Specific Course Objectives 
After studying the material presented in the text and online, the student should be able to
complete all behavioral/learning objectives listed below with a minimum competency of
70% on assignments and exams.
1. Define computer networks and describe their purpose 
a. Define a computer network.
b. List the four purposes of a network.
c. Explain the elements of communication.
d. List and describe the two types of networks.
2. Describe network media and data transmissions 
a. Explain how data transmissions are sent and received.
b. List and describe the types of transmission media.
c. Describe the functions of a network interface card.
3. Explain network design and describe the various network topologies 
a. List and describe the characteristics of the mesh, bus, ring, star, and hybrid
topologies.
b. Tell what items should be considered when selecting a network topology.
c. Define channel access method.
d. Give the advantages and disadvantages of contention, polling, token passing,
and demand priority channel access methods.
4. Discuss local area network architectures 
a. Explain why standards were developed for LANs.
b. Give several examples of Ethernet architectures.
c. List the features of a token ring network.
d. Describe how a wireless LAN functions.
e. Provide guidelines for designing a network.
5. Discuss network protocols and network software
a. Explain the OSI reference model.
b. Define protocol.
c. List and describe the functions of TCP/IP.
d. Explain the functions of client and server network software.
6. Describe the features of Windows servers

a. List and describe the features of a Windows 2003 server.
b. Create and modify a new user account using Windows 2003.
c. Add users to a group using Windows 2003.
d. List the new features of the Windows 2008 network operating system.
7. Describe the features of NetWare and Linux servers 
a. List and describe the features of a NetWare 6 server.
b. Create and modify a new user account using NetWare 6.
c. Explain the features of Linux.
d. Use Linux to set file permissions.
8. Describe the issues involved in managing a local area network 
a. List the proactive steps to be taken to keep a network server in operation.
b. Tell how server performance can be monitored.
c. Explain how SNMP and network monitors are used.
d. List and describe the features of common network troubleshooting tools.
9. Discuss wide area networks 
a. Define a WAN and tell how it is used.
b. List and describe different WAN technologies.
c. Explain how to protect a WAN from unauthorized users.
d. Define privacy.
10. Discuss the Internet and its tools 
a. Recite a brief history of the Internet.
b. Tell how the Internet works.
c. Explain how to use a Web browser, e-mail, a listserv, a newsgroup, and search
tools.
d. Create a document using HTML.