About Me:
Hello, my name is Scott Channon. I am a second-year student at CSN, but this is my first year going full time. Previously, I enrolled in only two or three classes a semester. I grew up in North Carolina, but I have visited family in Las Vegas every year since I was little. In 2024, I decided to go to school here instead of North Carolina. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Physical Sciences, with the intent to transfer to Arizona State University and achieve a degree in aerospace engineering.
IS101 First Impressions:
My first impressions of IS101 have been good. I like the content so far; it feels meaningful and is useful outside of the classroom. I was surprised, glancing through the course and seeing just how extensive Microsoft Office is. There are many features I am not familiar with, especially with Excel, that I am excited to learn and put to use. I feel motivated and want to achieve all certifications.
Experience with Computer Components:
For Part 2 of Discussion 2, I chose to talk about 2.1.3 PC Hardware Components, and the skill of understanding basic internal computer composition. I have a good amount of experience with skill, as I have continuously upgraded my desktop from 2018 over the years. Most computers have four main internal components required to function. The central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM), a storage device, and motherboard. The CPU is like the brain of a computer; it takes the instructions given to it and executes them. RAM can be compared to short-term memory; the CPU stores the data it is working on here, but this data is lost when a computer restarts. A storage device such as a solid-state drive is used for long-term memory, and this data is retained upon restart. Finally, the motherboard is similar to the nervous system; the motherboard connects everything together and brings data from one component to another.
Aerospace Engineering? Future NASA employee? Future astronaut?
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the content so far and find it meaningful and useful outside of the classroom :-)
I'm elated to hear you feel motivated and want to achieve all the MOS certifications!
Welcome to IS101-3003, Spring 2026, Scott ^_^
Hi Scott, I really enjoyed your introduction, especially since you’re now going full time. I think it’s a big step, and choosing Las Vegas was a big change. I also agree that IS101 is really practical, especially with all the Excel features I didn’t know before. I’m not really from Las Vegas, though, so it’s kind of weird adjusting to the heat and cold in the winter. It’s a big shift from what I’m used to. I also think it’s great that you’ve been upgrading your desktop since 2018; that hands-on experience really gives you a strong foundation. Your explanation of the CPU, RAM, storage, and motherboard was really clear, so thanks for that. I’m looking forward to seeing how you apply all of this as you move toward aerospace.
ReplyDeleteAerospace engineering? That's awesome! Whatever reason you might have for picking that difficult thing to major in sort of piqued my interest haha. But it's cool to do something that not almost everybody else already has or does; it makes you stand out just like what professor told our class. I also agree with your first impressions with the class. And yes, the skill of understanding basic internal computer composition is important and might even help you with your future aerospace endeavors. You start being able to understand how each components affect one another, and how to troubleshoot them. I bet the same thing is applicable to the big pieces of aircraft and such.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott, I enjoyed reading your post. It’s interesting that you plan to transfer to Arizona State University for aerospace engineering; that sounds like an exciting career path. I also agree that IS101 shows how powerful Microsoft Office really is, especially when you start learning about all the different tools and features. Your explanation of the computer components was very clear, especially the comparisons like the CPU being the brain and RAM acting as short-term memory. Since you’ve been upgrading your computer for years, do you have a favorite component upgrade that made the biggest difference in performance?
ReplyDeleteHey Scott! I really like that you have a clear idea of what you want for your future and that you’re actively working toward it. Aerospace engineering sounds really interesting and hard to be honest, but good luck! I also think it’s cool how hands-on you’ve been with upgrading your own PC over the years; that definitely makes understanding the hardware way easier. I didn’t realize how much each component really affects the whole system until I took this class.
ReplyDeleteHello Scott, I've also only done classes part-time on and off for a while. Next fall semester I'm planning on taking a step back from work and do school full-time now that I have a goal to work towards. Aerospace Engineering is something people always have a perception of being extremely difficult, I'm sure since you're dedicated and have planned things out you'll do great. I don't have any experience at all with hardware, it's interesting and important to learn though.
ReplyDeleteHey Scott! very eloquently stated, wish you the best in your future career! I have no doubt you will achieve great things, I especially enjoyed the way you communicated the way that The CPU, RAM and Motherboard all work in tandem.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Rafa
Hi Scott. It is cool that you are pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. What makes you interested in the field?
ReplyDeleteKudos to you with the journey going for the aerospace engineering, can't imagine the equations and calculations you need to learn to order to achieve that! Is there any preference between NASA and Space X? And now I am curious about your fascination about the aerospace. To infinity and beyond Scott!
ReplyDeleteHi Scott! I agree with you, there are so many features in Microsoft Office that are new to me too, especially in Excel. I’ve used it before, but there’s still a lot I don’t know, so it’s exciting to keep learning. Also, I’m impressed by your knowledge of PC hardware components! It’s really cool that you’ve been upgrading your desktop and understand how everything works together.
ReplyDeleteScott, your transition to full-time studies at CSN to pursue aerospace engineering is impressively complemented by your technical background in hardware maintenance, particularly through your sophisticated use of biological analogies to categorize the functional roles of essential computer components.
ReplyDeleteScott, it's great to see you add on to the already given information of the computer components and what you know. Also inspiring that you are excited to learn Excel rather than anything when you may have no prior knowledge of said task. It shows your determination and will to learn best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Scott, I see you go into depths regarding PC parts, I feel like you're a gamer lowkenuinely and you don't have to say anything about unless you want to, but I like space so hearing Aerospace makes me really happy to hear that, with me wanting to pursue Cyber Security I even looked into how a career like this could transition into Aeronautics and Space. You might've cooked and made me consider thinking about continuing school for Master's or more about that after getting a Bachelor's in Cyber Security. About your LabSim 2.1.3, I'm getting a new motherboard for my pc that supports DDR5 Ram, I need to also get the RAM too and a processor from AMD (not intel because it's wack). You've given me much to think about in terms of careers and actually want to Thank you, See ya Star side!
ReplyDeleteHey Scott, how do you like Nevada compared to North Carolina? I agree the LabSim has been really helpful in teaching me how to work Microsoft Office even if it's as simple as showing me how to do it, definitely a course worth taking. Good luck with your college journey!
ReplyDeleteHey Scott, awesome career path, the move from Physical Sciences to aerospace engineering is pretty cool and the content in IS101 can definitely help with anything related to your current goals, especially when it comes to using Word and Excel. Have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteHello Scott, congrats on your pursuit with aerospace engineering. I can imagine the pay will be comfortable, hopefully a job that won't be diminished by AI. You have an extensive understanding of the CPU which is pretty helpful if you need to fix something. Good luck on your journey ahead!
ReplyDelete