Cisco CCNA Exam – Routed Protocols Vs Routed Protocols

You must know the difference between a “routed” protocol and a “routing” protocol. A routed protocol can be routed by a router, which means that it can be forwarded from one router to another. Examples of a routed protocols are IP, IPX and AppleTalk.

A routed protocol contains the data structure for a packet to be sent outside of its local network segment. This structure is called an addressing scheme. Based on the addressing scheme, you will be able to identify the network to which a host belongs, in addition to identifying that host on that network. All hosts on an internetwork (routers, servers, and workstations) can communicate with each other by using a routable protocol such as IP, IPX or AppleTalk. A routingprotocol is used to communicate routing information between routers. Its purpose is to help routers building and maintain routing tables. Examples of routing protocols are RIP, IGRP, EIGRP and OSPF(there are many others). When a router has built a complete routing table from the various routing protocols it supports, it will be able to most efficiently forward traffic via the best route.

Routed Protocols

As mentioned above, IP, IPX and AppleTalk are three common routed protocols. The exam focuses on IP since that is the predominant protocol used today. So what do you need to know about IP other than that is how all your node to node communication will occur? Make sure you know how to subnet! If you do not know how to create subnet masks to most efficiently meet a desired goal of number of subnets and hosts, you will most definitely fail the exam. Understanding how to subnet will not guarantee that you will pass this exam, but not understanding subnetting will guarantee that you fail! If you have an IP address and its subnet mask, you need to be able to identify the subnet ID of that host, the first and last useable host on that subnet, the subnet broadcast address, in addition to the number of possible subnets and hosts per subnet. If those items do not come easily to you, then you will need to brush up on these concepts. Remember you have roughly a minute per question on the exam. If it takes you more than a minute to figure the above items out, you will not finish the test in the allotted time. In addition, you will need to know how to recognize a subnet mask in its dotted decimal form (255.255.255.248) and by using a bit count (/29). You should also know which bits must be off and on in the first octet for the various classes of IP addresses (Class B would have “10″ in the first two bits).

Routing Protocols

The CCNA objectives only require that you know how to configure RIP and IGRP. However, you do need to know about the three classes of routing protocols (distance vector, link state, and hybrid), and which protocol belongs to which class. RIP and IGRP are distance vector protocols. OSPF is the only link state protocol with which you need to concern yourself at this level, and EIGRP is the only hybrid protocol. Know which protocol has a lower administrative distance (RIP is 120 vs. IGRP is 100), and that static routes have a lower administrative distance if you use the defaults a static router is 1 and a directly connected router is 0. When configuring RIP or IGRP, make sure that you also know how to turn on the attached networks so that they will start sending and receiving routing updates(network xxx.xxx.0.0).

Also remember that IGRP requires the addition of an autonomous system number(AS xx). Be familiar with the metrics RIP and IGRP use in determining the best path through which to route. RIP for IP only uses hops and IGRP uses only Bandwidth and Delay be default but can also be configured to use Bandwidth, Delay, Reliability, Load, and MTU. Remember that “show ip route” displays the contents of all routing protocols in your routing table.

Nervous About Your First Year Of Online College?

Congratulations you have taken the first step towards getting your college degree online. Now it’s time to make sure you have all the tools and skills needed to make this first year of college a success. You should take advantage of the time you have before you start to get those study skills up to top shape. Often your high school has classes that can help you focus on any weak spots in your study habits. If this is not an option for you go ahead and contact your future school because many colleges offer study seminars or classes that help you brush up on many basic skills you will need. This way you can come into your first year much more confident in your study habits and more relaxed in your abilities to succeed.

Going to college is stressful for everyone. You are one of the lucky people, if you are going to school online, who does not have to worry about moving to a new place to go to school. The fact that you don’t have to change your surroundings does not mean that you should not make sure you have the right environment set up for you to succeed. Online colleges have their advantage but they also require more discipline by the student to make sure that when they are “in class” they position themselves in a quiet spot where they can concentrate.

A common mistake that online freshmen make is to assume that because they are at home there will be fewer distractions; in fact the opposite is true. Courses taken on campus are usually held in classrooms where the focus of the student is centered on the professor and their presentations.

At home you must set aside a work environment and tune out annoyances such as the neighbor’s music, barking dogs or the incessant ringing of the phone.

