Theresa's Tech Portfolio

  Information Technology Careers              Information technology is an exciting and constantly changing field of study. A degree in technology provides individuals with the opportunity for a career in top-ranked jobs (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). How does an individual know what career is right for them? Information technology is a relatively new career path. However, it is one of the fastest growing. With technological advances being made every day, new job roles are forming to fill the changing needs of businesses. Career competencies are positively correlated to career adaptability and success in an individual’s career (AlKhemeiri et al., 2021). Technology’s constant evolution requires individuals to have a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of technology concepts to maintain adaptability. To succeed in a career in technology, individuals should understand the history of computers, have knowledge of hardware and applications, and comprehend network architecture to succeed.  

Network Security Network security is a necessity to provide computer security and avoid security breaches. Network security requires more than antivirus software and firewalls. Users must know how to protect their privacy. They should manage the information shared on the internet, adjust privacy settings on apps, and be aware of social engineering ploys to obtain personal information Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Valuable information should be sent through secure channels using hypertext transfer protocol secure addresses and be encrypted. It is important to remember that users are not anonymous, and data can be easily intercepted. Users should understand network security to protect against spam emails with malware and phishing and even aid in defending denial-of-service attacks. Spam emails are unrequested mass-produced emails. Although most spam is used for marketing, some contain files with malware or use phishing to scam users. (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Users receive emails that

Computers in Food Service Technology has infiltrated almost every industry. Computers are found everywhere. One of the prevalent applications of this is observed in the restaurant industry, particularly fast food. Technology has revolutionized fast food service—the computer’s steam line service, starting with ordering. Innovative restaurants have pioneered point-of-order touchscreens (Figure 1) for in-store orders and mobile apps (Figure 2) for customers to order before entering the doors. Once the customers enter their orders into the computer, they are sent to the kitchen and displayed on monitors at every station. This allows the orders to be split into parts, only sending relevant details of the order to the station necessary to assemble this item. Figure 1: Kress, M. (2022, Dec. 1). Sheetz Order Points [Photograph]. Figure 2: Sheetz. (n.d.). Mobile App [Photograph]. While this application allows for faster processing of orders, it does much more. When orders are placed

  Ping and Traceroute Commands Computers use packets to communicate through the internet. A packet contains the sender’s and destination’s address and other data a user may want to share (like an email, link, picture, etc.). A packet is sent from one computer to another computer through the use of an IP address. When the packet leaves the sender’s computer, it passes through several routers until it reaches the final destination. These packets can be traced to assist users in troubleshooting network issues. A ping request lets users see if a device or website is accessible and how promptly it may be retrieved. Pinging an address is an excellent resource for troubleshooting. A ping can allow the user to see if there are network issues by confirming if there is connectivity between IP addresses. When pinging an address, the user can view how long a reply takes, how many packets were sent and received, and if any packets were lost. When problems occur with accessing websites on a brow

  Microsoft Office Applications Microsoft Office 365 is an essential tool for any business. Office 365 provides applications in word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. Additionally, Microsoft allows businesses to easily share data within the company through a cloud application (Skendzic & Kovacic, 2012). Storing data in a cloud allows multiple users access to the information and editing capability for collaboration. Furthermore, a cloud permits users to access needed information from other devices. Microsoft is among the most widely used and inexpensive programs (Skendzic & Kovacic, 2012). Office allows businesses of all sizes to access necessary programs at an affordable price. Companies should invest in Microsoft Office 365 for its word processor, spreadsheets, database, and presentation applications. Word processors are a necessary item for a business to have. They allow the user to generate formatted text. (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). The user may s

  Sheetz App Critique Sheetz is a gas station with a twist; it has the typical convenience store you associate with most gas stations, but the twist is their Sheetz Made to Order. Every Sheetz store has a fully equipped fast-food kitchen and touchscreens for customers to order an endless combination of their favorite treats. However, customers can have the convenience of the store brought to them through their phone with the Sheetz app. The app is linked to the My Sheetz Rewards card, which gives customers incentives to shop by earning points for free food, gas discounts, and more. Below is a critique of the app based on usability, design, and functionality, followed by recommendations for possible improvements. Usability The app is easy to learn, and customers familiar with the in-store order point will find that the app utilizes the same features. Using the same user interface in-store and on the app makes it efficient for users to remember where to find all their favorite it

 Scratch Programming Languages Scratch is a free platform to introduce the application of block programming. The application of this platform is relatively simple and used in schools. Scratch has been successfully found to support students in applying core mathematical concepts while learning programming basics (Xie et al.,2023). The platform allows students a visual representation of a function as they build their code. Additionally, it enables the students to see the concept of this function work in real time as they run the program. It has fun graphics called sprites that are designed to engage younger children. Although the platform is geared towards youth, it is commonly used by all ages to learn programming. Inexperienced users should use the Scratch platform to boost their confidence with the ability to write code almost immediately, understand the fundamental processes required of programming languages, and gain the experience needed for other high-level programming languages.