Answers aren't posted here — we'll go over each one together in class. This week's puzzles use real data from your own lab computer and Ubuntu VM, so your answers won't match your neighbor's. That's the point: nobody can look them up.
A hands-on, career-focused 3-year pathway toward real-world roles in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity. This year (Year 1) builds IT Fundamentals toward CompTIA ITF+, with Network+ in Year 2 and Security+ in Year 3. Industry skills. Professional mindset. Day one.
TCP/IP, DNS, subnetting, VLANs, and the OSI model — the foundation everything else is built on.
Threat modeling, CIA triad, common attack vectors, defense-in-depth strategies, and security policies.
Hardware troubleshooting, operating systems, virtualization, Active Directory, and helpdesk workflows.
Packet Tracer simulations, virtual machines, CTF challenges, and real-world scenarios you can put on a resume.
See a real MD5 brute force attack run in your browser. Enter a password, watch it get cracked, and learn why length matters.
Watch a password get transformed into a hash in real time. See the avalanche effect and toggle salting to see why identical passwords get different hashes.
Type any password and get an AI-powered explanation of why it's weak or strong — with specific tips to improve it.
Toggle bits on an 8-bit register and watch binary, decimal, and hex update live. Test yourself with the built-in conversion quiz.
Toggle bits to build a byte and watch a parity bit get added for error detection. Simulate a transmission error and see it get caught.
Type any text and watch each character break down into its ASCII decimal value, 8-bit binary, and hex in real time.
Build two byte registers and combine them with AND, OR, XOR, or NOT — the binary math behind subnet masks and simple encryption.
Type a password and see its entropy in bits, possible combinations, and strength verdict update live as you type.
Click bits to build an IPv4 address and slide the subnet mask to see network vs. host bits — and usable host count — update live.
5 hands-on puzzles — Caesar cipher, Base64, source inspection, binary decoding, and hash cracking. Earn points as you go.
Drill all six CompTIA ITF+/Tech+ domains individually or sit a full 75-question, 60-minute practice exam with scaled scoring and a pass/fail call. Randomized every attempt.
One quick puzzle for every day of the week — grab it as you walk in and get your brain working before the bell. Puzzles get a little tougher as the year goes on. New set posted every Monday.
Finished early? Pick a game below — each one ties back to something we're covering this year.
Self-checking practice labs that go with each unit. Every problem is generated fresh, so there is no answer key to memorize — working through them is the point. New labs are posted as we reach each unit.
Choose-your-own-path scenarios where a client or coworker brings you a real request. Every choice moves the story and affects your grade — there's no single right path, but there is a best one. Good for downtime, free lab days, or a second run to see what a different path leads to.
Who teaches it, what it covers, and what to expect from day one to the final exam.
Over 20 years of enterprise IT and GIS experience, including network administration, systems infrastructure, VoIP, MDM, and cybersecurity. U.S. Army Signal Corps veteran (31U), BJJ black belt, and youth coach with 7+ years experience working with young people.
Holds a Preliminary CTE Credential from LACOE and brings real-world industry context into every lesson. Believes students learn best by doing — not just listening.
This course is built around a simple belief: the best way to learn technology is to work with it the same way professionals do. Every unit mirrors how IT and security teams actually operate — you'll troubleshoot real problems, document your work, and defend your decisions.
By the end of this course, you won't just understand how networks and systems work — you'll be able to communicate about them with confidence, which is the skill that actually gets you hired.
Everything you need to know about how this class runs, how grades work, and what's expected of you.
Per California Education Code and district policy, personal cell phones must be stored and out of sight during instructional time. Lab computers are for coursework only. Misuse of technology equipment is subject to disciplinary action and may result in loss of lab privileges.
Late assignments are accepted up to one week after the due date for partial credit (up to 70%). Lab work must be made up within the same unit. Students with excused absences have one day per missed day to make up work. Contact the instructor as soon as possible after an absence.
Collaboration is encouraged; copying is not. You may discuss problems with classmates, but submitted work must be your own. Plagiarism or copying lab work will result in a zero and a referral. In cybersecurity, integrity isn't just a policy — it's a professional standard.
All IEP and 504 accommodations will be honored as written. If you have an accommodation plan, please provide a copy in the first week. Students who need additional support are encouraged to reach out early — this class is designed to be accessible to all learners regardless of prior technical experience.
The full year at a glance. Each unit builds on the last. Labs and assessments are embedded throughout.
| Week | Unit Title | Key Topics | Deliverable |
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Active assignments, upcoming due dates, and lab instructions. Check here first before emailing.
Free tools, practice platforms, reference guides, and certification resources. All curated for this course.
Questions about grades, assignments, or anything else — reach out here or during office hours.