Many students who decide to go to school online enjoy the ability to build a study schedule around their needs. If you have children and other family obligations this may be the only way that you can get your education. Although the flexibility is a blessing, it may also be a curse. Often it is hard to “buckle down” and get your classes and coursework completed in a timely manner. It is very important to set aside the time needed each day to keep all of your studies on schedule. You may find it easier to leave the house so that you can keep away from the distractions your normal environment presents.

It is almost a necessity to buy a laptop if you are going to take classes online. This way you can move locations to find a quiet spot conducive to studying. There are many options but as long as you have a wireless connection you should be fine.

Take advantage of the fact that you are on-line and have your web browser, along with your word processor running in the background for quick access to references and note taking. If you are participating in a ‘live-feed’ situation where the course is being presented via webcam, where your participation is expected, then make sure that you are located in a quite space so that you can hear what is being asked. Sitting at a table in Starbucks can be relaxing but it is no place to be when you have to ask and answer questions on line!

It is important to realize that just because you are taking your classes online does not mean that you don’t have to have all the necessary school supplies. You should get your notebooks, textbooks pens and highlighters the same way you would for a normal class. You will need to print documents and papers too so having a good supply of paper and a working printer and ink is also important.

Congratulations on starting the first year of your online college degree. If you prepare now and work hard you should have a great overall experience and get everything you want out of your college education. Remember if you are falling behind or you don’t feel comfortable with something about your classes, make sure to bring it up to your advisor or a college representative as soon as possible. There are many ways that the school can help you have a more positive experience including tutoring and making adjustments to your schedule. Don’t be afraid to speak up and good luck.

Purchasing vs. Building Training Platforms: Tips and Ideas for Decision-Making

Assume that you been assigned by your employer to suggest whether your company should buy or build a training platform from scratch. How would you state your case, for and against the decision that your company should make? Should you recommend buying an existing off-the-shelf software application or would you suggest that your company purchase existing software?

Custom-built software has the appeal of being designed to fit your particular training needs. One issue you should address early is whether or not it will save you any effort and time, rather than purchasing existing software. Also, you would have to determine the employees in the organization who need to have access to the training software. An additional point to note is that the data management, data processing, and data reporting functions and features should be planned on from the onset of the project to then be implemented and tried out during product testing. Remember also to focus on data quality as you develop the training software. So, if you are planning to incorporate e-learning tools, be sure that data tracking and management is accurate and efficient.

If you make a decision to purchase a learning management system, be sure that the features that you really need are already part of the system. You should not assume that the training platform will meet all your teaching and learning needs. As a matter of fact, it is not a good idea to assume that the training software;s data management and collection system is going to be automatic. Hence look to answer the following questions as you decide what is it that you want for your training needs:

Seek to answer the following questions: What user interface features are desired? What level of trouble shooting and debugging is needed during production and development? What levels of access will different users have? How will usability testing be approached? What database outputs are needed for training and records?

Typically, the above questions will generate different answers for each individual company or organization. Therefore a team should work together and have a project manager coordinate the entire process. Usability testing must also be part of the process throughout the design and implementation. Using a small group of learners and instructors, the training platform should be tested out to ensure that it suits both the instructional and training needs of the organization.

Sometimes it turns out that homegrown products are more expensive either to build or maintain. There is also a possibility that the people who build the systems are no longer with the organization and the technical support is thus interrupted. Because of these issues, companies end up looking for off-the-shelf product, with standard support, training, and continuous upgrades and improvements that they can buy rather than build themselves.

One disadvantage of pre-existing software is that it may not always meet your particular training and educational needs. Technical support can be expensive and not readily available when needed. The support features that include licensing and copyright requirements and software updates should be part of the project management teams discussion while the procurement process is ongoing. Whenever it is possible, looking into the customizable, flexible features of off-the-shelf applications is suggested. Most software vendors may have this as an option, so it is a good idea to investigate this further.

So, regardless of the option you or the company decides to go with, remember that you will likely incur additional costs in maintenance, updates, and user training. In the final event what it boils down to is the return on investment for the company. Even more important is the value added to the organization through the training and skill and knowledge advancement of the trainees (employees), instructors and learning management system team.

