, fiber optics is the technology of using these wires to connect devices together).

To ease my nerves, Mr. Hammond told me that during the first six months he felt comfortable working with computers. Perhaps I will feel the same way once I have an IT job. He also gave me advice on being knowledgeable so that I can more confident in the workplace. Mr. Hammond did caution me to be open-minded and explore which is one of the bases (plural of basis) of his TECH 100 class. One of the most powerful questions I queried about was: Is there anything that he was surprised he should have known about having a career in Tech and he said no… (One of the most powerful words he said). When he said that, I was taken aback for a second and he continued that everything he knew was sufficient for his job. I immediately thought, that is what he meant when he said “knowledgeable.” Skill-wise future IT professionals need to have troubleshooting skills, to solve potential problems with hardware and software, get certification to further prove educational skills and be able to receive constructive criticism without resentment. Speaking of hardware, I asked how English and communication played a role in a technological society. He responded “If you cannot communicate, how can you fix anything. I also had to think about that, in this last week I was specifically told for an essay that I was too “technology forward” with potential readers and I need to specify information in a more “accessible” way to non-computer savvy people. Imagine if I was at a help desk, if I used the actual name of equipment instead of a simplified form. They would be lost faster than following an IKEA instruction manual. Lastly I was given advice about certifications, he stated that I should try to get a CCNA certification and then if I wanted to, I could get a bachelor degree.

I am very happy to have asked him these field-related questions as he had decades of experience, and he is very knowledgeable as far what to expect, the skills required for success and how what we learn today affects what we do tomorrow.

A teacher's interview

          So about 2 weeks ago for an English assignment I was required to ask a professor or an experienced professional in our field about what it takes to be successful in the field, does English play a major factor in the field etc. click read more to read the interview

The Money Biz...

I suppose, if you are reading this, you already know I was going to talk about this subject. Usually when I think of a job I prefer being comfortable with my job over money. But lets be honest, I do want to make a some money while I am working a job or my dream career. I figured the best way to do that is to list jobs in the industry and compare the potential salary of each

links: http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/choosing-a-major/popular-jobs-by-major/computer-science-and-math
http://computer-careers-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

Systems Analyst -System Analysts uses computer technology to assist businesses wants and needs by implementing IT into business practices. System Analyst's job is to make businesses more efficient and the work those businesses perform more modern and streamline. Median salary is $79,680


Network Architect- Also known as Network Engineers, Network Architects build, maintain and design infrastructure using routers, switches, servers etc. They are also in charge of troubleshooting hardware and software for businesses and clients. Median salary is around $90,000


Network Administrator- The job of a network administrator is to come up with how the networks are supposed to function, they also are in charge of making sure that the network is costly yet efficient, the network administrator also has the task translating instructions in layman's term to the public. Median salary is around $72,560


Tech Support- Tech support is...an entry level job for those who are interested in the computing and technology field. Its whole basis is to assist non-savvy computers and users with the setup, how-to, repairs, advice and help. Median salary is around $50,000


Security Specialist- Security specialist makes sure that computer systems are sufficiently protected from hacker and viruses. They are also charged with the task of securing a business's important information. Security specialists must keep up to date with new software lest they leave themselves open to attack. They are the first defense against hackers and maintaining people and businesses privacy. Median salary is around $86,000

These are not the only jobs I am interested in but  It did help me decide which jobs might be up my alley.

the world unplugged

                   The world unplugged is a website dedicated to how the current generation is consistently glued to technology and the media. The article I read discussed how college-aged student fared going at least 24 hours without technology and the results were obvious but interesting. At least five people from every country survey and experimented, had admitted failure and admitted that they were lost without their technological vices.

                     The website its self records the responses from students for each media device they clung on to. Students responded to how they used social media to make and connect with friends. They also talked about how having their phones and smartphones offered security and not having it is like essentially naked.

