CIT 160 Introduction to Computer Security

Course Description: Principles and practices of protecting valuable data from loss, corruption and compromise. Emphasis on the needs of home computer users and small businesses. Topics include data backup, risk assessment, network and internet security and e-commerce.

Instructor: Michael Razeggi

Would I take this course again or recommend it: I wouldn’t take this course again. I do believe it was informative. I touched on computer security in IS 101 and CIT 112B, but this course went more in depth. I would like to take more advance cyber security or ethnical hacking courses.

What would I have done differently: The required textbook for this course, had referenced a lot of outside resources. I could have spent some time checking them out...

Is it worth the Money: $285 tuition, $19.50 technology fee, $24 student union fee, $75 Computer Security Fundamentals, 3^rd Edtition (textbook) -- for a grand total of $403.50 plus time invested: I think it depends on if you’re going to work in network/cyber security sector or not. I don’t intend to, so me this course wasn’t really worth it. I learn and discuss some common computer security concepts, researched malwares, viruses, spywares, DoS attacks, SQL injections, encryptions and other hacks. The text was very well structured in my opinon and wasn’t a bad purchased. I think you can also find or purchase a pdf version for about $10.

Certification: Not really.

Transfer to UNLV: Probably not...

CIT 112B Networking+

Course Description: This course covers basic networking terminology, network components, transmission media and protocols. Focuses on the OSI model of network computing. Course serves as preparation for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

Instructor: Brad Austin

Would I take this course again or recommend it: I don’t know if I would take this course again or not, leaning more towards not. I would recommend it.

What would I have done differently: If I were to take this course over again I would spend the $300 for the CompTIA Network+ certification. If not for anything more, it would fill up some of the white space on my resume. I’ve heard you can purchase a cheaper voucher through a college program, but it’s only something I’ve heard. I learned about difference networking device and equipment out there from switches, hubs, routers, servers and etc. I learn a little bit about network setup, security and subnetting. Lastly, I took what I learned from this class and applied it to my home office setup. 

Is it worth the Money: $285 tuition, $19.50 technology fee, $24 student union fee, $60 Mike Meyers Managing and Troubleshooting Networks  (textbook and lab book) -- for a grand total of $388.50 plus time invested: Nah bruh. Not to be mistaken, this is a very informative course and somewhat dry material. I would rather study for the CompTIA Network+ exam on my own and pay for the $300 exam. I think it would be great if CSN awarded the CIT 112B credit hours for those who can show that proof that they passed exam, I believe WGU Nevada does this. If CSN included the CompTIA Network+ exam in the course cost, I would say that this course is worth the money. 

Certification: CompTIA Network+

CSN has a partnership or something with MeasureUp.com. I personally think their material is weak - to put it nicely. I know WGU Nevada incorporates CompTIA certifications into their degree programs. Many associated certifications are included with their students' tuition, saving the student a crap ton of money. The trade off would be WGN Nevada cost per credit is higher than CSN.

Transfer to UNLV: That’s a big fat Nope.

CIT 180 Database Concepts and SQL

Course Description: Basic principles of data modeling and relational database design. Hands-on learning of Structured Query Language (SQL).

Professor: Dr. Kathleen Pulling

Would I take this course again or recommend it: I have taken a lot of course with Kate, and I think she was most knowledge with databases. I wouldn’t take this course again, but I do recommend it. This was a quality introduction course to SQL. I learned the basics of SQL using MySQL –  creating databases, tables, SQL data types, constraints, schemas, SQL functions, SQL operators and data manipulation.

What would I have done differently: If I were to take this course over again I would focus more on the pros & cons of the design of the relational database. I would say I have a good understanding of terminology and usage of SQL but I would struggle on how to design a database to be the most efficient and beneficial.