Show Your Online Biology Degree With Pride

Practically everyone sets great store by education, and being able to obtain a college degree is an incredible source of inspiration, admiration, and pride for anybody. Unfortunately, not anybody is able to actively pursue their educational goals, mainly due to pressing financial needs as well as other factors. But the Internet these days, taking inspiration from distance education courses, has made it so much easier to acquire your college degree online. All you need to do is to figure out what field of study you are interested in, select a school to which you will apply, and seriously make the time to attend each online class, complete the assignments, and ace the tests.

One of the degrees you can obtain by studying online is that of biology. Biology is a highly in demand and interesting course, especially for those who have scientific leanings, but even for those who don’t, because it is sure to capture people’s interest with its varied topics and applications.

So what type of careers can you land if you have an online biology degree? Teaching is one of the professions you can get into with a biology degree, and you can teach either high school or university courses. You can be a research scientist for pharmaceutical companies as well, and you can even become a writer involved in science writing and communication. You can become part of the forensic science department of the police force or work in the field of biotechnology to improve and develop the technology in the field of agriculture and medicine. Believe it or not, you can also enter the political field, helping to draft legislation pertinent to medical and environmental research.

Obtaining your online biology degree entails real work, and it’s even more challenging if you’re juggling a job with your studies at the same time. You have exams to study for, assignments to complete, labwork to do. From time to time, you might even be required to attend workshops and seminars in connection with your lessons.

You might face some comments from some people who think an online biology degree is inferior compared to a biology degree obtained by attending university in person, but you can shrug off all the criticism easily. You know exactly the hard work and effort you put in, and you know that despite most of the coursework being done online, it was still nothing to sneeze at. So be proud of your online biology degree, especially if you end up with an amazing job, and get out there and accomplish all you’ve dreaming about.

Distance Learning Is Made Easy Through Online College Degrees

Higher education has become more accessible for everyone these days. If you own a computer you have access to earning online college degrees from colleges, universities, community colleges, and other institutions of higher learning.

Online learning or sometimes referred to as distance learning has come a long way in a short period of time. Just in the past decade vast improvements have been made to delivering an education online.

Distance education is very popular. Many students often take many of their classes online because of the convenience. Because of the many scheduling problems that face students today the concept of taking one or more online classes is very appealing.

You can now earn online college degrees in many fields once thought only reserved for a campus and an actual classroom. You can also earn associate degrees, certificates, graduate degrees, as well as the traditional bachelor of arts or science degree. There is a whole new world of education out there waiting online for many students. No longer do individuals have to only dream about earning a higher education degree. They can now start working on one.

Online learning provides you with the flexibility to take classes and to do the work on your terms. It is a great way to learn and to earn a quality eduction. It is going to save you time, energy, and money. But it also provides you with the opportunity of a lifetime. You should take advantage of the many online college degrees that are being offered by the best in educational facilities around the country.

You will find online college degrees both challenging and appealing. It will open up your world to the latest developments in technology and the latest thinking on many subjects. Your knowledge base will grow, your experience will widen, and your education will pay dividends. The best in online college degrees awaits your consideration. Explore what is available and see for yourself that your dream of earning a degree can happen.

Software Programs For Internet Safety

With so many computers in the home, office, and public places, the number of people accessing the internet has grown at an astounding rate. Unfortunately, this has resulted in more criminal behavior such as an increased risk of Worms, Viruses, Malaware, Trojans, Hackers, and people trying to steal other users’ personal and financial information. Fortunately, companies have responded to these security threats by creating software to protect users while they are connected to the internet.

Norton 360 version 3.0 Premier Edition: Norton’s software contains such technologies as Antivirus, Botnet Protection, Norton Safe Web, Network Protection, Automated Backup & Restore, Norton Insight, Antispyware, Norton Identity Safe, Firewall Protection, PC Tuneup, Norton Browser Protection, and Norton Pulse Updates.

McAfee Internet Security 2009: McAfee contains Antivirus and Antispyware Protection, Web Site Safety Ratings, Antiphishing, Shredder, Identity Protection, Parental Controls, and Data Backup.

Panda Internet Security 2010: Panda protects users from viruses, spyware, rootkits, hackers, online fraud, identity theft and all other Internet threats. There is also an Antispam engine, Personal firewall, back up data, and parental controls.

Webroot Internet Security Essentials: Webroot includes Antispyware protection, Antivirus, Antihacker, Antidata Theft, automatic backup, privacy protection, email monitoring, global early response network, and protects up to 3 PCs.