                    I must say I am a bit surprised on some of the statistics that the United States is not the "head honcho" as far as withdrawal of technology on most of the analyses. Usually it is a third world country that has problems with escaping the media. More people in Lebanon have laptops or smartphones than those in the US studied.

                     I myself, am not immune, although I don't like social media, my phone is a cheap government issued phone (that does not receive text) and I rarely ever use email or IM to contact or comment to people.
I need my video game, internet and MP3 fix lol. I have gone full days with out them, at the most I was bored when I was not around them. I am used to being alone, so I don't long for social media that much, there have been days, weeks and months I have not played any video games. Until 2013, I didn't even own a phone of any type. My mother had to somewhat force me to get one. I do remember the days without a computer because I did not get one until 2000, I still had a typewriter back then. So going cold turkey is not that hard but I would rather not do it. I understand the dilemma of not having technology but for people my age I would think that it should not be that far gone.

                  

Career Post #2

Career Post #2
http://www.ala.org/acrl/issues/infolit/overview/intro

Ala.org is the  URL for the Association of College & Research Library. As a computer field major, information literacy is THE most important if not one of the cornerstone of being computer savvy. In fact, out of all the majors, industries, jobs etc. Tech majors are required and it is most mandatory to be able to comprehend information literacy. The ability to understand how to read, decipher, filter and use information given to us, as well as understanding how to maneuver around a computer is detrimental to the success of any Tech job, regardless of what job you have in the computer field.

Being a student is kind of secondary, everybody should know how to use the internet SAFELY and how to interpret the information given, even if they or their major doesn't require them to ever use the internet. Why?  Because technology is constantly changing and most physical forms of information is being slowly phased out and becoming obsolete. To stay in-the-know and current means that you will be able to communicate personally or with others, for either business or otherwise. By not staying current, its like being a hermit and using a remote as a mouse for your monitor and wondering why the computer isn't working.

Perhaps in the past, info lit. would not have been important but today's society is very tech savvy. In order to function in the hustle and bustle of today's booming way of living, understanding how to use information literacy is very important. Bottom line, young or old, if you live in the modern era you need to know information literacy.

A temporary fantasy... Network technician

For some reason this morning when I woke up I keep having thoughts about being a network technician even though they don't make that much... I don't know, the thought of going inside a computer or behind a server and messing with the wiring is to make sure other computers are connected to it is pretty interesting... .

Network technicians usually troubleshoot problems with LAN (local area networks), wires, installing hardware inside of computers, programs, so in summation, technicians repair and troubleshoot inside of the PC's like RAM, Harddrives, ports on the motherboard. They also check to make sure that all the wires are plugged into the PC's, modems, router, switches, hubs, etc and that all the PC's are able to communicate via those wires.

Network Technicians get paid anywhere from $30,000 to $65,000 a year  depending on the level or skill of the technician.

Welcome to the Master Mirror page

So if you stumbled across this website, you may or may not have figure out that the Neon Chronicles of a Mirror is a phrase that has multiple meanings one of which is poetic license, but this site is about my career aspirations in the networking field. The mirror is the mirror I look at... my computer monitor and the Neon Chronicles are my journeys and goals on my way to become a graduate in the Computer networking field.

I am not sure what path in the networking field I would like the most, but I have always been interested in computers since I was seven years old

Helpful websites

Career Post #1

1) bls.gov - The Bureau of Labor Statistics list the most common jobs, the pay and list in detail like things like the education, outlook, and what each job does.

2)cisco.com - CISCO are the aficionados of the networking field and IT they offer solution for the business end and computer end of technology they also sell products

3)itcareerfinder.com - lists several careers shows several branch off careers, discusses certifications IT people can receive to bolster resume and career

4) Monster.com - huge database of information for several careers including IT, helps you with resumes, job searches and career resources

5) iseek.org - site that divides into industries, after which it gives options for careers, further industries, pathways, majors and businesses for that major industry