Is it worth the Money: $285 tuition, $19.50 technology fee, $24 student union fee, $55 Murach’s MySQL, 2^nd Edition (new textbook) -- for a grand total of  $393.50 plus time invested: Yup. Having an understanding of databases and SQL made some assignments in CIT 252 Web Database Development a breeze. It was also helpful when we touch on Java Database Programming for a short time in CIT 230 Advance Java.

Certification: There are some SQL certifications out there, but I haven't taken any of them. From what I here there are some differences between Oracle SQL and MySQL. Oracle does offer a for Oracle SQL certification. Oracle also offers a separate certification for MySQL Developer which covers more than what was taught in this course. All for a low price of $245. Pocket change...

Transfer to UNLV: (Don’t know. I’ll find out later.)

CIT 151 Beginning Web Development

Course Description: An introduction to the creation and styling of websites using HTML and CSS. Websites will include text, graphics, and multi- media.

Professor: Mahima Pandey

Would I take this course again or recommend it: I wouldn’t take this course again – not because it was bad, but because it didn’t go far enough in my opinion. I think the material that I learn in this course, covered everything in the textbook, but it was something I believe I could learn and regurgitate within a week. I think this course and CIT 251 Advance Web Development or CIT 152 Web Script Language Program should be merged into one course. (Side note, I don’t know what is covered in the graphic communication introductory web design courses, but I’m kind of curious as to what the differences are.) I took this course online, and Professor Pandey provided easy to follow along video examples of almost every assignment. The only way you could fail this course, is if you were trying your hardest to fail. I learn about the very basic of HTML5 structure and CSS. (header, nav, div, article, section, table, link, image map, img...) 

What would I have done differently: I could have spent my free time studying newer and more advance web design techniques, or learning and practicing building responsive/dynamic web pages – or just learning more in general. I could have utilize the computers at school and familiarize myself with Dreamweaver.

Is it worth the Money: $285 tuition, $19.50 technology fee, $24 student union fee, $10 online fee,  $55 New Perspectives on Blended HTML and CSS Fundamentals, 3^rd Edition (used textbook) -- for a grand total of  $393.50 plus time invested: Nope. I’ll admit I didn’t have to spend or dedicate much time for this course. You couldn't have learn the same thing by watching a series of YouTube videos on HTML5. I think the textbook for this course went overboard with attempting to visually different from other textbooks, and at $55 bucks for a used textbook it was still over priced. The Murach’s HTML5 and CSS3 is bettered structured, covers more, has more supporting files and is priced brand spankin’ new for $55 bucks!

Certification: There are multiple certifications out there for HTML. I am not sure as to which are worth the money to display them on your resume, but my resume is pretty bare... so there's that.

Transfer to UNLV: (Don’t know. I’ll find out later.)

CIT 130 Beginning Java

Course Description: An introduction to the Java programming language. Covers the language’s control structures, Object Oriented Concepts, simple graphical displays, file input/output, and error handling.

Professor: Dr. Naser Hervai

Would I take this course again or recommend it: I would take this course again and recommend to future programmers and web developers. This was the generic introductory programming course to Java. I learn about the basics – variables, loops, data structures, classes, exceptions and GUI. I believe this Java course advance faster than the C++ introductory course CS 135, which was something that I preferred. Professor Hervai was also very coherent and knowledgeable.

What would I have done differently: CSN occasionally offers a Boot Camp competition. Individual who score high enough in their respective exam, are given a paid-for voucher to take the corresponding certification exam. I missed the minimum requirement by one point. I guess I should have study just a little bit harder.

Is it worth the Money: $285 tuition, $19.50 technology fee, $24 student union fee, $155 Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive Version 10, Edition (the book) -- For a grand total of  $483.50 plus time invested: Yes. I think the text book written by Daniel Liang is one of the best coding textbooks I’ve ever purchased, and I highly recommend it. This textbook can be rented for around $100. However you can easily find a pdf version of it online now. (Disclaimer: I don’t encourage piracy.)

Certification: Java SE 8 Programmer I

Transfer to UNLV: (Don’t know. I’ll find out later.)