Security Shield 2009: Security Shield includes Antiphishing, Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall & Rootkit Detection, Parental Control, Spam Protection, Privacy Protection, and Family Network Protection.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009: Trend includes Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, Firewall, Identity Theft Protection, Web Site Authentication, Advanced Wireless Protection, PC Performance and Tune-ups, and 3 for 1 protection.

BitDefender Total Security 2009: BitDefender provides protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, spam and other e-threats. It also protects against new virus outbreaks and blocks attempted identity theft. It also has Instant Messaging encryption.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security: Includes Firewall, Antivirus, Antispyware, Other Security/Features, Firewall, specific tools for preventing identity, and Help/Support.

AVG Internet Security: AVG provides a Firewall, Antivirus, Antispyware, and Email support.

CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009: CA includes Antivirus, Antispyware, Personal Firewall, Antispam, Antiphishing, Parental Controls, and CA Backup and Migration.

Kaspersky Internet Security: Kaspersky is an all-in-one tool that will help you keep your computer safe while surfing the internet. It provides features such as a virus scanner, firewall, popup blocker, email scanner, the ability to protect your computer registry, and a rootkit scanner.

Your home and office computers contain a huge amount of information about you and your loved ones. This can include tax returns, financial records, bank and credit card account numbers, family photos, and much more. You would not want any this important information to be captured by online criminals or get destroyed if your computer is infected with a virus. Anyone who uses a computer and logs on to the internet is vulnerable to attack. High quality Internet security software is critical for a computer and it is the first application that you should install on a computer. In order to protect your identity and personal and financial information, it is essential to have good security software installed.

Developing Your Online Profile

Social media sites like Facebook, MySpace, Linked In, and Twitter make it easy to stay in touch with friends and share stories with the rest of the world. But these sites can have drawbacks–particularly for students who are trying to get hired or accepted to college.

Employers and admissions committees often check these sites to learn more about applicants. If they don’t like what they see on your online profile, they are unlikely to contact you with a job offer or acceptance letter.

You can make sure social media sites do not have a negative impact on your future prospects by following these easy tips when developing your online profile:

1. Think carefully before using your real or full name. When you use your actual name, it makes it very easy for people to find you. And while this isn’t always a bad thing, it can backfire when employers or other professionals try seeking you out online.

2. Set privacy controls. There are certain sites, such as MySpace, that allow users to determine who can and cannot view profiles. If this option is available be sure to use it on all of your personal accounts.

3. Do not post party pictures or images that show you doing something illegal on your profile. Nothing looks worse to employers than a social profile filled with images of alcohol abuse or uncouth behavior.

4. List your achievements. You should never be afraid to share your achievements through your professional online profile. Things to list on your profile include: degrees, awards, academic achievements, fluent languages, work experience, and travel experience.

5. Create a personal brand. Your online profile provides a way for you to showcase yourself (your personal brand) to the world. It should include compelling information that demonstrates who you are, how you do things, and what makes you unique.

6. Remember, you are on the Internet. Within the searchable World Wide Web, keywords are king. Your profile should include keywords aimed at your target market. For example, if you have a degree in computer science or need a job in computer science, the words “computer science” should appear somewhere in your profile.

7. Customize your URL. There are certain sites, such as Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter, which allow you to create a vanity URL using your name, site name, or industry. You should take advantage of this option whenever possible to increase the likelihood of your profile appearing in Google search results.

8. Keep your personal and professional accounts separate. If you do intend to post a lot of sensitive information, photos, and personal conversations within your profile, you should keep two separate accounts: a personal/alias account with personal info and a professional account that can be viewed by employers or admissions reps.

9. Cover your tracks. If you have posted something unsavory on social media accounts, get rid of it now before it is seen by anyone else. The best way to do this is by permanently deleting your account and starting a new one. If you simply remove images or deactivate the account, you leave digital footprints that can easily be followed by anyone who knows their way around the web.

Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about for OnlineDegreePrograms.org, an online degree program resource.

Have a Regionally Accredited Online Degrees You Can Be Proud Of

The “college factor” has always been a very frightening one for most people. You’ll meet people with different beliefs, visit unusual environments, and the stress of work will be piled up on you. But don’t let go of your dreams just because of that! It’s now a thing of the past because of accredited online degrees.

Ever wanted to tinker with computers for a living, or play the stocks? Maybe you wanted to defend criminals, because you believe in them. If you forgot about those simply because you thought they were too hard to get, think again. Studying online forgets all of those things, and lets you work with the freedom you deserve.

