Build the vocabulary and mental models first. Learn what computer parts, bits, operating systems, Linux, networks, ports, and defensive controls do—then apply them in the Cyber Investigation Lab.
Use this page as the detailed content area for core concepts, vocabulary, examples, and career connections.
Computer parts → bits and bytes → operating systems and Linux → networks and ports → threats and defense → careers.
Hardware, software, identity, and networks work together as one system.
Choose a mode and task, then follow each numbered step. The simulator prevents steps from overlapping so the highlighted order stays accurate.
The wall supplies 120 V AC in this U.S. teaching example. The power supply converts it to regulated DC rails such as 12 V, 5 V, and 3.3 V. Motherboard voltage regulators then provide the lower voltages required by individual components.
A bit is not a fixed voltage and is not an amount of power. A digital input interprets a voltage in its guaranteed LOW region as 0 and a voltage in its guaranteed HIGH region as 1. The exact limits depend on the device, supply voltage, and datasheet.
01000001 = 8 bits = decimal 65 = “A”KB, MB, GB, TB describe how many bytes can be stored.
Mb/s and Gb/s describe how many bits move each second.
b = bit; B = byte. Example: 800 Mb/s ÷ 8 ≈ 100 MB/s before overhead.
Base 2 uses only 0 and 1 because digital circuits can reliably represent two states. Those bit patterns become instructions, letters, pixels, addresses, and packet fields.
Base 10 is the everyday system using digits 0 through 9.
Base 16 uses 0–9 and A–F. One hexadecimal digit represents four binary bits, making long values easier to read. Hex appears in memory addresses, MAC addresses, hashes, debugging, and web colors such as #173B63.
Explore Canva Color WheelThe operating system manages hardware, memory, files, users, applications, permissions, processes, and network connections.
Windows: Windows is the operating system most learners are likely to recognize from home, school, or work computers. Its desktop, Start menu, File Explorer, and Settings provide a graphical way to perform many of the same kinds of tasks that Linux users can perform with commands.
Linux is common in servers, cloud platforms, networking, embedded systems, security tools, and authorized lab environments. Knowing Linux helps learners understand how systems operate beneath a graphical interface.
A command asks the operating system to perform a specific task. Start with read-only inspection before making changes.
pwdPrint the current working directory.
lsList files and folders.
ip addrDisplay network-interface addresses.
psDisplay running processes.
hacker machine, a fictional target at 10.10.10.20, preset scan output, and a Wireshark-style packet explorer. It never accesses the visitor’s real network.hacker (10.10.10.25), each layer adds or prepares information. The target at 10.10.10.20 receives the signals and works back up the layers to rebuild the message.Follow one familiar activity—visiting a secure website—as it moves down the seven OSI layers, crosses the network, and is rebuilt by the target. No real traffic is sent.
10.10.10.25Sending devicebits travel as signals10.10.10.20Receiving device| No. | Source | Destination | Protocol | Length | Info |
|---|
Choose a row to see what the source, destination, protocol, port, and message mean.
Which packet best demonstrates why an unencrypted login can expose information?
An open port means a service is listening. It does not automatically mean the system is vulnerable.
Paste Q3liZXJzZWN1cml0eQ==, then use From Base64. The output is Cybersecurity.
Use a fake word with SHA2. Change one character and notice how dramatically the output changes.
Compare robot2026 with robot2026|583967 before hashing. The outputs should be different.
Patch operating systems, applications, browsers, firmware, and network devices. Remove unsupported software.
Remove unused accounts, avoid shared administrator accounts, use least privilege, and protect sign-in with MFA.
Disable what is unnecessary, limit remote access, restrict firewall rules, and monitor exposed services.
Use unique long passwords or passphrases, password managers, secure reset processes, and modern password hashing.
Enable useful logs, synchronize time, centralize important events, and investigate unusual authentication or system activity.
Keep multiple protected copies and test restoration. A backup that cannot be restored is not a reliable recovery plan.
Protect data at rest and in transit, manage keys carefully, and remember that encryption does not replace access control.
Know the approved configuration, document changes, test one change at a time, and verify the system still performs its intended role.
Cyber-defense competition centered on finding and fixing vulnerabilities while preserving system function.
Explore CyberPatriotGym and team games covering OSINT, cryptography, logs, network traffic, passwords, and more.
Explore NCLBeginner-friendly capture-the-flag challenges from Carnegie Mellon University.
Explore picoCTFComputer and mathematical occupations in the Las Vegas metro averaged $47.47 per hour in May 2025. This broad group includes many roles beyond cybersecurity.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS.
Information security analysts had a national median annual wage of $124,910 in May 2024, with projected employment growth of 29% from 2024–2034.
Experience, education, certifications, industry, and location affect pay.
IT support, help desk, network technician, systems administrator, SOC analyst, security analyst, vulnerability analyst, cloud security, GRC, incident response, and digital forensics.
Core 1 220-1201 and Core 2 220-1202: hardware, networking, operating systems, security, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
N10-009: network concepts, implementation, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
SY0-701: threats, architecture, operations, incident response, governance, risk, and compliance.
XK0-006: Linux system management, services, security, containers, automation, scripting, and troubleshooting.
Explore sequenced courses, hands-on labs, credentials, student organizations, work-based learning, and district program options.
Explore CTEReview the Nevada Partners and UNLV course sequence that builds from IT essentials into computer and network forensics, Linux, and security preparation.
Review Nevada PartnersSee how CTE, workforce training, college, certifications, competitions, and self-directed practice can fit different ages and goals.
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