The Digital Pathway

  Network security is vital in today’s world. Without it, individuals and businesses are vulnerable to attacks that can destroy data and trust. I researched two threats: 1. Malware and Ransomware: Locks users out of systems and demands payment Can destroy or leak data Prevention: backups + anti-malware tools 2. Phishing: Tricks users into giving up passwords or info Can lead to identity theft or stolen money Prevention: user training + MFA (multi-factor authentication) Security starts with awareness and is enforced with strong tools and habits.

In hospitals and clinics, computers run everything: EHRs (electronic health records) Diagnostic tools (MRIs, CT scans) Infusion pumps and telehealth platforms Medical staff need strong computer skills to: Enter and retrieve data Use secure communication tools Avoid system errors Looking ahead: AI will assist with diagnosis Wearables will monitor chronic conditions Faster networks will make tele-health seamless IT isn’t optional in healthcare  it’s a necessity.

  I ran ping and traceroute tests to sites like Google.com, BBC.co.uk, and Ox.ac.uk. The results: Google = fastest ping (35–68 ms) BBC and Oxford = slower, more hops Traceroute showed multiple timeouts and a longer path. I learned: Distance increases ping time Traceroute identifies where delays or errors happen Ping tells you if a site is up and how fast it responds This gave me real insight into how packets travel through the internet.

  This assignment opened my eyes to how Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Databases work together. Here’s how I used each: Word: to journal my daily routine Excel: to track time and calculate how long each task took PowerPoint: to turn that info into a visual timeline Database: for organizing and retrieving information Each tool supports different thinking styles. Excel stood out to me the most because it helped me spot time-wasting habits. PowerPoint brought my day to life. This project showed me that software isn’t just technical, it’s how we organize our lives.

  SimpleNote is the app I didn’t know I needed. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t overload me with features. I use it to: Track my assignments Make grocery lists Plan my morning routine There are no ads, no distractions, and no complex setup. I appreciate how quick it is to start typing. Suggestions for Improvement: Add folders to sort notes (not just tags) Warn me when I’m offline and changes haven’t saved Let me insert screenshots/images Even with those flaws, I use it daily and it’s never failed me.

  Working with Scratch gave me a hands-on introduction to programming logic without the pressure of writing complex syntax. Using the drag-and-drop blocks, I was able to design a program that combines motion, sound, user interaction, and control flow. Below is a screenshot of my scratch project In this project: The sprite moves when clicked, changes color, and plays sounds. It asks for the user’s name, responds with a greeting, and reacts to the spacebar. I used loops, events, variables, and motion commands to meet the 30-block requirement. What I learned: Scratch helped me understand sequencing and logic. I got comfortable thinking like a programmer — breaking tasks into steps and using triggers and loops. Comparison with Other Languages. Machine Language = hard to understand (just binary) Assembly = low-level and hardware-specific High-level (like Python) = easier, more common in careers Scratch was the easiest to start with, but Python is the most used and effect...