In fact, they’re calling you to get them back. Because when you study college online, it’s an opportunity you want to grab by the horns.

It’s been said that there are no two people who are the same. Hence, people don’t learn the same way either. While some go for visual methods, some prefer auditory ones.

Since it’ll be hard for you to find a book that is published by that university alone, online universities must make use of sources readily available everywhere.

School is made for you, and not vice-versa. Forget about inflexible time tables or boring teachers. You’re in school to learn, and it’s about time you took advantage of it.

Riding a humid bus, or driving in traffic after staying up late last night working on schoolwork have long been gone. You can work while lying down in bed with your laptop beside you, or while having a burger and shake at the nearest fastfood restaurant.

Get back those dreams and start searching, because accredited online degrees have come ahead of you and they’re just waiting for you to choose from!

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree Online and A World Class Education

Graduating from high school is not yet the final stop for most people. A lot would like to get a college degree, but are unable to do so because of lack of time or money. But when you know hot to find accredited online colleges, things become a lot easier.

The latest breakthrough in technology, online colleges give you the same, quality degree, without any of the unnecessary expenses, like rental of school facilities, canteen lunches, bus fare, and more. Here’s why you should take advantage of it.

When you study online, you can study anywhere. If money has been a problem for you in the past, you’ll get to save a lot of it, because now, you only need to pay for your tuition fee, and maybe an internet connection at home. Wherever you’ve got your laptop and there’s a wi-fi connection, you can study.

When you take advantage of a distanced learning program, you can study whenever it’s convenient for you. If you work part time, then you can take a break after work, and then go online to study. There are no more schedules to follow or deadlines to meet. You have the freedom of working at your own pace.

Other sources all over the web will give you more and more reasons why you should study online. But not many will tell you how to fulfill that desire. Here are two very easy steps.

1. Research and Inquire First thing to do is find the course you want. Go online, research, take aptitude tests. Then, find a college which offers it online. Check for accreditation by the HLC, and that you’re eligible to take it. Ask them all the questions you may have- they’ll be happy to answer.

2. Apply and Start Once you’ve found your course, go for it. Fill up all the forms necessary, pay using your credit card, and when everything is settled, you can go to school online. All you have to do is go to the school’s website, log on, and check what’s next on your outline.

Why delay any longer? If you’ve always wanted to go to college, but could never afford to, then now’s the time. Now that you know how to find accredited online colleges, you’ll be saving a lot of money, while getting the same quality education.

Enjoy Earning Your Online College Degree and the Rigors of Higher Education

Now that over ninety percent of all colleges and universities in the United States offer distance education there really is no excuse for you not to earn an online college degree at your convenience. Whether you are seeking a two year associate degree or a four year bachelor’s degree or even a graduate degree you can now make it happen for yourself.

Whether you decide to study and do the work at 3 p.m. or at 3 a.m. it does not matter. You decide when you want to manage your studies. You will also be delighted in the costs. Most of these online degrees are much less expensive then attending classes on some campus. You are going to save plenty of money while you still earn an accredited degree.

There is one thing that is very important when studying for an online college degree that you should take note of and keep in the back of your mind. It takes a lot of discipline to go through the rigors of earning a degree online. You will not have someone with a “gun to your head” making sure you are doing the work, doing it right, and on time.

That is all left up to you. You will find that you must be focused and work hard to accomplish the objectives and outcomes of every course that you take. If you stick with it and focus on your goal you can earn your degree in two to four years as a full time student.

One of the great advantages of earning an online college degree is that you do it at your own pace and on your own terms. Whether you decide to study and do the work at 3 p.m. or at 3 a.m. it does not matter. You decide when you want to manage your studies.

You will also be delighted in the costs. Most of these online degrees are much less expensive then attending classes on some campus. You are going to save plenty of money while you still earn an accredited degree.

Now that over ninety percent of all colleges and universities in the United States offer distance education there really is no excuse for you not to earn an online college degree at your convenience. Whether you are seeking a two year associate degree or a four year bachelor’s degree or even a graduate degree you can now make it happen for yourself. If you have a computer and are hooded up to the Internet you can earn a degree in just about any subject of your choice.

You will know exactly what is required and how to achieve the written objectives and outcomes of all the courses that are required for your degree. Most likely you are going to enjoy the experience of higher education online and earning your degree.

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